(3) 4-6 Bad Books series. Illustrated by Juan Manuel Moreno. Clay finds a kid washed up on a volcanic island's beach and agrees to hide him in a cave near the Earth Ranch, "a magic camp for young adepts." When the castaway's wealthy dad comes ashore in search of a dragon, Clay discovers his own supernatural ability: interspecies communication. A clever, funny adventure perfect for fans of dragons and magic.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller

(3) YA A time-travel research project goes horribly wrong when Elena Martinez learns that her group has been sent to the wrong time, and that, somehow, she will kill three of the other group members when they return to the present. An enthralling blend of mystery, romance, and science fiction, this fast-paced thriller will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller

(4) YA King Declan raises his rival's daughters, Cadis, Iren, and Suki, as "sister queens" to his daughter Rhea following a horrific war between their kingdoms. The three war orphans see Rhea as their enemy, and their relationships become more fractured when war breaks out again. More Pretty Little Liars than Game of Thrones, readers with a taste for mean-girl drama (and schadenfreude) will enjoy this intense fantasy.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller

(3) YA Delving into backstory and world-building, this second installment of Dayton's science-fiction epic (Seeker) will not disappoint readers. While John and the Young Dread trace John's mother's path of revenge, Quin and Shinobu discover that the disappearance of the Seekers is linked to the Middle Dread's sinister activities. Internal conflict abounds, and a heartbreaking cliffhanger ending will leave fans eager for book three.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller

(3) YA Dark Caravan Cycle series. Recently freed jinni Nalia (Exquisite Captive) is torn between her love for the jinni rebel leader, Raif, and an obligation to her former master, Malek, when they travel to Morocco in search of Solomon's sigil. This second Arabian Nights–inspired adventure features lush writing, innovative world-building, and plenty of religious and cultural details that will delight aspiring globetrotters and fantasy fans alike.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller

(3) YA Prophesied to become the most powerful queen in Kupari history, Elli is cast out after she fails to inherit the magic of the Valtia. When a handsome outlaw rescues her from an animal trap, she discovers that she has a different--yet still crucial--destiny to fulfill. This thrilling new high-fantasy series both embraces and subverts genre tropes in very satisfying ways.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller

(4) 4-6 Dr. Critchlore's School for Minions series. Illustrated by Joe Sutphin. Runt Higgins must save Dr. Critchlore's School for Minions once again; shenanigans ensue. This time, Runt conducts a secret quest for the Great Library, helps run a fashion show to appease the powerful Siren Syndicate, and learns why one of Dr. Pravus's monsters thinks he's a family member. A few deus ex machina events weaken this second silly adventure.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller

(3) 4-6 Ferals series. Caw, his crows, and his fellow "ferals" (who can control animals) must stop the most nightmarish of their kind--the Mother of Flies--from taking possession of a dangerous, mysterious weapon. This second eerie, atmospheric tale of animal familiars and ancient power struggles has niche appeal for young readers who appreciate bleaker fantasies.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller

(3) 4-6 Oodlethunks series. Illustrated by Mike Wu. Cavegirl Oona can't have a pet "fruitafossor" because of her brother Bonk's allergies. The giant egg she finds while lost one day is the perfect replacement--until it goes missing. This small-town Stone Age story blends pre-history with modern everyday angst of being a kid. A great choice for middle-grade budding paleontologists and Flintstones fans alike.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller

(3) YA Amani, an expert markswoman who plans to shoot her way out of her dead-end hometown, escapes from Dustwalk with a handsome young criminal. Their journey across the desert leads Amani to the Rebel Prince's Djinni army, placing her at the heart of a global battle between good and evil. Middle Eastern lore meets steampunk Western in this exciting fantasy debut.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller

(4) 4-6 When Jamie discovers his father and grandmother are actually trolls, he and foster kid Annie Nobody are whisked away to the magical village of Aurora. If they want to keep their happy-ever-after, they'll need to help their new friends save the town. Overblown elements (cartoonishly evil social worker and foster family; saccharine fantasy village) don't detract too much from the enjoyable magical adventure.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller

(3) 4-6 Since "the Warming," art, technology, and more are outlawed and a secret group of "dreambenders" remove dangerous ideas from people's sleeping minds. When Jeremy, an inquisitive dreambender, refuses to suppress Callie's love of singing, the two teens begin to challenge the very foundations of their society's well-intentioned but oppressive rules. Fans of The Giver will enjoy this nonviolent, thoughtful dystopian tale.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller

(3) YA Los Angeles foster teen Liv thinks Cedric is just another crazy street kid. When he uses his supernatural speed and strength to save her from a monster no one else can see, she realizes that he really is from another dimension--and that she can help him get home. A solid fantasy adventure with a fresh take on the ubiquitous love triangle.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Sean London. A kayaking trip off the coast of British Columbia goes awry when thirteen-year-old Aaron's group of friends has a run-in with a ship smuggling mistreated, undocumented Chinese immigrants. Young readers with a passion for the outdoors will devour this fast-paced, suspenseful hi-lo adventure, full of details about camping and kayaking. Discussion questions and a note on migrants and refugees are appended.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller

(3) 4-6 Witches of Benevento series. Illustrated by Sophie Blackall. Welcome to Benevento, a nineteenth-century Italian village that's home to five adventurous children and "more witches than anywhere else in the world." Each small-trim book provides a different character's view of a few tumultuous weeks one spring. Marciano's folkloric-style storytelling and Blackall's gorgeous illustrations (from marginalia to full spreads) are unusually symbiotic in creating a world that feels simultaneously fantastical and realistic. Review covers the following Witches of Benevento titles: The All-Powerful Ring and Mischief Season.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller

(3) 4-6 Witches of Benevento series. Illustrated by Sophie Blackall. Welcome to Benevento, a nineteenth-century Italian village that's home to five adventurous children and "more witches than anywhere else in the world." Each small-trim book provides a different character's view of a few tumultuous weeks one spring. Marciano's folkloric-style storytelling and Blackall's gorgeous illustrations (from marginalia to full spreads) are unusually symbiotic in creating a world that feels simultaneously fantastical and realistic. Review covers the following Witches of Benevento titles: The All-Powerful Ring and Mischief Season.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller

(3) YA Fleeing an arranged marriage, the young Countess of Rothford joins a group of poor but pretty girls training to marry rich men in the New World. Her plans begin to unravel, however, when she realizes she's willing to risk everything to protect one of the procurer's sons. Fantasy elements take a backseat in this page-turning, love-conquers-all romantic epic.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller

(3) YA In an alternate–Wild West California, Westie has spent years tracking the cannibals who ate her family and took her arm, only to find them in the guise of wealthy investors backing her adoptive father's latest invention. When no one believes her, Westie and her friends seek revenge. This exhilarating novel--steampunk meets Western meets horror story (with kissing)--delivers on all fronts.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller

(3) 4-6 Former slave Nic is caught between his grandfather and the Praetors, both of whom want him to find a magical amulet that would destroy the city. Nic tries to outwit them by proposing a chariot race, but his plans put people he loves in danger. Nielsen keeps the stakes high and the plot moving in this historical fantasy set in ancient Rome.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller

(3) YA Sonya, an untrained empath, inadvertently becomes the emperor's protector. Thrust into the center of court politics, she struggles to hone her gift and follow her heart as the country heads toward revolution. Sonya's journey from confused girl to brave leader--first reinforcing then subverting several common tropes--is skillfully depicted in this romantic, suspenseful fantasy inspired by Imperial Russia's history.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller