BEst books of 2015
Below are my favorite books of 2015. There were a lot of great books written this past year, so it was hard to narrow down the titles. If you need a good book to read, check them out!
Violet and Finch share an obsession with death. Although they go to the same school, the first time they talk is on their school's bell tower as they both contemplate suicide. Finch has struggled with depression his entire life, and Violet is struggling to stay afloat since her sister's death the year before. Seeing someone else struggling keeps both of them from jumping that day. Although they come from two different worlds, Violet and Finch's shared pain brings them closer together. In each other, they find the person that can push them to be braver and better. However, will their love be enough as their past demons draw near? This powerful novel will break your heart and make you fight harder to protect those you love. Amazing!
Boys Don't Knit by T. S. Easton
Ben Fletcher is in trouble. His best friends are hooligans. He is now dealing with a year's probation due the their latest "great" idea, which ended up with him stealing alcohol from the local market and accidentally running over his nazi-like crossing guard. Due to his probation, he must now work for the woman he hit, write a journal of what he has learned, and take a class. Now Ben is learning how to knit, which he can't confess to anyone else. Even his dad thinks he is taking a pottery class. However, Ben discovers that he enjoys knitting and that he is quite good at it. However, as his lies begin to unravel, he will have to be courageous because boys don't knit. This British import is hilarious. Ben is a constant worrier with a heart of gold and wacky parents. It was laugh-out-loud funny watching him try to keep his knitting a secret, like a dirty magazine but worse. He knows that if people, his peers and his father, find out that he knits, his life will be over. It is funny yet sad about how true this story is. We are fine with boys playing with guns and having a less-than-respectful view of women, but it is horrific if they like something that is deemed a woman's skill. Sorry to get on my high horse, but this is frustrating to me. My son loves weapons and painting his toenails, and why not? I still remember one of my favorite people sightings in NYC. I was on the subway, and there was a large, buff African American man calming knitting a neon pink scarf on the train. He was so tough that nobody was going to make fun of his skill. It was awesome! I hope someday soon it will be okay for all boys to knit.
Ben Fletcher is in trouble. His best friends are hooligans. He is now dealing with a year's probation due the their latest "great" idea, which ended up with him stealing alcohol from the local market and accidentally running over his nazi-like crossing guard. Due to his probation, he must now work for the woman he hit, write a journal of what he has learned, and take a class. Now Ben is learning how to knit, which he can't confess to anyone else. Even his dad thinks he is taking a pottery class. However, Ben discovers that he enjoys knitting and that he is quite good at it. However, as his lies begin to unravel, he will have to be courageous because boys don't knit. This British import is hilarious. Ben is a constant worrier with a heart of gold and wacky parents. It was laugh-out-loud funny watching him try to keep his knitting a secret, like a dirty magazine but worse. He knows that if people, his peers and his father, find out that he knits, his life will be over. It is funny yet sad about how true this story is. We are fine with boys playing with guns and having a less-than-respectful view of women, but it is horrific if they like something that is deemed a woman's skill. Sorry to get on my high horse, but this is frustrating to me. My son loves weapons and painting his toenails, and why not? I still remember one of my favorite people sightings in NYC. I was on the subway, and there was a large, buff African American man calming knitting a neon pink scarf on the train. He was so tough that nobody was going to make fun of his skill. It was awesome! I hope someday soon it will be okay for all boys to knit.
Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
For the past six years, Simon Snow has valiantly fought to destroy the Insidious Humdrum, the creature with his face that is sucking the magic out of the world. Simon knows that the final battle is coming, and he is not prepared. Simon's magical powers may be huge, but he still can't control it. His mentor, the Mage, wants him to run away and hide. His girlfriend broke up with him. Even worse, Baz, his talented, gorgeous and evil roommate, is missing, and Simon is going crazy without Baz to follow, fear and fight. It is never easy being the Chosen One, but with his selfless diligence, Simon may stop the great evil destroying the world he loves and discover a love that will sustain him in his darkest hour. Baz and Simon's relationship will leave your heart achingly full. This novel brings to life the fictional fantasy that her Fangirl main character Cath was obsessed with with. Just like the readers were intrigued by Simon's story, Rainbow also felt that his story needed to be told. The results are achingly beautiful. This may be Rowell's only fantasy, but if you love Rainbow's witty banter, anguished romances, and flawed-yet-wondrous characters, you will fall in love with this book as well. Highly recommended!
