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 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)