The extinction gambit (The Extraordinaires Book1) by Michael Pryor

An interesting fantasy novel by Michael Pryor set in 1908, about Kingsley Ward, magician / escapologist and possessor of a hidden wolfish nature which tends to rear its ferocious head at the most inconvenient moments. One night his foster father goes missing and Kingsley won't rest until he has him back. Befriended and assisted by Evadne Stephens, juggler and possess of extraordinary skills and knowledge, he must navigate his way through the Demimonde, a world of darkness and magic he previously knew nothing about, but which exists alongside his own world. Hampered along the way by two warring factions - the Immortals, hideous child-like evil-types, and the Neanderthals who in this reality were never extinct and now want their revenge on humanity - Kingsley and Evadne use their skills to rescue Kingsley's father and save the human race. Mostly fantasy with a hint of steam-punk, this highly detailed plot is very original, and part one of a series.

Caitlin @ Balwyn Library

What now?

• Add your thoughts about in the comments below.
• Go to the catalogue and reserve it.
• Review a book yourself.

Wildwood by Colin Meloy

This lovely debut novel by rockband singer Colin Meloy is quite charming, with stunning illustrations by the singer's wife, artist Carson Ellis. While babysitting her brother one ordinary day, Prue McKeel watches helplessly while a murder of crows lifts him into the air and carries him away to the nearby Impassable Wilderness. No-one's ever gone into the ' I.W.' but Prue knows it's her only hope of getting her brother back. With the help of her friend Curtis, Prue finds herself in secret world of talking animals, warring creatures, bird kingdoms, brave rebels, dark forces and unique Wilderness politics. Believing herself to be merely a reluctant tourist, Prue turns out to be intrinsically tied to this land and its destiny. Can Prue and Curtis find baby Mac, survive the impending war in Wildwood, and make it back to their ordinary lives? With its beautiful illustrations and original fantasy plot, this book is definitely a modern classic.

Caitlin @ Balwyn Library

What now?

• Add your thoughts about in the comments below.
• Go to the catalogue and reserve it.
• Review a book yourself.

Skin Hunger and Sacred Scars ('A resurrection of magic' Books 1 & 2) by Kathleen Duey

Genre: fantasy

Skin Hunger is the first novel  in the fantasy trilogy A Resurrection of Magic by Kathleen Duey. The novel alternates between telling the story of Sadima, a farm girl who lives in a world in desperate need of magic, and Hahp, the son of a cruel merchant who's lives centuries after her, in a society corrupted by magic.

Sadima has the ability to communicate with animals in a country where magic has been banned and it's knowledge lost. She meets Franklin, a servant of a young nobleman named Somiss, who believes that magic will solve the world's problems. Together, the three try to resurrect magic. Many years later, Haph is sent to the academy of magic with nine other boys, to learn to become a magician. Subjected to brutal treatment, the boys must learn to make their food by magic or starve - as only one boy will survive to graduate.

This is a dark book which some readers may find disturbing, however it is beautifully written with strong characters. The story ends without any sort of resolution, leading the reader straight to the next book in the series - Sacred Scars. Unfortunately, the third book is yet to be published, so the wait is on.

Caroline @ Kew Library.

What now?

• Add your thoughts about in the comments below.
• Go to the catalogue and reserve it.
• Review a book yourself.