(3) 4-6 After his father unexpectedly dies investigating a previously unknown prophecy by Nostradamus, Em finds himself caught up in a covert struggle between Section 7, a secret government organization, and the Knights of Themis, an Illuminati-like society. Readers will enjoy piecing together clues while following tortuous plot twists and trying to decide whom to trust in this action-packed thriller.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 4-6 The mystical spy trio of Danny, Michael, and Opal (The Shadow Project) is joined by new agent Fuchsia. Together they embark on a time-traveling mission to save the world from an apocalyptic plague. The plot combines spy thriller with occult mysticism and urban legend in a story that defies credulity but has just enough real-world themes and events to stay somewhat grounded.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) YA Faerie Wars Chronicles series. This fifth book in the series features Queen Blue and King Consort Henry's daughter, Mella. She escapes to the human world to visit her grandmother, returns to Haleklind with her selfish aunt, and there discovers Hairstreak's invasion conspiracy against the Realm. The numerous semi-related subplots manage to come together before the story's somewhat abrupt and underwhelming conclusion.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 4-6 Danny stumbles upon a secret government endeavor using astral projection as a means of spying. He finds he is a natural talent and is roped into helping "the Project." The story throws together elements of spy thriller with religious mysticism and the occult. The protagonist's development follows expected patterns, but that does provide some normalcy to an otherwise out-of-this-world tale.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) YA Faerie Wars Chronicles series. In this fourth Faerie Wars book, Henry traverses the desert to rescue Queen Blue (who also rescues him), finally effecting their betrothal. Despite some contrived plot points and an unappealing mash-up of fairies, Norse myths, and biblical tales, the fast-paced action will keep readers turning pages. Glos.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) YA Faerie Wars Chronicles series. Queen of the Faeries of the Light, Holly Blue contemplates taking her people to war against the Faeries of the Night, but her plans are upset by the demon Beleth's plot to overthrow the Realm using her human love interest, Henry. Somewhat overlong and underpaced, the adventure lacks a unity of vision but nonetheless packs lots of commando faery-war action. Glos.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) YA Faerie Wars Chronicles series. When Henry attends faerie prince Pyrgus's coronation as emperor, he becomes embroiled in a succession war, with Pyrgus's dead father resurrected and handing off power to his nemesis Hairstreak. Some episodes in this lengthy sequel to Faerie Wars go nowhere, but there are plenty of commando operations for fans who like their action adventure mingled with magical fantasy. Glos.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) YA Faerie Wars Chronicles series. After rescuing a faerie prince from a cat, Henry "translates" to the faerie world and helps Prince Pyrgus fend off a coup attempt by the Faeries of the Night. A heavy-handed subplot in which Henry is appalled to learn of his mother's same-sex affair ends without resolution, but the full-throttle adventure features whole heartedly wicked characters and well-plotted intrigue.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Neal Layton. Zartog, an alien who lands on Earth, loses his spaceship's remote control. When Rachel finds it, she pushes the channel change button and things change from one thing to another--very useful for dealing with bullies. Zartog, however, needs his remote to get home. The cartoon-style line drawings are, at times, unappealing, but the fast-paced story is full of silly puns and ridiculous situations.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley