Review of Jane, Unlimited-Kristin Cashore

I adored her Graceling Realm epic fantasies so I was curious to read her latest novel.  This book is a fantasy but not like any I've ever read.  When Jane loses her beloved Aunt Magnolia, she remembers that her aunt told her to never turn down an invitation to an island estate called Tu Reviens.  From the moment she lands on the island, her reality is turned upside down as she is offered five choices for her future.  The book is surprising throughout, especially the ending.  3 Elves - Recommended for mature teens and adults

Review of The Rules of Magic-Alice Hoffman

This prequel to Practical Magic is delightful.  Three siblings, witches all, are protected from magic by their mother; they are told to avoid black cats, red shoes, wearing black and walking in the moonlight.  But when they are forced to live with their aunt, all of the rules change and they are told to embrace their magic.  The only rule left is to not fall in love; because of the curse, it will end in tragedy.  Of course, avoiding love is easier said than done, and this novel follows the course of love for Franny, Jet & Vincent.  All of the characters are complex and wonderful, and you find yourself hoping that they can break the curse.  4 Elves - Highly recommended for mature teen and adults

Review of Shadowcaster-Cinda Williams Chima

Cinda Williams Chima is one of my favorite epic fantasy authors.  I'm never disappointed in the worlds and characters she creates and I always look forward to her novels, whether a new book or a sequel.  Her latest in the Shattered Realms series continues the story of warrior Princes Alyssa and her struggle to help end the war that has raged her whole life, taking beloved family members and keeping her from living a life without strife & heartbreak.  When an enemy captain is captured, she wants to hate him but can't help but admire & desire him instead.  This book has everything: magic, a dragon and wonderful characters.  4 Elves - Highly recommended for teens and adults

Review of Dragon's Green-Scarlett Thomas

This is the author's first novel for children and it is a winner.  As Effie Truelove's grandfather lay dying, he gives her a ring and tells her to look after his library.  When the library is sold, Effie discovers that the ring gives her magical powers (or enhances the ones she already has).  She find other objects in her grandfather's house as it's being sold and when she gives them to her friends, they also discover powers they didn't know they had. With her friends, Effie sets out to rescue the library.  The world and characters Thomas has created are magical and compelling; I look forward to the next book in the series.  4 Elves - Highly recommended for kids and adults

Review of The Apprentice Witch-James Nicol

Such a lovely book!  Reading this reminded me of how I felt when I first started reading the Harry Potter series.  Although the novel is not as complex (or long) as the books in that series, I'm hoping that the author will develop the characters and their world in future books.  Arianwyn has failed her first assessment and will not move on to be a full Witch, but is assigned to a small town as an Apprentice Witch.  Her new town is not completely boring, though; strange creatures, visitors and hexes start to plague the community.  Soon, Arianwyn's true talents start to shine and as she grows more confident in her magic, others start to notice (including her new friends). 4 Elves - Highly recommended for readers 7-12 and up

Review of King's Cage-Victoria Aveyard

This is the third book in the Red queen series and the, I assume, final book in the series.  I must confess that I had a hard time finishing the book and put it down to read other books several times.  This book is so grim!  Mare Barrow, the lightning girl, is held prisoner by Maven Calore, who once loved her.  But, his love has turned into a torture as he manacles her with Silent Stone that not only dims her powers but is painful to the extreme.  He also humiliates her at every turn, even branding her, as she keeps hoping for rescue.  The final battle is thrilling but with great losses on both sides.  3 Elves - recommended for mature teens and adults

Review of Legion-Julie Kagawa

This is the fourth book in the wonderful Talon series and although I thought this would be the last book in the series, the fifth and future last book, Inferno, will conclude the saga.  I will be sad to never read about these characters again; the author has created memorable, intelligent ,and courageous figures, both dragon and human.  In this book, we find out Talon's master plan, and it's a horrendous one.  They have evil plans for Ember and even worse for mankind.  Can a raggedy group of rogue dragons and soldiers of St. George unite, fight and win the war that is coming?  4 Elves - Highly recommended for mature teens and adults