Haven, by Kristi Cook

I'm worried about giving spoilers, because there are a lot of twists and turns in this book that were gasp-inducing. Things I did not expect at all. So, in an effort to let this book be as mysterious as it needs to be, I'll give you the official:

Violet doesn’t understand why she feels drawn to the Winterhaven School, she just knows it’s the right place for her. When she discovers the school’s secret, it all makes sense: everyone at Winterhaven has psychic gifts. For the first time in her life Violet doesn’t have to hide her visions. She’s always seen them as a curse, but now she can hone her ability and try to control it.

Violet’s never been able to prevent her visions from coming true. But this time she’ll do whatever it takes... even if it means sacrificing herself for the boy she loves.



The 'boy' she loves? Let's just say it's a liberal use of the word 'boy'.

Had I known what the book was really about I would have been much less inclined to read it.

I am SO very glad that I did.

It was a fresh take on a tired subject and this book had a dark and gloomy side that I adored.

Harry Potter, by J.K. Rowling

For many readers out there, this series is a favorite, read so many times your copy is dogeared and discolored. Others still haven't read it.... to those others YOU are missing out my friend.

Harry Potter was left orphaned at the tender age of 1, his parents murdered by the most evil wizard of all time. Left with his aunt & uncle and with no knowledge of the wizarding world, he endures, until he discovers that he is not only a wizard but a famous one.

Join Harry through 7 incredible tales of friendship, bravery, and suspense, filled with writing that is full of wit and emotion.

Through each book I was incredibly riveted and tied to the characters Rowling introduces. Each one has specific traits, they are relatable, and I found myself laughing with them, being angry on their behalf, and half-wishing that I could go along for the adventure myself. If you've already read this series I'm sure you'll agree it's worth rereading, and if you haven't I suggest picking up the first copy today.

City of Bones, by Cassandra Clare

The first book in The Immortal Instruments trilogy begins with the story of Clary. An ordinary teenager living with her mother. Ordinary until she discovers she can see supernatural beings that no one else can. She meets a Shadowhunter named Jace who kills demons, monsters, and anything else that goes bump in the night. Suddenly Clary is pulled into this magical world and realizes life isn't as simple as she thought, she doesn't really know the person she has called 'mom', and that Jace is more dangerous than he appears. Thrilling good read.

The Warrior Heir, by Cinda Williams Chima

Jack grew up in a small town called Trinity, Ohio. A miracle to his mother, having survived heart surgery when he was only an infant. He has to take medicine every day for his heart.

One day, he skips it. Little did he know, the medicine was a power suppressant, a magical power suppressant. Jack is a wizard, a warrior heir. Heir in a magical community where stones hold power and words can bring about destruction.

Now wizards are showing up, trying to teach him, steal him, trade him. He is the last Warrior known to the wizard community, and everyone wants a piece of him. Having to choose sides in a bloody wizard's war, Jack must decide who to trust and how to survive in this cutthroat world of magic and mystery.

It appears this is the debut novel of Chima, the start of this book is a little rocky and full of cliches. BUT, keep reading. Trust me. It not only gets better, it gets really really good.