Realms Review: 'Stardust'

Imagine that the magical world of Faerie was next door to your village and the only thing separating the two was a wall. That's how the village of Wall got its name, and no one is allowed past the wall except once every nine years during the market. This is the story of Stardust, a novel written by Neil Gaiman. Would you go in search of what's beyond the wall?
          Tristran Thorn, a boy who's half fairy and doesn't know it, has no interest in what's beyond the wall until he and Victoria, the girl he's in love with, spot a shooting star. Tristran offers to find the star for Victoria in exchange for whatever he desires. She agrees, thinking Tristran would never go beyond the wall, and that even if he did, he'd come back shortly. But Tristran is in love and determined. He just didn't expect his months-long journey to be filled with quite so many fantastical things, like man-eating forests, candles that transport you miles in the direction you walk in, murderous witches, and treacherous princes. And, of course, the biggest shock comes when he realizes that the star isn't a lump of rock, but a young woman.
          A promise to a loved one leads to a perilous journey, the uncovering of Tristran's real identity, and the fate of Stormhold hanging in the balance. We give Stardust 4 out of 5 stars. The story and the world are incredible, and the magic lasts with you long after you've turned the last page. The characters motives are something we can all identify with, though we felt there was room for more development. Nonetheless, it's a fun tale we recommend to anyone over the age of fifteen.
          Stardust came to our attention after watching the beloved film adaptation starring Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer, which adds new life and depth to the characters (and a lot more humor!) than what was portrayed in the book. Still, the novel offers more perspective into the story that the film was unable to touch on. Both version are enjoyable and we recommend them both to you.

For a look at the film adaptation, view the trailer below:

Author Interview: Kendare Blake on 'Anna Dressed in Blood' and Writing YA

Realms YA Fantasy Literary Magazine: Will you give us a brief background about who you are and where you’re from?

Kendare Blake: Sure! I was born in South Korea, and adopted by my Midwest parents. I grew up mainly in smallish towns in Central Minnesota, so I know a lot about ice fishing and Ole and Lena jokes. I went to college in upstate New York and grad school in London, and now I live south of Seattle, Washington, with my husband, and our four-legged boys.  We have three of them: cats Tybalt (yes, he was in Anna Dressed in Blood) and Tyrion Cattister, and their baby brother, Obi Dog Kenobi.

Realms: Would you say your childhood and adolescence influenced your writing?

Kendare: Absolutely. Not so much the Ole and Lena jokes, but those are formative years, right? They influenced the way I interpret the world. Those years are also the years when I read the most, first by checking out every unicorn book in the library with my mother, and later buying every Stephen King and Anne Rice in the bookstore, also with my mother.

Realms: What appeals to you about writing YA?

Kendare: Well, there’s the fact that you can do almost anything. That’s nice. It’s a broad category with lots to explore. But when I write, I never think to myself, “Oh, I’m writing YA.” I’m just writing a story, same as always.

Realms: What about Cas Lowood, ghost hunter extraordinaire in Anna Dressed in Blood and Girl of Nightmares, do you think appeals to readers?

Kendare: He appreciates that you refer to him as “extraordinaire.” I think Cas appeals to some readers because he’s tough but plainly lonely. Because he might act like a jerk sometimes and make stupid, bullheaded choices, but you can still see his reasons. And a lot of it has to do with his voice. It was a lot of fun writing with Cas. He’s just an engaging guy. I miss him.

Realms: Do you think that adults have something to gain by reading YA stories?

Kendare: Yes. I think everyone has something to gain by reading anything. I hear way too many people utter the words, “I don’t read,” with a tone of pride, like a badge of honor or something, and I don’t get it. Read, dammit. Read! I promise, the worlds you find in books are far cooler than the one we have to live in.

Realms: You have an MA in creative writing from Middlesex University. How did that experience shape your writing?

Kendare: It opened me up to looking at writing in a different way. Breaking it down. Seeing the strings. Appreciating the construction of pieces even if I didn’t find the narrative personally engaging. And it did a lot as far as helping me understand the business of writing. Plus, I was in London, man. And a writer’s workshop is a great place to form lasting friendships.

Realms: Who are your influences?

Kendare: Everyone I’ve ever read, probably. Lots of writers influence me in rather indirect ways, like reading Milan Kundera sort of pops the cap off of my brain. His words often feel like my own thoughts, put to better music. Reading Bret Easton Ellis tends to make me ambitious and sharp. Caitlin R. Kiernan pushes my imagination and makes me feel bad about my research skills.

Kendare Blake

Realms: If you had to choose a favorite YA book (decisions, decisions, we know!), which might it be?

Kendare: Aaaargh, that’s hard. Way too hard. By the time you get to The Amber Spyglass, the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman might be considered YA. Or, I still really love So Shelly, by Ty Roth, and The Scorpio Races, by Maggie Stiefvater…there are really too many to name.

