(4) 4-6 Chronicles of the Black Tulip series. Illustrated by Dave Stevenson. Bren and his mysterious friend, Mouse, embark on a dangerous journey across Asia to find the Dragon's Gate and the magical objects created by the Eight Immortals. This alternate-1600s-set epic adventure uses multiple, intertwining narratives. Slow in places and dependent on familiarity with the world, this second book is best enjoyed immediately after The Vanishing Island; the ending stokes anticipation for the third volume.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(3) 4-6 Chronicles of the Black Tulip series. Illustrated by Dave Stevenson. Twelve-year-old Bren lives in the small coastal town of Map in an alternate 1599. A mysterious gift from a dying sailor lands him on a sea voyage full of murder, conspiracy, corruption, madness, and--perhaps--lost treasure. This high-seas adventure is filled with action-packed fight scenes, gruesome details, and unexpected magic. The first in a series, the story ends with a cliffhanger.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester