Author: Sarah Rees Brennan

Synopsis: Set in modern-day England, the story begins with 16-year-old Nick Ryves and his brother, Alan. Their family's been torn apart by the demons they run from, but now two teens are are asking them to fight back to save one who's been marked for possession.

Review: Nick is quite the head case, and you can't really blame him: After all, his day-to-day life running from magicians and demons would drive anyone a little crazy.

The intense loyalty of his brother, whose love he guards jealously from any woman who stumbles into their lives (including his own mother), is just about the only bright spot in their fugitive existance. That, and the huge honking sword he carries at all times. 

The characters and their world are portrayed consistently and realistically, which is always the most important aspect in the fantasy genre, and sometimes overlooked by less saavy writers. And the great big whooper of a family secret in the plot ensures that it's not just all magic, all the time.

I'm looking forward to the next installment in this new series, and many more books from first-time author Brennan. 

If you liked: Holly Black (Tithe), Garth Nix (Shade's Children, Keys to the Kingdom series) or Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson series) you'll enjoy this. Nick's character provides a likewise strong voice, but there's plenty of development to be had.

You should avoid this if: The supernatural just doesn't do it for you. While there is some violence, it never gets too graphic, and the young love angle is kept at a minimum, so if you're looking for a hot sex scene, move on.