(4) YA Shattered Realms series. In this sweeping penultimate series entry, an epic cast of mages, pirates, royal heirs, and spymasters scheme to unite the warring Seven Realms against invading Empress Celestine, who uses zombie-like bloodsworn soldiers to enforce her will. An overabundance of plot lines, characters, and backstories may leave even devoted fans confused, but the plentiful supply of romance, magic, and palace intrigue will keep them turning pages.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) YA Shattered Realms series. A captain in the war against Arden, heir Princess Lyss finds herself drawn to prisoner-of-war Halston Matelon. But someone wants to assassinate Lyss, and Breon, the busker used to distract her, might hold the only clue to the assassin's identity. Grand forces clash in Chima's second romantic epic, and despite occasionally confusing backstory, pieces are lining up for a top-notch third.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) YA Shattered Realms series. Ash, the son of a queen and a former street lord, has a gift for healing, but he turns to revenge after his father is assassinated. Undercover in the enemy king's palace, Ash falls in love with Jenna, a captive rebel with a mysterious magemark. Magic, romance, and intrigue drive this page-turning series-opener set in the same world as Chima's Seven Realms books.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam