Who better to highlight today for Fantasy & Science Fiction than our own illustrious Sheila Ruth? If you're a fan of the genre, you've probably already bookmarked her blog, Wands and Worlds. Sheila's one of Cybils' founders, signing up right after the idea was born. She's done a ton of stuff behind the scenes, but that would require several more blog posts to describe.
Sheila describes herself as a "Small publisher, book blogger, computer geek, book geek, theatre geek, SFF fan, cat lover, Cybils award organizer, Mom and all-around renaissance person." I like how "Mom" gets capitalized. Her experience as a publisher means she knows exactly what works or doesn't in a story, as she makes clear in her recent review of Laini Taylor's "Daughter of Smoke and Bone."
Anyone who thinks that YA fiction is easy to write should read Laini Taylor's books. Taylor has obviously worked hard to perfect her craft, and it shows in every word, every metaphor. Daughter of Smoke and Bone is her best book yet: a magnificently written story in every way. The mystery of who Karou really is, and what's really going on, is compelling, and draws you in as it gradually teases out the reveals.
Cybils fans will know that Laini is a past Cybils winner and judge. Laini has some news of her own about her latest title. It recently cinched two other honors, but I'll let Laini break the news to you.
Check out the rest of Sheila's review here.