Winter Falls

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. (Dec.)