Nimona

Nimonaby Noelle Stevenson, 266 pages

“Nemeses! Dragons! Science! Symbolism! All these and more await in this brilliantly subversive, sharply irreverent epic from Noelle Stevenson. Featuring an exclusive epilogue not seen in the web comic, along with bonus conceptual sketches and revised pages throughout, this gorgeous full-color graphic novel has been hailed by critics and fans alike as the arrival of a "superstar" talent (NPR.org). Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta. As sidekick and supervillain, Nimona and Lord Blackheart are about to wreak some serious havoc. Their mission: prove to the kingdom that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren't the heroes everyone thinks they are. But as small acts of mischief escalate into a vicious battle, Lord Blackheart realizes that Nimona's powers are as murky and mysterious as her past. And her unpredictable wild side might be more dangerous than he is willing to admit.”  This was a pretty good graphic novel.  I would highly recommend it to teens, especially girls who are looking for strong female characters.

Turning Season

Turning Season by Sharon Shinn, 341 pages

Karadel is a shapeshifter who is trying to figure out a way to control her shifting.  Using the blood of other shapeshifters, she injects herself in hopes that she can control what she changes into and how often.  She's a pretty solitary person but has a few good friends and one night when she goes out with one of them she meets a guy who is clearly not a shapeshifter and knows nothing about her world.  But Joe is a really nice guy and Karadel finds herself falling for him. When other problems start to surface, Karadel is glad to have someone to turn to, but isn't sure how or if she can tell Joe her secret.  This book is part of the Shifting Circle series and I really liked it.  People who like fantasy that have some romance in it will enjoy this book.