A big perk of having author friends is getting to read their books long before they enter the world. Jodi Meadow's forthcoming novel, The Orphan Queen, follows "an orphaned princess fighting to reclaim her kingdom while hiding her power from the masked vigilante hunting her, set in a world where magic is not just forbidden, but will soon destroy everything" (goodreads). 
 This is the first in a two book series, and it was so much fun. I don't want to say too much because it's still very early, but rest assured that Meadows brings her fantasy world to life skillfully, and populates it with dynamic characters you can't help but root for. Her masked vigilante was a personal favorite for me, and the jaw-dropping ending has me desperate for the sequel/conclusion. This one comes out some time next year. 
 Originally reviewed here.