Last year I did a teen book buying guide, but I figure it’s about time to recommend a little something for everyone.  So if you’re struggling to find a book for a friend or relative of yours, look no further!  My suggestions aren’t perfect, of course, but I certainly hope they’re a good start for that bookish person in your life.  (All links go to my reviews, where you can find links for Amazon and Barnes & Noble.)

FANTASY FICTION

1.  The Devil’s Concubine by Jill Braden

If you’re into non-traditional fantasy (especially when it’s set in an island culture) with strong female characters you can’t go wrong with The Devil’s Concubine.  It’s well-written and fast-paced to boot!  This is the first book in The Devil of Ponong series and trust me when I say that once you finish this one you’ll clamour for the rest of the series.  I was so anxious to dive back into QuiTai’s world once I finished this book that I immediately just started reading it again.  It’s that good and it’s well worth your money.

2.  Prophecy of the Most Beautiful by Diantha Jones

Yes, Diantha Jones is a self-published author but you won’t catch any editing mistakes in her books.  She writes fantasy based on Greek myths with a dash of romance and a whole lot of action.  Prophecy of the Most Beautiful is the first of five books in the Oracle of Delphi series and each book is an improvement on the last, which is really saying something considering how good this first book is!  At first it seems like pretty typical YA but Chloe really shows herself to be an unique main character.

3.  Slumber by Tamara Blake

Like fairies?  Not the beautiful, loving fairies of your typical YA story.  I mean the vicious, malicious fairies of old that think of humans as playthings.  Then you’ll love this amazing story of sisterly love set in a terrifying fantasy world within the real world.  Believe me when I say this is definitely not your typical teenage love story.  It’s pretty dark so I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone but if you’re looking for a grittier take on fairies just like the fairies of old, this is definitely the book to go with.

4.  A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

If you’re someone who’s sick of traditional high fantasy, you need to check out A Game of Thrones.  Yes, the series is over-hyped because of the TV show, but judge the books on their merit and you’ll love the series.  George R. R. Martin demolishes all of the high fantasy tropes while creating a story with amazing characters and subtle politics.  And the amazing thing is that he creates such a diverse cast of characters, particularly women.  There are so many strong women in his books that everyone will find someone to root for.

5.  Sins of the Angels by Linda Poitevin

This is one of the latest books I’ve read and it’s fantastic.  Linda Poitevin created such a vivid, believable world where angels and humans collide in unexpected ways.  The main characters are awesome and the new take on Lucifer’s fall is so unique (and blasphemous to some).  Alexandra is an unique character and she really carries the story even though Aramael is also a pretty good character.  Together they both make the book simply amazing and when their mutual disgust with one another turns into something more you’ll be cheering for them to overcome the odds. Continue reading →