Realms: From Anna Dressed in Blood and Girl of Nightmares to the Goddess War Series (the last of which is forthcoming in August 2015): what’s next for you?

Kendare: My next novel will be called Three Dark Crowns. It’s about queens on a hidden island in the Atlantic. On the island, queens are born in threes. Sisters, and each has a particular gift. She can be a naturist, or an elemental. A poisoner or a telekinetic. They are raised in the city populated with people of their specific gift, and when they come of age, one rises to take the throne, by killing the other two.

            Three Dark Crowns is the story of one generation of young queens. Arsinoe, the naturist, Katharine, the poisoner, and Mirabella, the elemental.

Realms: If there were the kind of magic in the world that is in storybooks, what would you want to be or be able to do?

Kendare: I’d want the ability to change a thing into another thing. I want to turn a rock into a cupcake. A dog into a goat and then back into a dog. That’s less storybook and more comic book, but it would be so rad.

Realms: What would you tell aspiring writers of fantasy and/or YA?

Kendare: Keep on writing, and keep on reading. You may read many bad things, and write many bad things along the way, but when you look back you’ll see the method to the madness. Try different ways of working until you find what’s best for you. Understand that what works may change from book to book.

            Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy it.

Anna Dressed in Blood is a YA fantasy novel by Kendare Blake. In this tale of horror, Cas Lowood, a ghost hunter, meets Anna, a spirit who's killed all who enter her home, but she spares Cas's life. Anna Dressed in Blood and its sequel, Girl of Nightmares, have been praised by YA authors Cassandra Clare, Holly Black, and more. Be sure to also check out Kendare Blake's Goddess War Series. You can learn more about Kendare Blake on her website, and follow her on Twitter.

Realms Review: 'Wildefire'

If you're into tales of gods, goddesses, and mythology, you'll want to check out Wildefire by Karsten Knight right now. Imagine being at the scene of a crime, a crime where someone you know is murdered, and the murderer is your sister. Such is the fate of Ashline Wilde, a fifteen-year-old Polynesian girl who watches helplessly as her sister commands the weather and electrocutes the girl vandalizing their house. 

          Months later, Ashline finds herself at a boarding school on the other side of the country in California. She likes it there, and she's made friends. But as she and four other students constantly meet each other under strange circumstances, they begin to question why they're really at a boarding school in the middle of nowhere. The truth is they were drawn there for a reason...to prevent the apocalypse, a task that is a little easier when you're a reincarnated god or goddess. 

          We give Wildefire 4 out of 5 stars. The story and plot was amazing, with a surprise twist at the very end. Knight slowly winds the characters into your heart, giving them a depth you don't notice until their wills are tested. The reason we don't give it the whole 5 is because there were a few instances where scenes could have been more developed. We would have loved to see character reactions to certain events that were unfortunately glossed over. Occasionally the point of view was written sloppily, but after the beginning, it straightened out. 

          Overall, we think this book is a fantastic read and should be on your list if you like anything to do with modernized mythology. And, if you like it, it's the first in a trilogy! Be sure to also take a look at the sequel, Embers & Echoes.

May 2015 Young Adult Fantasy Releases

Good afternoon, Travelers!

How are you this Wednesday? We are excited to be researching what we can do this summer to make a printed second issue of Realms a reality! Please tell us what you think of the magazine on our social media or comment on the website. Moving on, we know you're here to take a look at some of the enticing May 2015 releases.
          Below you will find five YA fantasy books or publications that we think are fantastic. This is purely opinion, and if you know of other books that released this month that are earth-shaking, please comment below and share the book/publication with the world! Nothing shows author appreciation like spreading the word. 

Realms, Issue No. 1

May 1, 2015:

Realms Young Adult Fantasy Literary Magazine – Step into the Realms, where magic and fairy tales become reality. We can't promise that every story has a happy ending, but we guarantee each one is intriguing.
          Come, join the sea riders, whose serpentine sea beasts guide them through the deeps. 
          Keep your eyes peeled for the follower. 
          Should you hear an earsplitting roar, do not be afraid; the dragons are not here to harm you. 
          Tread softly, carefully, around the fairy pool. 
          Do not go near the grim grimoire, particularly when it talks to you and whispers promises. 
          If you were told that rules are made to be broken, we hope you had the good sense to laugh at that; otherwise, you might be in the raven king's clutches....
          This is but a taste of six stories in the magazine. You can read all of the ones here and the rest on our main website.

