Book Review: The Novice

THE NOVICE by Taran Matharu is the first book in the outstanding new SUMMONER fantasy trilogy.

Since Harry Potter’s reign more than a decade ago, many fantasy school series have come and gone. However, few have displayed the character development and depth of world building necessary to make them stand out. THE NOVICE is an exception. Although the first book incorporates an academy for young summoners, this trilogy takes a much broader look at the conflict among humans, dwarfs, elves, and orcs.

After stumbling upon a scroll that releases a frisky salamander demon, fifteen-year-old Fletcher sets out on his own and soon discovers an academy that helps him train as a summoner. Along with his dwarf and elf friends, he uncovers the evil plans of a group of nobles seeking personal gain.

Themes of class and species inequality make the storyline particularly compelling for teen readers. With just enough action and violence to keep readers on the edge of their seats, the plot moves quickly leaving readers thirsty for the next book.

Librarians will find a huge audience for this adventure fantasy. Because of its broad appeal, look for The Novice on youth “best of fantasy” lists this year.

A prequel is also available on Kindle called Origins. Readers will also enjoy Rory (Book 0.5). Start reading it at Wattpad.

Newcomer Taran Matharu has become known for his works posted at an online community called Wattpad. For those who enjoy fan fiction, there are already nearly 50 Summoner Fan Fiction stories available online. To learn more, go to his page at http://www.wattpad.com/user/TaranMatharu.

Published by Feiwel and Friends, an imprint of Macmillan. Available May 5, 2015.

Book Review: Jack: The True Story of Jack & the Beanstalk

JACK by Liesel Shurtliff is an imaginative retelling of the classic story Jack and the Beanstalk.

Like Rump, the first book in “the true story” collection, this fast-paced adventure brings the beloved tale alive for a modern audience. Set in the same fairy tale world as Rump, JACK tells the story of a farm boy whose father disappears into the world of giants. Jack must figure out a way to save his father as well as his kingdom.

This middle-grade fantasy is brimming with memorable dialogue and interesting characters. Shurtliff’s engaging writing style fills the pages with interesting vocabulary without overwhelming reluctant readers. Although the book lacks illustrations, youth will be drawn to the colorful book cover.

Both Rump and JACK will be popular in school library collections. Boys and girls alike will enjoy the extended versions of the classic tales. These books would work well in a literature circle environment featuring fairy tale retellings.

Librarians will have endless fun with Shurliff’s fairy tales. Pair them with the classic versions of these tales found in picture books. Involve youth in writing their own adapted versions of fairy tales. Be sure to include the many other fractured fairy tale books in the library for additional fun. Look for Shurliff’s Red: The True Story of Red Riding Hood in Spring 2016.

To learn more about the author, go to http://lieslshurtliff.com/.

Published by Alfred A. Knopf and Random House Kids on April 14, 2015.