Young Adult Book Reviews

Genre: Fantasy

Emmy grew up with a loving father and a neighbor, Grace, who was like a sister to her. Emmy’s father was skilled in magic and was helping both girls to develop their skills so that when they were presented to society they would be accepted. Emmy could transform objects and she was quite skilled at it, but after her presentation she was betrayed by someone she trusted dearly and had to watch helplessly as her father was murdered trying to defend her. Two years later she has been wasting away in a horrible prison feeling truly alone when all of a sudden another prisoner named Jack rescues her. He claims he was also framed for something he did not do and wants revenge. Emmy agrees to help him get revenge with her magical skills if he agrees to get her out of that terrible place. As they begin to piece their stories together it becomes very obvious that they were betrayed by the same people. After transforming them into newcomers to the magical world, they quickly infiltrate this secret society and begin plotting their revenge. However, those that betrayed them might still have some tricks up their sleeves. Can Emmy and Jack get revenge on those who falsely accused them of crimes they did not commit? Will they ever truly be able to clear their names so that they can be themselves again? What other crimes will they uncover along the way?

This fantasy novel is full of surprise and intrigue right from the beginning. Emmy’s world completely turns on its head at a time that she thought would be the happiest of her life. As she deals with those who betrayed her, she also comes to learn more about those who have risked a lot to help her. There are many twists and turns in the story as she struggles to find out who she can really trust and who is only out for themselves. Even though these characters can do magic there are a lot of parallels with young people today and how quickly they are willing to betray each other if it means they get a better opportunity for themselves. Many readers will be able to identify with Emmy as she struggles to rebuild trust for those around her after being so horribly betrayed in the past. The characters in this novel are all really memorable and unique too, so as Emmy and Jack try to get their revenge it seems equally satisfying to the reader to see some of these truly conniving people meet their match. Recommended for anyone who enjoys fantasy titles, but even if a reader doesn’t favor fantasy the characters and plot are exciting enough for all readers.