Ever Breath by Julianna Baggott - Ages 9+

Ever Breath

What's the Story?

In a world where locust fairies flutter and firebreathers burst from snowbanks, two children are having the adventure of their lives. Truman and his twin sister, Camille, have just met their grandmother Swelda. . . and she’s a little strange. She whispers a tale about something called the Ever Breath, an amber orb that maintains the balance between our world and a dreamy one of imagination—and evil.

Soon Truman and Camille find themselves in the Breath World, a magical place where ogres clash and a mouse holds the key to a mystery. Some creatures want to help them—and some want them D-E-A-D. That’s because the Ever Breath has been stolen, and an epic battle is raging to bring it safely back. Can the twins save not only one world—but two?

What's the Buzz?

"It brings back all the magic of juvenile fantasy that I often reminisce about. I have a feeling that Baggott’s books will go alongside Eva Ibbotson’s as great reads for 8- to 12-year-olds." - Steph Su Reads

"Her characters, especially the uncoordinated, allergy-besotted Truman and a conscience-plagued mouse informant named Binderbee, are vividly depicted and full of interesting contradictions." - Parent Dish

"After the first chapter, I had one child tucked up on each side of me... When I tried to quit reading for the night, I heard the words that had never been said by my children before: "Just one more chapter!" I felt like I was dreaming. I'm not kidding -- it was weird!" - Little Blue School

"I found The Ever Breath to be a good book. It is funny, and it keeps you wanting to read the next page. It kind of reminds me of The Chronicles of Narnia and Harry Potter combined." - Kayley (6th Grade) @ BookTrends

"Swelda is a hoot, and I particularly liked a talking mouse named Binderbee Biggby, who has the most interesting crisis of conscience in the whole book." - The Book Aunt

Where Can I Learn More?

The Author's official site is here.  Baggett also started a Ever Breath blog but it's been abandoned for a while now.  If you're an internet treasure hunter, you might find a few golden Ever Breath nuggets there if you dig deep enough.

Waggit's Tale (Book 1) - Waggit's Tale Trilogy - Author: Peter Howe - Ages 9+

Series: Tales from the Five Kingdoms - Author: Vivian French - Ages 9+

Series: Magic Next Door - Author: Nina Kiriki Hoffman - Ages 11+

Thresholds
Book 1

What's the Story?
Maya's family has just moved from Idaho to Spores Ferry, Oregon. She's nervous about starting middle school and making new friends, but soon that's the last thing on her mind. First, a fairy flies into her room. Then it turns out that the kids in the apartment building next door do magic, and their basement is full of portals to other worlds. She's bursting with new experiences and delight . . . and secrets, because she can't breathe a word to her family, not even when she winds up taking care of an alien!

Reviews

" I was trying to decide if this is sci-fi or fantasy. But why choose? It truly appears to be both" - Book Aunt

"At its heart, this is about a girl finding something within herself that is strong and bursting forth at an important turning point in her life." - Fuse #8 @ School Library Journal

 "Neither fantasy nor science fiction, but an intricate mix, this intersection of the mundane and the weird is classic Hoffman, unfolding like an exotic bloom. Sadly, it feels like pure buildup for the sequel, ending just as it’s getting really good." - Michael M Jones

"I'm kind of surprised this one didn't get nominated for the Cybils..." - Ms Yingling Reads

Meeting
Book 2 (Magic Next Door)

Reviews

"Do yourself a big favor and buy and read Thresholds (Magic Next Door) and then this book...  I would now buy any book if Nina Kiriki Hoffman is the author" - Kiwi Mag Online

"This book is magical and wonderful, but it is also real and grounded.  It is a story about balance and friendship, but it is also a story about healing after loss.  "Meetings" entertains and also comforts.  Definitely one of my top books for this year!" - Sara's Page @ Little Professor Homewood

Rise of the Darklings (The Invisible Order Book 1) - Author: Paul Crilley - Ages 10+

Rise of the Darklings

What's the Story?  

It was a morning like any other, frigid and gray, when Emily Snow took to the streets of Victorian London to earn the pennies that would keep her and her little brother alive for another day. But a chance turning took her through a dark alley, and there Emily witnessed an extraordinary battle between fierce, tiny creatures no taller than her knee.

Now Emily’s life will never be the same, for she can see the world of Faerie. And once seen, she cannot turn away; once engaged, she must join in the latest battle in a war that has been waged for centuries. Doing nothing is not an option, for the Invisible Order—a secret army dedicated to preserving our world against the Faerie—knows about Emily, and its members will do anything to control her. For Emily, her brother William, and their friend, the street thief Spring-Heeled Jack, this winter morning is a turning point, and hereafter their lives will be entwined with the Invisible Order, and with Faerie. . . .

What's the Buzz?

