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 Mau is about to become a man. He has endured his time on the solitary island, made his canoe, and is ready to head back to his own island, Nation. Then, the wave hits, and his home is forever changed. Now alone, Mau copes with his loss by befriending another straggler, Ermintrude (who changes her name to Daphne), the daughter of an English lord, and they start rebuilding their lives
This is a charming story. Daphne was my favorite character with her very real life experience and her humorous view of every situation. It’s interesting to watch her cope with an entirely new life on the island. I also loved the relationships between characters Of course, this YA novel isn’t entirely realistic, and is more along the lines of a comic fantasy, but that doesn’t take away from it at all; Pratchett’s humor is the same as in his Discworld series. The story is unrealistic, but ultimately conveys messages beyond the confines of the story.
In the end, I liked it. Maybe not as much as Discworld, but it was an enjoyable read. Buy this book on Amazon.
 The blurb:
It’s the eve of the Festival of Greatness and Dane has a big problem. He’s yet to choose his nickname. Dane the Dangerous? Dane the Despicable? He can’t decide. But when Dane sees his proud father shamed by the evil tyrant Thidrek the Terrifying, Dane’s indignation earns him a moniker that sticks—Dane the Defiant! And when Thidrek kidnaps Dane’s beloved Astrid in hopes of trading her for the ultimate power of the gods, Dane defiantly goes after him like a bat out of Valhalla. Braving treacherous seas, deadly creatures, and a lovestarved Frost Giant, Dane and his rowdy band of Norseboys embark on an epic quest to end Thidrek’s reign of terror and take their place among the greatest Viking heroes of all time.
I’ve got this book, but I haven’t had time to read it yet. I will eventually. Nevertheless, if it sounds interesting, check it out on Amazon , and I’ll be reviewing it soon!
 This Newbery Honor Book chronicles the adventures of Harry, a young girl who has just moved to Damar following the demise of both of her parents. Unexpectedly, Harry loves the desert land, but she dislikes her position as a ward. Little does she know what lies in store when the Hillfolk King, Corlath, comes for her in the night, but it is more than she ever dreamed.
Just like The Hero and the Crown, I loved this book. I was a bit worried when starting it, as it didn’t seem to be close to the same and I’d got my hopes up. As soon as Corlath kidnapped Harry, though, I was hooked. McKinley has a style of writing that makes her books feel like fairy tales, completely enchanting and absorbing. It’s so easy to feel Harry’s emotions and get caught up in her story, just like I could feel for Aerin in the last book. These are also great books for young girls. The heroines are empowering and can take control of their own destinies. Harry is no exception; when she knows that she has to do something, she doesn’t bow to the men in her life, and she accepts her possible fate.
Again, I wish I’d discovered these when I was younger! They were even written at the right time for my age group. Oh well. I’m definitely on the lookout for more YA McKinley novels. I’ll be recommending this one to everyone who is open to young adult fantasy. Buy this book on Amazon.
 I wasn’t expecting much from The Hero and the Crown. I didn’t really like Sunshine by the same author very much and I couldn’t figure out why everyone has always loved Robin McKinley.
I get it now.
Aerin is the daughter of the King of Damaria, but her position has never been comfortable. For as long as she can remember, there have been many rumors floating around about her mother; that she bewitched the king, that she wasn’t entirely human, that she was a witch. The situation isn’t made any easier by the fact that Aerin’s hereditary magic hasn’t developed. She longs to be of use somehow, and with the discovery of kenet, a fire-proof salve, she discovers her calling when she begins to kill dragons. Her skill doesn’t save her, and before the end she must learn a great deal about herself in order to save her country.
This book brought me straight back to my childhood, even though I’d never read it before. It reads like a fairy tale and reminded me a great deal of one of my favorites, Princess Nevermore by Dian Curtis Regan, although they have very little in common except for this fairy tale tone. McKinley’s writing spoke to the little girl in me and I fell totally in love – with Aerin, with Tor, and perhaps especially with her horse, Talat, who may be my new favorite fantasy companion. (It’s between Talat and Pantalaimon from His Dark Materials.) Aerin’s journey was wonderfully done and I was very happy to allow myself to sink into this world. Perfect escapism.
There’s very little else to say about a book I loved so much. This is an ideal book for young adults, in my opinion, and I’m not at all surprised that it won a Newbury Medal. I’m sorry I didn’t discover it sooner! Buy this book on Amazon.
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