It’s 500 years into the future and the world is certainly a different place. The Melt has come and gone, and the city of Newperth is divided into three factions. The haves, known as the “Centrals”; the have-nots, the “Bankers” and those that dwell on society’s fringe, the “Ferals”.

16 year old Rosie Black is a Banker dreaming off a future among the stars, following in her Aunt’s footsteps as a spaceship pilot. Rosie’s life is anything but idyllic, but when she finds a box while exploring the old city- she has no idea of the explosive secrets hidden within. With her life on the line, Rosie is forced to rely on two complete strangers. But can she trust Pip- the Feral she finds herself falling for, or his mysterious boss?

From Earth to Mars, Rosie needs to keep one step ahead and hope to discover the truth before it’s too late.

I absolutely adored Rosie’s story. Evil corporations, deadly disease, space travel, blossoming romance and one kick butt adventure all team up to make this one thrill ride of a read. This is post-apocalyptic fiction at its best.

This is Morgan’s first YA offering and it certainly delivers on heck of a punch. Morgan’s voice is unique and she has created a world full of depth and intrigue that will draw you in from the very first page.

Despite Rosie finding herself thrown into a world of chaos that even the most resourceful adult would have a hard time dealing with, she handles it all with courage and determination. The inter-play between the characters on both sides is a delight. From the utterly evil you just want to rid the world of once and for all, to the sweet affection budding despite the mistrust- this will take you through every emotion and leave you hanging for more.  The mix of ages in our central cast of “good guys” is a wonderful addition and it’s a wonderful change to see Rosie work alongside the adults rather than see them as added obstacles to overcome.

The plot mainly centres on the age old struggle of “good versus evil”, but Morgan has made it her own and the struggle feels fresh and brand new. The imagination is stretched into hyper-drive with the vivid descriptions of this whole new world so similar, yet uniquely different.

I certainly can’t wait to dive into the next instalment- the soon to be released Equinox.

The Rosie Black Chronicles- Genesis- Lara Morgan.

Walker Books

ISBN:978-1-921529-39-9

454 Pages

Cover: Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life….

This new series takes place in the same world as Mara V Snyder’s Poison Study series, The Fifteen Realms. The Fifteen Realms has been ravaged by plague and the rulers have deemed the healers responsible. Healers are on the verge of extinction because the rulers have ordered them to be killed.

A group of bandits have saved Avry from being hung and in return she must heal Prince Ryne. The trip they take to reach the Prince is not easy and there are many stops along the way. Each of her decisions becomes a matter of life or death (and for those who helped her). Avery and Kerrick’s interactions with each other are both stressful and apprehensive at the same time. He is the leader of the group and they must learn how to travel together and keep each other alive. He also becomes a love interest later on in the book. There are 5 members of the group and all have great personalities and hopefully we continue see them all throughout the whole series.

Romance is on the back burner in this story and it’s focused more on the building of trusting relationships. As Avry is believed to be the last healer alive, she is in a very tricky position of not knowing who to trust.  We get to see many different characters come in and out of the story during their travels. Avery must lay low, but finds her need to heal those who are sick are constantly pulling at her to help, and she cannot refuse. Each time she heals somebody she takes their illness into herself, she then has to heal herself before they can travel again.

All of the characters are very entertaining. Each has a purpose and a memorable role in the story. The reader will learn to love and hate personality traits in each of them. Avery is very kind hearted, sympathetic and a strong person. I like to think that her life as a healer has made her that way, and at the age of 20 in a time of castles, kingdoms and magical powers she seems wise beyond her years. It is noticeable in this story that more a more modern day language is used. It made it easier to read and understand, but some may miss the historical aspect.

The world-building is so well written, you will be drawn into it immediately. The concepts and ideas of the world were explained flawlessly and easy to understand. Several elements come into play and the way it seems to all revolve around magic, leads to an overall very entertaining read.

It’s fast paced with a lot of adventure, great characters and new challenges every step they take. The book also comes with a map so you can track their travels as they go.

I think that overall Maria V Snyder is known for her world building and well rounded, likeable characters. If you have read and liked her previous works and like fantasy novels, I don’t think you will be disappointed in this new series.

Favorite Quote “…things happen that are out of your control.’
Kerrick gave him a tight smile. ‘You mean I’m not omnipotent?’
‘You’re not even semi-potent.’
‘Is that even a word?’ Kerrick asked.
‘He probably means you’re impotent,’ I offered.”

