There is such a mass of YA fantasy on the market these days - a genre I love and so I should be in reader's heaven - but sadly, many of these books are sub-par and disappointing. So many begin with an interesting premise but lack substance or any real plot - there's so much potential that quickly draws me into the story but no follow-through leaving me deflated and disillusioned. Wondrous Strange, however, deserves any and all positive attention it garners. 
 I'll admit, the reason I ended up picking up Wondrous Strange was the cover. But the blurb sounded interesting so I decided to give it a try (without checking out any reviews ahead of time - something I rarely do anymore). Let's just say that I wasn't even halfway through the first book when I ran out and bought the rest, I was that interested and confident in the story. So now I've got a mismatched set of one softback and two hardbacks which drives me crazy but waiting wasn't an option. ;P 
 The blurb does a good job of presenting an intriguing novel without giving too much away so I'm not going to ruin it by spoiling anything. Lesley Livingston creates a blend of reality mixed with a hidden Faerie world largely based in Shakespeare. Kelley is acting in a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream and the play is cleverly brought to life and interwoven with the plot of the book. (Who'd have guessed Shakespeare's plays were accounts of actual events?) ;) 
 Things I really liked about the book: The humor is good. There were definitely spots that actually made me laugh - most memorably would be Sonny's first encounter with Kelley. And pretty much everything involving the kelpie - you'll know what I mean. The book kept me guessing - some things were obvious - some things appeared obvious but then a twist would come along and I wouldn't know anymore. Kelley and Sonny are both strong individuals but not obnoxious. They definitely have their "teenage" moments but they don't behave idiotically. I also really appreciated that Kelley had to work hard to accomplish things - she had her shining moments and her failures. It saved her from becoming a Mary Sue. The romance is a little insta-love but tolerable. 
 The epilogue was a little cheesy but still good. This book had a completed feel even though there were still some unresolved things from the story; it felt very wrapped up and the ending was satisfying. Also - a warning. Don't read the excerpt inside the cover unless you want to be slightly spoiled - it immediately spills some pretty big beans. So does the prologue, though not as badly. Wondrous Strange is a good example of a book that really didn't need the prologue to draw in the reader. And since it's a scene from the climax, you spend the rest of the book knowing it's going to happen while the characters strive to prevent it. It killed the reading experience just a bit as I like to be along for the ride, guessing outcomes. So if you aren't too strict about your reading, I suggest skipping the prologue. You won't lose anything and will retain more of the intrigue.