I Am Number Four

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore is the first book in a series about a group of nine children from the planet Lorien. They were sent to Earth along with adult keepers as a hope for the future. Unfortunately, the Mogadorians who destroyed Lorien followed them to Earth to kill them.

The nine can only be killed in number order due to a set of protections they carry. Number three was just killed. Number Four, current name Daniel Jones, and his keeper Henri are about to move once again. In Four's fifteen years, they have moved and changed identities 21 times.

This book has some elements that give it great potential as a science fiction series. However, the story falls short of its potential by lacking a well defined picture of life on Lorien. It is a bit too similar to life on Earth to be believable. The result is a light read that would entertain during vacation but will not necessarily hold readers' interest through the series.

Though the book will not be published until September of this year, a movie deal has already been signed. It will likely be a huge teen success.

Lore, Pittacus. (2010). I Am Number Four. New York: Harper.

Sapphique (Incarceron #2)

Sapphique is the second Incarceron novel by Catherine Fisher. Incarceron is a prison where - years ago - those in power exiled all criminals. Once the prison was sealed no one could leave again.

Except legend has it that one man did Escape. His name was Sapphique. He traveled all of the wings of the prison and challenge Incarceron (the artificial intelligence that oversees the prison) to a battle of wits for his freedom.

All in the prison know of Sapphique and all are looking to Escape. Recently someone did Escape. Finn is now Outside in the realm. Some believe he is the prince whose death was staged when he was younger. Now he must get his memory back and save not only the realm but those trapped inside of Incarceron.

Fisher has created a dark and fascinating world that mixes advanced technology with the protocols of the middle ages. This series is a must read for any fantasy readers.

Sapphique will be available in December 2010.

Fisher, Catherine. (2010). Sapphique. New York: Dial Books.

First Light

First Light by Rebecca Stead is a great book that entertains while sneaking in important information about climate change / global warming.

Peter's father is a glaciologist and has gotten a grant to go to Greenland and study how global warming is affecting the ice cap. Peter and his mother, along with a graduate student, will be going as well.

Thea lives in Greenland, though she does not know it by that name. She lives within the glacier Peter's father is going to study. Her people carved tunnels and homes out of the ice generations ago when they were being hunted by others.

While Peter explore the top the glacier, Thea wonders if there is a way out of her world - not to escape but to expand the current city. They will come together by chance and learn about the other's life in this beautifully written, well crafted plot.

Stead has a way with words that will appeal to readers of all ages. Her book is packed with science that enhances the story and teaches readers more about our world. Her characters are thoughtful and true to their age group. She makes readers remember being twelve and knowing that anything in the world is possible.

Stead, Rebecca. (2007). First Light. New York: Wendy Lamb Books.

Instinct (Chess Team #2)

Instinct is the second book in the Chess Team series by Jeremy Robinson - featuring an elite Delta team that uses chess pieces for call signs.

Someone has weaponized a strain of the Brugada syndrome - usually a genetic disease - that can kill without warning by stopping the heart. When the President of the US is struck by the disease - and brought back to life by the secret service men who were with him at the time - research begins to see how he was infected.

Now the Chess team is off to the Annamite Mountains in Vietnam. There mission is to guard Dr. Sara Fogg, a CDC disease detective, so that she can find antibodies in some local survivor and a vaccine can be created. In order to keep the team alive - or rather to bring them back if they die - each member is fitted with a cardiac defibrillator implant.

When they get to the jungle it is not so easy to find the village and collect blood samples. The Vietnamese Death Volunteers, land mines from the Vietnam-US war, and an ancient evil will prevent them from succeeding on their mission.

Robinson's Chess Team books are so fast-paced and attention-grabbing that readers may which to consume a huge meal before beginning one of his books - as they will not want to stop reading until the last page is finished. Fans of authors James Rollins, Matthew Reilly, Jeff Long, and Linclon Child will love this book.

