While not entirely original, a captivating and enjoyable start to what promises to be an engaging series.
Barnes, Farley and Parker begin a bibliophilic magical adventure series for middle-grade readers.
Tweens Ben, Maya, and Bridgette are in the library for different reasons on a Friday evening when they are interrupted by the sound of “hundreds of birds...trying to claw their way through the door” of the library. The librarian, Mr. Lozano, quickly shields them in his office as the windows shatter and “large black birds with creepy red eyes” invade the space. In an attempt to fend off these ominous attackers, Ben throws an ancient book at the birds, surprisingly unleashing a dragon from its pages. The dragon aids their escape while Mr. Lozano guides the kids to a mysterious “portal” that leads to the Library of Alexandria. Though it resembles a mechanic’s garage, this modern library houses the contents of the original, is managed by the Muses, and is concealed from the world. Hidden within the library is Helicon Academy, a training ground for future librarians who are entrusted with defending the institution against the Pierides, mortal enemies who are intent on infiltrating and destroying the library. Although the trio are not descendants of the original librarians (and thus typically ineligible), they are given the opportunity to undergo the “Trials” and potentially gain admittance. After being accepted into the academy as future librarians, the three must navigate their schoolwork while unraveling the hidden secrets within Helicon Academy. What follows will be familiar to readers of similar fare: The protagonists’ journey is not dissimilar to the experiences of characters in popular series like Harry Potter and The School for Good and Evil. But despite the familiar setting and structure, the story is written with a light comic touch, and the unique voices and perspectives of the three central characters distinguish the novel from recent titles in the same genre.
While not entirely original, a captivating and enjoyable start to what promises to be an engaging series.Pub Date: May 7, 2024
ISBN: 9798989015016
Page Count: 402
Publisher: Infinity House Creative
Review Posted Online: May 3, 2024
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Hugely entertaining, timely, and triumphant.
Robot Roz undertakes an unusual ocean journey to save her adopted island home in this third series entry.
When a poison tide flowing across the ocean threatens their island, Roz works with the resident creatures to ensure that they will have clean water, but the destruction of vegetation and crowding of habitats jeopardize everyone’s survival. Brown’s tale of environmental depredation and turmoil is by turns poignant, graceful, endearing, and inspiring, with his (mostly) gentle robot protagonist at its heart. Though Roz is different from the creatures she lives with or encounters—including her son, Brightbill the goose, and his new mate, Glimmerwing—she makes connections through her versatile communication abilities and her desire to understand and help others. When Roz accidentally discovers that the replacement body given to her by Dr. Molovo is waterproof, she sets out to seek help and discovers the human-engineered source of the toxic tide. Brown’s rich descriptions of undersea landscapes, entertaining conversations between Roz and wild creatures, and concise yet powerful explanations of the effect of the poison tide on the ecology of the island are superb. Simple, spare illustrations offer just enough glimpses of Roz and her surroundings to spark the imagination. The climactic confrontation pits oceangoing mammals, seabirds, fish, and even zooplankton against hardware and technology in a nicely choreographed battle. But it is Roz’s heroism and peacemaking that save the day.
Hugely entertaining, timely, and triumphant. (author’s note) (Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 26, 2023
ISBN: 9780316669412
Page Count: 288
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Aug. 26, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2023
A pleasing premise for book lovers.
A fantasy-loving bookworm makes a wonderful, terrible bargain.
When sixth grader Poppy Woodlock’s historic preservationist parents move the family to the Oregon coast to work on the titular stately home, Poppy’s sure she’ll find magic. Indeed, the exiled water nymph in the manor’s ruined swimming pool grants a wish, but: “Magic isn’t free. It cosssts.” The price? Poppy’s favorite book, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. In return she receives Sampson, a winged lion cub who is everything Poppy could have hoped for. But she soon learns that the nymph didn’t take just her own physical book—she erased Narnia from Poppy’s world. And it’s just the first loss: Soon, Poppy’s grandmother’s journal’s gone, then The Odyssey, and more. The loss is heartbreaking, but Sampson’s a wonderful companion, particularly as Poppy’s finding middle school a tough adjustment. Hartman’s premise is beguiling—plenty of readers will identify with Poppy, both as a fellow bibliophile and as a kid struggling to adapt. Poppy’s repeatedly expressed faith that unveiling Sampson will bring some sort of vindication wears thin, but that does not detract from the central drama. It’s a pity that the named real-world books Poppy reads are notably lacking in diversity; a story about the power of literature so limited in imagination lets both itself and readers down. Main characters are cued White; there is racial diversity in the supporting cast. Chapters open with atmospheric spot art. (This review has been updated to reflect the final illustrations.)
A pleasing premise for book lovers. (Fantasy. 9-12)Pub Date: May 2, 2023
ISBN: 9780316448222
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2023
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