Public Library Of Youngstown & Mahoning County: YA Book Reviews By Amy

Youngstown OH

14 April, 2022

1:39 PM

Description

Press release from the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County: Amy April 5th, 2022 YA Book Reviews by Amy: It's a Matter of Royalty: Princes & Princesses Why does it feel as though many of our main characters in YA, particularly YA fantasy, are members of royalty? Whether it is a real monarchy or one in a fantastical world, it seems that our characters have to be at the forefront of change; and to be at the forefront they either are the next in line of the ruling hand, or they are friends or love interests to the would-be-king or queen. I tend to like stories starring royal members because the readers get large doses of political intrigue and the stakes are high for the characters. Change is on the horizon and it is up to the characters to accept it and lead with a fair and just hand. This week I will talk about some leaders that just so happen to be royalty, but I think in the future I would like to talk about the antagonists that are royal too! Nothing is scarier when the power is in the wrong hands! Here are books featuring heroic princes and princesses. Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst Princess Dennaleia has been betrothed to the prince of Mynaria since she can remember, and now is the time to prove herself as she is sent to court and must make the best of impressions to her future family. Dennaleia has a secret that could be deadly if anyone would find out: she has the magical ability to create and control fire. Things seem to be heating up when she meets her betrothed's sister, Mare. Mare is everything Dennaleia is not: brave, confident, and not caring that she is a princess and "needs to be lady-like." Mare is tasked with teaching Dennaleia how to properly ride a horse, and the two grow close, but when assassins are infiltrating the palace, they must work together to solve who is behind the attacks. I really enjoyed both princesses' stories! Dennaleia and Mare are easy to root for; their friendship and attraction for each other (and their ultimate love story) is the heart of the story, but the secondary plot of the assassination attempts and murders, were also strongly written. I was intrigued throughout and was wondering how everything was going to fit together and end! A really fun fantasy read. Available as an eAudiobook on Overdrive, on Hoopla, and at the library* for checkout. Heartless Prince by Leigh Dragoon and Angela de Vito Evony has lived in the palace since she was orphaned by an attack led by an evil witch. She has grown up as a princess in a neighboring kingdom and begins falling for Prince Ammon, although he seems pretty clueless. Evony is able to sense the servants of the witch are near, and she and Ammon fight together to protect their people. When the witch steals Ammon's heart, Evony must race against the clock and save him. Will she be able to do so in time? And will secrets about her past be learned? I absolutely adore this graphic novel! The art by Angela de Vito is so incredibly charming, and makes this a graphic novel that easily can be read in one sitting. I cared about Evony and her story; she is such a strong female character that is nothing less than a warrior. This is the first book in a trilogy, and I look forward to reading more when it's published. Available as an eBook on Overdrive. The Betrothed by Kiera Cass Hollis has been chosen as the clear favorite of King Jameson to be his future wife. Hollis has always had charm and humor on her side, but does she have what it takes to be a queen? She has always thought more about the frivolous things in life, but she is becoming more aware of the politics between her kingdom and the neighboring one. When she meets a family that finds safety in the walls of the castle, she becomes close to them, including their son, Silas. When she starts falling for Silas, what does that mean for her future? Does she even have a future if the wrong person finds about it? I would consider Hollis a princess in power throughout this book and its sequel The Betrayed due to her sense of doing what is good and right for her kingdom and the surrounding kingdom without really having the 'birth right' or title. This book was a light duology that was definitely romance heavy, but had surprisingly dark and serious moments. Available on Overdrive, Hoopla, and at the library* for checkout. We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal Zafira is a huntress disguised as a man to provide food for her people. She is the only person that can enter the woods that surround her home and return. Nasir is a prince and a deadly assassin. When both Zafira and Nasir are tasked separately to go to an island to retrieve a magical artifact that will dissolve the woods and bring magic back to their realms, they both realize the deadly stakes, but also know that it will better their communities if they succeed. What will happen when Zafira and Nasir cross paths? Will they work together or will there be animosity that will lead to destruction? I had to mention this book since Nasir is a prince; although in the big scheme of things, seems like such a minor detail of who he is. He is so much more than 'just' a prince. This was one of my favorite books that I read last year and the romance between him and Zafira was a nice-slow burn! I highly recommend this book if you like fantasy. Available on Overdrive, as an eAudiobook on Hoopla, and at the library* for checkout. My Contrary Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows Mary Queen of Scots has a secret, she is an Eðian, a person that has the ability to turn into an animal magically. In a world that is persecuting Eðians, Mary is not safe and if anyone were to find out about her, it could mean death. Mary is set to marry childhood friend, Frances (the future king of France). Will they have a happy marriage? Are they ready to rule France during turmoil in Europe? Will a local psychic help or hinder their plans? What could be more royalty than actual historical royalty? Mary and Frances are both royalty in their own right, and the amount of research that went into this comedy/ reimagining of historical events is impressive. I really enjoyed this series and think that this title and My Lady Jane are so good. Available on Overdrive and at the library* for checkout. Three Dark Crowns by by Kendare Blake Three sisters and princesses, each with unique magical abilities, grew up separately, knowing that they must fight against each other to the death. Katharine has grown up as a poisoner; her ability to digest any poison without dying is coveted in Fennbirn. Mirabella has been foreseen as the most powerful, her elemental magic is strong and deadly. Arsinoe is a naturalist, she should have power over growing plants and have bonds with animals, but she has yet grown into those gifts. Are the sisters willing to kill to get the crown? And which sister will become queen? A book that has both heroic and villainous princesses, readers are sure to love and loathe the main characters. I have seen this book for years, and it always seemed like an interesting read; when I finally picked it up and read it, it was different from what I expected but was a book that I really enjoyed! You could get lost in this four book series. Available on Overdrive, Hoopla, and at the library* for checkout. *Check link for availability Amy Hello everyone! I'm Amy and I am a Youth Services Librarian at the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. When I'm not trying to reach my reading goal for the year, I like to talk about what I'm reading to my family, friends, and coworkers. You could say I am a little obsessed with reading Young Adult books. I enjoy most genres, but my favorites include: Westerns, Historical Fiction, Contemporary, Fantasy, and Mystery. I am always looking for the next great book that makes me connect to its characters and hits me in the feels. This press release was produced by the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County. The views expressed here are the author's own.