(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Mariano Epelbaum. Anne and her fellow adventurers-in-training at Saint Lupin's Quest Academy, Penelope and Hiro, are just back from their first quest (The Adventurer's Guide to Successful Escapes) when they must set out again, this time to slay the dragon queen. Although there's plenty of humor, plot twists, and nonstop action, at times it all feels rushed. The ending promises another installment.

Reviewer: Nancy Sheridan

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Mariano Epelbaum. After escaping from a bleak orphanage with the evil matron in hot pursuit, thirteen-year-old Anne ends up at a "quest academy" and, along with friend Penelope and young magician Hiro, partakes in a game-like, high-stakes quest. Despite flat characters, the story is action-packed, and Anne's world and its fantastic creatures are well conceived. A "Secret Epilogue" hints at a new quest to come.

Reviewer: Nancy Sheridan