Wells has masterfully engrossed us in the mind of a diseased man, forcing us (and Michael) to constantly ask what is real and what is not, all while putting a human face on schizophrenia.

City of the Lost tears right along, leaving little time to catch your breath…but just enough that you don’t cast the book aside in a fit of action-sequence-fatigue.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone tells the story of Karou, a girl with a mysterious past who lives among hideous monsters who — on the inside — are anything but.

I’m honestly surprised that this is Daniel O’Malley’s debut novel. He’s got a strong voice and ability to make characters come alive. And that’s good since the ending leaves open the possibility of further adventures with Myfanwy Thomas.