Book Reviews YA-Fantasy

I love to read, and this page of book reviews YA-fantasy shares many of my favorite fantasy books. Along with public libraries, I’m a huge fan of independent book stores, including my favorite (which is right here in Denver), The Tattered Cover. Also check out Powell's   or this list of independent bookstores. These book suggestions can be found online at all or most of these stores, (as well as at Amazon ). I hope these book reviews YA-fantasy will help with gifts and book suggestions!

Here’s the basic key I will use when reviewing the plots:

Favorite simply means the books is one of my personal favorites, one I'll read over and over again.

Stay tuned, and do check back to book reviews YA-fantasy often!

The pictures of the covers link to the book’s Powell's page. The titles link to The Tattered Cover.

Many different styles of books can fit into the Fantasy category, including books which take place on earth with slight changes, such as time travel, magical societies, or historical mythology come to life. I try to find a variety for Book Reviews YA-Fantasy.

The Silver Phoenix , by Cindy Pon (S,V)

Ai Ling fights tradition in years-past China by wishing to follow her own path, rather than succumbing to a marriage she doesn't want -- as she seeks her father from an ancient city, learns of the mysterious power within, and meets a mysterious boy along the way.
DWI: How to remain true to self despite cultural expectations
RT: I very much enjoyed this book because of the magical feel to the story (similar to movies like House of the Flying Daggers) and the strength of Ai Ling -- there are some intense sexual moments near the end which might not be suitable for younger teens.

The Dark is Rising , by Susan Cooper (I)

On his 11th birthday, Will discovers he's the last of the Old Ones, immortals who've fought for the Light since the beginning of time -- and now he must prove himself to the others by completing the task set for him.
DWI: Evil versus good and destiny
RT: Great introduction to the mythologically based series -- Will is a strong and sympathetic character, and his adventures are especially pertinent to young teens.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire , by JK Rowling (I, V)

Harry continues his quest to rid the world of Voldemort as he finds himself in the Triwizard Tournament and experiences challenges and heartbreak.
DWI: Different forms of courage; good versus evil
RT: Favorite because of Harry's good heart and his willingness to do whatever he can to help those he loves. Of course, the rest of the series is also excellent (Order of the Phoenix -- my overall favorite -- Half-Blood Prince, and Deathly Hallows).


The Wizard Heir, by Cinda Williams Chima (V, L)

Seph is sent to a boarding school after an incident which brings him unwanted attention -- and he soon discovers that the school is worse than living on the streets ever was, although it holds the clue to secrets in Seph's past -- secrets of his strange magical powers.
DWI: courage; fighting for what's right; endurance
RT: Favorite because Seph is a true hero who endures through challenges and seeks to do what's right. The romance is also lovely -- and the story is complex and well-done. I think teens who enjoyed Harry Potter will like this trilogy. Also look for the first in the series, The Warrior Heir and the conclusion, The Dragon Heir.

The Hourglass Door, by Lisa Mangum (S, mild V)

When Abby meets Dante, a mysterious Italian stranger, she has no idea how much he'll change her life, present, past, and future.
DWI: romantic love; balance
RT: Favorite because of the relationship between Dante and Abby, and because of the intriguing storyline and focus on time travel.

The Splendor Falls, by Rosemary Clement-Moore (mild S, mild L)

When Sylvie's promising ballet career disappears after she suffers a broken leg, she is sent to live with a relative on family land where strange things begin to happen.
DWI: letting go of past dreams
RT: Favorite because the setting of Sylvie's new home is tangible -- and the romance between her and Rhys is very well done. Plus, I like the magical interplay.

Voices of Dragons, by Carrie Vaughn (mild S discussion)

On an earth where dragons came out of hiding after WII (and the atomic bombs), there is an uneasy truce between them and humans -- until Kay accidentally crosses the border and meets and befriends a dragon...now peace on earth may be up to them.
DWI: compassion; understanding those different from yourself; the price of peace
RT: Favorite because of the unlikely yet compassionate friendship between Kay and Artegal -- and because of their courage and strong desire for peace, whatever the cost to them. I trust there's another book in this series coming out, because I can't wait to read it!


Book Reviews YA-Fantasy wouldn't be complete without retellings. Retellings are unique ways to visit mythology and fairy tales -- everything from Cinderella to Shakespeare.


A Kiss in Time, by Alex Flinn (mild S)

A retelling of Sleeping Beauty, Talia is the sleeping princess (asleep for 300 years), and Jack is the modern-day boy who stumbles across her and wakes her with his kiss -- leading to interesting challenges as Talia has no idea how to fit into contemporary society, and Jack doesn't know what to do with a princess.
DWI: sharing your true self with others
RT: Favoritebecause of the very sweet love story at the root of this -- plus, although a tad fluffy in places (especially the ending), I like how both Talia and Jack grow because of their friendship.

