KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES by Shannon Messenger. (MAGIC SCHOOL – THE CHOSEN ONE)  At age twelve, Sophie learns that the remarkable abilities that have always caused her to stand out identify her as an elf, and after being brought to Eternalia to hone her skills, discovers that she has secrets buried in her memory for which some would kill. Somewhat more sophisticated than other tales of the Chosen One at Magic School, this series also incorporates some romance into the mix. Currently 9 in the series.   

AMARI AND THE NIGHT BROTHERS by  B.B. Alston. (MAGIC SCHOOL)  Set in the city of Atlanta.  Amari is not her brother, the perfect, high achiever and great guy. The only time he disappointed her was when he disappeared. Then out of nowhere she gets a mysterious communication from him, and before she knows it, is following in his footsteps at a school for kids with supernatural abilities.  Quick paced, action-filled and good for readers who enjoy the Percy Jackson/Lightning Thief books. Next in the series is AMARI AND THE GREAT GAME. 

HITHER & NIGH  by Ellen Potter. (MAGIC SCHOOL)  For all those who secretly rooted for Draco Malfoy, Crab and Goyle, a magic school for the bad kids.  Secretly recruited and taught magical skills, Nell and her delinquent friends use their “talents” in a parallel New York City fraught with magic and monsters.   

WILDERLORE: the Accidental Apprentice by Amanda Foody. (MAGIC SCHOOL) Our underdog hero, Barclay, is on his own in a town surrounded by a wall to protect them from outsiders and especially the Beasts who live in The Woods.  After unintentionally breaking the one rule: Don’t go in The Woods, he encounters those Beasts and humans who have bonded with them.  Does he want to escape The Woods?  It’s a lot more exciting there than the life intended for him as a mushroom farmer.  As with many fantasies, there are trials and tests, this time in a back-to-nature setting. Future installments focus on different environments.   

NEVERMOOR: the Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend. (MAGIC SCHOOL) The title character is the town Goat – blamed  for all its misfortunes and doomed to die on her 11th birthday.  Instead, she is whisked away (whew!) to a magical city and competes to join an elite society.  Lots of familiar ground here for Harry Potter fans.  

ARU SHAH AND THE END OF TIME by Roshani Chokshi. (DEALING WITH GODS).  When the author of the Percy Jackson books decided to explore other cultures’ mythology, he chose ancient India and an author qualified to write about Indic gods and demons.  Aru accidentally awakens a demon when she lights a cursed lamp. From there on it’s non-stop action with a range of Indian legendary beings.  Chokshi does a great job familiarizing readers with mythic creatures and legends. 5 books, finished last year. 

LAST KIDS ON EARTH by Max Brallier .(DOOMSDAY, ZOMBIES, HIGHLY ILLUSTRATED).  Who thought that fighting zombies could be so hilarious?  After an apocalypse turns most folks into gross out zombies, 13 year old Jack joins forces with a few fellow teens to battle the monsters (and impress his crush).  Highly illustrated, which complements the story.  Still going strong after 8 books. 

For those who like Animal Fantasies:

WINGS OF FIRE by Tui Sutherland. (DRAGONS) A dragon world with warring factions, prophecies and heroes.   The series is also being published as graphic novels.

BRAVELANDS: Broken Pride by Erin Hunter. (AFRICAN BEASTS). One of several series by the prolific Hunter with different types of animals and wild settings.  See also Warriors, Survivors, Seekers, Bamboo Kingdom.

THE WOLF OF CAPE FEN by Juliana Brandt.  Stand-alone fantasies involving shape shifting humans set in beautifully dramatic backdrops: coastal towns, the deep south.  Many of her magical people can't or don’t use their abilities in the right way, usually with unfortunate results.  In this story, First Frost has occurred on Cape Fen, heralding the return of Baron Dire and his companion, Wolf.  The story is all about making deals with the devil or I should say, the Wolf.  Brandt combines a gentle lyrical style with omnipresent menace.