(4) 4-6 Snared series. Orphan "trapsmith" Wily Snare maintains the underground traps guarding a wizard's treasure until eccentric adventurers spring Wily from his dungeon. The group of marauders wants help plundering other protected riches, but instead Wily convinces his new friends to help defeat the Infernal King and his mechanical soldiers. Despite an abrupt resolution, earnest heroism and some entertainingly sinister booby traps elevate this fantasy series-starter.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) 4-6 Familiars series. Illustrated by Dave Phillips. The familiars--cat Aldwyn, frog Gilbert, and blue jay Skylar--are framed for a curse on Queen Loranella. To clear their names and save the ailing queen, the trio escapes imprisonment to search for a cure within the perilous land of dreams. The signature mixture of dry humor and gripping action makes this a worthy addition to the series.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) 4-6 Starbounders series. Restless from their last adventure, Zachary and his Starbounder-in-training friends set out to translate the cryptic message left by the late Professor Olari. When they end up uncovering a terrifying plot that could result in the annihilation of all life forms, the friends embark on a quest to stop those behind it. Flimsy character development leaves this second installment lacking, though the action-packed chapters move briskly along.

Reviewer: Randy Ribay

(3) 4-6 Zachary Night is thrilled to begin his training as a Starbounder, a top-secret intergalactic agent. But things at the training center, Indigo 8, quickly start going wrong, and Zachary soon discovers an evil plan that he and his friends must stop. Filled with imaginative gadgets and weird aliens, this sci-fi story is an intriguing romp.

Reviewer: Randy Ribay

(3) 4-6 Familiars series. Illustrated by Greg Call. In this third installment, cat Aldwyn, frog Gilbert, and blue jay Skylar, the prophesied familiars, embark on a quest to unite seven magical animal descendants before the evil hare Paksahara and her Dead Army of zombie animals forever rid the world of human magic. Rollicking adventure and playful humor add whimsy to this series' theme of fulfilling destiny.

Reviewer: Brittany Schlorff

(3) 4-6 Familiars series. Illustrated by Peter Chan & Kei Acedera. In their second story, the three prophesied magical animals--cat Aldwyn, frog Gilbert, and blue jay Skylar--set out on a quest for the only artifact that can stop the evil familiar, Paksahara, from unleashing an animal-zombie uprising. The engaging story line features page-turning action and suspense punctuated by droll humor.

Reviewer: Brittany Schlorff

(3) 4-6 Familiars series. Illustrated by Peter Chan & Kei Acedera. Young wizard Jack chooses Aldwyn the alley cat to be his familiar (animal magic assistant). Aldwyn begins his new life--and adventures--with Skylar, a bird, and Gilbert, a tree frog. Wry humor and energetic writing power the animals' efforts to save the lives of their human "loyals" from an evil witch.

Reviewer: Brittany Schlorff