May 5, 2015:

Crimson Bound
by Rosamund Hodge

Crimson Bound by Rosamund Hodge – When Rachelle was fifteen she was good—apprenticed to her aunt and in training to protect her village from dark magic. But she was also reckless—straying from the forest path in search of a way to free her world from the threat of eternal darkness. After an illicit meeting goes dreadfully wrong, Rachelle is forced to make a terrible choice that binds her to the very evil she had hoped to defeat.
          Three years later, Rachelle has given her life to serving the realm, fighting deadly creatures in an effort to atone. When the king orders her to guard his son Armand—the man she hates most—Rachelle forces Armand to help her find the legendary sword that might save their world. As the two become unexpected allies, they uncover far-reaching conspiracies, hidden magic, and a love that may be their undoing. In a palace built on unbelievable wealth and dangerous secrets, can Rachelle discover the truth and stop the fall of endless night?
          Inspired by the classic fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood, Crimson Bound is an exhilarating tale of darkness, love, and redemption.

A Court of Thorns and
Roses by
Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas – When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin-one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.
          As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow over the faerie lands is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin-and his world-forever.

May 12, 2015:

End of Days
by Susan Ee

End of Days by Susan Ee – End of Days is the explosive conclusion to Susan Ee’s bestselling Penryn & the End of Days trilogy. After a daring escape from the angels, Penryn and Raffe are on the run. They’re both desperate to find a doctor who can reverse the twisted changes inflicted by the angels on Raffe and Penryn’s sister. As they set off in search of answers, a startling revelation about Raffe’s past unleashes dark forces that threaten them all.
          When the angels release an apocalyptic nightmare onto humans, both sides are set on a path toward war. As unlikely alliances form and strategies shift, who will emerge victorious? Forced to pick sides in the fight for control of the earthly realm, Raffe and Penryn must choose: Their own kind, or each other?

Off the Page
by Jodi Picoult

May 19, 2015:

Off the Page by Jodi Picoult – Meet Oliver, a prince literally taken from the pages of a fairy tale and transported into the real world. Meet Delilah, the girl who wished Oliver into being. It’s a miracle that seems perfect at first. Sure, Oliver doesn’t know that you shouldn’t try to open your locker with a dagger or that there’s no such thing as “the ruler” of the local mall. But he also looks at Delilah as if she’s the only girl in the world—the only girl in any world—and Delilah can’t help feeling that being with him is a dream come to life.
         But not every story can have a happy ending. Because the book wants Oliver back. And it will turn both worlds upside down to get him. 
         Oliver and Delilah will have to decide what—and who—they’re willing to risk for love and what it really means for a fairy tale to come true.

Let us know how you rate each book/publication and what you thought of them! We're curious to know, or email us with your review and have a chance at being featured on Realms News!

Realms

Realms Magazine has Officially Released!

Hello, Travelers!

Do you know the significance of May 1? Well, if you've been following us for a while, you should know it's a special date because it's the release of the first issue of Realms Young Adult Fantasy Literary Magazine! Join us in celebration of thirteen titles, various works by several artists, and of course, the team that put it all together! A special thanks goes out to our creator, Daphne Tuccitto, our editorial consultant, Lara Bessette, our layout designer, Brandon Griggs, and our cover artist, Laura Hackney.
          May 1 is also a special day because it's our editorial consultant's birthday (but you didn't hear that from us!). Happy birthday, Lara!
          If you like the design work you see in our magazine, please be sure to check out Brandon's website and refer him to people you know! We are so proud of his work and absolutely love it. And, if you are impressed by the cover art by Laura Hackney, we highly encourage to look at her other works on her website.
         The magazine wouldn't have been possible without the following contributors:
       
          (writers)
          Elizabeth J.M. Walker, "The Sea Rider"
          Brittany Valdez,  Dragon's Roar, Part One "Stained"
          Kimberly Hunt, "Change"
          Alex Carrigan, "The Follower"
          J.N. Race, The Lost Remnant, "Chapter Seven"
          Madelaine Formica, "Revenge"
          Whitney Emeigh, "Mira 'the Marred' "
          Grace O'Rourke, "A Dash of Illusion"
          Lara Bessette, "The Fateful Swim"
          Cam M. Sato, "Grim Grimoire"
          Marshall Highet, Modified, "Chapter One"
          Kaitlin Hillerich, "The Parade of Painted Elephants"
          Daphne Tuccitto, "The Raven King"

          (artists)
          Lauren Tyrell
          Kirstie Guerette
          Leanna Crossan
          Laura Hackney
          Noah Drayton
          Micaela Jawor
          Alex Germek

          Thank you to everyone who has turned this dream into a reality. If you are interested in reading the magazine, click here for issue no. 1. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr for updates about the magazine and our contributors.

          Now go forth and find the fantastical fixes for your supernatural cravings!