For the past six years, Simon Snow has valiantly fought to destroy the Insidious Humdrum, the creature with his face that is sucking the magic out of the world. Simon knows that the final battle is coming, and he is not prepared. Simon's magical powers may be huge, but he still can't control it. His mentor, the Mage, wants him to run away and hide. His girlfriend broke up with him. Even worse, Baz, his talented, gorgeous and evil roommate, is missing, and Simon is going crazy without Baz to follow, fear and fight. It is never easy being the Chosen One, but with his selfless diligence, Simon may stop the great evil destroying the world he loves and discover a love that will sustain him in his darkest hour. Baz and Simon's relationship will leave your heart achingly full. This novel brings to life the fictional fantasy that her Fangirl main character Cath was obsessed with with. Just like the readers were intrigued by Simon's story, Rainbow also felt that his story needed to be told. The results are achingly beautiful. This may be Rowell's only fantasy, but if you love Rainbow's witty banter, anguished romances, and flawed-yet-wondrous characters, you will fall in love with this book as well. Highly recommended!
The Cellar by Natasha Preston
Summer was headed out to a party when she is kidnapped by Clover, a man who has been kidnapping girls for years and keeping them in his basement. Clover calls the four girls he keeps his flowers: Lily, Violet, Poppy, and Rose. The girls have to adopt the names of their flower and do whatever he wants or Clover gets angry. When he gets angry, Clover loses control and things get messy. Dreaming of her family and boyfriend back home, Summer struggles to pretend she is happy in her prison. If only they can hold on a little longer, certainly someone should find them. However, the longer she is there, hopelessness threatens to overtake her resolve. This suspenseful story is one that you cannot put down. You are dying to find out if Summer can hold out long enough for her family to find her.
Summer was headed out to a party when she is kidnapped by Clover, a man who has been kidnapping girls for years and keeping them in his basement. Clover calls the four girls he keeps his flowers: Lily, Violet, Poppy, and Rose. The girls have to adopt the names of their flower and do whatever he wants or Clover gets angry. When he gets angry, Clover loses control and things get messy. Dreaming of her family and boyfriend back home, Summer struggles to pretend she is happy in her prison. If only they can hold on a little longer, certainly someone should find them. However, the longer she is there, hopelessness threatens to overtake her resolve. This suspenseful story is one that you cannot put down. You are dying to find out if Summer can hold out long enough for her family to find her.
Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Even though Feyre is the youngest daughter in her family, she is the one responsible for making sure her family is fed and sheltered after her mother dies. While out hunting in the woods, she kills a fantastically large wolf, and the next night, a terrifying beast demands retribution because she killed one of the fair folk. As payment, she agrees to spend the rest of her day's at his home in the treacherous, magical land of the faerie, filled with creatures who once enslaved humans. Once back at his him, the creature transforms to Tamlin, one of the terrifying and beautiful faerie lords. Although his lands are filled with dangerous creatures, Feyre finds that he and his people are not what she expected. Here she finds kindness, freedom, and passion. However, a deadly disease has spread across the faerie lands, and if this blight is unchecked, humans will suffer as well. When Feyre learns about the true nature of the evil, she will need great courage to fight to protect those she loves from its horror. I devoured Maas' latest series about a girl who can't trust her senses and instead must trust her heart. Filled with great treachery, terrible riddles, fiery passion, and unexpected kindnesses, I marveled at the depth of this tale of magic and mystery. Feyre is a prickly, tough, and tenacious heroine, and you will celebrate as discovers the truth about herself and the faerie people and fights for those she loves. Highly recommended!
Even though Feyre is the youngest daughter in her family, she is the one responsible for making sure her family is fed and sheltered after her mother dies. While out hunting in the woods, she kills a fantastically large wolf, and the next night, a terrifying beast demands retribution because she killed one of the fair folk. As payment, she agrees to spend the rest of her day's at his home in the treacherous, magical land of the faerie, filled with creatures who once enslaved humans. Once back at his him, the creature transforms to Tamlin, one of the terrifying and beautiful faerie lords. Although his lands are filled with dangerous creatures, Feyre finds that he and his people are not what she expected. Here she finds kindness, freedom, and passion. However, a deadly disease has spread across the faerie lands, and if this blight is unchecked, humans will suffer as well. When Feyre learns about the true nature of the evil, she will need great courage to fight to protect those she loves from its horror. I devoured Maas' latest series about a girl who can't trust her senses and instead must trust her heart. Filled with great treachery, terrible riddles, fiery passion, and unexpected kindnesses, I marveled at the depth of this tale of magic and mystery. Feyre is a prickly, tough, and tenacious heroine, and you will celebrate as discovers the truth about herself and the faerie people and fights for those she loves. Highly recommended!