Ash , by Malinda Lo (I)

Ash's life isn't easy or happy, but in this retelling of Cinderella, she learns to find peace and contentment as she follows her heart.
DWI: same-sex relationships; courage
RT: This is a lovely book with beautiful prose and a poignant story -- Aisling's courage throughout made her a very sympathetic and strong heroine to me.


As You Wish, by Jackson Pearce (mild S)

Viola wishes that Lawrence would love her again -- and when she finally vocalizes this, a jinn appears to grant her the wish...except she doesn't want anything that isn't real; unfortunately, the jinn is trapped on earth until she makes her wishes.
DWI: looking for reality rather than fantasy; courage; believing in yourself
RT: Favorite because of Viola's awareness that even though she longs for love, she'd rather have something real than something she only wished for (which is manipulation, rather than truth). Plus, this is a touching love story!


Books taking place on other worlds, whether they hold similarities to our world, or not, are also a part of Book Reviews YA-Fantasy, as seen in these books below.


Magic Under Glass, by Jaclyn Dolamore (I, magical V)

Nim is a dance-hall girl thrilled to be hired by a wealthy sorcerer to sing with his automaton piano player; however, when the clock-work man turns out to be far more than Nim expected, she finds herself in the midst of a dangerous mystery, determined to help the faery trapped within.
DWI: courage; hope; compassion
RT: Favorite because of Nim's compassion and courage to find the truth and to right the wrongs before her, even though they seem so challenging. I also love the romance here, and the setting is almost like another character, rich and full.

Incarceron, by Catherine Fisher (V, I)

Finn lives in Incarceron, a prison which seems to be alive, and he wants nothing more than to escape even though he's heard it's impossible; Claudia's the daughter of Incarceron's warden, but when she 'meets' Finn through strange circumstances, she also decides there must be a way to save them both.
DWI: why people kill; survival
RT: This is a fascinating story with some unusual twists. I'm guessing there will be more to this series, as well, and I look forward to the next installment.

Shadow, by Jenny Moss (V)

Shadow remembers no life other than this -- being at the queen's right hand because of the prophecy which states the queen will die before her 16th birthday; but soon Shadow finds herself in the midst of more than just the prophecy, and as the kingdom is flung into turmoil, Shadow's choices become important to all.
DWI: responsibility versus desires
RT: This is a truly unique type of fantasy -- Shadow is not a stereotypical heroine, and I appreciated her internal struggles. The romance is thoughtful and complex, as well -- definitely recommended.

Brightly Woven, by Alexandra Bracken (V)

Sydelle is a weaver whose talents are deeper than she realizes, and when she's sent on a journey with Wayland North, a wizard, both need every bit of magic they can find to bring peace to the land before a power-hungry dark wizard destroys them all.
DWI: trusting yourself
RT: This is a fascinating land, and Sydelle is both strong, meek, hopeful, and jaded in turns. The romance is sweet (and made me smile often), and the world-building solid -- another strong recommendation.

The Demon King, by Cinda Williams Chima (I, V, mild S)

Raisa finds herself in the middle of a plot to overtake the kingdom; Han discovers something amazing about himself which he never expected -- the two become intertwined, and the future of the Seven Realms is forever altered.
DWI: courage to fight for your hopes; accepting your destiny
RT: This is a complex tale, which is always fascinating. I like how everything is woven together, and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, when it releases.

The First Test , by Tamora Pierce (I)

Keladry decides she wants to pursue lady knighthood; even though Alanna the Lioness paved the way, the court is still reluctant to accept females as knights, and Kel has to fight to prove herself worthy.
DWI: Following dreams; respect for all life
RT: Favorite because Keladry truly shows care for all life and doesn't hesitate to stand up for anyone or any creature who needs help. There are four books about Keladry, all of them well worth reading (Page, Squire, and Lady Knight).

The Thief, by Megan Whalen Turner (V)

When Gen agrees to help the country's Magus in order to get out of prison, he has no idea of what he's getting himself into -- though he's wily enough to find his own way through it all.
DWI: cunning; bravery; following your conscience
RT: Favorite because this story is a wonderful combination of fantasy and suspense -- and I love Gen's seeming selfishness which is revealed to be so much more by the end. There are more in this series, and all are filled with the same complexities of character as this one (The Queen of Attolia, The King of Attolia and A Conspiracy of Kings, which is released this summer, 2010).

Graceling, by Kristin Cashore (V, I, S)

Katsa is tired of being used by the king for her Grace (her special talent of killing) and conspires to free herself from his service while also unraveling secrets of the Kingdoms.
DWI: Fighting against stereotypes
RT: A good book for a strong female hero who's not afraid to do things her way (there's also a nice romance).

Fire, by Kristen Cashore (S,V)