Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

SORCERY OF THORNS by Margaret Rogerson (An Enchantment of Ravens) is a fantasy novel with a strong young adult heroine: Elisabeth who has been raised since an infant at Summershall, one of Austermeer’s great libraries.  She aspires to join the ranks of the librarian wardens who forbid sorcery while guarding the kingdom’s magic books, called grimoires. These books hide spells and centuries old secrets while having the capability to turn into powerful monsters.  Salt and iron chains are two tools to keep them in check, but one (The Book of Eyes) is released and Elisabeth attempts to destroy it.  Instead of being hailed as courageous, she is suspected of the criminal sabotage, perhaps even murder.  A sorcerer, Nathaniel Thorn and his “demon,” Silas, are tasked with transporting her to the capital for interrogation.  More adventures ensue – including several battles with a magical sword named Demonslayer. Gradually, these three characters question their preconceived notions and begin to develop trust and respect for each other, something which is sorely needed as the danger grows.  

With many chapters ending in cliff hangers, SORCERY OF THORNS is an entertaining fantasy and a great choice for summer reading. This new title received a starred review from Kirkus while School Library Journal recommends SORCERY OF THORNS for readers who enjoy novels by Robin LaFevers and/or Naomi Novik.

Julia Vanishes by Catherine Egan

If you are waiting for the next Harry Potter story and looking for a fantasy novel to read, then try Julia Vanishes by Catherine Egan.  In this story magic has been outlawed, but witches (and other powerful beings) still exist.  As with  Harry Potter, reading Julia Vanishes requires some persistence and patience to get the names of the characters and locations straight at first – there is more happening than just good vs. evil and it is not always clear who (or what!) is on the “right” side.

As a reader, one comes to increasingly sympathize with Julia who disguises herself as housemaid Ella in order to report on the activities of the members of Mrs. Och’s household. Although her own mother was drowned as a witch, Julia thrives on adventure and frequently spies or steals by using her ability to vanish at will.  At first, she is mostly writing reports for an unknown employer, but the novel improves and the pace quickens as Julia/Ella increasingly takes risks and forms alliances.  There is even some romance with a fellow thief.

Elements of Julia Vanishes – like the violence, torture, and youth fighting an unjust and evil system controlled by adults – also made me think of The Scorpion Rules by Erin Bow.  Another highly recommended series of titles which have a strong heroine struggling with her powers and how best to fight oppression are by Kristin Cashore – start with Graceling, followed by Fire and then Bitterblue.  Julia Vanishes received starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly and is extremely likely to have a sequel or two itself.