The Last Fallen Star by Graci Kim

Synopsis:
Riley Oh can’t wait to see her sister get initiated into the Gom clan, a powerful lineage of Korean healing witches their family has belonged to for generations. Her sister, Hattie, will earn her Gi bracelet and finally be able to cast spells without adult supervision. Although Riley is desperate to follow in her sister’s footsteps when she herself turns thirteen, she’s a saram–a person without magic. Riley was adopted, and despite having memorized every healing spell she’s ever heard, she often feels like the odd one out in her family and the gifted community.

Then Hattie gets an idea: what if the two of them could cast a spell that would allow Riley to share Hattie’s magic? Their sleuthing reveals a promising incantation in the family’s old spell book, and the sisters decide to perform it at Hattie’s initiation ceremony. If it works, no one will ever treat Riley as an outsider again. It’s a perfect plan!

Until it isn’t. When the sisters attempt to violate the laws of the Godrealm, Hattie’s life ends up hanging in the balance, and to save her Riley has to fulfill an impossible task: find the last fallen star. But what even is the star, and how can she find it?

As Riley embarks on her search, she finds herself meeting fantastic creatures and collaborating with her worst enemies. And when she uncovers secrets that challenge everything she has been taught to believe, Riley must decide what it means to be a witch, what it means to be family, and what it really means to belong.

Review:
The Last Fallen Star is the first in a middle grade fantasy series. I know nothing about Korean mythology, so this was a fun learning experience for me. Riley and her friend Emmett are relatable and engaging. In fact, I was hooked by the end of chapter one – and read every chance I had until I was finished. Riley goes on an epic journey to help save her sister, encountering mythical creatures, riddles, and new friends. There are several intriguing twists along the way, some more surprising than others, but the adventure is just as exciting. And Riley is a fantastic character – with great convictions, loyalty, and priorities. I highly recommend this debut with plenty of humor and heart.

The Revenge of Magic: The Chosen One by James Riley

Synopsis:
Fort Fitzgerald is finally reunited with his father and wants nothing more than for life to return to normal, the way things were before magic burst back into the world. But normal isn’t an option anymore. Not when the Old Ones could still return to enslave humanity and Damian is dead set on making that happen.

Convinced he’s the Chosen One the prophecy says will save the world, Damian has mastered all six books of magic and plans to summon the Old Ones to destroy them. Fort knows better though—Damian has no chance of defeating the Old Ones once they arrive.

Maybe Fort could stop Damian if he could use the magic from the dragon dictionary, but he’s consumed with strange visions each time he tries. The only hope left is for Fort, Jia, and Rachel to recruit the help of old friends—and enemies. But how can they know who to trust? Because unless they can find the truth behind the web of secrets and lies surrounding the prophecy of the Chosen One, Fort’s visions, Arthurian legends, and even magic itself, they’ve already lost.

Review:
The Chosen One is the 5th and final book in the The Revenge of Magic series. This has been a fun and exciting middle grade fantasy story full of friendship, betrayal, unique magic, and mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure; and this climactic ending did not disappoint. There is plenty of humor that kept it lighthearted at times – especially in the form of a couple fairy characters. And the intrigue and suspense made this inspired series unforgettable.

The Stolen Kingdom by Jillian Boehme

Synopsis:
For a hundred years, the once-prosperous kingdom of Perin Faye has suffered under the rule of the greedy and power-hungry Thungrave kings. Maralyth Graylaern, a vintner’s daughter, has no idea her hidden magical power is proof of a secret bloodline and claim to the throne. Alac Thungrave, the king’s second son, has always been uncomfortable with his position as the spare heir―and the dark, stolen magic that comes with ruling.

When Maralyth becomes embroiled in a plot to murder the royal family and seize the throne, a cat-and-mouse chase ensues in an adventure of dark magic, court intrigue, and forbidden love.

Review:
Maralyth has had to keep her magic a secret from everyone, but it turns out the reason is that she’s a secret descendant to the true royal family. Instead, a family sits on the throne who has stolen magic – a power with destructive capabilities. But as Maralyth embeds herself as a reluctant spy, she begins to develop feelings for Prince Alac.

The Stolen Kingdom had an intriguing plot that grabbed me from the start. Both Maralyth and Alac are great characters – and it’s easy to root for them. I loved the twist that the object of the heroines’ affection is someone who she’s supposed to be complicit in assassinating. Full of intense suspense, intrigue, magic, and romance – this is a fantastic YA adventure. This clever story has a lot of twists and turns, that made it hard to put down. This has definitely been one of my favorite reads this year so far!