Robinson, Jeremy. (2010). Instinct. New York: St. Martin's Press.

Mothstorm (Larklight #3)

Mothstorm is the final book in the Larklight trilogy by Philip Reeve, illustrated by David Wyatt.

After an already crazy year involving space pirates, time travel, giant spiders, Moogs, and even more, the Mumby family is ready to relax and enjoy a nice, calm Christmas with friends. But just after Jack Havock and his gang arrive at Larklight, a British warship also docks.

Something strange is going on near Georgium Sidus (only those without manners call it Uranus). Those in authority thought that Mrs. Mumby may know what the strangeness means.

So the Mumbys are off to the far reaches of the British space to see Georgium Sidus. When their ship arrives it is attacked by giant moths. And once again a space battle that will decide the future of the universe is underway!

Reeve has more imagination than should fit into one head. He is quite brilliant. Any readers who like to laugh must read this series. It is a must have for every library collection. Do not let the fact that this series was published for children make you think it is any less intelligent than adult science fiction - it is just as intelligent and much more quirky.

Reeve, Philip. (2008). Mothstorm. New York: Bloomsbury.

The Body at the Tower (The Agency #2)

The Body at the Tower is the second book the Agency series by Y.S. Lee.

In this second book, Mary Quinn is a full fledged member of the Agency. The Agency consists of under cover detectives whom are often overlooked in the field. The Agency only employs women. And in London in the 1800s women were usually ignored and always considered less intelligent than men.

This new assignment has a twist. Mary will not be going in as a maid or a lady's companion, she will be undercover as a twelve year old boy. She will be working on a building site - the construction of the Tower of London.

She has been hired to discover the circumstances surrounding the death of one of the brick layers at the site. As she knows little of the building trade she feels at a loss - until a familiar engineer is hired to do an inspection of the site to determine if the death was due to preventable job safety issues.

But the engineer, James Easton, will surely know her identity the moment he sees her. How will she explain her presence on site without compromising the Agency - because no one outside of the Agency realizes that it is made up entirely of women.

Lee has created a compelling mystery series set in a rich time period in London's history. Her characters and plot will keep readers hooked for as long as she continues the series. The Body at the Tower will be published in August 2010.

Lee, Y.S. (2010). The Body at the Tower. New York: Candlewick Press.

Museum of Thieves (Museum Keepers #1)

Museum of Thieves is the first book in Lian Tanner's The Keepers series.

In the city of Jewel a tight reign is kept on the citizens of the city. Children are literally chained to their parents or a Blessed Guardian until they reach the age of Separation. Until that time they are never alone and they do not make any decisions for themselves.

Now Goldie Roth is about to reach her Separation. The age has been lowered because the threats the city used to face have lessened - there is no more plague, famine, or pestilence; no children have drowned or had any fatal accidents in a long time; even the instance of child stealers is virtually nonexistent.

But as Goldie is about to be cut free of the ceremonial ribbon that has replaced her usual chain, a scare causes the leaders to rethink her early Separation. All of the children who were about to be freed must wait until it is deemed safe again. Goldie cannot wait.

As Goldie has never been the model child, she sees her opportunity to pick the pocket of the man guarding her. She can cut herself free and run away! Her escape sets off a chain of events long in the planning - events that may threaten the city like no others have for hundreds of years.

In the mean time, Goldie hides in the city's museum - a building she has never noticed before. But this is not regular museum - it is alive and can only be accessed by a thief. For only a thief can understand the shifting rooms. The museum shifts according to its sense of security - the more it feels threatened the more it changes. When the Blessed Guardians invade the building to find Goldie the museum becomes quite agitated.

Tanner's first book in the series is brilliant. She is an author with rare wisdom and perspective who brings feelings we all face to the forefront. Some of her passages tell universal truths in simple and hard-hitting language but are woven into a fascinating story and only enhance the reader's interest.

Museum of Thieves will be published on September 28th of this year (being a librarian has its perks!). Reserve a copy as soon as your local public library has it!

