Abhorsen

Sometimes the best – and most unique – new fantasy comes from the Young Adult section. Before Twilight reared it's sparkly head, Garth Nix created a world that explores our beliefs about death, the responsibilities of growing up with tragedy and the impact of grief.Why it's on this listBecause it's just so different. It's well written and well thought out – with just enough humor to provide relief from the intense subject matter. And that's one of the main reasons you should read this series: It gives you the chance to confront your own feelings about grief, loss and the possibility of an afterlife, without being too confrontational about it. If you can walk away from a book having learnt something new about yourself, or about the world around you, it's a good day at the office.In the never-ending search for something new in a genre that's full of stereotypes, tropes and traps, the books that create a unique system of magic will stand out. If you haven't read this series, you'll be surprised to learn that the magic in this series comes from a set of bells. Yes, those ones. Of the ding-dong persuasion. It makes for an interesting alternative from the sorcerers, sword-wielders and staff-bearers, and it's intriguing enough to keep you entertained for four books.And if you weren't already sold, there's only one word left to convince you: Zombies.