The Dark Divine by Bree Despain(Egmont, Hardcover, December 2009)
In her debut novel, Bree Despain captures the quintessential teen problems—romance, family issues, and faith—all while weaving an exciting fantasy story. The secrets surrounding Grace Divine's childhood friend, Daniel, kept me guessing the whole book and the ending left me waiting for a sequel.
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater(Scholastic, Hardcover, August 2009)
So many good things to say about this one. Stiefvater's mythology was captivating and intriguing and unlike any werewolf story that I've read (granted, I haven't read that many). Because Sam will completely revert to wolf form if it gets too cold outside, the use of temperatures for chapter titles was unique and suspenseful. Shiver is a beautifully written love story and I can't wait to read the sequel, Linger, when it comes out in July.
The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima(Hyperion, Hardcover, October 2009)
This novel reminded me of some of favorite fantasy writers, such as Hilari Bell and Tamora Pierce. Set in a world of monarchs and magic, two strangers will have to unite to save a kingdom. Han has grown up in poverty, but the magic silver cuffs that he wears suggests a there is more to this reformed thief than meets the eye. Raisa is a princess in a gilded cage but, more than anything, she wants to escape and become a warrior queen. Thoroughly captivating, this is one of the best fantasy books that I read last year and the sequel, The Exiled Queen, is already on my wishlist even though it doesn't come out until September.
Have you read any good fantasy books lately?
Posts
I LOVED the Demon King, it was one of my favorites last year. I just finished reading Incarceron and really liked it as well. In a way it kind of reminded me of Demon King. If you liked that you would probably enjoy Incarceron as well.
ReplyDeleteI just finished Incarceron and really liked it, so i think I will check out The Demon King.
ReplyDeleteOh, and LOVED Shiver, looking forward to the sequel as well!
Does Catching Fire count?
ReplyDeleteThe Dark Divine was awesome, Shiver was beautifully written. And the last one is on my tbr pile.
ReplyDeleteI LOVED Shiver and I've heard great things about The Dark Divine.
ReplyDeleteI really want to read Demon King from all I have heard that one sounds really good. My favorite fantasy that I have read this year would have to be Incarceron. (I'm not sure it is true fantasy since it seems maybe more SF, but it has a definite fantasy feel to it). Thanks for the mini reviews!
ReplyDeleteShiver sounds like ti has an interesting theme- lots of ways to play off the cold.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked the Demon King.
I just read Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins. A little light (despite the body count!), but a fun read.
ReplyDeleteI loved Shiver as well and recently finished the ARC for Linger! I'm reading Lies right now, the third book in the Gone series by Michael Grant -great series...think The Stand but all about kids!
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