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?
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