Heir of Night by Helen Lowe

 It turns out that this particular book doesn't really fit into any particular catergory for the reading challenge for me so I am using it as a wild card or a book with a blue cover.    This could also be used for  a fantasy or YA book.

Malian is the Heir of Night - her family is what stands between the Dark Swarm and the Derai - her people.   In her world, the warrior class and the heirs are seperated from the priestly class - or those who have the "Old Powers".    When her family is betrayed, Malian realizes that she has some powers of her own.  Her father intends to send her into exile, but Malian has plans of her own.

The plot is complex with aspects of the past woven into the story in a very creative manner.   The aspects of magic that the author uses to create this world were very unique.  I read a lot of fantasy books and often these abilities tend to all sound the same, so I really enjoy it when an author does something really fresh in their world creation.  

I enjoyed reading this book.  I am giving it 4 out of 5 stars for creativity, strong female characters, and being well written.  I will definitely complete the series.  The other two books in the series are  The Gathering of the Lost and Daughter of the Blood.