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
At age six, Elias was chosen to train to become a soldier for the Martial Empire. Now he is the most promising soldier at the academy, but secretly, he loathes the cruelty of the Empire and is planning to desert. Then he learns that he has been selected as one of four students who will be tested to become the next Marital Emperor, and his chances of escape fall apart.
Laia is a scholar, a group of people who have become second-class citizens when they lost the war with the Martial empire. When her brother is taken by the Martial Empire, Laia will do anything to get him back. Even though her parents were betrayed by the Scholar Resistance they had led, Laia knows the rebel Scholars are her only chance to get her brother back. They agree to help her if she will pose as slave for the deadly commander of the Martial training academy and spy on her. Of course, Laia agrees.
One Scholar girl who is certain she will never be strong enough to protect those she loves, and one Martial boy who dreams of a world of peace. When they meet at the Academy, they will both inspire each other to fight for the world's they desire. However, their dreams will come at a terrible price.
Finally, a new fantasy series that you can get excited about! Tahir creates a world where it is difficult to know who trust, where cruelty reigns, and where the stories of magic are coming true. Laia and Elias are well-drawn characters that you will grow to admire, and their relationship is rich and complex. Fans of Game of Thrones will love this new series. Highly recommended!
At age six, Elias was chosen to train to become a soldier for the Martial Empire. Now he is the most promising soldier at the academy, but secretly, he loathes the cruelty of the Empire and is planning to desert. Then he learns that he has been selected as one of four students who will be tested to become the next Marital Emperor, and his chances of escape fall apart.
Laia is a scholar, a group of people who have become second-class citizens when they lost the war with the Martial empire. When her brother is taken by the Martial Empire, Laia will do anything to get him back. Even though her parents were betrayed by the Scholar Resistance they had led, Laia knows the rebel Scholars are her only chance to get her brother back. They agree to help her if she will pose as slave for the deadly commander of the Martial training academy and spy on her. Of course, Laia agrees.
One Scholar girl who is certain she will never be strong enough to protect those she loves, and one Martial boy who dreams of a world of peace. When they meet at the Academy, they will both inspire each other to fight for the world's they desire. However, their dreams will come at a terrible price.
Finally, a new fantasy series that you can get excited about! Tahir creates a world where it is difficult to know who trust, where cruelty reigns, and where the stories of magic are coming true. Laia and Elias are well-drawn characters that you will grow to admire, and their relationship is rich and complex. Fans of Game of Thrones will love this new series. Highly recommended!
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
Kind, beautiful, and thoughtful, Madeline Winter is a modern day rapunzel. She has spent most of her 17 years stuck inside her house watching the world because she has SCID, a rare condition that makes her severely allergic to the world. If she leaves the purified air of her house, she could die. The only people she see are her mom and her nurse Carla. Maddie has been okay with this until a new family moves in next door. They have a teenage son named Olly, an entrancing boy with Atlantic ocean blue eyes, a fascinating habit of hanging out on his roof, and a violent father. As Maddie begins to fall in love with him through texts (and supervised, secret visits with the help of her nurse), she begins to question her existence. Is it really living if you have never lived? Who is worth living for? What is worth dying for? Can a broken heart kill you? The answers she seeks are sure to destroy her world as she knows it. I can see why this book is on so many best book lists. Maddie is a narrator that is easy to love. Her intentions, as she fights for her love, are as pure as the air she breathes. As Maddie and Olly yearn to be together, readers will hearken to classic tales of romance such as Romeo and Juliet. I also thought that this was a novel for fans of The Fault in our Stars. Even though Everything, Everything gave the same feeling as these stories, the characters and plot were fresh and original. I have completely fallen for this fresh and fabulous romance. Highly recommended!
