The Wizard Heir by Cinda Williams Chima

While this was a good magic-based adventure, I don't think it stands up to our criteria. It is a companion book to The Warrior Heir, but quite a bit of the world building appears to have taken place. I wasn't lost, just felt that it was a continuation. And the ending certainly implies that another episode is coming along. The writing is fast-paced and enjoyable, but I didn't feel much of a connection to any of the characters. It will date itself with the use of current technology. If it had been earlier in the year, I might have considered this as a Maybe, but after reading others, I'm going with a Nay.