Undine

My first comment about this book is that I think they picked an awesome and relevant color scheme for it. My second comment is that this book by Penni Russon puts a new edge on fantasy. The plot was full of characters that seemed to have actual feelings (for once), and I loved the way the storyline managed to revolve around the main characters, while still incorporating the supporting cast. There were tons of quotes from literary works, as well as references to chaos magic, giving the story a more realistic twist to it. It was a bit comforting to know that the magic involved wasn't of the "Alakazam!" kind.

Undine's past is a mysterious blur of supposedly dead fathers, odd houses, and some feelings inside her that she can't quite put her finger on. Then one day, Undine wishes for a cloud or two in the Australian summer sky, and deep down, something inside her turns on, and Undine creates a miniature storm. Tempted to find out where her new power comes from, and how it might be connected to her father, Undine runs away from her mother Lou and the life she knew before, with her best friend (who has a crush on her) Trout, hot on her heels. But what will Undine do when she discovers for the first time, what it's like to be a normal sixteen-year old girl?

Related links:
• Author's website
• Wikipedia article on chaos magic