(3) YA Naive seventeen-year-old Anna becomes enthralled with mysterious, drug-dealing Abel after she overhears him tell an enchanting but dark fairy tale to his younger sister whom he cares for alone. Anna, however, realizes too late that the deadly story mirrors Abel's real life. Michaelis uses haunting imagery and rich symbolism to drive the plot to an ending that won't be easily forgotten.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(3) YA Translated by Anthea Bell. Christopher's brother, Arne, goes missing in Nepal. Christopher is magically transported to his brother's last location, where he teams up with Jumar, the country's (invisible) prince. Together they search for Arne, becoming embroiled in a battle fought by dragons and political factions, which makes the boys grow up fast and solidifies their identities. Lush descriptions of Nepal fuel this engaging fantasy adventure.

Reviewer: Lauren Maggio

(2) YA Translated by Anthea Bell. In nineteenth-century India, Safia awaits death at the hand of her cruel husband. She befriends a servant, Lalit, and tells him a story about a kidnapped princess and the thief recruited to rescue her. Michaelis weaves the most spectacular elements of Hindu mythology throughout the story to great effect. Witty dialogue contributes to the charm of this exotic fairy-tale fantasy.

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2008