I love Guy Kay's books, but sadly, Ysabel isn't one of my favorites. It's a fine book and the beginning is actually a pretty nice little YA. But the fantasy that comes later didn't do it for me.
I think I prefer his pure fantasy books--the ones that don't include true, modern day elements at all. The books in the Fionavar Tapestry are similar to this one (even including some cross-over characters) and they are also low on my list of his best work.
Still, it was a Guy Kay book. Some wonderful dialogue and super smart characters. I love reading the deft intelligence his characters use equally for their flirting and their problem solving.
Ellen
Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website
The Boyfriend's Back Superromance May '09
His Secret Past Superromance May '08
