: (M.S.)
The Dragon’s Pearl is a work of middle-school appropriate fantasy loosely based on Marco Polo’s adventures in China. Obviously not intended as “historical fiction,” there are a number of departures from the historical record of Marco Polo’s young life, and readers should be cautioned about that. All that aside, the story takes the reader on a series of adventures as Marco (and his friend Amelio) seek to rescue his father from the evil Arghun sorcerer. There is a healthy dose of monsters (particularly the relentless zombie-on-steroid-like Abarimon) and battle scenes, as well as a few surprises and secret identities. There are a few loose ends that don’t seem to quite tie together at the end, and the ending/climax is just a bit too predictable. This title may be considered “additional” for libraries with enough budget to add to their fantasy collection while seek something with a bit of historical name-dropping. ~km

(M.S.)
Young Lysander, born and raised as a Helot slave in (ancient) Sparta, had been elevated to the status of soldier after it was learned that his father was a Spartan. Having proven himself in battle in prior adventures, Lysander learns more about himself and his family when his barracks is called upon to recapture a distant Spartan settlement. There is no lack of detailed battle description and action, though the dialog alternated between being anachronistic and stilted at times. Recommended for collections where other series titles (The Fire of Ares, and Birth of a Warrior) are popular. Otherwise, this title may be considered unessential. ~km

MS . Sequel to the Night tourist which won an Edgar. I predict there will be a third. Jack, while trying to impress a girl, takes her and her date to the urban underground of NYC. This is not the nightclub or gang scene. It is where a dead "live" after they've died. It is guarded over by among other Cerebus, the 3 headed dog of Greek mythology. Jack has been there before and the dead think he is one of them but Cora is under attack. The entrance they came in by is locked and they must find another way out in less than 3 days. They may not eat while there or as in the Greek legend they will have to stay. Aided by Euri, a suicide Jack met in the previous book, they find a city planner from colonial times and an Indian tribe who help them escape. Very definitely a page turner. Should have appeal for those into Greek legends.

ES MS Svetlana (formerly Stephanie) believes she is a vampire. She sleeps under the bed and only eats food that is red, whie or pink. Her science teacher smells rotten to her and can read her mind. An old lady moves into the neighborhood and tells her she is not a vampire bu a member of the Circle of Red whose job it is to eliminate vampires and other ghoulish creatures. In this fast paced and funny book, Svetlana with a little help from her friends does eliminate 2 vampire teachers. There definitely is room for a sequel or whole series from this book. So nice to have a vampire whom all the girls won't fall in love with.

H.S. - This is Sharon Draper’s last in the trilogy of Battle of Jericho and November Blues. In Just Another Hero, November is back at school, Douglas High and in her tightly knit group of friends after giving birth to her baby. In this story, Arielle and Kofi seem to be the center of the story. Arielle is struggling with her emotionally abusive stepfather. He is wealthy but is a control freak and treats Arielle and her mother more like his property then like his family and ends up leaving Arielle and her mother homeless. Arielle is also having trouble with her friends at school. She is trying desperately to be accepted because of her own past behavior towards the other girls. Fences are mended and the groups of friend try to get on with the business of senior year. Kofi, is still on top with his grades and his worries about paying for college add to his stress as he tries to kick his dependency on the prescription drug OxyContin. H is girlfriend, Arielle, is standing devoted by his side while he goes through this difficult time. However, the drama is added when there is a rash of thefts at the school. Arielle is in the middle of the confusion when she witnesses an awful bulling incident and the victim swears her to keep it a secret. There are too many pranks going on, recurring fire drills, student’s property and money is missing, on top of which Eddie, who have been released from Juvenile detention has returned. All of which lead to a deadly situation involving Jack who is having a breakdown leading to an assault rifle being brought to school and student being held hostage and a shooting. This story even though there is a lot to take in to end the trilogy will keep even the reluctant reader going to the end.

M.S.: Middle School sci-fi fantasies
After a twenty-year hiatus, the action picks up where A Sending of Dragons left off. Akki, drawn into political intrigue in the capital, is kidnapped; Jakkin, off battling lizards and cavemen, comes to her rescue. The story starts slowly, weaving in some backstory, but gradually picks up steam. Yolen's world-building remains accomplished, and the characters are engaging and sympathetic.
The Pit Dragon Trilogy (reissued 2004) becomes the Pit Dragon Chronicles with the appearance of a fourth volume that takes up the tale right where number three left off. Yolen sends teenage dragon tenders Jakkin and Akki back to their people after a yearlong ordeal, determined to hide their newfound physical and telepathic powers. While the dragons display vivid personalities and agendas, the human cast comes across as pale and sketchy--particularly the two leads who, though supposedly in love and closely bonded by their shared experiences, show far more trust and understanding of their fire-breathing companions than of each other. Leaving Jakkin at a dragon nursery to fight off predatory subhuman Trogs while Akki departs abruptly for the city, where she's kidnapped by an old nemesis, the author crafts a plot well supplied with danger and action, but readers who aren't familiar with the earlier episodes will find it hard to follow.