The Legend of the Inero Dragon by JF Jenkins

I have really enjoyed this series of Dragon books by J.F. Jenkins.  The world created by Jenkins is beautiful fantasy world. Having read the Legend of the Oceina Dragon first, I was eager to dive into the Legend of the Inero Dragon.  This story introduces the Fire Dragons and their culture.  After reading the Oceina book, I expected the Inero Dragons to be selfish, power hungry, and bloodthirsty.  However, Jenkins introduces us to Jason and Matthius, a pair of identical twins, who are favored sons of the Dragon Lord Lynx.  The story begins by introducing the reading to a couple of girls, Kat and Gwen, being chosen for the Elite.  The Elite are taken from their families and lined up in an impersonal ceremony to be chosen as a wife of a dragon.  Kat and Matt were previously best friends and eager to become mated.  Matt is the favorite son and highly involved in the dragon politics.  Kat is insecure and becomes pregnant quickly. Matt is asked to do take an leading role in the beginning of a war among the dragon tribes.
Jason seems more calm and laid back than his twin Matt.  He picks Gwen by looking into her eyes for her soul.  He is so attentive and insists on taking the time to build a relationship between himself and Gwen.  Gwen feels very out of place as a wife of an important dragon who is expected to lay about a pool and gossip.  I loved Gwen and identified with her immediately and rooted for her and Jason to fall in love.  Kat and Matt were an adorable couple before they mated but as they changed I wasn't as sure about them.  I really felt Kat's uncertainty.  I wanted there to be a villian after reading the Ociena book--I really wanted to dislike Matt or Lynx.  While, I disliked the turn the story took near the end(I don't want to spoil), it was only because I wanted to root for Jason and Gwen.  In the end, I was left uncertain of who was good and who was evil and out for selfish gain.  The only reason I rated 4 stars is this wasn't as much of romantic story for me and I throroughly enjoyed Oceina more than this one.  This book was the other side of the story and takes place simultaneously as the Oceina book.  I highly recommend these books for anyone who enjoys paranormal shifter stories especially dragon lovers. 

Fire and Shadow by Imogene Howson

Fire and Shadow was a fantasy that I wasn't expecting.  I originally thought going in that this was about a fire starter in real life but it turned out to be a fantasy world.  Shadows are evil creeping phantoms that are killing and taking villagers away.  No one is sure if they die or are absorbed.  Just a single touch from a shadow will freeze and seemingly kill whatever part of the body it touches.  All of the land is being affected and anywhere light cannot permeate isn't safe.  The swamps and dense forest are all enought to bring the shadows out in day light.  Light must be kept on at all times to keep people safe from them.  Children are growing up in fear of the dark. 
Some develop special abilities during adolesence which can be uncontrollable at first. 
Fern is a late bloomer and develops firestarter capabilities on her 18th birthday and makes the journey to a special house where the gifted can work on controlling their powers.  As the sun sets and the shadows chase Fern and her brother up the hill to the house, she meets Nik who rescues them and escorts them into the house.  Nik is older than most of the kids and works on inventions and solving patterns to fight against the shadows.  He instinctively realizes that Fern's power is the one thing that can kill the shadows and heal those who have been touched by the shadows.  Nik begins to work daily with Fern on her ability.  At first, Nik and Fern can't stand each other as Nik knows her powers are provoked through anger, but soon Fern's feelings change. 
This was a great story but the romance felt a little rushed.  It was only about 102 pages on ebook and I felt that the author could have expanded on the interactions between Fern and Nik.  A couple of more scenes would have done a world of good for the story.  I did enjoy this read and most who enjoy fantasy blended with paranormal romance will like the story.  The story is creative and fresh and worth the read for the price.

The Marked Son by Shea Berkley

It isn't often that you get to read a book and be taken on a journey that is so fantastic and unique.  I didn't know what to expect with this book because the synopsis didn't really give me a feel for the the category this book would fit in: vampires, fey, etc.  I know understand that this book doesn't fit in any category and sort of in all of them.  The story is fresh and unique and I didn't want to put it down.  Although this isn't really a fey book, I enjoyed this book like the Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa.  Both books are full of wonderful rich descriptions of a world and has a story line that is unpredictable and a joy to read. 
This book starts with alternating points of view from Dylan in the Northwest and Kera in the mysterious land of Teag.  Dylan and Kera have visited each others dreams for years.  It isn't until Dylan is left at his Grandparents house by his deadbeat mother that he sees Kera.  Then strange things begin to happen to his grandfather's sheep and farm.  Dylan discovers the wall that seperates this world from Teag.  Kera and Dylan meet when Kera is drawn the surge of power that surrounds Dylan.  Dylan discovers powers that have always been apart of him because his tie to Teag.  Kera is sure that Dylan is the one who can not only save Teag from the evil greedy Navar but also her soul mate. 
The chemistry between Kera and Dylan is powerful and makes your heart swell with the love between them.  The world of Teag is a wonderful fantasy that is full of magical creatures and rich characters.  Navar is a greedy evil man that is power hungry and will go to any length to seize power over the realm of Teag. Teag is also having a genocide under the strong fist of Navar who has declared that halfbreeds are an abomination and will be killed on sight.  Firsts are the pure bloods of Teag who have fey like characteristics and cannot lie.  Half bloods can lie and therefore, fear of being decieved by them is what insights the mistrust and fear. There are so many layers to this story that it takes many unpredicatable twists and turns. 
I found the story about the Firsts not being able to lie really interesting as that I could understand how much better the world would be.  But doesn't it show more character to choose not to lie and be able to than to not lie because you are unable.  Dylan's heart is good and loyal and not full of deceit.  Navar is a far more evil alternative yet he is a First and therefore Teag citizens are much more loyal just because of his blood.  It is an interesting commentary on prejudice.
I would recommend this to readers who love fantasy, fey novels and YA romance.  It truly is a cross catergory book and hard to pinpoint.  Also, recommended to those who enjoy the Iron Fey series as this is a wonderful world and unpredicable story.