Tanner, Lian (2010). Museum of Thieves. New York: Delacourte Press.

To Distraction (Bastion Club #5)

To Distraction by Stephanie Laurens is the fifth book in her Bastion Club series set in the early 1800s in London's upper levels of society.

The Bastion Club was formed by a group of men who worked as spies in the war against Napoleon. When they returned to London the young women flocked to them and they felt trapped by beautiful women who had no apparent depth. In response the club was formed to pool information on how to avoid the crush while looking for wives.

In this fifth book, Deverell, Viscount Paignton, has lost all hope to find a suitable woman to wed when his favorite aunt tells him of a woman he should meet. He travels to a four-day party in the country to meet Phoebe Malleson.

Phoebe has no intention of spending time with Deverell. She is not interested in marriage and has much more important things to focus on. She secretly runs a group that rescues female servants who are in danger of being molested by the men who employ them.

As Phoebe and Deverell spend time together - he did not head the hints she sent about not being interested in marriage - Phoebe is concerned that her secret will be discovered. All of the women she is helping could be put into jeopardy - not to mention her reputation ruined - if Deverell finds out.

Laurens, Stephanie. (2006). To Distraction. New York: Avon Books.

A Spy in the House (The Agency #1)

A Spy in the House is the first book in the Agecny series by Y.S. Lee. The series is also known as the Mary Quinn Mysteries.

At the age of twelve, Mary Lang was sentenced to hang for being a thief. Instead of being taken to the gallows, she is rendered unconscious and taken to a school. Miss Scrimshaw's Academy for Girls is a place for girls who could not normally afford an education. It is also a place to train female investigators.

When Mary turns seventeen she joins the Agency. Her first assignment is a simple one. She is the secondary agent on the case, and as such, only needs to observe the household while playing the part of a lady's companion.

Mary is more ambitious than that. She takes it upon herself to use her previous skills as a thief and find more information. Her snooping gets her caught by someone else who is investigating the family.

Together Mary and James will find every secret the family keeps - or die trying.

Lee has created a great series that shows readers London in the 1850s. She has found a way to show the roles of women at the time while creating a way for her characters to break out of those proscribed roles. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Lee, Y.S. (2010). A Spy in the House. New York: Candlewick Press.

Rapunzel's Revenge

Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale, illustrated by Nathan Hale, is a reworking of the Rapunzel fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm.

Instead of being rescued by a prince like in the original story. In Hale's version, Rapunzel is raised by Mother Gothel. She lives in an enchanted garden that is tended by Gothel's growth magic.

One day she realizes what is on the other side of the wall that encloses the garden. What she finds shocks her. People have been forced into slavery to support Mother Gothel.

When Rapunzel tells Gothel that she wants to leave she is locked in a tower tree where she will stay until she learns to like her life. The tree is infected with the growth magic that makes Rapunzel's hair grow to absurd lengths.

Rapunzel uses her hair to escape the tree and find her way to the slave mines to find her real mother. She must fight her way across the old west to reach her destination and will need the help of a new friend to make it.

Hale, Shannon and Dean. (2008). Rapunzel's Revenge. New York: Bloomsbury.

Pulse (Chess Team #1)

Pulse is the first book in the Chess Team series by Jeremy Robinson.

The Chess Team is a special forces team with the call signs of chess pieces. They are sent all over the world when stealth and force are needed.

King's friend, archaeologist Dr. George Pierce, calls and asks for King's help and King uses his vacation time to fly to Peru and lend a hand. But he arrives at the dig just in time to see the ancient artifact before a highly armed team comes in and steals it - trapping King inside of a cave in the process.

Soon the whole chess team is on the hunt of a rogue genetics company that has plans to extract DNA from the artifact to create immortality.

Fans of James Rollins and Lincoln Child will love this series. Robinson combines Greek mythology, science, military, and action to thrill readers.