Kind, beautiful, and thoughtful, Madeline Winter is a modern day rapunzel. She has spent most of her 17 years stuck inside her house watching the world because she has SCID, a rare condition that makes her severely allergic to the world. If she leaves the purified air of her house, she could die. The only people she see are her mom and her nurse Carla. Maddie has been okay with this until a new family moves in next door. They have a teenage son named Olly, an entrancing boy with Atlantic ocean blue eyes, a fascinating habit of hanging out on his roof, and a violent father. As Maddie begins to fall in love with him through texts (and supervised, secret visits with the help of her nurse), she begins to question her existence. Is it really living if you have never lived? Who is worth living for? What is worth dying for? Can a broken heart kill you? The answers she seeks are sure to destroy her world as she knows it. I can see why this book is on so many best book lists. Maddie is a narrator that is easy to love. Her intentions, as she fights for her love, are as pure as the air she breathes. As Maddie and Olly yearn to be together, readers will hearken to classic tales of romance such as Romeo and Juliet. I also thought that this was a novel for fans of The Fault in our Stars. Even though Everything, Everything gave the same feeling as these stories, the characters and plot were fresh and original. I have completely fallen for this fresh and fabulous romance. Highly recommended!
On November 9th, the day before Fallon is scheduled to move from California to New York to pursue her dream of being an actress, she meets Ben, an aspiring novelist. When he saves her from a humiliating lunch with her father, they end up spending the day together. Ben is the first person to make Fallon feel beautiful since she was scarred in a fire, and their attraction is overwhelming. Although they have a powerful connection, Fallon needs to focus on her future, so they agree to meet up once a year on November 9th until they are both 23. This will also give Ben the perfect creative muse for his novel. As their lives grow more complicated, Ben and Fallon will have huge obstacles to overcome if they are going to turn their November 9th into their own happily ever after. This is one of those romances that hooks you from the first few pages. Readers will be dying to find out what happens to each of them throughout the year and if their feelings can survive a world of pressures. This swoon-worthy novel is filled with twists and turns and features original characters. Colleen Hoover's writing just keeps getting better and better! Delicious!
Nimona by Noelle Stevenson
Nimona arrives on the doorstep of the kingdom's biggest villain, Lord Ballister Blackheart, and announces that she is going to be his sidekick. Nimona is a shapeshifter, and she is eager to do whatever it takes to bring down the establishment, sometimes too eager. Blackheart wants to expose the kingdom's villainy without hurting anyone, but Nimona is delighted to kill and maim to make sure evil wins. With Nimona's exubert and deadly assistance, Blackheart's projects have been more successful. Therefore, the kingdom sends their hero, Sir Ambrosious Goldenloin, to defeat them. Goldenlion and Blackheart are former best friends, and it was Goldenloin's betrayal that turned Blackheart evil. Treachery awaits and laughs abound. This web comic turned graphic novel is brilliant! Confident and bloodthirsty, Nimona is also an innocent with a tragic past. For example, she is fine with shapeshifting and killing anyone in her way, but she is terrified of zombie movies. The complicated relationship between our villain and hero is silly and serious. After almost killing each other in a battle, they meet for drinks and share secrets. I was entranced by this imaginative and impressive debut from Stevenson. I can only hope she has more stories to share. Highly recommended!
Nimona arrives on the doorstep of the kingdom's biggest villain, Lord Ballister Blackheart, and announces that she is going to be his sidekick. Nimona is a shapeshifter, and she is eager to do whatever it takes to bring down the establishment, sometimes too eager. Blackheart wants to expose the kingdom's villainy without hurting anyone, but Nimona is delighted to kill and maim to make sure evil wins. With Nimona's exubert and deadly assistance, Blackheart's projects have been more successful. Therefore, the kingdom sends their hero, Sir Ambrosious Goldenloin, to defeat them. Goldenlion and Blackheart are former best friends, and it was Goldenloin's betrayal that turned Blackheart evil. Treachery awaits and laughs abound. This web comic turned graphic novel is brilliant! Confident and bloodthirsty, Nimona is also an innocent with a tragic past. For example, she is fine with shapeshifting and killing anyone in her way, but she is terrified of zombie movies. The complicated relationship between our villain and hero is silly and serious. After almost killing each other in a battle, they meet for drinks and share secrets. I was entranced by this imaginative and impressive debut from Stevenson. I can only hope she has more stories to share. Highly recommended!
Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen
Sydney is invisible in her house. Due to her brother's penchant for trouble, her family has always revolved around what Peyton has done wrong and what they are doing to help him get better. His last mistake has left a boy paralyzed and landed Peyton with a prison sentence. To help out with the finances, Sydney leaves her private school for a public one. There, she meets the charismatic Layla, her protective and cute older brother Mac, and the rest of their quirky and supportive friends and family. For the first time, Sydney has found a family that supports her and a boy who sees her. Yet, one mistake threatens to destroy everything she holds dear. Although Dessen may have changed the color scheme for her latest novel, this is still the classic Sarah Dessen romance that readers eagerly await. In fact, I have not loved her last two novels, but this one is full of the unique characters, true warmth, and romance of the best of writings. For me,The Truth About Forever is still my favorite. This one will now be a close second. I could not put it down. Highly recommended.
Sydney is invisible in her house. Due to her brother's penchant for trouble, her family has always revolved around what Peyton has done wrong and what they are doing to help him get better. His last mistake has left a boy paralyzed and landed Peyton with a prison sentence. To help out with the finances, Sydney leaves her private school for a public one. There, she meets the charismatic Layla, her protective and cute older brother Mac, and the rest of their quirky and supportive friends and family. For the first time, Sydney has found a family that supports her and a boy who sees her. Yet, one mistake threatens to destroy everything she holds dear. Although Dessen may have changed the color scheme for her latest novel, this is still the classic Sarah Dessen romance that readers eagerly await. In fact, I have not loved her last two novels, but this one is full of the unique characters, true warmth, and romance of the best of writings. For me,The Truth About Forever is still my favorite. This one will now be a close second. I could not put it down. Highly recommended.
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
Simon is not the boy he pretends to be. He has a lot of friends, many who are girls. He has even dated a few girls, but he know he doesn't "like" girls. The only person who knows that Simon is different is Blue, a mysterious guy from Simon's school who he emails. With Blue, Simon can be honest about his fears and dreams because Blue is a pretender too. As Simon grows closer to Blue, he tries to determine who Blue is and when he should unveil his true self is to the world. To add to his crazy life, one of his classmates discover's Simon's secret. He promises not to tell as long as Simon helps him with a girl he likes. With pressure from every side, Simon's world is about to explode. This original story is honest and funny. Simon is a popular guy with lots of friends, and the reader will want to be another member of his gang. His honest struggles to handle being honest about his true self will endear any reader. This is a book everyone should read. Highly recommended!
Simon is not the boy he pretends to be. He has a lot of friends, many who are girls. He has even dated a few girls, but he know he doesn't "like" girls. The only person who knows that Simon is different is Blue, a mysterious guy from Simon's school who he emails. With Blue, Simon can be honest about his fears and dreams because Blue is a pretender too. As Simon grows closer to Blue, he tries to determine who Blue is and when he should unveil his true self is to the world. To add to his crazy life, one of his classmates discover's Simon's secret. He promises not to tell as long as Simon helps him with a girl he likes. With pressure from every side, Simon's world is about to explode. This original story is honest and funny. Simon is a popular guy with lots of friends, and the reader will want to be another member of his gang. His honest struggles to handle being honest about his true self will endear any reader. This is a book everyone should read. Highly recommended!
Undertow by Michael Buckley
Lyric's world was on the beach the day the sea spit out the Alpha, a race of undersea Warriors. With 30,000 of them living as refugees on Coney Island, society's awe of these creatures from myth has turned to fear and hatred. However, the government has decided that it is time to integrate the Alpha, starting at Lyric's high school, and Lyric has been forced by her principal to befriend the Alpha prince. At first, their meetings terrify her, but as she gets to know him, she becomes fascinated by him and his world. However, Lyric's family's secrets and the Alpha's secret enemies will threaten everything she holds dear. The world of Atlantis comes to life on the beaches of Coney Island on this original and enthralling tale by Michael Buckley. Lyric and her friends and family will draw you in and take hold of your heart, and her dangerous love for the Alpha prince will make readers swoon. This book is the perfect recipe of great characters, original plot, and great writing. I highly recommend it!
