Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce

Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce, 306 pages
The Immortals Series book 1 (with sneak peek intro of book 2)

After bandits murdered her mother and grandfather, 12 year old Daine seeks employment as a horse trainer with the Queen's Riders. Her talent for working with animals goes deeper than mere talent, however, and it isn't long before the magic she weaves over animals is noted. Taken as an apprentice to a mage to learn how to control her Wild Magic, Daine will help battle evil forces out to destroy Tortall and all who live in it. Will she be able to control her magic? Or will it control her?

Wednesdays in the Tower by Jessica Day George

Wednesdays in the Tower by Jessica Day George - 229 pages

Princess Celie has spent the past year since her parents returned to map The Castle.  It's been adding a lot of new rooms lately - usually on Tuesdays.  So when she discovers a new tower - on a Wednesday - she really surprised.  She's even more surprised to find an egg that hatches a griffin.  It seems The Castle wants Celie to care for the griffin without letting anyone else know about it.  Meanwhile, The Castle is continuing to add new rooms at an alarming rate.  What could possibly be wrong with The Castle?
This is the second book in the series after Tuesdays at the Castle.  It went in a completely different direction than the first book - sharing the history of The Castle and their lands.  I'm definitely looking forward to the next book.