Monthly Archives: November 2015

Assassin’s Masque by Sarah Zettel

17 Tuesday Nov 2015

Posted by in Historical Fiction, Mystery and Suspense, Young Adult

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Just when Peggy Fitzroy thinks that things might be going her way, what with her father turning up and her ex-fiancé finally out of the picture,  a new problem arises in the form of a mysterious woman. This woman seems to be known by her uncle’s mother, and Peggy believes that she could definitely be dangerous.
The Jacobites are coming ever closer to causing a rebellion that would remove George II and his family. Peggy has pledged her loyalty to the royal family, but events occur which make them doubt her allegiance. She begins to mistrust Mr. Tinderflint, the man who got her the position as a spy in the court. Who is really trustworthy, and who is lying about everything, is the point of this novel of the Palace of Spies series.
I recommend its purchase for those who already have the first two books, but this story can stand alone if the others are not available.

17 Tuesday Nov 2015

Posted by in Historical Fiction, Mystery and Suspense, Young Adult

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Peggy Fitzroy continues her spy game for the court of King George II as a lady-in-waiting. She finds that the man who was betrothed to her, and who tried to rape her, has returned. She tries to find out who are the real dangers to the royal family and to herself. Her uncle is still trying to run her life – even though he had kicked her out of his home and a strange man, named Johnny Leroy becomes an unexpected part of her life. This second novel of The Palace of Spies is a stand alone, but it will make the reader want to go back and read The Palace of Spies, the first book of the series.
I think teens who are interested in strong female characters, and who like spy stories will enjoy this series.
dangerous deceptions

Just a Teacher’s Pet by Mercer Mayer

16 Monday Nov 2015

Posted by in Children's Books

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A new girl comes to school. She ingratiates herself to the teacher by doing all sorts of favors for her. She bosses the other kids around by telling them what to do and when to be quiet. These behaviors rankle the rest of the class. Then, when the children play a ballgame with the older kids, the statement is actually made,”But at least the teacher’s pet can’t tell us what to do.” However, the teacher tells them not to forget to invite the new girl to play. During the game, the new girl hits a home run, and their class wins the game. After that, all the kids want her on their team.
This is a cute little story about how children really do treat each other. It is a good beginning reader. I definitely recommend it for the primary school library.

Forces of Nature by Nate Ball

16 Monday Nov 2015

Posted by in Children's Books, Science Fiction

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This is number 6 of The Alien in My Pocket series. Zach McGee and Amp, the small alien that lives with him go on a family camping trip. Amp wasn’t supposed to go, but Zach’s little brother left the door to his room open, and Amp came along without Zach knowing it. Zach’s friend, Olivia, who knows about Amp, was allowed to come along with the family on the trip. Zach, Amp, and Olivia manage to get lost in the woods, but Amp teaches them how to make a compass that works, and they find their way out of the woods.

While the story, by itself is a interesting, I like the extra science information given both in the story and at the end of the book. Elementary readers will enjoy reading more of the adventures of Zach and Amp, and they will learn more about science as they read.Scan0084

Bridget Wilder: Spy-in-Training by Jonathan Bernstein

16 Monday Nov 2015

Posted by in Children's Books

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Bridget Wilder’s family sometimes treats her as if she doesn’t exist. They even forgot her birthday. To be fair, they are only her adoptive family. They took her in when her own parents disappeared. However, someone knows it is her birthday because they gave her a goody bag with strange things in it: dorky glasses, gross-flavored lip gloss and a broken smartphone.
Her world begins to change – and so does she – when the phone begins to ring, and she receives her first assignment as a CIA super agent. She is introduced to Section 23, a covert CIA department so secret that the CIA doesn’t even acknowledge that it exists. She even finds out that her real father is Carter Strike, a top CIA agent involved in saving the world. However, she soon learns that things are not always as they seem; and not everyone can be trusted.
This is a cute little story for elementary readers in grades 4-8 that just might turn into a Bridget Wilder series
bridget wilder

Dearest by Alethea Kontis

16 Monday Nov 2015

Posted by in Fantasy

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This book is a continuation of the tale of the Woodcutter sisters from Knotis’s book Enchanted.  Friday Woodcutter takes in all the children who are left after her sister Saturday broke the world.  Among those at the castle, unknown by the other inhabitants, are seven brothers who, by day, are swans, but who become men again each night.

Of course, Friday falls in love with Tristan, one of the brothers, but she tries to keep their existence a secret because they are still being hunted the evil Mordant, the person responsible for turning them into swans in the first place. Can Friday save the brothers and the rest of the world before Mordant takes over completely? A strange little man by the name of Mr. Humbug comes to help Friday.

This is an interesting retelling of two fairy tales: The Wild Swans and The Goose Girl. It is a good story for middle school readers of fantasy.  I recommend it for grades 5-8.

Public Enemies by Ann Aguirre

16 Monday Nov 2015

Posted by in Fantasy, Mythology, Young Adult

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This is the second book of a series entitled The Immortal Game. Readers of the first book, Mortal Danger will be waiting in line to get their hands on this one.  The story of Edie Kramer, a mortal who has been pulled into a game played by immortals makes a very exciting tale. Kian, the boy who saved her from destruction at the hands of the immortals now awaits his death. Can Edie save him, her father and herself?  That is the problem in this book.

It is a mystery/horror mashup based on religion and mythology.  I waded through the first few chapters and finally had enough understanding of the first book to really get into the storyline.   I recommend the purchase of this book ONLY if you already have, or are intending to purchase, Mortal Danger.  The characters are not given enough backstory in this book for the reader to easily figure out who they are.  The events that took place in the first book are mentioned, but not enough pieces are given to put them  together until near the end of the book.

I also cannot recommend this for any parochial school or for middle school libraries.  There is a very graphic sex scene near the end of book which would not be acceptable for most parents of those students. Optional purchase for high school or college age readers IF you have the first one.