Realms

Realms Review: 'Extraordinary'

Yesterday, we just finished reading Nancy Werlin's incredible storytelling in Extraordinary. For those of you who love tales of the realm of Faerie, read on. You won't be disappointed by the intricate the plot and twist at the end of this beautifully written story.
          The story follows the fate of two best friends, Phoebe and Mallory, and takes place in Boston, MA. Except, Mallory's not exactly human. She's a faerie sent to the human world on a mission and that mission involves preparing Phoebe for an ominous something. Then, when Mallory's brother, Ryland, arrives out of the blue, their friendship is tested. For Phoebe, the answers to her problems lies at the heart of one question: what does it mean to be extraordinary?
          We at Realms would like to give Extraordinary 3.5 out of 5 stars. Now that seems low, but hear us out. Personally, we were not fans of the writing itself. It was slow at times, despite being lovely language, and this is the only reason we rate it why we do. The plot was phenomenal, the hook was enticing, and just when you think you've predicted the ending, Werlin flips the story on its head.
           If you love reading for the sake of the story, we recommend Extraordinary. However, if you're into "juicier" writing, then you may want to pass on this one. We leave the choice up to you!

Realms Review: 'Marked'

Marked by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast is the first book in a series about vampyres and 16-year-old Zoey Redbird. This book came out years ago during the vampire fad, but is actually one of the rare original ones. Both authors manage to weave a story that is sensual and spiritual, while also managing the usual coming-of-age story.
          Zoey's home life is a wreck, and though she's terrified when she's Marked as a vampyre, she quickly learns that the vampyre boarding school she's sent to is more of a home than her mother's house. With new friends and new abilites, as well as being unusually Marked by the goddess, Nyx, Zoey finds her place. But not all is right at the House of Night. Some students are misusing their gifts, and Zoey has to be the one to stop them.
          Filled with romance, loyalty, friendship, and misadventures, Marked is a fascinating tale that will have you turning pages. We give this book 4 out of 5 stars for its intricate mythology, interesting plot, fast pace, and characters that have more depth than is apparent on the surface, which is more clearly illustrated in the sequel books!
          If Marked interests you, be sure to also check out Betrayed, the next book in the series.

Young Adult Book Festivals

Hello, everyone!

Have you ever been to a young adult book festival? There are a few really popular ones, and then more localized fairs! We want to start a list that we can share with everyone so you know which festivals are near you. Then, hopefully, you'll sign up for the next one.

If you know of any YA book festivals near you, comment below with the name and state. Let's grow this list together!

YALLFEST: Every year, YALLFEST takes place in Charleston, SC. It's a weekend-long event where a lineup of authors, booksellers, and more hold panels, readings, and other events in honor of young adult books. Many popular authors make appearances and signings. If you're in the area, be sure to check it out! This year's author appearances will be announced in June. Visit the website for details on last year's event to see what you can expect this year!

YALLWEST: This year's YALLWEST took place last weekend April 11 & 12 in Santa Monica. If you went, you should tell us all about it! YALLWEST is the west coast version of YALLFEST, in case it wasn't obvious from the name. You can read more of last weekend's event on their website and learn about the events they host so you can plan on attending next year.

Texas Teen Book Festival: This year's Texas Teen Book Fest is Saturday, September 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at St. Edward's University. It's free and open to the public. This year, they are also featuring a writing contest hosted by Delacorte Press! You can read the guidelines here.

Teen Book Con: The Teen Book Convention in Houston, TX took place on April 11 this year. For more info on the Con, you can visit their website and check in for information on next year's con! Admission to this event is free and it hosts a whole slew of popular authors.

YA Fest: The 2015 YA Fest in Pennsylvania will be hosted at the Palmer Branch of Easton Area Public Library on Saturday, October 10! The author line-up will be announced soon, so make sure to frequent the website for more details. For those of you who are also interested in Middle Grade novels and authors, there will also be a YA FEST JUNIOR at the Bethlehem Area Public Library on April 25, so mark your calendars!

Teen Book Festival: The 10th annual Greater Rochester Teen Book Festival takes place in Rochester, NY on May 16 at Nazareth College! For more details, visit the website. It is a free event with this year's lineup include big name authors like Charles Benoit, Cinda Williams Chima, Gayle Forman, Sarah J. Maas, and many more!

NYC Teen Author Festival: The NYC Teen Author Festival took place on March 15-23 this year, but you can visit the website for more information about the festival. Be sure to check in next year for details on when it takes place and who will be there!



Have you been to any of these book festivals? Tell us about your experiences below or add other teen book fairs you've been to!

Realms

April 2015 Young Adult Fantasy Releases

Hello, Travelers!

Today we are compiling a list of Young Adult Fantasy titles that are releasing this month. To make your search easier, we're picking out the books that look the most appealing to us. Please note that this short list does not (at all) encompass the many various YA fantasy books that will be released this month. These are the select few we've stumbled across. So, if you know of any others, please comment below with the title and the description!

April 11, 2015:

Dragonfriend by Marc Secchia - Stabbed. Burned by a dragon. Abandoned for the windrocs to pick over. The traitor Ra'aba tried to silence Hualiama forever. But he reckoned without the strength of a dragonet's paw, and the courage of a girl who refused to die.
           Only an extraordinary friendship will save Hualiama's beloved kingdom of Fra'anior and restore the King to the Onyx Throne. Flicker, the valiant dragonet. Hualiama, a foundling, adopted into the royal family. The power of a friendship which paid the ultimate price.
           This is the tale of Hualiama Dragonfriend, and a love which became legend.

