Author: Alissa J. Zavalianos.

Series: The Chronicles of Chaera, Book 1.

Book Premise: After being abandoned by her first love, a young sea maiden named Merri trades her voice for a pair of legs. Just as she's becoming accustomed to human life, all young women in the kingdom are sent away in order to protect the prince from a terrible prophecy. Meanwhile, Prince Olivander is about to claim the throne, but never gets the chance. All of a sudden, he is cursed to forget everything he ever knew, while everyone else in turn forgets about him. And in a small town in Wales, a lighthouse keeper named Jac keeps having strange dreams about a world he doesn't know, a sea maiden, and a prince. Something sinister is afoot, and Merri, Jac, and Olivander must fight the darkness that threatens to destroy them. In this YA fantasy novel that gives off Little Mermaid and Chronicles of Narnia vibes, you'll be transported to the magical world of Chaera, and cheer for the characters until the very end.

Reading Level/Genre: Fantasy, fairy tale retelling, romance, young adult, Christian. Great for ages 14+ due to a little romance and some fantasy violence.

Profanity: 0/5. A few uses of "heck" and "dang," but no swearing.

Violence: 4/5. Not very graphic. Some blood and bruises, and a hideous sea monster (which appears at the end), and a battle, which doesn't get super gory. Merri wakes up after being given her legs to find that her tongue is gone, and there is a little blood.

Spice Level: 2/5. A romantic plot which doesn't extend beyond some brief kissing. Some romantic dialogue appears in letters at the end of the book.

Faith Elements: 5/5. This book is full of Christian themes. Prayer and discussions of faith are prevalent, and God's protection is mentioned dozens of times. In Chaera, He is known as "Esias," so both names are used.

Additional Content: A character steals a book, but returns it and apologizes.

My Take: Best book I've read this year so far! Can't say enough good things about it. It reminds me of the many great fantasy literature works, all while staying original and unique. And by the way, girl readers, you might just finish this with a crush on Jac *wink.*

Author: Serena Valentino.

Series: Villains, Book 1.

Book Premise: After watching a classic Disney movie like, say, Snow White, have you ever wondered about the other side of the story? As in, the villain's side? Fairest of All explores the origin story of the Wicked Queen, and how she might just have a little good in her after all.

Reading Level/Genre: Fantasy/fairy tale, young adult, mystery. Ages 14 and older.

Profanity: 1/5. Avoids strong language.

Violence: 3/5. Some mild violence, which can be slightly descriptive.

Spice Level: 1/5. Not spicy at all, one kissing scene.

Faith Elements: 0/5. Aside from fairy-tale magic, there are none.

Additional Content: None.

My Take: I loved this book! It was suspenseful and kept me turning the page for more. Definitely a book for fairy tale nerds!

Author: Kiera Cass.

Book Premise: Princess Annika lives the seemingly ordinary life of a second-born royal. However, she is doomed to a marriage of convenience by her father-one she doesn't want, with a duke she doesn't love. When she is taken captive by a band of rebels, Annika meets one of their handsome leaders, Lennox, and can't erase him from her mind when she is freed. But pursuing forbidden love has its consequences. What happens next will change the world Annika knows forever.

Reading Level/Genre: Fantasy, romance, young adult, action/adventure. Suitable for ages 15+ due to some violence and romantic themes.

Profanity: 1/5. One use of the h-word. Other than that the language is clean.

Violence: 4/5. Many battle scenes with occasional mentions of blood, but isn't graphic otherwise.

Spice Level: 3/5. Some kissing and romantic dialogue, but it never goes beyond that.

Faith Elements: 2/5. Several mentions of prayer and "having faith," but is isn't clear what religion the characters follow.

Additional Content: Annika doesn't have the best relationship with her father, the king, who can be very controlling.

My Take: My favorite Kiera Cass book that I've read so far! The perfect blend of romance and adventure. A tad slow at first, but as the book went along, I was on the edge of my seat at the end of each chapter! And I loved the happy, fairy tale ending!

Author: Kiera Cass.

Series: The Betrothed, Book 2.

Book Premise: Fleeing Coroa under the cover of darkness, Lady Hollis Eastoffe leaves everything she's ever known, including the memory of her first love, Silas. Little does she know that she's walking into a proverbial uprising. King Quentin of Isolte is becoming more tyrannical by the minute, and the country's people are in danger. Hollis knows that she's painting a target on her back by even being there, but she won't settle down until she can find the justice her family deserves.

Reading Level/Genre: Fantasy, romance, young adult, action/adventure. Suitable for ages 13+ due to some romantic themes.

Profanity: 0/5. No swearing.

Violence: 3/5. A few battle scenes that aren't very graphic or gory.

Spice Level: 2/5. A small romantic plot with some (not descriptive) kissing.

Faith Elements: 3/5. Though the specific religion isn't defined, there are multiple mentions of prayer, holy men, and a temple.

Additional Content: None.

My Take: Fantastic sequel to The Betrothed. This book was much more action-packed and exciting than the first, though I still love both. Definitely read this!

Author: Chris Colfer.

Series: The Land of Stories, Book 1.

Book Premise: Alex and Conner Bailey have lost their dad in a tragic car accident, and their mom is trying hard to keep them afloat. The one thing that makes their sadness and fear go away is their grandmother. One day, when she comes to visit, she gives Alex the nostalgic fairy tale book the children grew up with. But when Alex finds out that the book is also a portal to a fairy tale world, things get messy. Conner follows his sister, and they soon find themselves in a house with a giant frog, Cinderella's castle, and fighting an Evil Queen.

Reading Level/Genre: Fantasy and fairy tales. Written for ages 10-14.

Profanity: 0/5. The dialogue is very clean.

Violence: 4/5. In a fairy tale, not gory or graphic, fashion.

Spice Level: 2/5. With infrequent flirty dialogue and kisses.

Faith Elements: 5/5. The book is full of innocent, fairy tale magic, with a battle of good versus evil. Nothing too dark or demonic.

Additional Content: None.

My take: An exciting, awesome start to a series that will leave you wanting more!

Author: Kiera Cass.

Series: The Betrothed, Book 1.

Book Premise: Lady Hollis Brite is shocked and excited when King Jameson of Coroa asks for her hand in marriage. It's a one in a million chance, one that dozens of other young women she grew up with also hoped for. With her parents and maid, Delia Grace, Hollis moves to the palace to prepare for the wedding. But the life of a Coroan royal isn't all it's cracked up to be. Hollis meets a handsome foreigner, and soon finds herself pulled between marrying the king or the nobleman from Isolte.

Reading Level/Genre: Young adult (13+) fantasy and romance.

Profanity: 0/5. None that I noticed.

Violence: 3/5. There is one, not very graphic fighting scene towards the end of the book.

Spice Level: 2/5. A few brief kisses and flirty dialogue sprinkled throughout the book.

Faith Elements: 3/5. Not defined what religion the Coroans follow. There are multiple references to monasteries and holy men. God is also mentioned when two characters exchange wedding vows.

Additional Content: There are a few references to a miscarriage.

My Take: I've heard mixed things about Kiera Cass's books, but this one was great! By far one of the cleanest fantasy books I've read. There was plenty of action without feeling chaotic, and a satisfying romantic plot. The author set it up for a sequel, which I will totally be looking into!