Book picks similar to
Land of Strength and Sorrow by Cassandra Fear


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As You Wish


Chelsea Sedoti - 2018
    But Eldon wouldn’t want to live anywhere else, because in Madison, everyone gets one wish—and that wish always comes true.Some people wish for money, some people wish for love, but Eldon has seen how wishes have broken the people around him. And with the lives of his family and friends in chaos, he’s left with more questions than answers. Can he make their lives better? How can he be happy if the people around him aren’t? And what hope is there for any of them if happiness isn’t an achievable dream? Doubts build, leading Eldon to a more outlandish and scary thought: maybe you can’t wish for happiness…maybe, just maybe, you have to make it for yourself.

The Queen's Rising


Rebecca Ross - 2018
    While some are born with a talent for one of the five passions—art, music, dramatics, wit, and knowledge—Brienna struggled to find hers until she chose knowledge. However, despite all her preparations, Brienna’s greatest fear comes true: she is left without a patron.Months later, her life takes an unexpected turn when a disgraced lord offers her patronage. Suspicious of his intent, she reluctantly accepts. But there is much more to his story, for there is a dangerous plot to overthrow the king of Maevana—the rival kingdom of Valenia—and restore the rightful queen, and her magic, to the northern throne. And others are involved, some closer to Brienna than she realizes.With war brewing, Brienna must choose whose side she will remain loyal to—passion or blood. Because a queen is destined to rise and lead the battle to reclaim the crown. Who will be that queen?With gorgeous description and detailed rendering of a world where not everything is what it seems, debut author Rebecca Ross weaves an intricate tale of revenge, loyalty, and, ultimately, self-discovery.

Axton


Siobhan Davis - 2016
    Now, she’s the center of his universe, and he’ll do everything in his power to protect her.But Griselda’s evil plans cast a dark shadow over their love, threatening the future he so desperately craves. With separation looming, Ax is preparing to sacrifice everything for the girl he loves. It’s a high-stakes gamble, and he needs to stay ahead of the game if he's to outsmart his conniving mother.Sadie has been his savior.Now it’s his turn to save her.★☆ This book was previously titled The Heir and the Human ★☆

This Dark Endeavor


Kenneth Oppel - 2011
    In the forbidden Dark Library, Victor finds an ancient formula, and seeks an alchemist to recreate the Elixir of Life. With friends Elizabeth and Henry, he scales highest trees in the Strumwald, dives deepest lake caves, and each sacrifices a body part.

Rebel Genius


Michael Dante DiMartino - 2016
    Every artist possesses a Genius, a birdlike creature that is the living embodiment of an artist's creative spirit. Those caught with one face a punishment akin to death, so when Giacomo discovers he has a Genius, he knows he's in serious trouble.Luckily, he finds safety in a secret studio where young artists and their Geniuses train in sacred geometry to channel their creative energies as weapons. But when a murderous artist goes after the three Sacred Tools--objects that would allow him to destroy the world and everyone in his path--Giacomo and his friends must risk their lives to stop him.

The Blood Lottery


K.N. Lee - 2019
    Ava works on the massive structure the elves use to keep them imprisoned. They say it is protection from the monsters on the other side--from an ancient force.As Ava reaches the age to enter the Blood Lottery, she knows there is a better fate awaiting.But, when she almost loses her life in a devastating accident, something awakens inside.A force--an ancient magic--she never knew existed, yet learns history and folklore have prophecized.With the help of a rogue rebel leader, an elvish royal, and a mysterious wisp from my darkest nightmares, she may save the humans from their oppressors.Or, be used as a weapon against them in an epic game. Contains what was formerly known as Waking the Dark and Tempting the Fire.

Never Let You Fall


Michele G. Miller - 2013
    You will not die for me. I can’t live with that, Xander, and I would rather let them take me before I let them kill you.” He opened his mouth to argue, but I held up my hand. “Don’t argue it. There’s no point. I’ve made up my mind.” He shook his head, but didn’t argue. Instead, he promised as he always did, “If anything happens to you… if we get separated, if you martyr yourself… anything, Skye. As long as I am breathing, I will always find you. Always.” Those were precisely the words I’d counted on him saying. AN ORPHAN with no memory of her past and no hope for her future. A GUARDIAN determined to keep her safe. A DESTINY neither of them expected.

Wizard's Hall


Jane Yolen - 1991
    It’s not enough that his mother has sent him away from home to learn magic. It’s not enough that everyone at his new school calls him Thornmallow because he’s “prickly on the outside, squishy within.” It’s not enough that the only talent he shows at Wizard’s Hall is an ability to make messes of even the simplest spells. Now, when Wizard’s Hall is threatened by a cruel sorcerer’s fearsome beast, it is up to Henry--er, Thornmallow--to figure out how to save not only his new friends but also the entire school for wizards.

Amber & Dusk


Lyra Selene - 2018
    Out in the permanent twilight of the Dusklands, her guardians called her power to create illusions a curse. But Sylvie knows it gives her a place in Coeur d'Or, the palais of the Amber Empress and her highborn legacies. So Sylvie sets off toward the Amber City, a glittering jewel under a sun that never sets, to take what is hers.But her hope for a better life is quickly dimmed. The empress invites her in only as part of a wicked wager among her powerful courtiers. Sylvie must assume a new name, Mirage, and begin to navigate secretive social circles and deadly games of intrigue in order to claim her spot. Soon it becomes apparent that nothing is as it appears and no one, including her cruel yet captivating sponsor, Sunder, will answer her questions. As Mirage strives to assume what should be her rightful place, she'll have to consider whether it is worth the price she must pay.

