Enchantment by Orson Scott Card

Enchantment by Orson Scott Card: a beautiful, funny and exciting modern version of Sleeping Beauty. Lots of Russian history and culture, two brave young lovers, some diabolical villains and juicy details make this a wonderful and satisfying read. I could not ask for a better fairytale retelling. If I don't think too much about the time travel paradoxes, I would say this is one of my favorite books to read for fun. Highly recommended!

the Bartimaus trilogy by Jonathan Stroud

The Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud, including The Amulet of Samarkand and The Golem's Eye, is actually a very well-written and witty series about wizards, demons and a re-imagined London. (I sure love those British authors, hah hah.) Unfortunately, the young protagonist happens to be a douchebag, so I found it a very unpleasant read overall. While the changing perspectives and the cheeky footnotes by the demon were extremely entertaining, I have a hard time justifying my admiration of a series when the hero is actually a jerk. I am told he gets better by the end, so I will try to read the third book, Ptolemy's Gate, just to know what happens. I need justification for staying up so late.

Don't get me wrong, this series is worth your time. I have finally read the last book, and while it was a gripping and dramatic adventure, he is still a douchebag. But one that you can like.