Magonia by Maria Dahvana Headley was an interesting read. There's an unique unused legend that spawned the life of Ava a sick child who will likely not live past her sixteenth birthday. The first third of the book is amazing and emotional. Despite knowing Ava is seriously ill she is an enjoyable and sarcastic girl who from the start I enjoyed because she did stated she knew she would die but she didn't let it rule her life. 
 I will admit the first third made me cry and allowed me to connect with the character. I loved Jason and how he would go to the end of the world for Ava, how he loved her despite her being ill and likely not survive to sixteen. 
 The last two thirds? The fantasy and legend part I wasn't as fond as. The style of writing was enjoyable and easy enough o read but the last two thirds just didn't make me feel as connected to Ava and the plot as the first third did. It was a good read but I was of two minds about Magonia and Ava's the destiny. There were plot lines I wondered about since I was confused why they were added in. I have heard there is a sequel so maybe they'll be touched on in the sequel. I will probably read the next book just to see where the author is going but I won't expect too much from the series as a whole. 
 If the book hadn't started touching on the fantasy I would have given it 5 stars, in my mind the fantasy element ruined the book for me which is strange because I love fantasy books.