Goddess Legacy


M.W. Muse - 2013
    rather Adin Shepard was the hottest guy in school before he graduated a couple of weeks ago. Now it's summer vacation and she's not sure when she'll get to see him again. Until he shows up at her surprise seventeenth birthday party. Cue saliva glands--it's time to drool.But her giddiness is cut short when her guardian delivers an emotional blow, telling Legacy her mother hadn't died when she was baby, but that she'd left for Legacy's protection all those years ago. After the initial shock, she expects some story about how her mother was in the Witness Protection Program or something else just as crazy, but when she's told that her mother is a Greek Goddess and that Legacy is changing into one too, she thinks her guardian needs a trip to a mental hospital. Legacy a goddess? Um, yeah. Right. And her BFF is the Easter Bunny.While trying to make sense out of something that was impossible to believe, Adin asks Legacy out on a date. She is thrilled that her fantasy might become a reality, but when she meets the new guy in town, River, she discovers everything isn't always as it seems, and the legacy she wants just might not be the legacy she is destined to have.

To Kill a Fae


Jamie A. Waters - 2019
    All Sabine had to do was keep her head down, avoid telling anyone about her past, and above all else -- not let her glamour drop.Even the best-laid plans eventually fall apart.When a charismatic stranger arrives in the city, Sabine finds herself unwittingly drawn to him and the power she can sense hidden within him. Keeping her distance is nearly impossible, especially after a life debt is called due and she’s tasked into helping steal a rare artifact.Sabine is the only one who can break the magical barriers protecting the item, but that means revealing the truth about her identity and exposing her darkest secrets. Unfortunately, the Fae aren’t the only ones hunting her.And the most dangerous monsters aren’t always confined to the dark.

Winterborne


Augusta Blythe - 2011
    All in all a book that goes straight to my favorites shelf and one I can't wait to read its sequel!" - Anna, Books That Brighten Your Mood "I give this book five stars, and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes YA fantasy. I can't wait to see what happens next!" - Allison, La Petite Fille Rousse"I absolutely loved Winterborne, it's a fantastic YA adventure with tonnes of action, paranormal creatures galore, hilarious dialogue and intriguing family secrets." - Lesley, My Keeper Shelf Mia Winterborne knows she is destined to be special. Her upcoming seventeenth birthday promises more than just a driver’s license. Is she a witch? The next Supergirl? Details are sketchy as her dad disappeared with all the answers when she was five. By Mia’s side is Loie Bryce, her best friend and eternal sidekick extraordinaire. The girls’ intense friendship has never wavered until now, when Andreas arrives in Salcey Ridge. They both fall hard for the British hottie, who quickly becomes a fixture in their lives. When they discover that Andreas is not who he appears to be, the frightening reality of Mia’s abilities finally hits home. The nearer Mia’s birthday draws, the more the danger escalates and long-buried lies are exposed, putting the girls on a path that they never expected.

TruthStone


Mike Shelton - 2018
    Now, she had a strange green TruthStone and the magic made her uneasy. The keeper’s words rang in her ears. What did it mean?“You are the one to save all the gemstones.”At fifteen, she was more interested in watching her brother Cole practice his sword fighting than listening to a strange prophecy, but there was something in her voice as the bright gem passed between them, that made Shaeleen believe.Why was she chosen?In that moment, surrounded by the chatter of barter, and for a reason beyond her comprehension, she decided it wouldn’t hurt to do a little digging around.But now every time she heard or told a lie she felt physical pain……Would her life ever be the same again?You’ll love this YA Fantasy, because it’s full of action, adventure, and magic…and just might make you think a moment longer before you tell your next lie!

Isle of Dragons


C. Greenwood - 2017
    The day an ancient curse was unleashed and the Ninth Isle, the final refuge of dragons, was swallowed up by the angry ocean. For centuries my people, the winged dragonkind, have protected the dragons, bonding with them and sharing the skies together. Now both races face extinction. I made it happen. I meddled with the magic that doomed my home island. And now that magic consumes me. But it isn’t too late. If I can learn to control the power that has invaded me I might survive long enough to find the lost mountain that legend says can restore the legacy of my people. But greedy pirates and cruel Gold Ship Voyagers bar my way. And my only ally on this desperate quest is a beast some call the mad dragon—an eater of men. Can I bend both the dragon and my newfound powers to my will before time runs out? Or will the last hope of dragons, the memory of a fierce race, die with me?

An Ember in the Ashes


Sabaa Tahir - 2015
    Elias is a soldier. Neither is free.   Under the Martial Empire, defiance is met with death. Those who do not vow their blood and bodies to the Emperor risk the execution of their loved ones and the destruction of all they hold dear.   It is in this brutal world, inspired by ancient Rome, that Laia lives with her grandparents and older brother. The family ekes out an existence in the Empire’s impoverished backstreets. They do not challenge the Empire. They’ve seen what happens to those who do.   But when Laia’s brother is arrested for treason, Laia is forced to make a decision. In exchange for help from rebels who promise to rescue her brother, she will risk her life to spy for them from within the Empire’s greatest military academy.   There, Laia meets Elias, the school’s finest soldier—and secretly, its most unwilling. Elias wants only to be free of the tyranny he’s being trained to enforce. He and Laia will soon realize that their destinies are intertwined—and that their choices will change the fate of the Empire itself.From the Hardcover edition.