In Imperial Russia, two enchanters train their magic, unknowingly preparing for a competition neither exactly agree with. The Crown’s Game is an ancient battle between enchanters; the winner earns the title of Imperial Enchanter and advisor to the tsar, while the loser is sentenced to death. Vika Andreyeva has power with nature, and Nikolai Karimov’s specialty lies with things man-made. Both have strong reasons they want to win, but both are reluctant for the other to die…especially when the chemistry between them pulls them in a direction much different than death.

THE CROWN’S GAME is a rich and imaginative thrill ride of magic, romance, and rebellion. Evelyn Skye skillfully transports the reader to a historical Russia enriched with magic, and the descriptions absolutely stun. While the magic woven into everything is beautiful, the massive respect and appreciation for the objects the magic uses (rivers, bridges, islands, etc.) fuels the power in Vika and Nikolai. Vika’s love of nature and Nikolai’s love of structure are clear, and the complementary aspect of their powers only adds to the intensity of the game. The allusions to Cinderella throughout also add a lovely layer to the story.

While distrust and uncertain loyalties are everywhere, there is no denying the chemistry between Vika and Nikolai, and the emotional blows as they take their turns in the Game while attempting to preserve their morals (and possibly their hearts) are not light. There is a love triangle with Pasha, the heir to the throne and coincidentally best friend to Nikolai, but it is a minor part to the story, so readers who dislike them should definitely not be turned away. Outside of the romance, Pasha is a wonderful addition to the story, balancing out the enchanters and giving a narrative to the more political side of the plot.

Without a doubt, THE CROWN’S GAME is one of the most magical novels I’ve read this year. Lovers of historical fantasy will be ecstatic for the rich world building and luscious magic.

Originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/19568-the-crown-s-game

When a father steals a rose from a beast, the daughter offers to stay with the beast forever to save her father. Little does Beauty or Beast know how transformative love can be until they open their hearts to each other. The story of Beauty and the Beast is known and beloved to many, and no matter how many times it is retold, people still flock to this touching story of danger, romance, and heart. Mahlon Craft and Kinuko Craft once again team up for this stunning new picture book of Beauty and the Beast.

As someone who has studied, analyzed, and heartily adored the story of the Beauty and the Beast, new adaptations absolutely thrill me. Anyone who has seen a previous book from Mahlon and Kinuko Craft (such as their Sleeping Beauty picture book) knows what a gorgeous result they put together, and Beauty and the Beast is no exception.

Like any adaptation, certain themes are usually focused on more so than others, especially given the range of them to choose from in a tale like this. This version focuses on Beauty’s kindness and gives a nice amount of attention to the Beast’s melancholy, which is sometimes glossed over in different versions. Beauty’s kindness is shown throughout, but it is perhaps most notable in relationship to her sisters, who are often bitter and jealous of her. Beauty makes every effort to warm their hearts, but she eventually reaches a beautiful point where she accepts that no amount of kindness can help those unwilling to change. On the Beast’s side, readers can hear his deep sadness in almost every line of dialogue. He demonstrates the heart wrenching despair of someone heavy with self-loathing but also the fragile hope of someone who receives, and wants to offer, kindness.

The illustrations are as beautiful as the text, rich in color, nature, and light. The immense details range from tiny petals on every flower to a specific head angle that gives so much expression. Anyone who admires gorgeous illustrations will want to frame every image.

Kinuko and Mahlon Craft have added a perfect variant to the Beauty and the Beast tradition. This Beauty and the Beast picture book is a must for fans of the fairy tale, library collections, and readers young and old.

Originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kbc-home/latest-kids-indie/preview?id=19765:beauty-and-the-beast

Young dragon Little Wing struggles to fly. After practicing and practicing, he finally gets the hang of it, but then he doesn’t know how to stop. When he flies too far away, he has to find a way back to his home and remember the dragon rules his mother taught him.

LITTLE WING LEARNS TO FLY is an adorable picture book featuring a dragon who takes his flying skills a little too far once he’s mastered them. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. Many of the scenes, especially the forest ones, feature dark colors, and the illustrator does a marvelous job of making them soft and adding light when necessary. While the scenery is beautiful, the facial expressions are guaranteed to induce some giggling, especially as Little Wing practices flying.

The book does a lovely job of encouraging readers not to give up, while also providing a reminder that sometimes skills or talents come with responsibilities or rules. Little Wing can enjoy flying, but as the story shows, he still has much to learn about things like wind and distance before he is ready to fly alone. The affection between the mother and son dragon gives a positive example of dealing with any conflict in a loving manner.

LITTLE WING LEARNS TO FLY is an excellent pick for young kids who love dragons, want to fly, and want to learn what it means to be responsible.

Originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfiction/19598-little-wing-learns-to-fly

Though part of Kol’s life brings excitement in the form of hunting and gathering for his clan, his romantic life is nonexistent, given there are no young women his age around. When Mya and her family arrive from a nearby clan, Kol is hopeful something could happen between them. However, once he sees not only Mya’s arrogance and disdain towards him, he also uncovers a brutal history between Mya’s clan and another. With violence on the horizon, Kol’s quiet life takes a turn for the destructive, and he will have to listen to his instincts while deciding who to trust.

When I first heard the premise of a prehistoric, gender flipped Pride and Prejudice, I was a little skeptic. I love prehistoric settings, and I love Pride and Prejudice, but combining them seemed an unlikely feat. Julie Eshbaugh gracefully and seamlessly tore down all of my doubts with IVORY AND BONE. Kol, a sort of male version of Elizabeth Bennett but quieter, narrates his story directly to Mya, the female Darcy counterpart. Though in the beginning they clearly don’t like each other because of Mya’s attitude and Kol’s uncertainty, the affection Kol feels for her as he tells the story is unmistakable. By the end, the book feels like a love letter from Kol.

Though the characters and pattern of romance follow the threads of Pride and Prejudice, the setting and climax easily take lives of their own. The details in the day to day operations of Kol’s clan (and a few others) are superb, displaying an excellent amount of research. The hunting scenes in particular are as chilling as they are compelling. Though the dialogue sometimes feels a bit too modern to fit the time, Eshbaugh expertly demonstrates the relevancy of love, marriage, and family in any time period. The violent turn of the story towards the climax brings more than one shocking twist, and readers shouldn’t be surprised if they can’t tear themselves away from the story for the last 100 pages or so.

Lovers of Pride and Prejudice, unique settings, heart-pounding action scenes, and fiery ends need IVORY AND BONE in their hands as soon as possible.

Originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/19473-ivory-and-bone