April 21, 2015:

Becoming Jinn by Lori Goldstein - Wishing doesn't make it so, Azra does.
          Azra has just turned sixteen, and overnight her body lengthens, her olive skin deepens, and her eyes glisten gold thanks to the brand-new silver bangle that locks around her wrist. As she always knew it would, her Jinn ancestry brings not just magical powers but the reality of a life of servitude, as her wish granting is controlled by a remote ruling class of Jinn known as the Afrit. To the humans she lives among, she's just the girl working at the snack bar at the beach, navigating the fryer and her first crush. But behind closed doors, she's learning how to harness her powers and fulfill the obligations of her destiny. Mentored by her mother and her Zar "sisters," Azra discovers she may not be quite like the rest of her circle of female Jinn...and that her powers could endanger them all.

April 28, 2015:

The Girl at Midnight by Melissa Grey - For fans of Cassandra Clare's City of Bones or Laini Taylor's Daughter of Smoke and Bone, The Girl at Midnight is the story of a modern girl caught in an ancient war.
          Beneath the streets of New York City live the Avicen, an ancient race of people with feathers for hair and magic running through their veins. Age-old enchantments keep them hidden from humans. All but one. Echo is a runaway pickpocket who survives by selling stolen treasures on the black market, and the Avicen are the only family she's ever known.
          Echo is clever and daring, and at times she can be brash, but above all else she's fiercely loyal. So when a centuries-old war crests on the borders of her home, she decides it's time to act.
          Legend has it that there is a way to end the conflict once and for all: find the Firebird, a mythical entity believed to possess power the likes of which the world has never seen. I will be no easy task, though if life as a thief has taught Echo anything, it's how to hunt down what she wants...and how to take it.
          But some jobs aren't as straightforward as they seem. And this one might just set the world on fire.

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir - Laia is a slave.
                                                                 Elias is a soldier.
                                                                 Neither is free.
          Under the Martial Empire, defiance is met with death. Those who do not vow their blood and bodies to the Emperor risk the execution of their loved ones and the destruction of all they hold dear.
          It is in this brutal world, inspired by ancient Rome, that Laia lives with her grandparents and older brother. The family ekes out an existence in the Empire's impoverished backstreets. They do not challenge the Empire. They've seen what happens to those who do.
          But when Laia's brother is arrested for treason, Laia is forced to make a decision. In exchange for help from rebels who promise to rescue her brother, she will risk her life to spy for them from within the Empire's greatest military academy.
          There, Laia meets Elias, the school's finest soldier––and secretly, its most unwilling. Elias wants only to be free of the tyranny he's being trained to enforce. He and Laia will soon realize that their destinies are intertwined––and that their choices will change the fate of the Empire itself.

Magonia by Maria Dahvana Headley - [This] soaring YA debut is a fiercely intelligent, multilayered fantasy where Neil Gaiman's Stardust meets John Green's The Fault in Our Stars in a story about a girl caught between two worlds...two races...and two destines.
          Aza Ray Boyle is drowning in thin air. Since she was a baby, Aza has suffered from a mysterious lung disease that makes it ever harder for her to breathe, to speak––to live. So when Aza catches a glimpse of a ship in the sky, her family chalks it up to a cruel side effect of her medication. But Aza doesn't think this is a hallucination. She can hear someone on the ship calling her name.
          Only her best friend, Jason, listens. Jason, who's always been there. Jason, for whom she might have more-than-friendly feelings. But before Aza can consider that thrilling idea, something goes terribly wrong. Aza is lost to our world––and found, by another. Magonia.
          Above the clouds, in a land of trading ships, Aza is not the weak and dying thing she was. In Magonia, she can breathe for the first time. Better, she has immense power––but as she navigates her new life, she discovers that war between Magonia and Earth is coming. In Aza's hands lies fate of the whole of humanity––including the boy who loves her. Where do her loyalties lie?

If you know any YA Fantasy titles you're psyched about this April, share them with us!

Realms

*All descriptions were provided on Amazon.

