Furthermore by Tahereh Mafi

Vibrant: this word perfectly encapsulates the world of Alice Alexis Queensmeadow, who was born into a world where colors and magic are intricately woven together. Hue is everything in Ferenwood, and while she has a hidden and much hated talent, to all appearances she is just a pale and washed-out albino with no magical abilities. But she has an even bigger problem: her father has been missing for several years, and when the wily boy Oliver promises to lead her to him if she will accompany him on a questionable journey, she takes a wild chance. They cross over into the Wonderland-like land of Furthermore, where the only thing more dangerous than the land's unpredictable magic are the natives, who like to dine on the magic-rich souls of any visitors who dare enter. One of my absolute favorite scenes in the book is when Alice meets a native boy who is her vivid opposite in rich colors, and instantly smitten, she stumbles over her words as she tries to ask him to marry her on the spot. Alice is no delicate damsel, but a willful girl who is not afraid to go after what she desires most. What I loved best about this story is how very human the characters all were in their wants, needs, and dreams: alternately selfish or kind,  brave or fearful, hurting and healing each other. The story wove a spangled tale of living, breathing ink. Here's hoping for more forays into Furthermore!

Secret Tree Star

A glint of light caught my eyes one blustery afternoon, and I glanced up to find a golden tree star winking back at me!

The leaves hid the secret all spring and summer. Only autumn told the truth. We are full of secret stars, too, I think. Sometimes strong winds strip us down to the bare glint, and we must learn how to shine again.

This little plastic tree star reminded me of a favorite quote of my mom's: "If at night you cry for the sun, you will not see the stars." -Rabindranath Tagore.

Heartstrikers trilogy! Nice Dragons Finish Last by Rachel Aaron

I bought myself the most delicious, non-caloric treat: the ebook trilogy consisting of Nice Dragons Finish Last, One Good Dragon Deserves Another, and No Good Dragon Goes Unpunished by Rachel Aaron. I finished off all three books in a week!

The Heartstriker series is set in a future where magic has returned to the earth after a meteor strike, and follows two principal characters: Julius, the youngest dragon in a family of violent, ambitious power hungry dragons who doesn't have an avaricious bone in his body. Disgusted by his gentle heart and utter lack of proper draconic behavior, his mother Bethesda seals him in human form and throws him into the DFZ (the Detroit Free Zone), telling him to Dragon Up or Die, basically. Too bad dragons are forbidden in the DFZ! But it is in this city that he meets Marci, a human mage who has a mysterious bond with Ghost, a spirit feline that isn't just a cat.

So what did I love best about this series? To start, the humor is hilarious! I especially loved the fact that Marci was no damsel in distress waiting to be rescued by Julius. Much of the series is devoted to her developing her powers as a mage and discovering more about her bond with Ghost. As for the other main character--oh Julius! He is stubbornly kind, non-violent and selfless even when his own life is at risk. And it is this very unique nature of his that starts to change the rule (and rules) of dragon society. The slow and sweetly awkward romance of Marci and Julius is also a pleasure to read . . . if you don't mind having your heart wrenched out now and then (no spoilers!). I don't think I've enjoyed a dragon story so much since Princess Cimorene and Kazul in The Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia C. Wrede.

Very much looking forward to book 4!