Leviathan August 12, 2009

Title: Leviathan

Author: Scott Westerfeld

Summary: The first book in a new series by the author of Uglies is a fast-paced alternate history of World War I. The nations of Europe are divided: The Clankers favor mechanical, steam-powered fighting machines and the Darwinists use ‘fabricated’ living beasts created from manipulated DNA as their weapons.

On the eve of war, we meet Aleksandar, a headstrong prince sent into hiding after his parent’s assassination, and Deryn, an ambitious girl who has disguised herself as a boy in order to join the air corps. When Deryn’s ship, the immense blue whale called Leviathan, crash lands near Aleksandar’s hideaway a fantastic adventure begins. This exhilarating story is great for all readers, and is a terrific introduction to the alternate history and steampunk genres.

Who will like this book?: Fans of this popular author. People who like alternate histories and gadget-filled fantasy.

If you like this, try this: The Mortal Instruments series by Philip Reeve.  The Temeraire books by Naomi Novik.

Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian

Epic June 3, 2009

Title: Epic

Author: Conor Kostick

Summary:There is no violence in Erik’s world, only Epic. The global online multiplayer game allows people to create avatars to fight against one another and settle grievances. But Epic is more than just a game. It’s politics. Run by Central Allocations, a group of the richest, most powerful players, they lead a corrupt system that dictates the lives of everyone else.

Fed up with the difficulties his family faces, Erik creates a new type of character. He creates a girl named Cindella with only beauty instead of the typical fighter/elf/magician. But there’s something special about Cindella. When she starts getting attention from NPs (and not for her looks), Eric knows he’s onto something. Teaming up with his group of friends, they set off to fight dragons, find treasure, and slay the corrupt Central Allocations once and for all.

Who will like this book?: Boys and girls who enjoy discovering virtual worlds will find Epic to be a must-read. It’s packed full of adventure and has the interesting twist of a male player with a female avatar. The game system is well described but you don’t need to be a technician to understand the way this excellent sci-fi novel works.

If you like this, you should try: Saga, the sequel to Epic. Heir Apparent by Vivian Vande Velde, 1/2 Prince(manhwa), The 39 Clues series, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, The Walls of the Universeby Paul Melko, The Game by Dianna Wynne Jones

Recommended by:ZZ, Fairfield resident and avid reader

The Last Olympian May 6, 2009

Title: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 5: The Last Olympian

Author: Rick Riordan

Summary: In the final installment of this outstanding series, Percy and company must defend the island of Manhattan from the evil Kronos and the monster Typhon. The Last Olympian has the usual plot twists and turns, but the stakes are incredibly high: If Percy, Annabeth, Grover and the other demigods from Camp Half Blood lose the battle, civilization as they (and we) know it will unravel as the evil Titans take control.

If you haven’t read Percy yet, by gods, what are you waiting for! Begin with The Lightning Thief before the movie hits theatres.

Who will like this book?: Everybody! A great adventure series for guys and girls who don’t love to read, mythology buffs and everyone in between. This is also an outstanding series for teens and parents to share.

If you like this, try this: The Keys to the Kingdom series by Garth Nix. The Mark of Solomon series by Elizabeth E. Wein. And it looks like there will be another Camp Half Blood series, featuring new campers, so keep an eye out for that as well.

Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian

Graceling April 1, 2009

Title: Graceling

Author: Kristin Cashore

Summary: In Katsa’s world, some people are born graced – they possess a skill or ability that far surpasses that of an ordinary person. A Graceling might be able to swim, sew, cook, or read minds. Katsa, a lady of the Middluns, has what might be the most terrifying: A killing Grace. Her king, Randa, sends her to dole out brutal punishment to those who defy him, and almost everyone across the seven kingdoms shudder when they hear her name.

While on a mission to rescue a kidnapped prince, Katsa meets Po, another royal Graceling with a secret to protect. When they set off together to discover the motive behind the kidnapping, each will discover the true nature of their abilities, and learn that there are even more fearsome Graces than killing. The action never lets up in this terrific debut with enough heart and soul to please readers who might usually avoid fantasy stories.

Who will like this book?: Fans of fantasy adventures and quest stories – even guys. Keep an eye out for the prequel and sequel, coming soon.

If you like this, try this: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. The Giver by Lois Lowry. For something lighter, The Unnameables by Ellen Booraem.

Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian

Hero January 30, 2009

Title: Hero

Author: Perry Moore

Summary: Who is Thom Creed?  A  high school star basketball player who keeps his distance from his teammates; son of a disgraced former superhero and a mother who abandoned him years ago; a teenager coming to grips with his sexual orientation; or a soon-to-be hero with developing superpowers?  He’s all of these and more.  

And, as if  Thom’s life isn’t complicated enough he will soon find himself thrown onto a team with misfit superheros including a chain-smoking senior citizen with the power to see the future, an angry girl who can set things on fire with her mind,  Typhoid Larry (the name pretty much says it all, his power is making people sick), and a cranky demoted superhero.  As individual superheros they may be laughable, but put them together and they become a team that just might be able to save the world. 

Who will like this book:  How to describe who will like this book?  Hmm…If you like humorous stories that feature superheroes, adventure, love, and friendship (while confronting homophobia and evil villains) this is the book for you.   Basically, this is a great book for mature readers who can appreciate a non-traditional hero in a comic book-type story.

If you like this, try this:  Geography Club by Brent Hartinger,  My Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger.

Recommended by:  Jen, Fairfield Woods Teen Librarian

The Hunger Games January 6, 2009

Title: The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins

Summary: Each year a boy and a girl from each district are selected at random and sent to the Capital of Panem (formerly North America) to serve as tributes (players) in the Hunger Games. This live televised contest is mandatory viewing across the devastated continent. It is a battle to the death and the tribute left standing will be set for life.

When her little sister is chosen for the Games, Katniss decides takes her place. As she makes the journey from her destitute home in District 12 to the shimmering Capital, she begins to see that the Hunger Games are more than just a way to entertain the people: It’s a way to control them. This first book in a new series by the author of the Overland Chronicles will grab you from the first page and not let you go.

Who will like this book?: Adventure fans of all ages will love this book. Fans of dystopian fiction (meaning, set in a not-so-nice future world) and adventure stories. People who like heroes who are not so perfect. Anyone who thinks reality TV is just a little bit scary to begin with.

If you like this, try this: Uglies by Scott Westerfeld. The Lord of the Flies by William Golding. The Compound by S.A. Bodeen.

Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian