cover image Glimmerglass

Glimmerglass

Jenna Black, St. Martin's Griffin, $9.99 paper (320p) ISBN 978-0-312-57593-9

Adult urban fantasy/paranormal author Black launches her young adult Faerie walker series with the tightly constructed, absorbing story of 16-year-old Dana, who is half human/half faerie. For as long as Dana can remember, her mother has been an alcoholic; after her mother humiliates her at yet another new school, Dana runs away to her mysterious father, who immediately invites her to Avalon, "the Wild City that was the crossroads between our world and Faerie, where magic and technology coexisted." Dana's hopes for a more stable existence don't materialize. Her father is in jail when Dana arrives, and she's locked up by her heretofore unknown aunt, rescued by teenage Fae rebels, and plunked down in the middle of messy and dangerous political intrigue. Dana learns that she's a rare and powerful Faeriewalker, with the power to move freely in the human and faerie worlds, and that many are seeking to control her. Black seamlessly blends urban and fantasy elements, and Dana's strength and determination make her a top-notch heroine. A solid choice for fans of the contemporary faerie tale genre. Ages 12–up. (June)