"Author Paul Crilley has created a fascinating world. Emily’s London is cold and dreary, the perfect setting for a story of abandoned children." - The Discriminating Fangirl

"By the way, before handing this book to younger readers, parents may wish to take note of the fact that the book has some quite violent sections mixed in with the fantasy ... Yet this violence and these villains are coupled with morality and lessons about trust." - Luxury Reading

"As the story progresses to its powerful climax (and I do mean, powerful, I basically whooped when it happened) a lot of plot twists are thrown in the mix, allies become enemies and vice-versa and then Emily makes the coolest yet hardest decision ever. And I LOVED her for it. Needless to say, I will be back for seconds, in fact, I am really looking forward to it." - The Book Smugglers

Where Can I Learn More? 
You can read the first three chapters of the book @ the author's site here

Brian Selznick's New Book Wonderstruck in Stores Today!

Series: Landon Snow - Author: R. K. Mortenson - Ages 9+

Landon Snow and the Auctor's Riddle

What's the Story?
"Readers will be captivated by this compelling story as they follow Landon through a world where books speak, chess pieces come to life, and a golden coin rules the Odds. They'll cheer when a once-disillusioned boy emerges from this awesome adventure with his faith regained and hope restored."

Reviews

"The first thing I noticed and fell in love with when I picked up Landon Snow and the Auctor's Riddle, was the cover. The spine and edges of the book look faded and worn, while the front face is made to look like an old book covered in embossed leather and held closed with a brass clasp... Thick, creamy pages, with brown font and small brown illustrations at the start of the chapters, continue what the cover starts. They imply that this is no ordinary book. This is an old, rare book, full of treasures waiting to be discovered." - Paraklesis

"Landon Snow is a young man who is given two gifts for his eleventh birthday — two gifts which send him on a whirlwind adventure into the "Book of Meanings" much like Alice’s trip down the rabbit hole. " - Travis Seitler

"For readers who are looking for a fantasy book with a Christian worldview, Landon and his pals are sure to satisfy. But the faith message doesn't overshadow the story's magical adventures, which will appeal to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy." - Bookloons

Landon Snow and the Shadows of Malus Quidam

Reviews

"Landon Snow and the Shadows of Malus Quidam is a fast-paced adventure that promises to equal both the suspense and the substance of Mortenson's first offering. With his original and charming allegories, the author delicately leads children to the symbolic truths discovered by Landon himself." - Faithful Reader

"The second book has less exploration of magical worlds and a more traditional story line, but it compensates with deeper character development; particularly Landon. Mortenson has developed an admirable lead character." - Kevin Holtsberry

Landon Snow and the Island of Arcanum

Reviews

"Although Landon Snow and the Island of Arcanum is resolved as a stand-alone book, it is also the third in the series and, in that, can be a little confusing to new readers. While I appreciate that there was not a lot of re-hashing of past plots, I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series." - Armchair Interviews

"Beyond the wonderful packaging—art work, paper quality, hard cover, colored print—the writing makes these books worthy additions to a fantasy-lover's library, not to mention a desirable Christmas gift for any middle grade reader." - Reviews Plus

"Mortenson, in my opinion, teeters on the edge of breaking out, becoming a household name. He is a skilled wordsmith, and his plots are growing in strength... I highly recommend Landon Snow and the Island of Arcanum for children eight years old and up and for the parents who read to them." - Rebecca LuElla Miller

Landon Snow and the Volucer Dragon

Reviews

"This book was very dramatic from start to finish, but I found the beginning of the book to be hard to follow." - Once Upon A Romance

Landon Snow and The Auctor's Kingdom

Reviews

" I was slightly disappointed in this final installment of the Landon Snow series. Too many loose ends and a strangely woven plot left me confused and unsatisfied at the end. Unless the author is planning a set of prequels, there's so much I felt was left out." - Squeaky Clean Reviews

"I highly recommend this series. You’ll find it builds to a wonderful crescendo, with each book toping the one before it." - Rebecca LuElla Miller

"Hats off to R.K. Mortenson for finding the perfect ending to Landon’s journeys. The ending was so wonderfully sweet that I cried again from the sheer love expressed in the moment." - Once Upon A Romance

Official Sites

Once upon a time Landon Snow had a website with an author's bio and lots of other stuff, but it's no longer working.  Sorry

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.

Series - Fablehaven - Brandon Mull - Ages 9+

Fablehaven
Book 1 

What's the Story? 

For centuries mystical creatures of all description were gathered into a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite.

Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken — Seth is a bit too curious and reckless for his own good — powerful forces of evil are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save their family, Fablehaven, and perhaps even the world, Kendra and Seth must find the courage to do what they fear most.

What's the Buzz?
Coreena McBurnie
Dyersburg School Desk
Book Review com
Common Sense Media

More Reviews @ . . .
Amazon --- Barnes & Noble --- GoodReads --- LibraryThing

Rise of the Evening Star
Book 2 

Book 2 Reviews
Mike's Book Reviews
Diary of a Bookworm
Becky's Book Reviews

Grip of the Shadow Plague
Book 3 

Book 3 Reviews 

Guy Gone Geek

Cracking the Cover

Frequent Reader

Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary
Book 4

Book 4 Reviews

Lady Gladriel

Diary of a Bookworm

Reading Decent Writing

Keys to the Demon Prison
Book 5

Book 5 Reviews

Craig Everett

Ken Tennant Book Review

One Librarian's Book Reviews

What Else Ya Got?
Brandon Mull's website
Official Fablehaven website 

At Google Books you can read Excerpts from Book 1, Book 3 & Book 4