Wayfarer

Title : Wayfarer

Author : R. J. Anderson

Citation : Anderson, R. J. (Rebecca J.). Wayfarer. New York : HarperTeen, 2010.

The only hope for surviving the faeries of the Oak who are in danger of extinction rests in fifteen-year-old Linden. Geared with the last of her people's magic, she sets on bravely into the modern human world. Then she makes a reluctant ally with a human boy named Timothy. The danger discovered by Linden and Tim is much worse than the Oakenfolk's loss of magic which is a threat of a potential evil. Therefore, they both must risk their lives to look for an ancient power before it's too late to save everyone they love. As the situation becomes darker, the danger is more pronounced and the risks are greater than ever. Linden and Tim tell the stories in alternating narratives and their individual issues give substance and suspense to occasionally predictable story lines. The author has managed to craft an artfully stunning magic world with thrilling adventure and delicate beauty which makes the book is addicted to read. The dark plot and fast-paced will straightaway draw readers to keep reading until the end. Although this compelling story has some religious elements, most readers will appreciate the growing understanding of personal responsibility and the importance of compassion reflected from the characters.

Other book in the Faery Rebels : Spell hunter (2009), Arrow (2011), and Swift (2011).

The Sower of Tales

Title : The sower of tales

Author : Rachna Gilmore

Citation : Gilmore, Rachna.  The sower of tales. Markham, Ontario : Fitzhenry and Whiteside, 2005.

Dreaming and muddling her way through days, putting off her chores and infuriating her mother, Calantha only wants one thing. It is to apprentice with the Gatherer and to dedicate herself entirely to the Story Pods and the Tales. Until that one evening, she becomes open and attentive to everything. Everything goes harmoniously including the Gathering, the words of release and the villagers whose worries put away for a moment watch the seeds grow peacefully. Until something horrible happens where the Story Pods stop growing in every ditch across the Plains. Therefore, Calantha sets out on a journey to seek the legendary Sower of Tales and to find out what is really happening on the Plains especially when the threat from the Northern Kind is worrisome. Winner of the National Chapter of Canada IODE Violet Downey Book award, the author Gilmore, combines an amazing fantasy world and a stirring adventure with a taste of suspenseful tone and compelling style. An epic quest that makes the book is highly enjoyable.

The Goose Girl

Title : The goose girl

Author : Shannon Hale

Citation : Hale, Shannon. The goose girl. New York : Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2003.

The Crown Princess of Kildenree, Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee, spends the first years of her life under the guidance of her aunt to learn to communicate with animals. Developing the skills of animal speech as she grows up, she is never comfortable when speaking with people. Then, Ani is helpless and cannot persuade anyone to assist her when her silver-tongued lady-in-waiting steals her identity and distract control of the guards during Ani's journey in a foreign land, Bayern. She, eventually, acknowledge her own special powers to find her way to her true destiny. This retelling story maintains many similarities to the original tale of Brothers Grimm, including the harsh punishment for treason. Also, similar to Robin McKinley's heroines, this leisurely-paced story is rich, full of eloquent description and beautiful imagery with a complex plot, a large cast of characters and a strong female protagonist. Readers who enjoy getting lost in an enchanted world will be satisfied not only by the conclusion but also by the suspenseful tone, full of danger and surprising twists. These appealing elements make the novel the winner of Jossette Frank Award and of Utah State Book Award.

Secret Speakers and the Search for Selador's Gate

Title : Secret speakers and the search for Selador's Gate

Author : K. S. R. Kingsworth

Citation : Kingsworth, K. S. R. Secret speakers and the search for Selador's Gate. Canada : Rawle & Windsor, 2010.

Hidden in the depth of Cloven Grace, the harsh trickster Harrold King hides a secret the parents know absolutely nothing. A thirteen year-old Fair O'Nelli eventually assumes it's safe to be seen after spending nine years hidden in a cellar. Knowing that her father and brother are missing or possibly dead, she sets off in the company of three guardians to search for Selador's Gate and to seek for Harrold King's secret. Along the way she discovers that they key to survival is learning to see things as they are. This metaphorical tales is similar to the Narnia, Lord of the Rings and Wizard of Oz due to the likable heroine as Fair discovers courage, conviction and friendship along her quest to Selador. Also, the author has created a rich and detailed fantasy that is unique, charming and with whimsical touches, such as some religious symbolism that can be found on this novel. The world-building storyline and plot-driven make readers enjoy the adventure and the sudden twists in some events.

