Review: Dark Mirror - M.J. Putney

• Reading level:
 Ages 12 and up

• Paperback:
 320 pages

• Publisher:
 St. Martin's Griffin (March 1, 2011)

Lady Victoria Mansfield, youngest daughter of the earl and countess of Fairmount, is destined for a charmed life. Soon she will be presented during the London season, where she can choose a mate worthy of her status.
Yet Tory has a shameful secret—a secret so powerful that, if exposed, itcould strip her of her position and disgrace her family forever. Tory’s blood is tainted . . . by magic.
When a shocking accident forces Tory to demonstrate her despised skill, the secret she’s fought so hard to hide is revealed for all to see. She is immediately exiled to Lackland Abbey, a reform school for young men and women in her position. There she will learn to suppress her deplorable talents and maybe, if she’s one of the lucky ones, be able to return to society.
But Tory’s life is about to change forever. All that she’s ever known or considered important will be challenged. What lies ahead is only the beginning of a strange and wonderful journey into a world where destiny and magic come together, where true love and friendship find her, and where courage and strength of character are the only things that determine a young girl’s worth.

My Thoughts...

Victoria the daughter of an Earl would have lived a great life if only her magic would have stayed hidden. Put in the position to use her power to save her nephew or keep it hidden and let him die, she saves him, and is out casted for her good deed. She is sent to a boarding school where she will be "fixed", "cured" of her magic. The more time she spends there the more unsure she becomes. She eventually comes across a secret group of kids/teachers that embrace there magic and want to use it to defend England from the threat of Napoleon. Well one meeting the meeting gets raided. Tori thought she was caught until she happened upon a mirror that took her into the future to world war 2 England. Long story short this was a great book! I loved the old day English setting, and world war 2 English setting . I loved the characters each one was unique and added something to this story. I also really enjoyed the magic. This was a really great historical paranormal read. If you haven't read it yet then go do it now! Then start the second book! I give this one 5 stars! 

Review: Fateful - Claudia Gray

• Reading level:
 Ages 14 and up

• Hardcover:
 336 pages

• Publisher:
 HarperTeen (September 13, 2011)

Eighteen-year-old maid Tess Davies is determined to escape the wealthy, troubled family she serves. It’s 1912, and Tess has been trapped in the employ of the Lisles for years, amid painful memories and twisted secrets. But now the Lisle family is headed to America, with Tess in tow. Once the ship they’re sailing on—the RMS Titanic—reaches its destination, Tess plans to strike out and create a new life for herself.
Her single-minded focus shatters when she meets Alec, a handsome first-class passenger who captivates her instantly. But Alec has secrets of his own. He’s in a hurry to leave Europe, and whispers aboard the ship say it’s because of the tragic end of his last affair with the French actress who died so gruesomely and so mysteriously. . . .
Soon Tess will learn just how dark Alec’s past truly is. The danger they face is no ordinary enemy: werewolves exist and are stalking him—and now her, too. Her growing love for Alec will put Tess in mortal peril, and fate will do the same before their journey on the Titanic is over.
In Fateful, New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray delivers paranormal adventure, dark suspense, and alluring romance set against the opulent backdrop of the Titanic’s first—and last—voyage.

My Thoughts...

This book was oddly enchanting. I read this book because I had to see how this was going to work. I loved Tess, who never gave up and who tried to the end to help people that didn't care if she lived or died. She also spent a lot of time try8ing to talk herself out of caring for a many solely based on station. While I understand why, it upset me to no end. Just about ever aspect of Tess's servant life upset me. I loved that this was set on the Titanic, it is something everyone knows and was rather well done. The only thing that I was disappointed about was that I didn't feel enough time was dedicated to the sinking of the ship. But all in all I really enjoyed it. Great characters, story, and setting. There was drama, danger, love, and excitement, just enough of everything to make it great. I hope all of you give it a try. I give this one 4 stars!