(4) 4-6 Lost Books series. Using his dead master's credentials, apprentice librarian Alex becomes the royal librarian. After a book tries to kill him, Alex realizes books are alive and have magical powers. Assisted by the young queen, Alex races to uncover why the books have turned deadly. Though the villain is a caricature, those looking for a mystery with plenty of fantasy adventure will be entertained.

Reviewer: Lauren Chambers

(4) 4-6 Spirit Animals: Fall of the Beasts series. The four heroes of Erdas are treated as pariahs and traitors when their group is blamed for destruction in the world and specifically for an attack on a council of leaders. While keeping up the formulaic action and adventure, these volumes breathe new life into the Spirit Animals spinoff series with renewed focus on the core characters. The series includes an online component for fans. Review covers these Spirit Animals: Fall of the Beasts titles: The Wildcat's Claw and Heart of the Land.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) YA Many years after the events of Ash & Bramble, the enchanted barrier keeping sixteen-year-old Rose safe from the evil machinations of Story fails. Warned by her dying caretaker Shoe to avoid spindles, she leaves home and must find a way to overcome her three curses. This intriguing metafictive retelling of "Sleeping Beauty" is fast paced and full of well-rounded and mature storybook characters.

Reviewer: Sian Gaetano

(3) YA In this dystopic Cinderella story, a magical thimble is the only clue to Pin's true identity. Pin--beleaguered but not broken--is a Seamstress, locked in the Godmother's prison, where she is one of many abused workers. Pin breaks free--but, unfortunately, the Godmother also controls "ever after." Creative world-building and an intriguing voice make this a compelling read.

Reviewer: Breanna J. MCDaniel

(3) 4-6 Having defended her claim to the Ladyship of the Summerlands in Summerkin, Fer faces a deeper challenge: Lords and Ladies who swore to relinquish their glamories have broken their oaths, and Fer and puck Rook must save the land from the creeping sickness that results. High magic, faerie charms, and a gratifying friendship subplot give this adventure an otherworldly heft.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) 4-6 Magic Thief series. Illustrated by Antonio Javier Caparo. When other wizards' locus magicalicus stones are stolen, wizard and former thief Conn comes under suspicion. His attempts to uncover the real thief and soothe the city's two warring magics reveal instead the return of his nemesis, exiled thief-lord Crowe. Letters, bits of runic code, spot-art illustrations, and amusing supplementary back matter fill out this vigorous addition to the series.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) 4-6 Returning to the Summerlands, the fairy world where she became Lady in Winterling, Fer must defend her title at a contest set by the High Ones. She chooses helping others (including her undependable puck friend Rook) over winning but fears that the unscrupulous fairy Arenthiel might get the crown. Old pagan lore, wild nature, and tests of conscience combine for a well-constructed magical plot.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) 4-6 When Jennifer (Fer) opens the Way to a fairy world and a boyish "puck" comes through, wrongness and unending winter come through as well. Fer must go through the Way and confront the Lady who holds the puck in thrall in order to set things right. A slow pace allows this gentle tale steeped in nature and herb lore to unfold magically.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 4-6 Magic Thief series. Illustrated by Antonio Javier Caparo. Young wizard Conn can't convince the other magisters that the city's living magic is under attack, but his journey will provide all the proof he needs. Erratic characterization muddies this action-heavy third installment, but a satisfying resolution moves the series forward. Letters, diary entries, spot art, recipes, a table of runes, and guides to characters and places are included.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) 4-6 Magic Thief series. Illustrated by Antonio Javier Caparo. With his locus magicalicus destroyed in The Magic Thief, wizard-apprentice Conn can only summon magic through pyrotechnics. But after an explosion levels his home, Conn is exiled; not even discovering who's behind the shadowmen turning Wellmet's citizens to stone absolves him. The part-epistolary narrative features a plucky protagonist and a creative setting full of magic and secrets.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Antonio Javier Caparo. Precocious pickpocket Conn becomes an apprentice to Nevery Flinglas, a wizard trying to stem the loss of magic from the city. Readers will find the familiar character types and straightforward plotting of this amiable tale (akin to that of another well-known boy wizard) easy to grasp, while the evolving conflicts and distinctive setting will draw them on.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2008