Ella Enchanted September 25, 2008

Title: Ella Enchanted

Author: Gail Carson Levine

Summary: At birth, the fairy Lucinda “gifted” Ella  with obedience. Whenever ordered to do something, Ella can’t help but to comply. At an early age her mother dies and at the funeral she meets Prince Char, her first best friend.  A few years pass before her father starts being courted by the awful Dame Olga, who has two monsters for daughters–Hattie and Olive. To make matters worse, Hattie soon discovers that Ella will do anything she says.  The story follows Ella as she learns to deal with these new step-devils, some ugly–and rather old–suitors, trolls, and of course her curse. Only Lucinda can remove the curse, but the problem is Lucinda never takes back a gift. Can Ella save her life before it all falls apart?

Who will like this book?: If you want a classic fairy tale, this is the book for you. A charming Prince, a witty female lead, evil humans and creatures, and some unexpected magical friends add up to the essentials of this fairy tale. It has more dialogue than action, but it’s fast-paced and hilarious. And apart from the characters and basic plot outline, it’s not anything like the movie.

If you like this, you should try: Anything else by Gail Carson Levine–she has a series of fairy books, as well as The Wish. Other good fairy-tale books are Tithe by Holly Black, Artemis Fowlby Eoin Colfer, almost anything by Dianna Wynne Jone or Shannon Hale, and the Wolf Tower series (Wolf Tower is the name of the first one) by Tanith Lee.

Recommended by: ZZ, resident of Fairfield and avid reader.

Peter and the Starcatchers September 23, 2008

Title: Peter and the Starcatchers

Author: Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

Summary: Peter and his group of fellow orphans are on the ship Never Land headed towards becoming slaves to an evil King who wants his hands on more than just some orphan boys. On the journey, he meets Molly, an unusual girl, who eventually confides in him the importance of a trunk stashed away on board. Soon enough the notorious pirate Captain Stache comes looking for the trunk, endangering Molly’s father in the process, as well as everyone on the Never Land.  The story takes off as Peter discovers what mysteries are within the trunk–and just how far Stache is willing to go to get his hands on it.  From two different writers, the pieces come together in a new telling of how the famous Neverland came to be along with its hero Peter Pan.

Who will like this book?: Obviously if you’re into Peter Pan (or love Disney themes), this is the book to read. It’s readable for children and anyone who’s ever imagined something extraordinary will find enjoyment in reading this.

If you like this, you should try: The second and third books in the series–Peter and the Secret of Rundoon and Peter and the Shadow Thieves - as well as Peter Pan in Scarlet by Geraldine McCaughrean and Scott M. Fischer and Capt. Hook: The Adventures of a Notorious Youth by J. V. Hart and Brett Helquist.

Recommended by: ZZ, resident of Fairfield and avid reader.

Hunter X Hunter September 11, 2008

Title: Hunter X Hunter

Author: Yoshihiro Togashi

Summary: In order to find out about his father, Gon must first get a Hunter’s license, which requires going through various difficult trials. Thousands of applicants try out and only two or three make it per year. On the way, Gon meets up with Killua, the youngest son of a famous family of assassins, Kurapica, whois the last of his clan, and Leorio, a smart businessman. Together they face the trials, tricky competitors, and mortal danger. But the Hunters Test is only the beginning of the long journey the group must endure to find what they are looking for.

Who will like this book?: It’s aimed at males, but can be enjoyed by anybody. You have to enjoy a good fighting story with a fantasy touch.

If you like this, try this: Bleach, Naruto, D.Gray-man, Fullmetal Alchemist, and other Shonen-style manga. This is rated Older Teen (16+)

Recommended by: ZZ, resident of Fairfield and avid reader

Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean August 26, 2008

Title: Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean

Author: Justin Somper

Summary: Twins Connor and Grace are freshly-made orphans after their storytelling father dies. Left with a tale of the ‘vampirates’ they set out onto the ocean to find a place to live. But a storm darkens their hopes as their boat is wrecked and they are separated - Connor is saved by a strong second-in-command - Cheng Li - of some not-so-honest pirates, and Grace by the mysterious boy Lorcan who never seems to go out into the sun… Will the two be able to find each other, let alone survive?

Who will like this book?: People out for a good pirate or vampire story that isn’t just about gore and violence. It holds some mystery, and is a great sea shanty as well.

If you like this, try this: The sequels, Vampirates: Tide of Terror and Vampirates: Blood Captain.

Recommended by: ZZ, resident of Fairfield and avid reader.

Immortal Rain August 21, 2008

Title: Immortal Rain

Author: Kaori Ozaki

Summary: As a new assassin, Machika Balfatin has the ambitious goal of taking down the mysterious Methuselah, the only man ever to have escaped her grandfather’s grasp. However, when she finally meets the immortal, she finds herself in more trouble than she can handle. Once the word’s out that the Methuselah is on the move, every assassin, scientist, and greedy aristocrat want their hands on him. But when given the opportunity to take his head, Machika can’t bring herself to do it and takes on the duty of protecting him. She learns his name, Rain Jewlitt, and of his tragic past.

Who will like this book?: You don’t have to be an avid manga reader to like this story. With a good dose of action, violence, wit, and romance, it’s a great quick read, with a warning to those who can’t stand sad parts or intense violence. It is rated Older Teen (16+)

If you like this, try this: Negima!: Magister Negi Magi, Mar (Marchen Awakens Romance), DN Angel, Inuyasha, Ranma 1/2

Recommended by: ZZ, resident of Fairfield and avid reader

Into the Wild July 22, 2008

Title: Into the Wild

Author: Sarah Beth Durst

Summary: Living in a fairy tale isn’t ‘happily ever after.’ When the story ends, it just starts all over again. Julie knows just how different her life is from most teenagers. She has grown up listening to the stories her mom, Rapunzel, has told about how the fairy tale characters banded together to defeat ‘the Wild,’ the land of fairy tales that forced them to relive the same moments for hundreds of years. The Wild lives under Julie’s bed: A mess of branches and leaves that is constantly stealing her shoes. It is her job to make sure it doesn’t escape. 

When the Wild accidentally gets loose and begins to spread, trapping Cinderella, the witch, Red Riding Hood and all her family’s friends inside, Julie and her adopted brother, Puss and Boots, must go into the sinister forest to rescue them, keep from being captured in a story themselves, and prevent the Wild from turning the world into a never-ending fairy tale gone bad.

Who will like this book?: Fans of fractured fairy tales, or stories about when fantasy takes over the real world. People looking for adventure books starring girls.

If you like this, try this: The sequel, Out of the Wild. Books by Gregory Maguire, including his latest, What-the-Dickens. Dave Barry’s Peter series.

Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian