Several of you will already know this, and have talked them up better. But for those who don't, there are two new young adult fantasy novels out that you should know about. Both are by authors you may know from LJ, and both have strong fantasy settings anchored by relationships. I don't feel entirely comfortable writing full reviews so I'm just going to let you know a little about them and hope you check them out.

Sarah Rees Brennan's (sarahtales) book The Demon's Lexicon comes out today. It's about the secret world we don't see where demons are real and the magicians who control them a very real danger. But really it's about family, and specifically, brothers. Nick and Alan couldn't be more unalike, but the relationship between them is spun out and tested as the book goes on and that, I think, is the real pleasure of it. In that, and in the setting of fantastic elements within the real world, Brennan reminds me of one of my favorite authors, Diana Wynne Jones. Dark, people-centered YA fantasy, of which I think we always need more. There are also compelling mysteries to be untangled, which definitely kept me reading even when I suspected the truth.

And R.J. Anderson's (rj_anderson) Knife (Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter in the U.S.) came out earlier this year, only I just now read it (with a much nicer cover than the one on Amazon). It's for slightly younger readers than The Demon's Lexicon, but that shouldn't deter older ones who will find enjoyment in its unusual treatment of faeries. Yes, with the wings and the magic and all that. Only I've never read a book quite like this; it started out with a lot of the things I considered stereotypical about "faery stories" and went in a totally different direction. I like fantasy that intersects with the real world, and this book does that. And there's mystery and interesting relationships and a strong heroine.

I highly recommend both books, and not just because I was at least tangentially aware of both authors before I knew they were published authors. Or because tkp is Brennan's biggest fan ever.

* An old-school, TOS Starfleet uniform. Probably in blue. Yes, the female version

Why: HOT
Why not: 1) Ultimate marker of geekiness; 2) Where Do You Wear It?; 3) Like I need another fetishy outfit I can't bend over in. Also, most importantly, tkp refuses to be seen in public with me when I'm not wearing pants.

* This dog:

Why: I have never heard of a Shiloh Shepherd before, but I met one yesterday and they're just gorgeous and come in all different colors. Okay not all colors. That'd be weird.
Why not: This is not a reason to have a dog. Plus I have enough. Also I believe in mutts!

* The Sims 3
Why: Increased customizaton!
Why not: My flirtations with Sims2 addiction have been brief, but annoying. I know if I got this, it would eat me for several weeks at least. I don't need more time-suckage! I could be living real life! Or writing almost-porn!