Lyric's world was on the beach the day the sea spit out the Alpha, a race of undersea Warriors. With 30,000 of them living as refugees on Coney Island, society's awe of these creatures from myth has turned to fear and hatred. However, the government has decided that it is time to integrate the Alpha, starting at Lyric's high school, and Lyric has been forced by her principal to befriend the Alpha prince. At first, their meetings terrify her, but as she gets to know him, she becomes fascinated by him and his world. However, Lyric's family's secrets and the Alpha's secret enemies will threaten everything she holds dear. The world of Atlantis comes to life on the beaches of Coney Island on this original and enthralling tale by Michael Buckley. Lyric and her friends and family will draw you in and take hold of your heart, and her dangerous love for the Alpha prince will make readers swoon. This book is the perfect recipe of great characters, original plot, and great writing. I highly recommend it!
Until Friday Night by Abbi Glines
Every once in a while you find a book that you can't put down and characters you can't forget. Abbi Glines' newest novel is one of these books. Make sure to clear your schedules when you start this book because it is difficult to put down. To most people in Lawton, West Ashby has the perfect life. He helped lead his football team to the state championships last school year, and now they are on track to win again. He is dating one of the most beautiful girls in school, and he has has loving parents and loyal friends. However, West uses his cocky swagger to hide his overwhelming despair that his dad is losing his battle with cancer, a secret that only his family knows. Maggie Carleton keeps secrets. After watching her dad shoot her mother, she stopped talking. Moving to live with her aunt and uncle in Lawton, Maggie is hoping to find a safe place and avoid attention. At a field party, West meets Maggie and realizes this mute girl is the perfect person to reveal his fears over his dad's condition. She can keep his secrets, but what he doesn't expect is that she understands his pain. His words of suffering push Maggie to speak of her own. Suddenly, these two lonely souls have found solace. No one understands their connection. His ex-girlfriend thinks it is a faze, and her cousin is sure his best friend will break her heart. Their road may be steep, but true love is worth it.
Every once in a while you find a book that you can't put down and characters you can't forget. Abbi Glines' newest novel is one of these books. Make sure to clear your schedules when you start this book because it is difficult to put down. To most people in Lawton, West Ashby has the perfect life. He helped lead his football team to the state championships last school year, and now they are on track to win again. He is dating one of the most beautiful girls in school, and he has has loving parents and loyal friends. However, West uses his cocky swagger to hide his overwhelming despair that his dad is losing his battle with cancer, a secret that only his family knows. Maggie Carleton keeps secrets. After watching her dad shoot her mother, she stopped talking. Moving to live with her aunt and uncle in Lawton, Maggie is hoping to find a safe place and avoid attention. At a field party, West meets Maggie and realizes this mute girl is the perfect person to reveal his fears over his dad's condition. She can keep his secrets, but what he doesn't expect is that she understands his pain. His words of suffering push Maggie to speak of her own. Suddenly, these two lonely souls have found solace. No one understands their connection. His ex-girlfriend thinks it is a faze, and her cousin is sure his best friend will break her heart. Their road may be steep, but true love is worth it.
The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh
Everyone has heard the story of Scheherazade and the 1000 Arabian nights, of how each night she weaves stories for the murderous king to prevent her own execution. However, did you ever wonder why the king killed all those girls? The Wrath and the Dawn attempts to answer this question in a retelling of the story. In this tale, Shahrzad volunteers to marry the murderous Khaled in hopes of finding a way to assassinate him for killing her dearest friend. Her stories do keep her alive, but as she grows closer to Khaled, she realizes that he is not the devil she imagined. He is being driven to commit his crimes. As Khaled and Shahrzad both attempt to defy fate and find love, dark forces threaten all they hold dear. Just as Shahrzad's stories hypnotize the king, this lush and exotic fantasy will draw in readers. The characters and plot are multi-layered and fascinating. This re-imagining of a classic tale will delight new readers.
Everyone has heard the story of Scheherazade and the 1000 Arabian nights, of how each night she weaves stories for the murderous king to prevent her own execution. However, did you ever wonder why the king killed all those girls? The Wrath and the Dawn attempts to answer this question in a retelling of the story. In this tale, Shahrzad volunteers to marry the murderous Khaled in hopes of finding a way to assassinate him for killing her dearest friend. Her stories do keep her alive, but as she grows closer to Khaled, she realizes that he is not the devil she imagined. He is being driven to commit his crimes. As Khaled and Shahrzad both attempt to defy fate and find love, dark forces threaten all they hold dear. Just as Shahrzad's stories hypnotize the king, this lush and exotic fantasy will draw in readers. The characters and plot are multi-layered and fascinating. This re-imagining of a classic tale will delight new readers.