Robinson, Jeremy. (2009). Pulse. New York: St. Martin's Press.

Clean Kill (Sniper #3)

Clean Kill by Jack Coughlin with Donald A. Davis is the third book in their Sniper series about USMC Gunnery Sergeant Kyle Swanson.

Swanson is now a member of the super secret team Trident. They work directly for the President of the United States. Trident goes into anywhere there are terrorists who may be planning to attack the US.

In Scotland, Sir Geoffrey Cornwell has helped to negotiate a peace agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia. As the signing party begins it is attacked by two surface to surface missiles destroying the castle, killing many and wounding Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia.

Swanson is flow to the UK to check on his long-time friend Sir Jeff and his wife Lady Patricia. He and Captain Sybelle Summers arrive at the hospital just in time for the second wave of the attack started at the castle.

Someone is trying to destabilize Saudi Arabia's royal family. Trident will be invited by Prince Abdullah to come to Saudi Arabia and help with the situation.

Coughlin, a retired USMC Gunnery Sergeant himself, knows how to tell a nail-biting thriller with more action than should fit between the pages of a single book.

Coughlin, Jack. (2010). Clean Kill. New York: St. Martin's Press.

U.S.S. Seawolf (Arnold Morgan #4)

U.S.S. Seawolf is the fourth book in the Arnold Morgan series by Patrick Robinson.

China has a new nuclear submarine. It will be leaving its dry dock in the Yellow Sea and making it way through the shallows to East China Sea for trials - including its first time underwater because it was build in water too shallow for submersion.

The United States Navy must get a look at the sub to determine if China now has the capacity to launch a nuclear warhead from Chinese waters to the west coast of the US. Captain Judd Crocker and his crew on the USS Seawolf - the new US sub that is the latest in stealth technology - will be tasked with measuring the new Chinese submarine.

Orders are to follow and record the size of the submarine without being detected in Chinese waters. When the Seawolf is not only detected, but captured by the Chinese, the possibility of ever seeing her crew again are not likely. Plus, in the hands of the Chinese, the Seawolf will advance the Chinese Navy about 30 years in technology.

Admiral Arnold Morgan, the National Security Advisor to the President of the United States, must find a way to rescue 100 US Navy personnel and somehow render the Seawolf useless or China will be well on her way to controlling the Pacific.

Robinson has created a series that any military or adventure readers will love. It is packed with technical information, suspense, political intrigue, and Navy SEALS. What more could you ask for in a book?

Robinson, Patrick. (2000). USS Seawolf. New York: HarperCollins.

One Crazy Summer

Once Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia tells the story of three sisters going from their home in Brooklyn to Oakland, California the summer of 1968.

Cecile left the girls with their father to be raised and went off by herself to join the civil rights movement. Her youngest daughter has no memory of her mother.

Delphine, the oldest sister, is used to taking care of younger Vonetta and Fern. Which is good since, when they arrive in Oakland, it becomes apparent that Cecile has no talent for parenting. The girls are sent to a day camp for Black Panther children.


Williams-Garcia's book is a look at a pivotal time in the history of our country. At the beginning of the book, the girls consider themselves Negros, but by the end they have embraced the term Black - taking the first step to claiming the power each of them have inside.

Williams-Garcia, Rita. (2010). One Crazy Summer. New York: Amistad.

Incarceron (Incarceron #1)

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher is a haunting look at a society that created the ultimate prison.

Claudia, daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, lives a world where protocols require all citizens to live in a medieval time period. Anything not of the correct period will lead to punishment. So instead of keeping up with the possible technology and science - that could likely cure any disease and create hover boards - people travel by horse-drawn carriage.

Claudia is to marry the Queen's son and become the next Queen of the entire Outside realm. She is trapped into a life where her father has gotten to decide her future.

Finn lives inside Incarceron. He has no memory of his past. He may have been born in the prison or created by the prison which recycles all things. But he has visions or memories of another place. Could he have been born Outside?

