Storm Thief

Storm Thief

by Chris Wooding

This is a very original fantasy, set in the post apocalytic city of Orokos, a crumbling city/island. It is peopled by all manner of strange beings and residents live with the constant threat of "probability storms" "...order is elusive in Orokos, where at any time a probability storm can occu. Children can turn to stone, people turn into cats, left-handers become right-handed." (School Library Journal). One of the main charcters is affected by a storm that rendered him unable to breathe by himself. He must rely on a respirator. The main charactes are Rail and Moa who live among the ghetto folk and teenage thieves. When they steal a valuable artifact, they are pursued.
After many plot turns and twists, they meet a group of rebels who are planning to leave the protectorate permanently.

Furies of Calderon (Codex of Alera Series)

Furies of Calderon (Codex of Alera Series)

by Jim Butcher

This fantasy novel is the first in a series but stands alone very well and should draw in fans of the genre. The plot is the classic struggle of the kingdom of Alera against outside forces and internal traitors who want to overthrow the king who is aged and has no heir. Inhabitants of the kingdom are able to bond with furies, elemental spirits of earth, air, fire, water, and metal, which gives them magical powers with which to defend their land against its foes. The main character, Tavi, is a shepherd boy who lives far away in the mountains and is unable to bond with a fury, yet is special in some way that is never completely revealed. He is dragged into the fray and fights hordes of enemies. " A splendid, entralling, spreading tale with action, romance, and so many surprises." (Elaine C McTyver, Amazon) Long but not difficult.