Showing posts with label Best YA Fantasy Fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Best YA Fantasy Fiction. Show all posts

Monday, October 28, 2019

The Rose Queen, by Alison McBain, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



Princess Mirabelle was a striking beauty with wit and wisdom to match.  She was young, and defiantly brazen, despite the duties to which was bound.  Just one year after her mother's death, her father the king announced her betrothal to a man twice her age.  It was a marriage of alliance, arranged by a man who regarded her only as a pawn to use to his advantage to seal a treaty.  But despite her obligation, she defiantly refused to marry the duke, an evil sorcerer, and entirely grotesque man.  Taken aback by her refusal to marry him, the duke cast a spell upon the princess, turning her into a hideous beast.  Only love could reverse the spell, and she had only three-years-time before it would all be too late.

Author Alison McBain puts a clever spin on the familiar Beauty and the Beast tale with this utterly enchanting retelling of the classic story.  Wonderfully penned and altogether a joy to read, The Rose Queen, is recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval. 


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Friday, October 25, 2019

Sealed With a Twist, by V.A. Givens, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval


15-year-old Ricki has never had a boyfriend and she is determined to experience love.  Madame Dupre has seen it countless times, foolish youngsters in search of their romantic destiny.  She is, quite frankly, done with it.  Happy to take the young girl's money though, she gazes into her crystal ball before sending Ricki on her way with the promise of a gift.

Sealed With a Twist, by V.A. Givens, is a witty, wise, and edgy YA read.  With a stellar cast of characters, loads of laughs and a plot that will keep readers enthralled, Sealed With a Twist, comes highly recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval. 

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Running with the Wolves, by J.E. Reed, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval




Kiuno woke up one morning in a mild state of amnesia with nothing but the clothes on her back and a bracelet with her "name" on it. While she can vaguely recall her life back home, the forest she now finds herself in seems somehow familiar as well.  She comes to remember that Kiuno is her online ID for a video game she plays, called Chronopoint.  She also remembers she has a husband and an ordinary life back home. Eventually, she decides to look for civilization, hoping to find some of the other players she knows through their shared online experience. Instead, she meets strangers with whom she forms an alliance and they set out together to find her online friends and her real-world husband. Ultimately, she wants nothing more than to find her way out of the game, which is comprised of ten realms. But in her new reality, the one which takes place in the very real world of Chronopoint, everyone is a potential threat who may be willing to kill to survive so they can find their way to the tenth realm and get back home.

Running with the Wolves is an action-packed thriller with complex characters and an unpredictable storyline.  Author J.E. Reed has created a mysterious fantasy world in which monsters and magic seamlessly intertwine.  With captivating plots and subplots which keep readers guessing throughout, Running with the Wolves is recommended for home and school libraries, and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Thursday, June 7, 2018

Author Sandra L. Rostirolla's, Cecilia, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



18-year-old Cecilia, along with her mother, and two brothers, live together in a utopian society formed after the Great War. Cecilia has never known the cruelties of humankind; but following a violent and senseless raid on her village, she is the only person miraculously spared from carnage or kidnapping. Against all odds, she determines to find and free her brothers who were taken as prisoners.  Emboldened by a fierce determination the spirited young woman sets off to the city of Vitus where her brothers are held captive.  

Soon after leaving the only home she's ever known she begins to doubt the sanity of her quest.  But before she has a chance to reconsider she is taken prisoner by Amalardh, an assassin sent to kill the person bearing the symbol which she wears around her neck. 


Author Sandra L. Rostirolla's Cecilia is a true literary gem.  Insightfully penned, with characters that are well-developed, and a plot that sizzles, this book has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

The Whizbang Machine: Tunney’s Curse, by Danielle Vann, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



Elizabeth Yale is back in The Whizbang Machine: Tunney’s Curse.  She and her grandfather have barely escaped the collapsing factory, but already they are on a race with time.  In this, the second book in the Whizbang Series, Elizabeth must save the Whizbang machine and put an end to the family curse before it ruins the lives of the people of Leiden.  But the clock is ticking and they must stop the curse before her mother’s fortieth birthday which is just days away. 


Audiences who enjoyed the first book in this installment will thrill at the newest book in the Whizbang series.  Author Danielle Vann continues to enchant and enthrall readers with compelling scenes and intensely suspenseful moments throughout this exciting book.  Recommended for home and school libraries, The Whizbang Machine: Tunney’s Curse is a dynamic fantasy adventure with mystery, action, suspense and intrigue.  This book has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Friday, June 23, 2017

Faeborne, by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



Following the death of his parents and sister, Brennon assumes the role of guardian for his blind nephew, Rori.  The boy and his uncle, living a solitary existence, both ache for a life that once was.  Brennon harbors guilt over his family’s death, the burden of which haunts him relentlessly.  One day, while on a hunting expedition, he hits a deer, only to discover it is actually a changling.  The deer morphs into a beautiful young woman, named Seren, and he offers to give her shelter over the winter to allow time for her to regain her strength.

As the story unfolds we are introduced to a skillfully layered tale of fantasy fiction.  In what ultimately becomes a wonderful love story, Seren introduces a beauty and light into Brennon’s formerly dark and somber world.  Author Jenna Elizabeth Johnson’s Faeborne is part of the Otherworld series, but reads well as a stand-alone.  This book earns our recommendation and has received the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Friday, June 10, 2016

The Gateway Chronicles, by K.B. Hoyle, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



One day while hiking a young girl discovers a portal to another world, the magical land of Alithia.  She soon learns of a prophecy claiming that she and five others are destined to save this mystical place.  At first the six are unsure of their part in this ancient prophecy.  But eventually they learn to work together as a team, united in their efforts to fulfill their destiny and save this enchanted land.