As Finn tries to find a way out of Incarceron, Claudia tries to find out more about the prison. She is still not sure where it is located. Her father spends his time between the castle estate they live in and at the court of the Queen. There are rumors that Incarceron is underground or even on another world.

Through two separate paths, Claudia and Finn will risk all to change the worlds they live in.

Catherine Fisher has created a fascinating world of history and future in this science-fiction fantasy. It is not clear if this is the first in a series, but I hope so! There are so many possibilities that could come out of this new dystopian world. This book is a great addition to awesome YA fantasy fiction with strong female protagonists like Uglies, Sabriel, or The Naming.

Fisher, Catherine. (2010). Incarceron. New York: Dial Books.

Starcross (Larklight #2)

Starcross is the second book in the Larklight series by Philip Reeve and illustrated by David Wyatt.

Firstly, Philip Reeve is as mad as Jasper Fforde! The each have more imagination than some whole cities.

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Now that Larklight is safe from the menace in the first book, Mrs. Mumbly is having some interior decorating updated. The house is so noisy that when an invitation comes to visit the hotel Starcross, the Mumbly jump at the chance.

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Starcross boasts the finest sea-bathing in the Asteroid Belt. The fact that there are no seas in the Asteroid Belt should be the first clue that something is amiss.

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The Mumblys will be faced with French spies, Yankee rebels, man-eating starfish, and sinister top hats before the book is complete.

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If you need a fun read, read the Larklight series! It is pure awesomeness.

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Reeve, Philip. (2007). Starcross. New York: Bloomsbury.

Dead Shot (Sniper #2)

Dead Shot is the second Sniper book by Jack Coughlin with Donald A. Davis.

Kyle Swanson was the the USMC's best sniper. Now that he is dead - officially buried in Arlington National Cemetery - he is free to undertake black ops assignments. He is a part of a super secret group that works directly for the president in counter terrorism.

A deadly gas explosion tests a new bio terrorism weapon that poisons everyone who gets near it. It is a gas that is heavy and will not be spread far by wind and so can be controlled in the right environments.

Kyle and his team is sent to Iraq to check out a suspected chemical weapons plant and follow the trail of the poison as well as the assassin-sniper known as Juba. Possibly the best sniper in the world - unless Kyle is the best sniper in the world. Before the book ends the two will face off in a deadly battle for survival.

Coughlin, a retired sniper himself, captures the techniques and stress of battle situations with a character that readers will follow on all of his future assignments.

Coughlin, Jack. (2009). Dead Shot. New York: St. Martin's Press.

A Fine Passion (Bastion Club #4)

A Fine Passion is the fourth book in the Bastion Club series by Stephanie Laurens.

Jack Warenfleet, Baron of Minchinbury, left London to get away from the social season, the ton, and the tricks they play to get people to marry. His in town affairs are settled and he hasn't seen his childhood home in seven years.

As he turns onto the last lane on the way home, he encounters an overturned carriage and a woman trying to calm the horses so that they do not crush the man trapped underneath it.

Soon he finds out that this same woman, Lady Clarice Altwood, has taken over his role as overseer of the community of which he is the baron.

This fourth book follows the same patterns as the previous volumes - there is a mystery which puts Lady Clarice in danger and Warenfleet feels protective and has the background to help. Laurens has created an interesting set of characters set in historical England.

Laurens, Stephanie. (2005). A Fine Passion. New York: Avon Books.

Nathan Fox: Dangerous Time (Nathan Fox #1)

Nathan Fox: Dangerous Times by L. Brittney is an adventurous historical fiction novel about a young spy.

Nathan Fox and his sister Marie live in London. They are supported by thirteen-year old Nathan's work in the theater. His fellow actor, and their good friend, Will Shakespeare, live in the same boarding house.

When Nathan is recruited by Britian's spymaster Sir Francis Walsingham he thinks his live will be full of danger and excitement. But first he must spend some time training.

