Winter Falls

October 13, 2014
Drawing on Italian lore, debut novelist Maggi weaves an intriguing though predictable urban fantasy in which rival clans war for control of magical hot spots, including a waterfall near the tiny Maine town of Twin Willows. Sixteen-year-old Alessia Jacobs discovers that she’s one of the Benandanti, able to leave her body and soar as a falcon, just in time to join a renewed fight against the evil Malandanti for the waterfall and its power. Meanwhile, she falls for Jonah Wolfe, a newcomer whose industrialist father may be tied to the Malandanti’s agenda. As Alessia attempts to balance mundane obligations and her new magical responsibilities, she is forced to make choices that could affect the rest of her life. This first book in the Twin Willows trilogy spends a great deal of time on worldbuilding while leaving much unresolved for future installments. The instant connection between Alessia and Jonah saps much of the initial impact from their blossoming relationship, while later developments—romantic and otherwise—come as little surprise. Ages 12–up. Agent: Irene Goodman, Irene Goodman Literary Agency.

October 15, 2014
This first book of a planned trilogy finds 16-year-old Alessia Jacobs living in boring Twin Willows, Maine, where nothing ever happens-that is, until the mysterious Wolfe family arrives in town and Alessia's instantly drawn to their attractive son, Jonah. Days later, after encountering Jonah again at school, Alessia's confused by visions of becoming a falcon. She'll soon discover these visions are real: She's a member of the Benandanti, an ancient group of warriors who can separate their souls from their bodies and transform into powerful animals, something they'll rely on to keep potent magic from falling into the hands of the conscienceless Malandanti, foes with similar shape-shifting talents. Deciding whether to accept the Call, Alessia weighs typical teen impulses like wanting to spend time with heartthrob Jonah against the responsibilities Benandanti membership requires. Maggi's pacing is quick, and her imaginative prose (with its ear for dialogue) supports a cast of characters, including Alessia's fiercely protective Italian mother, Lidia. All elements combine to create a nicely textured real world where a surreal battle's set to take place. Intriguing questions set the stage for the sequel: Did Alessia's father's death have anything to do with the paranormal world Alessia finds herself in? How much does Lidia know, and will she play a part in the unfolding drama? Will Jonah and his hard-to-read twin, Bree, be friends or foes in the coming battle? Readers will eagerly await the next installment in this promising paranormal adventure. (Paranormal adventure. 12-16)

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