(4) YA Ravenborn series. Chris (Shades of Darkness), struggling to understand frightening visions, eventually learns that he and love interest Kaira are prophesied to reenact a fatal battle involving two groups of Norse deities. Murky connections between Kaira's and Chris's destinies, their past near-death experiences, and several ritual murders at their arts boarding school somewhat undermine the menacing tension established by gory visions and a nightmarish Underworld.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(3) YA Runebinder Chronicles series. In an America ravaged by elemental magic and the evil creatures created by its misuse, Tenn joins other humans--including alluring Jarrett--to survive. The immediate, intense connection between the young men becomes a liability when incubus Tomás attempts to recruit Tenn for the dark side. The unabashedly steamy (and welcome) same-sex love triangle that ensues distinguishes this high-stakes fantasy/dystopia from others in the genre.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(4) YA Ravenborn series. Completing her thesis project and fighting a crush on cute painter Chris, Kaira just wants to be normal. But then two classmates' supposed suicides unearth traumatic memories and entangle her in a supernatural murder mystery. A slow start, with information about Kaira's past slowly revealed, makes for an occasionally frustrating read, but the isolated art/boarding-school setting is vividly and lovingly evoked.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher