Series: The Land of Elyon - Author: Patrick Carman - Ages 9+

Dark Hills Divide

What's the Story?
Inquisitive twelve-year-old Alexa Daley is spending another summer in the walled town of Bridewell. This year, she is set on solving the mystery of what lies beyond the walls. Legend says the walls were built to keep out an unnamed evil that lurks in the forests and The Dark Hills. But what exactly is it that the townspeople are so afraid of? As Alexa begins to unravel the truth, pushing beyond the protective barrier she's lived behind all her life, she discovers a strange and ancient enchantment -- and exposes a danger that could destroy everything she holds dear.

Reviews

"THE DARK HILLS DIVIDE, Patrick Carman's first novel, is a rare and valuable gem. Filled with mysterious clues, secret passageways, hidden maps (&) sneaks and spies... this story will thrill anyone willing to travel through the pages of Elyon." - Kids Reads

"... The Dark Hills Divide is a book geared for a younger audience and, as such, its story may not connect with older readers expecting a darker or more edgy kind of tale." - Dauntless Media

"Overall, I think that this book will appeal to younger fans of fantasy novels. The plot has plenty of twists and turns, and the atmosphere varies from brooding menace to magical possibility."  - Jen Robinson

Beyond the Valley of Thorns

Reviews

"Author Patrick Carman narrates an imaginative tale filled with exciting adventures, bizarre creatures, hilarious dialogue, and colorful descriptions. This second book in the trilogy will pull fans back into Carman's world of Elyon with a page-turner of a journey that just won't quit." - Kids Reads

 "Although a finely crafted narrative, interesting characters and a few intense situations may keep some readers turning the pages, long sections of backstory and unecessary set-up will likely scare off reluctant readers." - Book Dweeb

"Before you start reading this series make sure you have the next ones in the series close by. If you don’t you might go crazy..." - Book Gateway

The Tenth City

Reviews

"This third ... book ... is perhaps the best yet. Again Patrick Carman manages to pull in many important contemporary issues of environment, lust and power. His characters are diverse with both good and bad qualities. For the necessary flow and understanding, this is the kind of series that would be better read from the beginning." - Kids Reads

Stargazer

Reviews

"... Stargazer represents the best installment of the Land of Elyon series to date." - Dauntless Media

"Truly an amazing storyteller, Patrick Carman’s imagination runs full steam, never threatening to quit or run dry. Each chapter promises new excitement and even more colorful characters. He also writes with a unique style that encourages a positive outlook on life, one that truly shines through his amazing character of Alexa..." - Kids Reads

Into the Mist (Prequel)

Reviews

"For those who have read the first Elyon trilogy, this book will reveal the history of two of the principal characters. For those who are entering Elyon for the first time, this is a delightful introduction to that magical world." - Armchair Interviews

"Author Patrick Carman takes the reader into the distant past of some of the familiar places of Elyon, to a time before Thomas Warvold's walls ... We'll make some new friends, and meet some old ones in their younger days as well, as Carman sets an exciting stage for the next great and dangerous quest for Alexa Daley." - The Trades

"Patrick Carman delivers another thrilling and magical tale from the Land of Elyon... Filled with dream-like destinations, creative characters and audacious adventures, any fiction/fantasy fan will find a friend with this series." - Kids Reads

Official Book Site - Elyon @ Scholastic

Official Author's Site - Patrick Carman

Keepers Trilogy by Lian Tanner - Ages 9+

Museum of Thieves

What's the Story?

Welcome to the tyrannical city of Jewel, where impatience is a sin and boldness is a crime.  Goldie Roth has lived in Jewel all her life. Like every child in the city, she wears a silver guardchain and is forced to obey the dreaded Blessed Guardians. She has never done anything by herself and won’t be allowed out on the streets unchained until Separation Day.

When Separation Day is canceled, Goldie, who has always been both impatient and bold, runs away, risking not only her own life but also the lives of those she has left behind. In the chaos that follows, she is lured to the mysterious Museum of Dunt, where she meets the boy Toadspit and discovers terrible secrets. Only the cunning mind of a thief can understand the museum’s strange, shifting rooms. Fortunately, Goldie has a talent for thieving.

Which is just as well, because the leader of the Blessed Guardians has his own plans for the museum—plans that threaten the lives of everyone Goldie loves. And it will take a daring thief to stop him. . . .

Museum of Thieves is a thrilling tale of destiny and danger, and of a courageous girl who has never been allowed to grow up—until now.


What's the Buzz?

"Museum of Thieves is an easy reading, high action winner. I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait for Book 2. Go on. Just try chapter one. You won’t regret it." - Kids Book Review

"This book is full of action, lots of mystery, and is the first in a trilogy. If you love fantasy, adventure, and some very odd characters, this is the book for you!" - Arlington Library

"This book is so unique and strange that it is definitely worth reading. I consider it to be one of my all-time favorites." - National Geographic's Dog-Eared Pages

"The ending was perfect, it makes me want to read the next book that's coming out in 2011. It doesn’t drop off like other books, it shows that the ‘baddies’ haven’t given up yet." - The Little Bookroom

"While this book does have interesting things to say, it is first and foremost a fun fantasy adventure. On a pure story level, it surprised and delighted me, and there is much, much more to be explored, in this world and in the museum. I for one am delighted there are more books to come." - Bookyurt

What's the Buzz?

"If you enjoy adventure and fantasy, this second installment of The Keepers trilogy will not fail to please." - Kids Book Review

 "In the end, I have to call City of Lies a stumble, and yet there is still something undeniably intriguing... And while I may not be happy with this story, I still will definitely be back for the next book." - Bookyurt

"The second title in Tanner’s Keepers Trilogy delivers a fantasy as thickly plotted as but less successful than Museum of Thieves" - Kirkus Reviews

Anything Else?


Official (U.S.) Book Site - Keepers Trilogy

Official Australian Book Site - Keepers Books

Official Author's Site - Lian Tanner

Here's a blog interview with Lian Tanner talking about the Keepers Series.

Kane Chronicles Trilogy - Author: Rick Riordan - Ages 9+

The Red Pyramid
Book 1

What's the Story?
Since their mother’s death, Carter and Sadie have become near strangers. While Sadie has lived with her grandparents in London, her brother has traveled the world with their father, the brilliant Egyptologist, Dr. Julius Kane. 

One night, Dr. Kane brings the siblings together for a "research experiment" at the British Museum, where he hopes to set things right for his family. Instead, he unleashes the Egyptian god Set, who banishes him to oblivion and forces the children to flee for their lives. 

Soon, Sadie and Carter discover that the gods of Egypt are waking, and the worst of them--Set--has his sights on the Kanes. To stop him, the siblings embark on a dangerous journey across the globe--a quest that brings them ever closer to the truth about their family, and their links to a secret order that has existed since the time of the pharaohs.

What's the Buzz?

"Riordan has obviously done a lot of research into ancient Egyptian culture and mythology.  He easily explains how the characters and gods and plots tie together...  By the end of The Red Pyramid, Isis and Horus are household names." - Proffesor Beej

"Overall, while The Red Pyramid is a fun book and moves quickly, it tries to pack too much in... after a while all the gods, their personalities, and their powers start getting confusing." - Jandy's Books

"A perfect read? No. But The Red Pyramid is nevertheless a good series start. If you're a Percy Jackson fan, read this one and then join me in looking forward to smoother sailing (preferably in a narrow reed boat with eyes) in Book 2." - Book Aunt

The Throne of Fire
Book 2

What's the Buzz?

"The two things that really mark any of Rick Riordan’s books are mythology and humor. Egyptian mythology is confusing at the best of times, but Riordan really lays it out in ways that make it easy to understand. He literally brings the gods to life." - Scattered Pages

"I enjoy that this series addresses both a girl and a boy on their own levels, making this a book for both sexes." - Jandy's books

"Rick Riordan never fails to impress. This is the eighth book of his I've ever read (Percy Jackson/first Kane Chronicles/first Heroes of Olympus) and I'm still hooked. Every book seems to impress and amaze me even more than the last with edge-of-your-seat action, cheer-worthy protagonists, witty and unforgettable characters, quick pacing and an overall excellent story that's just fun to read. " - Diary of a Book Addict

Anything Else?
Official Book Site - Kane Chronicles @ Disney

Official Author Site - Rick Riordan

Videos

The Kane Chronicles:  Throne of Fire

The Kane Chronicles (U.K. Version)

Series: Jacob Wonderbar Author: Nathan Bransford - Ages: 9+

Jacob Wonderbar and the Cosmic 
Space Kapow

What's the Story? 

Jacob Wonderbar is used to detentions, but when a spaceship crashes near his house, he finds himself in a whole new level of trouble. After swapping a corn dog for the ship, he and his two best friends, Sarah Daisy and Dexter, take off on a madcap adventure. They accidentally cause an epic explosion, get kidnapped by a space pirate, and are marooned on planets like Numonia and Paisley, where the air smells like burp breath and revenge-hungry substitute teachers rule. And that's only the beginning . . . It turns out that there's an entire colony of space humans, and Jacob's long-lost father just might be one of them.

The first book in debut author Nathan Bransford's hilarious space adventure series has dynamite friendships, peculiar planets, and nonstop action. You'll never look at the stars the same way!

What's the Buzz?

"I had a blast reading this and I have no doubt young readers will love this silly, action-filled adventure." - Chris Singer @ Book Dads

"...This book shows that Bransford has honed an almost impeccable sense of comedic timing, which pops up throughout the book to great effect (as my son's giggling and guffawing proved)." - Musings of a Restless Mind

"The little bit of science that’s woven into the text piqued my interest enough to look some things up; hopefully librarians, parents and teachers that recommend this book will recommend some good websites to support the space theme" - Kids Reads

Jacob Wonderbar for the President
of the Universe

Reviews

No reviews yet

Official Author Site - Nathan Bransford

Jack Blank Trilogy - Author: Matt Myklusch - Ages: 9+

The Accidental Hero
Book 1

What's the Story?
All Jack Blank knows is his bleak, dreary life at St. Barnaby’s Home for the Hopeless, Abandoned, Forgotten, and Lost, an orphanage that sinks further into the swampland of New Jersey with each passing year. His aptitude tests predict that he will spend a long, unhappy career as a toilet brush cleaner. His only chance at escape comes through the comic books donated years ago to the orphanage that he secretly reads in the dark corners of the library. Everything changes one icy gray morning when Jack receives two visitors that alter his life forever. The first is a deadly robot straight out of one of his comic books that tries its best to blow him up. The second is an emissary from a secret country called the Imagine Nation, an astonishing place where all the fantastic and unbelievable things in our world originate - including Jack. Jack soon discovers that he has an amazing ability--one that could make him the savior of the Imagine Nation and the world beyond, or the biggest threat they've ever faced.

What's the Buzz?

"I was thinking the story was going to be similar to other series out there, but it is really exciting and different.  I like the story plot in the book because it is about all the ideas in comic books being real in the Imagine Nation." - Erik from This Kid Reviews Books guest blogging @ Bookworm Blather 

"In a market where we could really use a hero, Jack Blank looks to be more than the answer." - The Trades

"I really think young readers will like this book, especially boys. It is full of action, mystery, robots and comic books." - The Write Path

The Secret War

Book 2

What's the Buzz?

"The ending was filled with twists. There was one in particular that made me gasp and freak out until my sister got mad at me (sorry Hannah!). Fast-paced and interesting, it was incredibly intense for a middle-grade novel, and could knock some of the young adult books that I’ve read off their pedestals." - Words Like Silver

"I love that there's a place where super heros live and that there's a book where anything is possible and that allows readers imaginations to take flight." - Mundie Kids

What Else Ya Got?


Official Author/Book Series Site - Jack Blank

Video

Author Matt Myklusch talks about creating the Imagine Nation

Did You Know?

When the Accidental Hero was first released it had a different title & cover.  The first release was named "Jack Blank & The Imagine Nation".  Why did they change the name?  I don't know.  Am I supposed to know everything?  Do I look like a genius? What do you mean no? What kind of a wisecrack is that? You don't have to be so mean you know. Geez.  Anyway, here's the original cover to the first book.