Realms Review: 'The Foretelling'

Imagine a world where women ruled the lands, where women went to war with men and won, taking prisoners and killing the rest. In The Foretelling, by Alice Hoffman, women are feared by men, but the protagonist, Rain, is curious about her role in this tribe of Amazon-like women.
          Due to the traumatic circumstances surrounding Rain's conception and the brutal birth Rain's mother, the chief, went through, Rain's mother rarely looks, let alone speaks, to her daughter. As the daughter of the tribe's leader, Rain is determined to learn her role and be a great leader like her mother. But, more importantly, she tests her boundaries to prove she's worthy of her mother. Determined to be accepted, she accomplishes amazing feats, but also tests the limits of her own culture, even making contact with a boy outside her tribe.
          Despite The Foretelling being listed as a children's book in some stores, we strongly believe that this is actually a young adult novel for several reasons. The protagonist is a teenager, though quite mature for her age due to her culture's expectations of her. The story has several coming-of-age elements to it, as well, and there is a lot of dark content. The book also released before the YA category (target audience) took off in publishing. If released today, we're 99% certain it would be released as a YA title.
          Hoffman weaves a story that imbeds itself in your heart as you root for the main character and long to see what happens with Rain's various relationships with those around her. And a little bit of magic, woven in so carefully that it seems a normal everyday thing, never hurts, especially to us fantasy-lovers. We rate The Foretelling with five out of five stars for Hoffman's incredible storytelling, diverse characters, and ability to make it a truly unforgettable tale.

Realms Review

How to Hook your Reader Series

Hello, readers!

We hope your weekend has been a truly fantastic and magical one. Start any enticing books or stories? What was your reaction when you read the first line? Does that make or break a story for you? For us, the answer is yes. Before we purchase or borrow a book or story, we always read the first line. If it doesn't hook us from the start, how can it promise to hook us until the end?
          Today's post is all about first lines and how they impact a story. First lines set the mood of your story, the writing style, and, most importantly, should grab your reader immediately. What makes them want to read on?
          With this in mind, we want to start a series of images and lines from Young Adult Fantasy books, novellas, and stories that are examples of outstanding hooks. To be the best writer you can be, you must read in your genre. If you read or write YA Fantasy, then this series may help you in a jam. So pay attention!
          We also want your help. After all, the more the merrier! We haven't read every YA Fantasy book under the sun, so if you know a great first line, comment below! It doesn't need to be deep or soul-changing, just something that makes you want to read on.
          Our #HookSeriesYA will only be featured on our Twitter and Tumblr pages. Occasionally we may post updates to Facebook. If you have any suggestions or questions, comment below or email us at realms.litmag@gmail.com with the subject "YA Hook."

Realms

Cover Reveal!

Hello, Travelers!

We hope you are having a fantastic start to the month of April. Play any funny pranks? Or did the mischievous elves play pranks on you?

Even though today's a day of jokes, we're not kidding you by revealing our spectacular magazine cover for the first issue of Realms (pictured below). We are eternally grateful to our friend and cover artist, Laura Hackney, and amazing graphic designer, Brandon Griggs.

Realms Young Adult Fantasy Literary Magazine, issue no. 1

We are proud to announce that we have thirteen titles in this issue, including a wide array of short stories, poetry, and novel chapters. This issue also features several talented artists, who have added to the otherworldly atmosphere we have strived to create.

May 1, 2015 is only one month away! Spread the word and we will continue Realms for years to come. Thank you so much to our contributors and supporters. You have transformed fantasy into reality.

Realms

Realms Review: 'Wicked Lovely'

If we had to pick our all-time favorite faery story, Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr easily tops the list. Full of danger, intrigue, magic, romance, and daring feats of bravery, this book, and the rest of the series, is must read for fans of the supernatural and the Fae. Marr's writing hooks you in from the start, beginning with three tantalizing rules:

Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries.
Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.
Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.

Aislinn is the main character, a girl who can see faeries, along with her grandmother, since they both have the Sight. They follow the rules above. Why? Because faeries blind or kill those with the Sight. Unfortunately for Aislinn, a faery king has started following her around, and she's drawn into their world to potentially save the Summer Court. The Summer Court is one of four faery courts, along with the Winter Court, the Dark Court, and the High Court.
          We give Wicked Lovely five out of five stars for its originality, highly enticing plot, dark and attractive setting, and its well-developed characters. Marr has built an elaborate, believable world that the reader dives right into. We see the politics behind court decisions, and attach ourselves to the characters, feeling their pain when they must decide between what needs to be done and what is right. The author takes you on a roller coaster of emotions as you hand onto the edge of your seat, rooting for your favorite characters and hoping the real villains get what's coming to them. And some character will win you over, while others betray you.
          Even if Wicked Lovely doesn't become your favorite faery story, we guarantee it's a high quality read that'll be close to the top of your list. If Wicked Lovely captures your heart, be sure to read the rest of the series: Ink Exchange, Fragile Eternity, Radiant Shadows, and Darkest Mercy.

Realms Review

Tips for Writers: Worldbuilding

Discworld, imagined by Terry Pratchett

Worldbuilding is a giant in the realm of fiction. Often, people like to ignore it at first because it requires enormous effort on the author's part, but the truth is, there's no escaping it. Even if you're writing realistic fiction, you need to factor in worldbuilding, because that's what explains why everything in your book is happening now. We are going to focus on how it can help your Young Adult Fantasy writing.
          Let's make a list of things to consider, shall we?

