(3) YA English human boy Elliot uses his intelligence, staunch pacifism, and proclivity for subversive behavior to his advantage while attending school in the magical Borderlands. Readers follow Elliot from ages thirteen to seventeen--and through various sexual encounters--in this heartfelt coming-of-age story. At times hilarious, Brennan's latest fantasy abounds with delightful sarcasm, inverted tropes, hard truths, LGBTQ representation, and challenges to gender politics.

Reviewer: Jeannie Coutant

(2) YA Two years ago, Lucie Manette was rescued from Dark New York by the Light magic council. Now living in the Light city, Lucie learns that a revolution is coming--and that she is a rallying cry for both sides. Romance and a hint of snarky humor help to diffuse the tension of this dark fantasy/romance with nods to A Tale of Two Cities.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2016

(4) YA Also written by Robin Wasserman. Simon helped save the world in the Mortal Instruments series, but he lost his memories. Ten stories chronicle his time at Shadowhunter Academy, re-learning how to be a hero (and Isabelle's boyfriend); recurring characters appear as "guest lecturers," filling holes in the mythos and dropping hints about future series. Despite the underwhelming plots, some characters do undergo real development, and the school setting offers familiarity.

Reviewer: Amy Bennett-Zendzian

(2) YA Lynburn Legacy series. In Untold, sorcerer Jared confronted his power-crazed sorcerer father. Desperate to increase their firepower, Kami linked her mind and magic with Jared's half-brother Ash, making the recent breaking of her bond with Jared that much more painful. Now the situation quickly goes from bad to terrible. As in the trilogy's previous books, suspense and action are balanced by snarky humor and moments of sweetness.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2015

(4) YA This illustrated companion to the Mortal Instruments and Infernal Devices series collects eleven short stories about fan-favorite recurring character Magnus Bane. Though the historical settings are intriguing and the stories shed light on the immortal warlock's fabulously checkered past, he doesn't grow or change here. The most interesting stories are those that develop Magnus's relationships with characters from the main series.

Reviewer: Amy Bennett-Zendzian

(2) YA Lynburn Legacy series. Kami (Unspoken) and her allies race to identify malevolent magic-user Rob Lynburn's faction of corrupt sorcerers. Meanwhile, Rob's nephew Jared is furious with Kami for breaking their psychic bond, and her confusing attraction to his less-troubled cousin Ash only widens the rift between them. This sequel is darker than its predecessor, with higher stakes and more suspense.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2013

(2) YA Lynburn Legacy series. Kami and Jared share a telepathic bond; as they work to find the cause of their connection, they stumble upon the larger, related mystery of their town's magical (and bloody) history. Witty, take-charge Kami reads a bit like a British Veronica Mars, and troubled Jared, uncovering his own dark legacy alongside her, is compelling. Readers will be impatiently awaiting the next installment.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2012

(2) YA Creating an original vampire story is a challenge, but these authors team up successfully with a new twist that retains the essential elements--romance, suspense, and danger--as Mel investigates the suspicious disappearance of her best friend's father. Stamped with Mel's distinct brand of sarcastic humor, this book is fearsome and funny, a fresh entry in the popular genre.

Reviewer: Lauren Adams | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2012

(2) YA Demon's Lexicon series. The third book in the trilogy is told from the perspective of Sin, heiress of the Goblin Market. The delightfully dangerous Ryves brothers continue to play a central role, as Sin falls for Alan. When her leadership is threatened, Sin must attempt a terrible task. Brennan lures readers with taut plotting and sensual descriptions of both romantic entanglements and deadly swordplay.

Reviewer: Lauren Adams | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2011

(2) YA Demon's Lexicon series. In a present-day England pulsing with dark magic, Mae, who has no powers of her own, demonstrates leadership when the Goblin Market folk are threatened. Meanwhile, her bond with the sexy and lethal Ryves brothers deepens. All threads culminate in a great, bloody battle that leaves several open endings. The story has enough new developments to leave readers eager for the next installment.

Reviewer: Lauren Adams | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2010

(2) YA Siblings Nick and Alan have been fighting against magicians and demons for years. When Alan meets a brother and sister in need of help, only the riskiest plan can save them all. This suspenseful fantasy is fleshed out with complex characterizations. There are plenty of twists and turns until the final revelation, which tests the power of evil against the strength of humanity.

Reviewer: Lauren Adams | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2009