Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr

Leslie is nearly destroyed after she is sexually assaulted by one of her drugged out brothers “friends”. Determined to gain a sense of control over her life and bring about some change, Leslie decides to get a tattoo. Leslie gets more change then she bargained for, however, as she is pulled into the world of the fey. The ink used to create her tattoo was combined with the blood of Irial, the King of the Dark Court, binding her to him. Even Aislinn, the new Summer Queen, is unable to interfere to save her friend.

Marr follows Wicked Lovely with another dark and sinister look into the world of the fey that is sure to appeal to fans of urban fantasy. While the abundance of characters muddle the story, the plot moves quickly and readers are drawn into this illusive world. Similar to Holly Black, Marr uses the perfect combination of dark paranormal fantasy and romance to create a tale that will appeal to fans of the Twilight saga looking to fill the void following its conclusion.

Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr

Leslie is nearly destroyed after she is sexually assaulted by one of her drugged out brothers “friends”. Determined to gain a sense of control over her life and bring about some change, Leslie decides to get a tattoo. Leslie gets more change then she bargained for, however, as she is pulled into the world of the fey. The ink used to create her tattoo was combined with the blood of Irial, the King of the Dark Court, binding her to him. Even Aislinn, the new Summer Queen, is unable to interfere to save her friend.

Marr follows Wicked Lovely with another dark and sinister look into the world of the fey that is sure to appeal to fans of urban fantasy. While the abundance of characters muddle the story, the plot moves quickly and readers are drawn into this illusive world. Similar to Holly Black, Marr uses the perfect combination of dark paranormal fantasy and romance to create a tale that will appeal to fans of the Twilight saga looking to fill the void following its conclusion.

Masquerade: A Blue Bloods Novel by Melissa de la Cruz

While the leadership of the Blue Bloods denies the return of the Silver Bloods, Schuyler knows the truth and goes in search of her grandfather in hopes that he can defeat the Silver Bloods. While Schuyler and her conduit Oliver search Venice Italy, the rest of the Blue Bloods prepare for the annual Four Hundred Ball. Masquerade continues the story that began in de la Cruz’s Blue Bloods is a prefect combination of vampire horror and Gossip Girl drama and high society. Readers will be drawn into the sinister and twisted world of the Blue Bloods and a few unexpected twists at the end will leave readers clamoring for the next installment.

Frostbite (Vampire Academy #2) by Richelle Mead

Life has not become any less complicated for Rose Hathaway. She continues to struggle with her feelings for Dimitri, her super hot tutor, and she keeps being pulled into her best friend Lissa’s head during intimate moments with her boyfriend. Things get worse when a massive Strigori attack puts St. Vladimir’s on high alert and the Guardians gather en mass at the Academy- including Rose’s mother. With Strigori attacks becoming more organized, the Moroi and the Guardians argue about the best way to deal with the threat.

Mead has created an intriguing vampire world perfect for teens who have finished the Twilight saga and are anxious for something new. Frostbite’s fast-pace and engaging characters make the story a quick read that is difficult to put down. Fans of the first novel will enjoy the growth and added depth of Rose as well as the growth of secondary characters. This dark urban fantasy series is sure to be a hit.

The Dead and the Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Alex Morales was heading places, until that fateful night when an asteroid knocked the moon out of orbit and catastrophe struck. Alex’s father was traveling in Puerto Rico and his mother was on her way to work at the time, and so Alex is left to care for his younger sisters until his parents return. As time goes on, their parents never return and the struggle to survive becomes increasingly grueling, Alex must grow up quickly and make difficult decisions to ensure the survival of his remaining family.

Pfeffer follows her highly successful Life As We Knew It with another gripping and powerful tale of worldwide apocalypse that is as moving and haunting as the first. Set in New York City, The Dead and the Gone portrays the harsh reality of an apocalyptic event in a large urban area where the discrepancies between who has access to the basics for survival and who are left to fend for themselves are largely determined by finances and societal standing. Death and destruction play a more central role and are described more graphically than Life As We Knew It. Pfeffer has crafted another emotional and tense story with well-developed characters that will grab readers from the beginning and hold their attention throughout. The very heavy religious overtones may put off some readers, however, the Morales faith is a key part of their identities and so it does not feel forced or over the top.