Paperback, 400 pages

Expected publication: December 20th 2011 by Mira

ISBN0778313077 (ISBN13: 9780778313076)

In the stunning sequel to “Bones of Faerie”, we again find ourselves in the thick of mayhem and magic and sinister intentions. Liza is slowly coming to terms with the aftermath of all she learnt- but there are still more secrets lurking in the dark.

Winter has hit with full force and life in Liza’s little town has changed. Her father is gone and those born after the war are no longer hiding their magic and slowly learning to control it – Liza included.  But when she discovers a young child’s burned body in the forest, and brings another burnt youth to town for healing, she finds herself inadvertently again stepping into great danger. The “Lady” is earth side, determined to finish what the war started once and for all- and Liza finds herself firmly in her grasp.

Sometimes when we are given a sequel to a book that is so astounding you end up feeling cheated and wishing the author had stopped at just one, happily this isn’t one of them. In fact it stands on its own two feet and retains the brilliance of its predecessor.

Yet again I fell head over heels for Liza and her world and had devoured the book before I knew what hit me. Liza has grown and so has the malice. The “Lady” will gracefully, and with great evil, shatter any misconceptions about Fae/Human relations you may still cling to, and smile all the while. Her character is so twisted yet beautiful you too will find yourself under her glamour along with Liza.  Simner has deftly taken her world and added an extra layer that will delight and terrify and the same time. And the action is even more heart stopping.

The character development again continues to amaze. Liza is, of course, more scarred and battle worn but at the same time retains her spark without becoming jaded. Here we meet new characters to both have us hiding under the covers and falling in love with, and re-meet and get to know some old ones all the more.   The action is as thick and fast as the first and the fight scene a beauty to behold. The ending is strong and beautiful, but left in a way that there could be more to come (I hope).

Faerie Winter and Bones of Faerie have fast become two of my most loved novels of the year, if you like your fiction a little dark and sometimes downright terrifying they could very well make your top list too.

Faerie Winter- Janni Lee Simner

Random House Australia

ISBN:978-1-74275-068-2

270 Pages

The war between our world and that of Faerie, all but annihilated both sides. The magic left behind has warped nature; the tree’s no longer just crave air, sun and water but blood and bone as well. The tech has all been destroyed and life is one day of back breaking work after the other. Even the simple task of growing food can be deadly- these day’s all the plants have minds of their own. Venturing out alone into the dark is to be avoided at all costs- none ever comes back, and those born with the traits of the faerie must be put to death.

Liza once had a newborn sister, born with the tell-tale pale hair as clear as glass and eyes as silver as moonlight; she is left to die on hillside the very night of her birth. After all her Father is nothing but a sensible man and it is his rules that have kept their Town relatively safe from the scourge of magic since the war’s end. Unfortunately for Liza not only is she too late to save her sister, her Mother runs away soon after and worse of all, she finds her own kind of magic blossoming. She must run to not only save her life, but to ensure she does no harm.  But has she been told the truth about magic and Faerie all this time? Is there a place for magic still left in the world?

“Bones of Faerie” so transfixed me from the very beginning, I was over a 100 pages through before it felt like I even remembered to breathe.  Liza’s world is dark and dangerous and has the feel of a twisted fairy-tale. There are hidden dangers to overcome, monsters that lurk in the shadow and an overwhelming sense of malice that will leave your heart thumping. The plot is so deeply woven with secrets, twisted truths and danger that at times you will be tempted to run under the nearest rock and hide- or just be extremely thankful it’s Liza and co in the thick of it and not you. This is Simner’s first novel for young adults and she has certainly made her subject her own. This is fresh and takes the whole Fae/Human relations to a whole new level yet remains loyal to long held “beliefs”.

Both worlds are described so visually you are instantly transported to the deep dark forest or standing in the barren remains of Faerie being coated with the falling ash.

The character development is strong with all the mains and secondaries alike leaping off the pages. The magic is intoxicating and will leave you wishing for your own. This is a heartbreaking tale of one girl’s quest to find her destiny.

“Bones of Faerie” is followed by “Faerie Winter” and if it is anywhere near as good as its predecessor, I may just need a life support system so I don’t forget to breathe.

Bones of Faerie- Janni Lee Simner

Random House Australia

ISBN:978-1-74275-065-1

247 Pages