Nathan's first assignment is to be in Venice. He and his partner, John Pearce, will deliver a message to one of England's allies. But his assignment will not be as easy as it sounds - before it is done he will meet a famous pirate, fight a gang, participate in a sea battle, save the life of a famous general named Othello, and more.

Brittney has created an accessible and exciting novel that introduces historical facts combined with danger and intrigue. Nathan Fox is an historical version of Alex Rider.

Brittney, L. (2007). Nathan Fox: Dangerous Times. New York: Feiwel and Friends.

Igraine the Brave

Igraine the Brave, written and illustrated by Cornelia Funke and translated into English by Anthea Bell, is the story of a young girl who wants to become a knight.

Igraine is about to turn twelve. She does not want to follow her brother and parents in the study of magic - she wants to wear armor, ride a great horse, and carry a sword.

While creating her birthday present, her parents misspeak a spell - and the result has turned them into pigs. Now is Ingraine's chance to prove her courage. She must find a giant with red hair for the correction spell.

Funke has created a lovable character in Igraine. The book is a great adventure in finding ones path.

Funke, Cornelia. (2006). Igraine the Brave. New York: Chicken House.

Larklight (Larklight #1)

Larklight: A Rousing Tale of Dauntless Pluck in the Farthest Reaches of Space by Philip Reeve, and illustrated by David Wyatt, is the first book in the Larklight series.

Art and Myrtle Mumby live with their father at Larklight - a house that floats behind the moon. Their father is a scientist who studies the creatures who swim through space.

When a notice comes that a gentleman will be visiting Larklight, Myrtle is excited about having company. Few visitors come and the Mumbly's rarely leave the house. But the guest is no gentleman - he is a giant spider who has come to attack Larklight.

Fleeing in an escape pod, Art and Myrtle begin an adventure that will take them to the far reaches of the universe and bring them face to face with every type of creature imaginable.

Reeve could be compared to some the most creative science fiction writers of all time, like Jules Verne, or he could be compared to the wacky and creative thinking of Jasper Fforde. Read this book - it has adventure, history (though a bit altered), pirates, romance, and more.

Reeve, Philip. David Wyatt, Illustrator. (2006). Larklight. New York: Bloomsbury

Kill Zone (Sniper #1)

Kill Zone by Jack Coughlin with Donald A. Davis is the first book a series about a U.S. Marine sniper.

Kyle Swanson is one of the top snipers in any of the branches of the U.S. military. Recalled from a working vacation where he is testing a new sniper rifle, he is sent with a group of Recon Force Marines to rescue a General who has been kidnapped.

Before the rescue mission even hits the ground there are problems. Swanson ends up being the only man alive after a helicopter crash. With no immediate way out of the desert he decides to go after the general himself.

Going against a group he thinks are terrorists, he is surprised to see someone with white skin. Could the people who kidnapped the general be mercenaries? And hired by whom?

Combining political intrigue and corruption with nail-biting military action, Coughlin and Davis have created a series that reader will follow wherever it leads.

Coughlin, Jack and Donald A. Davis. (2007). Kill Zone: A Sniper Novel. New York: St. Martin's Press.

A Gentleman's Honor (Bastion Club #2)

A Gentleman's Honor by Stephanie Laurens is the second book in the Bastion Club series.

In the year 1816, Alicia Carrington, her sister Adriana, and her three younger brothers move to London for the season to find Adriana a suitable husband. Alicia, being a widow, will play the role as chaperone - hoping that as a widow she will be left out of the matchmaking schemes.

When Anthony Blake, Viscount of Torrington, sees Alicia he does not care that she is a widow. She is the woman for him and nothing, including social rules, will keep him from winning her heart.

Laurens has created a fun series of historical romances set in the haut ton of early London. Each bachelor in the series tries to keep the hooks of mothers, aunts and sisters out of their decision-making process.

Laurens, Stephanie. (2003). A Gentleman's Honor. New York: Avon Books.