The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire

Gr 8 Up–When 16-year-old Sabrina Parry’s sister Ceridwen disappears into the enchanted forest that borders their 1840s Welsh community, Sabrina is the only one who can bring her back. After all, their mother died when they were young, and their father has recently been arrested for instigating a labor uprising. As she searches for her sister, Sabrina encounters dangerous creatures from the myths of Wales, including a handsome and enigmatic fairy prince named Neirin. She must prove herself ruthless and cunning to survive the trials of the forest and reunite with Ceridwen. Sabrina is a uniquely cutthroat heroine who does not shy away from violence throughout her quest, but her commitment to her sister and her bravery in the face of danger make her an easy character to root for. A time-travel element makes this story feel unique within the crowded landscape of fae-realm YA novels, though many traditional elements of fairy lore remain. While Sabrina’s relationship with her family is well-developed and explored vividly, the love story is less established. This is a delightfully dark fairy tale for fans of Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince, at a length that will entice readers who may be daunted by longer fantasy novels.