• Environment: including the way the ecosystem works in particular areas of the world, the temperature, the defining features of the landscape, and more.
• Cultures, Politics, Religions: unless you're writing a Utopian novel, the characters in your story probably belong to different cultures, have different beliefs about certain topics, dress certain ways. Remember, your characters are individuals, and just like in the real world, even the most similar people probably don't agree on everything.
• Basic Infrastructure: what do your people eat? And don't say "stew." Stew is so common in fantasy books, but how bland is that? Know your world. What is grown? How do people get around? How do they dispose of things? How does the economy work and who holds the power? What does the average person do for a living?
• History: even though you've made this world pop into existence, you want to make it look like any other world, one rich with history. Civilizations don't just suddenly exist. How did your world get to the point it's at today?This is may not seem important to the now of your story, but it is. The history of your world explains why everything is happening now, rather than one hundred years ago or one hundred years from now.
• Mimicking Ethnic Groups: you want to create believable people with accurate portrayals of society. In an article we found that may also help you, "7 Deadly Sins of Worldbuilding," by Charlie Jane Anders, it's said "If you decide that instead of Belgians, you're going to have an alien species called the Bzlgizns––who are basically Belgians except they've got antlers––you still have to try and make them well-rounded and as nuanced as possible." In other words, you can't just create a race and give them no personality. They can't exist for the sake of existing. They have desires, goals, and practices that make them who they are. 
• Knowing How Certain Powers/Inventions Impact Society: if there is magic, or a crazy new invention, you have to consider the aspects of society it will impact. You can't introduce something and not expect everyone to be affected by it. 

Now, don't feel too overwhelmed by this list. Odds are, you've probably imagined a lot of it, and the rest are suggestions for you to work on to give characters a more realistic feel in a much larger playground. A lot of these also pertain to worldbuilding from scratch, which some of you may not necessarily be doing. For example, if your fantasy story is set in our world, then a lot of the history and culture and infrastructure is there. You should still do your research, but you don't have to start from the beginning.
          A good example of this is in The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. The human world is still there, and the Shadowhunters do behave similarly to most humans when not hunting demons. Therefore, Clare's worldbuilding consists mostly of defining Shadowunter history, some aspects of their culture, and how their power works in relation to the rest of the world.
          For some, it is easier to create a "worldbuilding bible," so to speak. In this document, you write down all the aspects of the world, even the ones you may not necessarily use in the book, to further define your story and make the characters and reactions more believable. Your worldbuilding bible could contain a map with lists and histories of all the places, along with the cultures in those areas and how they interact with other places/people/species, etc. Honestly, this article would be way too long if we went through every possible aspect to include, but we've handed you the basic tools and it's time to start digging!
          What's in your world?

Other Resources:

"25 Things You Should Know About Worldbuilding" by Chuck Wendig

"Brandon Sanderson Teaches Fantasy Writing and Worldbuilding" by Nathan Smith

Realms

Realms Review: 'Daughter of the Forest'

Today there are plenty of retold fairytales abounding in bookstores. They are popular because they are tales that contain core elements everyone already loves. That said, we wanted to review a retold fairytale that came out in 1999. Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier is a retelling of the popular tale of The Six Swans. In Daughter of the Forest, the protagonist is a teenage girl named Sorcha. When her father remarries an evil sorceress, their new stepmother turns Sorcha's brothers into swans. Sorcha escapes, and is offered a chance to save her brothers through the help of the fairy queen, who says Sorcha must weave them shirts out of spindleweed, a spiky substance that is painful to the touch, but throughout the process, she must remain silent. If she speaks at all before she completes the shirts, she will lose her brothers forever.
          Marillier's writing is phenomenal, fully illustrating the time period and immersing her readers in clan-ruled Ireland and an early warring England. Sorcha's character is crafted so beautifully that the reader roots for her from the start. She is well-rounded, exhibiting strength and love, but suffering from her many challenges. Many of the other prominent characters show depth, too, that reflect their personality and the time period. And, of course, the plot is similar to the well-known fairytale, and is already foolproof. The finer details and changes are what make it excellent, believable, and intense. Filled with danger, magic, and even romance, Daughter of the Forest is a book you cannot stop reading.
          We give this book five out of five stars. This is the kind of fantasy story that feels so real, you can almost believe it was part of history. You will be shocked, anxious, and cry, both sad and happy tears at times. There is some graphic content in this story, to the point where some would question this as a young adult novel, but there is no question that Sorcha's experiences and challenges relate to young adults. If you love retold fairytales, this book comes highly recommended.

Realms Review

March 2015 Young Adult Fantasy Releases

Hello, Travelers! We hope this Wednesday is treating you well. As a way to bring you the newest Young Adult Fantasy novels, we've decided to write about five new books each month. Please keep in mind that there are a lot of YA Fantasy novels released each month, so this is by no means a "fair" list. What we can guarantee is that these books release sometime this month (some have already), and that they are fantasy. We have not read any of the books in this list, so also keep in mind that these are books that seem interesting based on their description. Without further ado, here are the March releases we picked to share.