Author K.B. Hoyle pens scenes that pop with vibrant details, making the world of Alitheia vivid and very much alive for the reader.  There are new and exciting twists with the turn of each page as this dynamic series unfolds. Hoyle is a gifted author whose stories flow smoothly from one exciting chapter to the next, leaving the reader heartily anticipating the next adventure.


The Gateway Chronicles are a phenomenal and entirely compelling series.  As the story progresses all the characters are fleshed out as each grows and develops in maturity.  The six encounter struggles to which we can all relate and from which we can all learn.   Each book in the series expertly builds upon the last. Hoyle guides her readers through a gauntlet of magic and fantasy adventure as the series builds to a resounding crescendo.  The world of fantasy fiction is brought to an entirely new level with this outstanding series.  The Gateway Chronicles are destined to become a timeless classic.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Tallas, by Cathrina Constantine, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



It’s the future, and due to a catastrophic event, the world has been afflicted by severe mutations of people, animals, and plant-life. Tallas is a confined township wherein mutants are forbidden to enter.  The town is controlled by mediators who control the welfare and resources of the community. Residents of Tallas are told the wilderness outside is dangerous and is filled with deadly mutant creatures. But one tenacious family risks everything to leave the security of Tallas in order to protect their son from the threat of a dreaded assignment. Risking everything, they escape their home in the middle of the night, heading into the unknown of the wilderness.  

Author Catherina Constantine is a gifted story teller.  She offers vivid descriptions of other-worldly creatures, deadly vegetation, and evil enemies that readers will love to hate.  Tallas is an exciting dystopian adventure with lots of unexpected plot twists which keep this book flowing at a fast pace.  With characters that are believable and well developed, especially the lovable and dynamic family which is the focus of this story, this book is sure to hook readers of all ages.  We look forward to the much-anticipated sequel to Tallas.  

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Sweet Desire Wicked Fate, by Wray Ardan, Earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval


Jaden, a fifteen year old girl, moves to Louisiana to help her mother fix up a rundown mansion inherited by their family. The teenager, who is constantly picked-on by her older sister, runs off one day after a tiff and finds herself in the midst of real-life horror.  When she accidentally discovers the Mal Rous, genetic mutant carnivorous creatures, she becomes altered.

Author Wray Arden’s Sweet Desire Wicked Fate is a hair-raising dark fantasy thriller interspersed with fantastic moments of humor which will hold great appeal for teenage girls.  With well developed characters, and a unique plot, this book is hard to put down.  Definitely not for the weak-stomached nor gentle souls, horror and fantasy lovers will devour and enjoy.  

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org


Saturday, April 23, 2016

Patricia Reding's Select earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



Coming of age is a struggle for all. But, to do so as someone meant to fulfill a prophecy is challenging beyond comprehension.   The 7th born daughter of a 7th born mother, along with her twin “the one who is, but isn’t,” face a great calling in this enchanting novel in which ancient prophecies are realized. The girls must triumph over evil while facing possible death to complete the destiny which has been foretold. They struggle with becoming young women while also fighting evil forces bent upon destroying their homeland and its inhabitants.

Author Patricia Reding thrills and delights readers with elements of excitement and adventure in a world where magic abounds. Readers are introduced to the most wretched villains as well as delightfully charming heroes and heroines. In a tale which flows effortlessly, this delightful story is a most enjoyable read which spurs the imagination and makes one's heart race with anticipation.

What an outstanding read!  The first book was terrific, the second is marvelous; we wait with great anticipation for the next offering in this dynamic series.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Mercy's Prince, by Katy Huth Jones, earns the CLC Seal of Approval



Well written and surprisingly believable for a work of fantasy, Mercy’s Prince is a highly engaging tale which is difficult to put down.  When a young prince groomed to be ruler is killed in battle his scholarly younger brother, Valerian,  must fill the role.  After he becomes the crowned prince Valerian befriends a peasant girl who is a healer; he soon learns he can communicate with her telepathically.  To save his people Valerian attempts the impossible as he elicits the help of dragons to help save mankind.

This novel is replete with tales of royalty, magic, dragons, love, adventure, and life-and-death struggles.  This exciting work of fantasy fiction is suspenseful and well written. Mercy’s Prince is an entertaining venture into another world, a time of mystery, a time long gone.

The exciting adventures within the pages of this book offer escape to another world and an alternate way of life. Katy Huth Jones keeps things interesting with continuous twists and well developed and refreshingly unexpected characters.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Unreal City, by A.R. Meyering, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval


Sarah's twin sister, Lea, was mysteriously murdered just months before they were to start their freshman year of college.  Instead of sharing her new university experience with her twin, Sarah now finds herself going through the motions of college life and feeling hopelessly adrift.  Sarah can't seem to shake the feeling she is being watched, even drawn towards a darkness, which for some reason she is compelled to act upon.  When she does, she is introduced to an other-worldly spirit and a place which helps her find a release from the reality she so desperately wishes to escape.

At a mere 200 pages, Unreal City is a powerhouse of a novel.  Author A.R. Meyering deftly builds momentum in this surreal tale which feels a bit like a young adult version of Alice in Wonderland.  Meyering's comfortable and genuine writing style draws readers in from the first page, holding them captive as she works her literary magic upon them, clear to its superb finish. This book is highly recommended and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org