Guinevere's Gift

Title : Guinevere's gift

Author : Nancy McKenzie

Citation : McKenzie, Nancy. Guinevere's gift. New York : Alfred A. Knopf, 2008.

Thirteen years have passed after a prophecy foretelling that Guinevere would one day be highest lady in the land and married to a great king. The fact now, Guinevere is an orphan living with her aunt and uncle, the king and queen of Gwynedd. Nobody takes the prophecy seriously, not even Gwen who is tomboy, awkward and no great beauty. Then, one day she meets a young man in the forest who claims to be part of ancient tribe whose mission is to guard and be her protector. She, then, stumbles across a sinister plot and fearlessly helps rescue her cousin from kidnappers who are plotting to overthrow the king. Gwen's true gift is to inspire love and admiration in people. Therefore, the author has succeeded in detailing everyday royal life with all of its conflicts. With subtle details of Arthurian legends are woven into the story, the author seems to allow each character to rise to surprising heroism. Her female characters are strong such as Gwen and Queen Alyse who are strong and fearful and take responsibilities while the mean are not around. This appealing factor makes this a good "girl power" story.

Trickster's Choice

Title : Trickster's choice

Author : Tamora Pierce

Citation : Pierce, Tamora. Trickster's choice. New York : Random House, 2003. 

As a daughter of the famed Alanna, the Lioness of Tortall, Alianne Cooper or Aly is expected to be a knight. But her parents do not support her dangerous wish to be a spy like her father. Aly begins a furious argument and then runs away. On her escape, things go horribly wrong. Aly is captured by pirates and sold as a slave to the noble Balitang family of the Copper Isles, where she is straightaway entangled in royal family intrigues. Aly has to create a secret spy network and fighting force to defend her charges from royal assassins. She then discovers that she is about to enter a life and death wager with the Trickster God, Kyprioth. This book is the first installment of the Daughter of the Lioness series. The world-building and action packed storyline seems to go hand in hand with angst-filled and upbeat tone. The author is smart to deliver not only the continuation of the Alanna series but also creates a sassy heroine that is struggling to escape her parent's expectation. This aspect will resonate mostly with teens. The readers will never forget Aly's interesting interest such as transforming from a crow. With some elements of political intrigue, interfering gods and humorous undertones, the readers who have engrossed in the tales of Alanna the Lioness will be equally fascinated by this rich and complex tale of Alanna's teenage daughter.

Other book in the Daughter of the lioness or also known as Trickster Series : Trickster's queen (2004).

The Last of the High Kings

Title : The last of the high kings

Author : Kate Thompson

Citation : Thompson, Kate. The last of the high kings. New York : Greenwillow Books, 2008

JJ Liddy, from The New Policeman, has grown up and married to Aisling. He has four children in which the second one, Jenny never felt like she belonged in the family. She wanders barefoot around the Irish countryside instead of going to school. No one in her family believes her when she told that she has a ghost friend and a puka. Being a changeling makes her confused and hurt. Everything has to change when the puka wants Jenny to persuade the ghost that he doesn’t need to guard the beacon any more. And Jenny has to make a choice of where to live. Unlike the first sequel, The New Policeman, whose the  main character is JJ Liddy, this sequel is presented in mysterious, riveting and steeped in Irish legend and music. The author's world-building storyline of Irish folklore playfully weaves modern life with ancient magic. Although much of the story is told from the point of view of adults, this stylistically complex writing style will captive readers by the depiction of the suspenseful battle between unseen and ageless forces. Readers will also be fascinated by the character Jenny, who has the power to rescue or annihilate worlds that grown-ups have ruined.

Other book in the New Policeman Trilogy: The new policeman (2007), The white horse trick (2010)