March 3rd, 2015

In The Storyspinner by Becky Wallace, drama and danger abound in this fantasy realm where dukes play a game for the throne, magical warriors race to find the missing heir, and romance blossoms where it is least expected.
          In a world where dukes plot their way to the throne, a Performer’s life can get tricky. And in Johanna Von Arlo’s case, it can be fatal. Expelled from her troupe after her father’s death, Johanna is forced to work for the handsome Lord Rafael DeSilva. Too bad they don’t get along. But while Johanna’s father’s death was deemed an accident, the Keepers aren’t so sure.
          The Keepers, a race of people with magical abilities, are on a quest to find the princess—the same princess who is supposed to be dead and whose throne the dukes are fighting over. But they aren’t the only ones looking for her. And in the wake of their search, murdered girls keep turning up—girls who look exactly like the princess, and exactly like Johanna.
          With dukes, Keepers, and a killer all after the princess, Johanna finds herself caught up in political machinations for the throne, threats on her life, and an unexpected romance that could change everything.

March 5th, 2015

In Crow Moon by Anna McKerrow, Danny is a fun-loving sixteen-year-old looking for a father figure and falling in love with a different girl every day. He certainly doesn't want to follow in his mum's witchy footsteps.
          Just as his community is being threatened by gangs intent on finding a lucrative power source to sell to the world, Danny discovers he is stunningly powerful. And when he falls for Saba, a gorgeous but capricious girl sorceress, he thinks maybe the witch thing might not be such a bad idea.... 
          But what cost will Danny pay as, with his community on the brink of war, he finds that love and sorcery are more dangerous than he ever imagined? 
          Wickedness and passion combine in this coming-of-age adventure.

March 10th, 2015

In Red by Alyxandra Harvey, bad girls burn hot…. 
       

  Red is the color of Kia Alcott's hair. 
          It's her temper, which blazes hot and always gets Kia into way too much trouble. 
          And it's the color of fire. Fires that Kia can start…just by thinking about them. 
          When her latest “episode” gets her kicked out of school, Kia is shipped off to her grandmother, who works for the wealthy Blackwoods. It's an estate shrouded in secrets, surrounded by rules, and presided over by a family that is far from normal…including the gorgeous and insolent Ethan Blackwood. 
          Ethan knows far more about the dangers of the forest surrounding the estate than Kia can ever imagine. For this forest has teeth, and Ethan is charged with protecting the outside world from its vicious mysteries. 
          But inside, even the most vibrant shade of red doesn't stand a chance against the dark secrets of the Blackwood family…. 

March 10th, 2015

In The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows, Wilhelmina has a hundred identities. 

          She is a princess. When the Indigo Kingdom conquered her homeland, Wilhelmina and other orphaned children of nobility were taken to Skyvale, the Indigo Kingdom’s capital. Ten years later, they are the Ospreys, experts at stealth and theft. With them, Wilhelmina means to take back her throne. 
          She is a spy. Wil and her best friend, Melanie, infiltrate Skyvale Palace to study their foes. They assume the identities of nobles from a wraith-fallen kingdom, but enemies fill the palace, and Melanie’s behavior grows suspicious. With Osprey missions becoming increasingly dangerous and their leader more unstable, Wil can’t trust anyone. 
          She is a threat. Wraith is the toxic by-product of magic, and for a century using magic has been forbidden. Still the wraith pours across the continent, reshaping the land and animals into fresh horrors. Soon it will reach the Indigo Kingdom. Wilhelmina’s magic might be the key to stopping the wraith, but if the vigilante Black Knife discovers Wil’s magic, she will vanish like all the others. 
          Jodi Meadows introduces a vivid new fantasy full of intrigue, romance, dangerous magic, and one girl’s battle to reclaim her place in the world.

March 24th, 2015

In In the Time of the Dragon Moon by Janet Lee Carey, on the southernmost tip of Wilde Island––far from the Dragonswood sanctuary and the Pendragon Castle––live the native Euit people. Uma, who is half Euit and half English, and not fully accepted by her tribe, wants to become a healer like her Euit father. But the mad English queen in the north, desperate for another child, kidnaps Uma and her father and demands that he cure her barrenness. After her father dies, Uma must ensure that the queen is with child by the time of the Dragon Moon, or be burned at the stake. 
          Terrified and alone, Uma reaches out to her only possible ally: the king's nephew Jackrun, a fiery dragonrider with dragon, fairy, and human blood. Together, they must navigate through a sea of untold secrets, unveil a dark plot spawned long ago in Dragonswood, and find a way to accept all the elements––Euit, English, dragon, and fairy––that make them who they are.

Realms 

**Each synopsis was taken from GoodReads