Dead Is The New Black, by Marlene Perez (Harcourt, 2008)

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When Samantha Deveraux, Nightshade High’s head cheerleader, adopts a vampiric outlook and fashion sense, Daisy, the only nonpsychic in her family, becomes entangled in a bizarre mystery that involves her reluctantly joining the cheerleading squad and frequenting trendy clubs. Little does she know that whatever’s preying on local girls may decide to make her the next victim. One thing’s for sure: it’s turning her entire world upside-down as she reconsiders her place in the social scene. Dead Is The New Black is a slyly amusing, twisted tale where nothing is what it seems to be, turning high school stereotypes sideways and introducing a fascinating new setting. I’m going to enjoy this series, and hope to see more of Daisy and her world soon.

Cycler, by Lauren McLaughlin (Random House, 2008)

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Jill McTeague suffers from a unique condition, in which she transforms into a teenage boy for four days of every month. As Jill, she enjoys a fairly ordinary life, yearning for a prom date and freedom from her bizarre circumstance. As Jack, he stays locked in the bedroom for the duration, a dirty little secret known only to Jill’s parents. But Jack’s growing rebellious and stronger with every transformation. Can Jack and Jill find some sort of balance, even as they both struggle with teen hormones and conflicting desires? An intriguing book, Cycler sets up a fascinating premise and populates it with memorable characters. Unfortunately, it ends just as things are truly getting interesting, leaving room for a sequel. Regardless, it’s a thought-provoking exploration about identity, sexuality, and gender differences.

Worldweavers #3: Cybermage, by Alma Alexander (Eos, 2009)

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Thea has finally come into her own as an elemental mage and world weaver – not bad for a girl formerly lacking in magic. For the time being, she’s still stuck at the Wandless Academy until she masters her abilities. Then she’s called in to help with the mystery of a strange white cube, which leads into an epic quest that spans multiple worlds and times in order to restore the power of the greatest mage the world has ever known. Once again, she’ll have to face off against the enigmatic Alphiri and the cunning Coyote, with more at stake than ever before. She’ll need all of her wits and powers, as well as her friends, to solve this problem. With its unique blend of alternate history, oddball magic theory, memorable characters, and a fascinating plotline, Cybermage is a satisfying conclusion to the Worldweavers trilogy. I hope the author returns to this setting someday.

Cybele’s Secret, by Juliet Marillier (Alfred A. Knopf, 2008)

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When scholarly Paula travels to Istanbul with her merchant father to help him negotiate the purchase of a legendary religious artifact known as Cybele’s Gift, she’s drawn into a series of adventures influenced by the magical beings of the Otherworld. Along the way, she encounters a handsome bodyguard searching for his lost brother, a dashing pirate on a mysterious quest of his own, and a renowned female scholar who defies custom and expectations. Everyone wants the artifact for its power, and death awaits the losers. This is a richly-detailed historical fantasy, full of wonder, mystery, magic and romance, with a fast-paced plot and a thoroughly-enjoyable heroine at its heart. Marillier is a master storyteller, and it shows in this companion to Wildwood Dancing.

City of Ashes, by Cassandra Clare (McElderry Books, 2008)

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Still reeling from the events which left her mother in a coma and her true father revealed as a cunning, ruthless villain, Clary Fray struggles to accept her new status as a Shadowhunter, even as she attempts to juggle the feelings she has for two very different men: one of whom is her best friend, the other her newly-discovered brother. Events cascade out of control when Clary’s father launches an ambitious plan to use an army of demons to slay the vampires and werewolves of the Underworld, just as internal strife within the Shadowhunters threatens those closest to Clary. In order to avert a disaster, the secret supernatural world of New York will be drawn into war. One of Clary’s closest friends will undergo a dramatic change, and another may just betray them all before all is said and done. In this book, the second in the series, Clare continues the epic tale of love and demon-fighting. Part soap opera, part urban fantasy, it’s a thrilling story, full of twists. I’ll be looking forward to the next one to see how things turn out.

Chance Fortune in the Shadow Zone, by Shane Berryhill (Tor Starscape, 2008)

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Thanks to a teleporter malfunction, fledging superhero Chance Fortune and his team, the Outlaws, are left stranded in the deadly Shadow Zone, their powers scrambled. Here, they have to deal with the legions of super villains exiled to the Zone in years past, as well as the mysterious, unstoppable Shadowmen and their ruthless leader, the Shadow Prince. When half of his team is kidnapped, Chance must lead the remnants on a rescue mission before the Shadow Prince succeeds in tearing open a hole between worlds. But which member of the Outlaws won’t be going home? Berryhill makes some odd choices with this book, placing it in such an off-kilter setting and relegating half the team to the sidelines for much of the story, but it’s still an intriguing, swift-moving story with plenty of adventure and a great deal of heart. I enjoyed it, and hope we’ll see another installment soon.

Hallowmere #2: By Venom’s Sweet Sting, by Tiffany Trent (Mirrorstone, 2007)

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With Falston School destroyed, and two of the legendary rathstones in the hands of the vampiric Unhallowed Fey, the Council of Elaphe decides to take the fight to the Fey. And so Corrine, Ilona and Christina, as well as their teachers and allies, travel to Scotland, where they can continue their studies and learn more about their enemies. As Corrine explores her powers, the Fey find new ways of striking at her, on sea, on land, and in her dreams. Ultimately, she’ll have to brave the heart of the Fey and face their Prince in a desperate attempt to balance things out. Tiffany Trent continues the Hallowmere series in this intriguing, atmospheric, dark fairy tale set on the high seas and in the moody moors of Scotland. My only complaint is that just when it gets good, it’s over and I can hardly wait for the next installment.

Hallowmere #3: Between Golden Jaws, by Tiffany Trent (Mirrorstone, 2008)

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The ongoing struggle between Corrine and her allies and the vampiric Unhallowed Fey heats up as both sides attempt to gain mastery of the powerful rathstones, with the latest round taking them to London in search of the fabled Stone of Scone. Things get even more complicated as another faction makes its presence known, a kelpie gets loose, Father Joe goes missing, and the Unhallowed Prince tries to exert his charm and influence over Corrine. Magic, adventure and intrigue abound in this excellent installment of a splendid dark fantasy series. Hallowmere just keeps getting better and better, and I can’t wait for the next installment.

A Posse of Princesses, by Sherwood Smith (Norilana Books, 2008)

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Rhis, a romantic, rebellious princess of a small but prosperous kingdom, finds both friends and rivals when she’s sent to spend time in a nearby kingdom for a coming of age party, along with numerous other princes and princesses. After one of their number is kidnapped, she leads a small band of her new friends in a daring quest in which they explore self-reliance, independence, and the bonds of friendship. With multiple heroines to root for, and a skillful blend of magic, excitement, romance and courtly intrigue, this is a lovely, highly pleasing story, and I hope we’ll see more set in this world.

A Curse Dark As Gold, by Elizabeth J. Bunce (Arthur A Levine, 2008)

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When her father dies, Charlotte Miller takes on the burden and responsibility of running the family mill. However, in trying to keep the business solvent, she becomes entangled in the machinations of a rival mill and the threads of a centuries-old curse. The appearance of a mysterious man who can solve her problems with magic, for a price, could save or damn her family, if she dares accept his bargains. This dark, richly-textured retelling of Rumpelstiltskin takes full advantage of the old fairy tale’s potential, and produces a fascinating, complex story. An extremely strong debut for Elizabeth Bunce, and I’ll be keeping my eyes open for her future efforts.