12 Fantasies to Put on Your Reading List

For some people September is back-to-school month or pull-out-the-sweaters month, but for me--at least this year--September is look-at-all-the-fantasy month. The number of great speculative fiction books released in the last few weeks is almost mind-boggling. Take a look at this sampling.

Start a New Series

• A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess: This alternate history / fantasy series stars a powerful teen tapped to be the first female sorcerer. Set in a Victorian England the plot involves magic and monsters and a dangerous game of secrets, manipulation, allies, and traitors. (Random House)
• Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake: Triplet sisters contemplate their sixteenth birthday, when they will be expected to compete--to the death-- for the right to rule their country. Magic manifests itself differently in each girl; which one is strongest? (HarperTeen)
• The Changlings by Christina Soontornvat: When Izzy's little sister becomes lost in fairy land, she must find a way to rescue her from the evils that lurk there. Not only must she tell friend from foe but she needs to find a way to trick the Faerie before her sister is lost forever. (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky)
• Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova: This first in series has already garnered much praise and starred reviews. It features witches and magic and finds its foundation in Latino myths and traditions. A teenage witch must travel to the land of limbo to save her family. (Sourcebooks)

Read a Stand-Alone

• The Graces by Laurie Eve: A much-buzzed novel about witches, black, magic, and sisters. Three powerful siblings are the envy of all who meet them, but the new kid in town wants to do more than admire the Graces, she wants to become one of them--but with secrets upon secrets, she should be careful of what she wishes for. (Amulet Books)
• The Inquisitor's Tale by Hatem Aly: Set in medieval France, this is the story of three children who possess magical abilities and tell their tales--Chaucer style--while outwitting all those who hope to defeat them. Nestled within the humor and adventure are jabs at sociocultural norms and lessons about prejudice. (Dutton)
• The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart: Mix a magical timepiece with a lot of secrets and one young boy and you have yourself a heart-pounding, action-packed mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. Friendly helpers and tricky villains keep our hero on his toes. (Little, Brown)
• Brightwood by Tania Unsworth: This story takes place in a spooky house that happens to be the happy home for our hero, who has befriended live-in ghosts and talking animals. Daisy's life is shattered, however, the day her mother fails to return home from a shopping trip and a stranger appears at her door. Can the young girl save herself, her friends, and her home? (Algonquin Young Readers)

Let the Series Continue

• Mark of the Plague by Kevin Sands: This series involves magic, medicine, and alchemy and is set in the early British Renaissance, rife with politics, the power of the church, and rival apothecaries. Our hero must find a way combat the black death while staying free of the authority of country and guild. Lots of puzzles to solve. (Aladdin)
• Throne & Bones: Skyborn by Lou Anders: This is the latest entry in fun adventure / quest fantasy series involving heroes, traitors, and powerful creatures. Good friends and questionable family are highlights of the story, which is told from multiple points of view. (Crown)
• Masked City by Genevieve Cogman: This alternate history series is set in Victorian England and is perfect for those of us who love books about books. It features librarian spies, dragons, and fae in a very cool world for us bookophils. (Roc)
• The Dark Army by Joseph Delaney: Witches, boggarts, and scary creatures abound in this dark fantasy trilogy set in a medieval-like universe. Our heroes find evil everywhere they turn as they fight to save their country from powerful enemies. Recommended for those who like to be creeped out! (Greenwillow Books)