A few years ago, I was busily lamenting the lack of clean yet imaginative fantasy while browsing through the public library. And then, suddenly, in an instant, I found it: Laini Taylor's The Blackbringer.

I would definitely have to rank it among my favorites in modern fantasy. It's humorous, with a spunky main character reminiscent of something from Gail Carson Levine. It's also very creative, with a cohesive world that's similar to ours yet different, as with a fairy tale. It's also clean, with no improper romantic elements *huge sigh of relief*. Also, it has one of the most convincing, and surprising, villains {or powers of darkness} that I've read in recent fantasy literature.

My one comment about it is that it's not Biblical; the "creators" of the world are these creatures called djins {different from Arabian tales}. It's not as though they act as "gods" and I didn't think they were worshipped, either, though. So that's good.

Anyway, has anyone read it? What do y'all think?

{P.S. There is now also a sequel called Silkslingers out, which is similarly fantastic. It's a little bit older in terms of content (teen rather than preteen ), but it's still amazing.}

No, I haven't read them, are you surprised, Estar? I have never read much fantasy at all. My list is getting longer and longer.

You should see *my* list, Ela! It's currently at a little over three hundred titles...actually, a few more, since I'm counting each author only once or twice. But, Lord willing, I've got many years ahead of me to get through it!

But The Blackbringer, while long, is a light read. Shouldn't take long - but I warn you, it's also very absorbing!

I like long reads, I can read a book in a few nights haha, especially if it is gripping. *Puts on list*

They're long all right.