Alix E. Harrow

Starling House has long been part of Opal's dreams, and when the reclusive owner offers her a job after a chance meeting, she decides to take it in the hope that she can use the money to better the life of her teenage brother, Jasper. But as she experiences the quirks of the house and starts to learn the history, Opal isn't sure who - or what - she can trust.

A beautifully told modern Gothic tale that is set in the author's own home state of Kentucky. I enjoyed the ride, trying to figure out the mystery of the house, and rooting for Opal every step of the way. Possibly my favorite of Harrow's books so far.… (mer)

I really enjoy the Fractured Fables series. The first one I read was actually #2, and I enjoyed it so much that it made me want to come back and read #1 to see how it all started.

Zinnia Gray is not expected to live past the age of 21, due to her illness. When her best friend Charm creates a super special Sleeping Beauty experience for her -- spinning wheel included -- Zinnia finds that pricking her finger has a very different effect on her than in the fairy tale. Rather than falling asleep, she is transported into another dimension and another Sleeping Beauty's story. Together she and Sleeping Beauty try their darnedest to both escape their fates and rewrite their stories.

This was a fun, quick read, and I love that it is an empowering feminist take on the traditional fairy tale. I look forward to reading more in this series!… (mer)