Fairest, by Gail Carson Levine (HarperCollins, 2006)

Posted on July 26, 2009 by Michael M. Jones

In a land where song and beauty are prized above all else, Aza is spurned for her relative ugliness, even though her voice is just short of magical. However, her vocal talents bring her into high society as a pawn of the new queen, a woman whose exquisite beauty hides a lackluster voice. Now Aza is caught in the middle of a deadly game that does not bode well for her country. Even as she falls for the prince, her role in the queen’s machinations may cost Aza her freedom, or her life. And what role does a certain enchanted mirror play? Once again, Levine delivers a brilliantly skewed take on an old fairy tale, this time reimagining Snow White, set in the same world as Ella Enchanted.

The Inheritance Trilogy Book 2: Eldest, by Christopher Paolini (Knopf, 2005)

Posted on July 26, 2009 by Michael M. Jones

Following a costly victory against the forces of the evil Emperor Galbatorix, Eragon and his dragon Saphira journey to Ellesmera, to further Eragon’s magical training under the tutelage of the elves. At the same time, Eragon’s cousin, Roran, embarks upon a quest of his own, to protect the villagers of Carvahall from the Emperor’s retaliation. One ally is lost, secrets are revealed, and the story continues to unfold in the second book of the Inheritance trilogy. Generally, Eldest is a great read with an intriguing storyline, but Paolini’s influences remain all too obvious as he treads upon some familiar territory. The last book in the series will really determine how well Paolini pulls it all off.

Duckling Ugly, by Neal Shusterman (Dutton, 2006)

Posted on July 26, 2009 by Michael M. Jones

Cara De Fido has lived with a profound ugliness all her life, literally capable of curdling milk and breaking mirrors. However, when she discovers how to become beautiful, she also learns of the horrible price her “cure” and subsequent rash actions exact upon those around her. This is the third book in Shusterman’s Dark Fusion series, which mixes retold fairy tales with mythological elements for a horror-laced effect, and he keeps delivering good, solid stories with satisfyingly-uncomfortable twists.

Dreams and Visions, edited by M. Jerry Weiss and Helen S. Weiss (Starscape, 2006)

Posted on July 26, 2009 by Michael M. Jones

Fourteen authors tell all-new stories of fantasy and science fiction in this collection aimed at young adults. Charles de Lint visits the Newford of 1967 to tell a romance in “Dharma.” Suzanne Fisher Staples examines duty, obligation and destiny in the tale of an American-raised teenager forced to return to Pakistan after his grandfather dies in “Jameel and the House of Djinn.” Joan Bauer’s writer protagonist suffers a creative block in “Blocked.” Rich Wallace’s “Allegro” sees two teenagers on the track team come together through an inexplicable connection. In David Lubar’s “Abra-Ca-Deborah,” a female magician struggles against the prejudice of her male peers. Tamora Pierce examines the true nature of power in a society where women are oppressed, in “The Hidden Girl.” Other stories by Mel Glenn, Patrice Kindl, John Ritter, S.L. Rottman, Neal Shusterman, Nancy Springer, Michael Tunnell and Sharon Dennis Wyeth round out a thoroughly pleasing, eclectic anthology that’s highly worth checking out.

Cupid, by Julius Lester (Harcourt, 2007)

Posted on July 26, 2009 by Michael M. Jones

Psyche is a young woman whose extreme beauty brings her nothing but loneliness and dissatisfaction. Cupid is the god of love, ordered by his mother, Venus, to make sure Psyche falls in love with the most unsuitable, undesirable man possible. Instead, Cupid falls for Psyche himself, thus beginning a love story like no other. For the gods are capricious, and those who fall under their influence never escape unscathed. Before Cupid and Psyche can live happily ever after, they’ll both undergo great challenges and dangerous tasks. But if they succeed, their love will be legendary. Cupid is a wonderful retelling of a series of old Greek myths, reinvigorated with modern energy and a wry, accessible tone. Lester skillfully draws upon myth and legend to deliver an enjoyable story here, one that’s sure to please.

Changeling, by Delia Sherman (Viking, 2006)

Posted on July 26, 2009 by Michael M. Jones

In the space between the real world and the world of Fairy, there exists New York Between, a magical place of beauty and horror, where places have spirits and bizarre creatures of all kinds go about their daily routines. Neef is the Changeling of Central Park, kidnapped from the mortal world, and this is the only life she remembers. When she breaks the laws of Fairy, she’s exiled from Central Park until she can accomplish three impossible tasks. She’ll need every trick in her book, and the assistance of a very strange girl from the real New York to survive. Sherman thoroughly delivers an exciting, vibrant story set in a fascinating world, one I’d love to see more of.

Chance Fortune and the Outlaws, by Shane Berryhill (Starscape Books, 2006)

Posted on July 26, 2009 by Michael M. Jones

After his application to an exclusive school for superhumans is rejected due to his lack of powers, Joshua Blevins reinvents himself as Chance Fortune, lack-manipulating adventurer and gets in. However, getting in turns out to be the easy part. Now he has to make friends, avoid enemies, try not to get killed during classes, and help save the universe from bizarre forces, all without anyone realizing he’s powerless. Or is he? A good, fun read, if rather reminiscent of Sky High, this is the start to a new series of teenage superhero adventure. I look forward to more adventures starring Chance and his friends.

Catalyst, by Nina Kiriki Hoffman (Tachyon Publications, 2006)

Posted on July 26, 2009 by Michael M. Jones

Kaslin unexpectedly initiates first contact with a strange alien race dwelling below the surface of the planet Chuudoku, when he’s forced to flee from a teenaged bully. However, both he and his nemesis, Histly, will have to make a fragile peace when the aliens change them, for better and for worse. A bizarre tale of alien intelligence, human emotion, and adolescent evolution as only Nina Kiriki Hoffman can deliver.

Braced 2 Bite, by Serena Robar (Berkeley Jam, 2006)

Posted on July 26, 2009 by Michael M. Jones

A chance attack turns high school “princess” Colby Blanchard into a half-vampire, thus throwing her life into absolute chaos. Now she has to learn how to use her new powers, survive high school, and convince the Vampire Council that she deserves to life. The big question though is, who will she take to prom? This is a nice, comedic alternative to the usual vampire fare, with an amusing resolution and some laughworthy moments.

Boys That Bite, by Mari Mancusi (Berkeley Jam, 2006)

Posted on July 26, 2009 by Michael M. Jones

After being mistaken for her twin sister by the wrong person, Sunshine McDonald begins to undergo the fateful transformation into a vampire. Desperate to stop this process, she goes on a journey to find the Holy Grail, accompanied by the bloodsucking hottie who infected her. Can she save herself in time for prom, or is she destined for a nocturnal existence? This is a great send-up of the usual vampire tale, full of self-aware humor and a keen sense of the absurd when it comes to the usual clichés. It makes a nice change of pace.