Percy Jackson and the Olympians #3: The Titan’s Curse, by Rick Riordan (Miramax Books, 2007)

Posted on July 28, 2009 by Michael M. Jones

It’s Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, to the rescue again, along with his friends Annabeth and Thalia (the daughters of Athena and Zeus, respectively) when two more demigods are located. This rescue mission, however, sets off a series of events involving yet another semi-epic quest, and a deadly curse, as our heroes must foil the ever-more fiendish plans of Kronos and his mysterious new allies. Toss in the wild cards of Artemis and her Hunt, and not everyone is coming back alive and intact from the most dangerous adventure Percy’s had to date. Once again, in this third book of the series, Riordan does a splendid job of weaving together mythological elements with a modern setting, producing an excellent, always entertaining series full of adventure and sharp characterization. Perfect for the Harry Potter crowd.

The Silver Moon Elm, by MaryJanice Davidson and Anthony Alongi (Berkley Jam, 2007)

Posted on July 28, 2009 by Michael M. Jones

Jennifer Scales is still struggling with her unique nature: half-weredragon, half-beaststalker, able to bridge numerous worlds, potentially able to bring multiple warring races together, if they’ll only listen to her. Unfortunately, things just keep getting more complicated, especially when a small disgruntled group of her enemies weave a spell which rewrites the world. Now Jennifer is stuck in a world where weredragons are near-extinct, and their mortal enemies, the wereachnids rule openly. Everyone she knows is dead, or vastly different, and her allies are questionable at best. Even if Jennifer finds a way to return the world to normal, will she survive? This series just keeps getting better with each book, though portions near the end of this one were a little convoluted and hard to follow on a first reading. Nevertheless, it’s fun, with a fresh new premise, memorable characters, and a feisty heroine.

The Secret Life of Sparrow Delaney, by Suzanne Harper (Greenwillow, 2007)

Posted on July 28, 2009 by Michael M. Jones

The seventh daughter of a seventh daughter in a family known for its psychic abilities, all Sparrow Delaney wants to be is normal, a hard task when she can see, hear, and talk to ghosts, all of whom want her help. When she starts tenth grade in a school where no one knows her, she thinks it’s her chance to blend in. Unfortunately, a very persistent ghost has plans to make her face up to her powers and responsibilities. But will it ruin her newfound friendships? This is a charming, entertaining story about growing up and embracing one’s special talents, filled with quirky, unforgettable characters.

The Scarlet Letterman, by Cara Lockwood (MTV Books, 2007)

Posted on July 28, 2009 by Michael M. Jones

Miranda Tate’s back for her second semester at Bard Academy, where delinquent teens are taught by dead literary figures posing as real teachers. Can Miranda juggle two romances, one involving a young Heathcliff, while investigating the intertwined mysteries of a strange stalker and disappearing faculty members? Will she make it to the big dance before a tiger eats her? This sequel to Wuthering High once again offers up a clever blend of literary ghost story and teen drama, making for an intriguing tale.

The Red Queen’s Daughter, by Jacqueline Kosolov (Hyperion, 2007)

Posted on July 28, 2009 by Michael M. Jones

Mysteries are explored in this fascinating alternate historical fantasy as Mary Seymour, orphaned daughter of Queen Katherine Parr (last of Henry VIII’s wives) grows up to become a white magician, secretly using various spells and incantations to aid Queen Elizabeth I early in her reign. Court intrigue and the presence of a black magician catapult Mary into a series of adventures that test her abilities and challenge her resolve to never fall in love. This is a beautifully-told story that really takes advantage of the setting and historical context to play with social issues and court politics. All that, and a striking cover make this a book worth checking out. I’ll be looking forward to any sequels that might follow.

The Princess and the Hound, by Mette Ivie Harrison (Eos, 2007)

Posted on July 28, 2009 by Michael M. Jones

Prince George can speak with animals, possessing a magic that would get him killed if anyone knew about it. Princess Beatrice possesses a unique bond with her faithful hound, Marit, who never leaves her side. They barely know one another, but for the good of their respective kingdoms, they’ll have to marry. But first, they have to learn to trust -and understand- each other. Will their combined magic be enough to save the day and solve the problems plaguing their lands? This is a highly unusual love story, filled with twists and surprises. I loved watching George and Beatrice (and Marit) interact as they tried to get to know one another, and the resolution was both touching and a little bittersweet. This book did an excellent job of evoking traditional fairy tales while creating something new and interesting.

The Nixie’s Song, by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black (Simon and Schuster, 2007)

Posted on July 27, 2009 by Michael M. Jones

Nick Vargas doesn’t know what to make of his new stepsister, Laurie. She’s weird, annoying, and worst of all, believes in fairies. Not that he’s cool by comparison, but still, he has his limits. However, when a copy of Arthur Spiderwick’s Field Guide brings the two of them into contact with the world of fairies, Nick’s forced to work with Laurie for survival. Now they’re saving nixies, seeing pixies, and running from giants, and their only hope lies in finding the authors of the book … or in getting help from Jared Grace, who knows all about the dangers fairies can pose. Will it be enough to deal with the giant rampaging through their Florida subdivision? This is the first in a new trilogy that returns to the world of the Spiderwick Chronicles, and Black and DiTerlizzi are in fine form, mixing a fast-paced, engaging story with whimsical, highly evocative artwork. Just as good as the first series, if not better.

The Tapestry: The Hound of Rowan, by Henry H. Neff (Random House, 2007)

Posted on July 27, 2009 by Michael M. Jones

Max McDaniels’ world turns upside-down when he discovers his magical destiny, which leads him to enrollment in the secretive Rowan Academy. There, he explores his heritage, takes strange classes, deals with new friends and enemies, and becomes embroiled in a deadly mystery involving missing tapestries and an age-old dark force, requiring him to embrace his potential. Here’s a book for those in need of a Harry Potteresque fix, full of magic, action, and Celtic myth. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and will be looking forward to the rest of the series.

The Good Ghoul’s Guide To Getting Even, by Julie Kenner (Berkley Jam, 2007)

Posted on July 27, 2009 by Michael M. Jones

Sixteen is way too young to be turned into a vampire, as Beth Frasier learns to her intense dismay after she runs afoul of some bloodsucking high school jocks. However, she refuses to be anyone’s minion, and now she’s going to exact her revenge on those who’ve ruined her life. With a little help from her friends, she’ll get to the bottom of a vampiric conspiracy that’s slowly spreading through town. But will it be enough to bring her back from the dead, or will stakes and holy water be mandatory come prom time? Julie Kenner turns in an entertaining, humorous tale of life and death in high school, which promises to be an enjoyable series. This book has a distinctively wry tone that sets it apart from so many other vampire books out there.

The Game, by Diana Wynne Jones (Firebird, 2007)

Posted on July 27, 2009 by Michael M. Jones

After Haylay is sent to spend time with her family in Ireland, she’s surprised to learn just how many aunts, uncles and cousins she actually has. Luckily, they don’t let her feel left-out for long, and before she knows it, Haylay’s participating in a strange game the children play, involving trips to a magical realm called the mythosphere. Her trips into the mythosphere, and her interactions with the various beings that inhabit it, help her to understand the true nature and origins of her family, and her own place in the world. Magic and mythology interweave in this charming, clever novella, and Jones is clearly at the top of her game here.