A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess (Kingdom on Fire book 1)

“I am Henrietta Howel. The first female sorcerer. The prophesied one. Or am I?

Henrietta Howel can burst into flames. When she is brought to London to train with Her Majesty's sorcerers, she meets her fellow sorcerer trainees, young men eager to test her powers and her heart. One will challenge her. One will fight for her. One will betray her. As Henrietta discovers the secrets hiding behind the glamour of sorcerer life, she begins to doubt that she's the true prophesied one. With battle looming, how much will she risk to save the city--and the one she loves?” - taken from Goodreads.com

On this fantastical twist on Victorian England, the country is at war with the Ancients. Who they are, where and how they came to be is really unknown but sorcerers are unable to defeat them. They are barely able to protect the crown of England and the sorcerer families. Female magic or witchcraft is criminal and punishable by death since it is believed that a witch named Mary Willoughby brought the Ancients to the world. Henrietta Howel, an orphan and teacher at the Brimthorn School for Girls can call forth fire, a fact she tries to keep hidden except from her friend, Rook. Rook is one of the Unclean and feared by society. He bears the scars of being attacked by

Korozoth. When Cornelius Agrippa comes to Brimthorn to see if one of the girls there is the prophesied female sorcerer, Henrietta’s cover is blown when she and Rook are attacked by Familiars. Agrippa sees her burst into flames and attack the Familiars. Henrietta is brought to London by Agrippa to train and she convinces him to take Rook along as a servant.

In London, Henrietta is dropped into the world of high society and sorcerer training along with several boys, who have been training for a couple years already. She is more readily accepted by some but Lord Blackwell is reserving judgement. Unable to perform magic in the beginning, Henrietta begins to doubt herself when she learns of Lord Agrippa’s dead daughter Gwen. Many believed that Gwen was the prophesied one until her death. Now, Henrietta begins to doubt herself.

Is she the prophesied one? Where does Henrietta’s ability come from? Is she a sorcerer or a witch? Which boys will accept her? Does she get commended?

I loved this book which I compared to a female Harry Potter in a magical Victorian England. I cannot wait to see how this story continues.

Visit Jessica Cluess’ website.

The Midnight Star by Marie Lu (The Young Elites book 3)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first two book sin the series, The Young Elites and The Rose Society, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

Please visit the Recaptains blog if you need a refresher on the first book.

“There was once a time when darkness shrouded the world, and the darkness had a queen.

Adelina Amouteru is done suffering. She’s turned her back on those who have betrayed her and achieved the ultimate revenge: victory. Her reign as the White Wolf has been a triumphant one, but with each conquest her cruelty only grows. The darkness within her has begun to spiral out of control, threatening to destroy all that she’s achieved.

Adelina’s forced to revisit old wounds when a new danger appears, putting not only Adelina at risk, but every Elite and the very world they live in. In order to save herself and preserve her empire, Adelina and her Roses must join the Daggers on a perilous quest—though this uneasy alliance may prove to be the real danger.” - taken from Goodreads.com

Mi Adelinetta! You are the evil villain but really no one understands you. In this final installment of the Young Elites trilogy, you and the other Elites face your greatest enemy and must put aside your differences and work together to not only save yourself but the world in which you live in. As with any great quest, not everyone will survive. As with Lu’s Champion, fans will be torn over the masterpiece that is the epilogue.

Visit Marie Lu’s website. Visit the Young Elites’ website.

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo (Six of Crows book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Six of Crows, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“When you can’t beat the odds, change the game.”

“Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and left crippled by the kidnapping of a valuable team member, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets―a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of magic in the Grisha world.” - taken from Goodreads.com

If Six of Crows was the introduction of Kaz Brekker and his crew, then Crooked Kingdom is the in depth analysis of them, their struggles, and how they plan to right the wrongs Van Eck committed against them when he reneged on his deal over the Ice Court job. Shocking discoveries and betrayals are uncovered as our favorite gang of “criminals” attempt to fight their way out of Ketterdam and make new lives for themselves. Will they be successful? Who lives and who dies? Can anyone find their happily ever after?

Fans of the Grisha trilogy will spot several cameos and appearances of some of their favorite characters.

Visit Leigh Bardugo’s website.