Book Review: This Savage Song

THIS SAVAGE SONG by Victoria Schwab is the first book in a new monster fantasy series.

Kate Harker is the daughter of a ruthless leader and August Flynn is a monster trying to find his place in a divided city. When their lives intersect, they must decide whether they’re enemies or friends.

Librarians will find a large audience for this young adult fantasy. From the world-building elements to the sympathetic characters, teens will easily immerse themselves in Schwab’s dystopian world. Fans will be lining up for the next book in the Monsters of Verity series.

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

Published by Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollins on July 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Julia Vanishes

JULIA VANISHES by Catherine Egan is a fast-paced fantasy filled with thieves, spies, witches, and other fascinating characters.

Julia is a spy with the ability to hide in plain sight. Her latest mission involves acting as a servant in a mansion filled with secrets. When she’s asked to betray the people she’s come to love, she’s forced to make a life-changing decision. Set in a world of witches, monsters, and murder, this first book in a new trilogy introduces an intriguing and dangerous world populated with an array of compelling characters.

Librarians will find this young adult novel in high demand. The mystery elements combined with the supernatural aspects and witchcraft theme add to the appeal of this fantasy. Teens will be clamoring for the next book in this hot new trilogy.

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

Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House on June 7, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Momotaro Xander and the Lost Island of Monsters

MOMOTARO XANDER AND THE LOST ISLAND OF MONSTERS by Margaret Dilloway is a fantasy about a boy who discovers his legacy and sets off on a journey to find his place in the world.

This first book in a new middle-grade series tells the story of a mixed race eighth-grader with a talent for drawing. Xander’s ordinary life is thrown into chaos when his father disappears. Xander soon finds out that he comes from a long line of Japanese warriors called Momotaro and must discover his talents to save his friends and family.

Librarians will find this book to be popular with middle grade fantasy fans, particularly those who enjoy the works of Rick Riordan. It’s also a good introduction literature focusing on Asian characters and Japanese legends. Choong Yoon’s illustrations will appeal to readers who enjoy manga. Consider a literature circle that also includes the Percy Jackson books and Sea of Troll trilogy.

To learn more about the author, go to https://margaretdilloway.com/.

Published by Disney-Hyperion on April 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: An Inheritance of Ashes

AN INHERITANCE OF ASHES by Leah Bobet is a gripping young adult fantasy exploring issues of war, family, and community.

Sisters Hallie and Marthe are alone on their family farm in the aftermath of a war. A mysterious veteran, the arrival of “twisted things,” and strange stone messages mark the beginning of a fight for survival.

This work of dystopia fiction has the feel of historical fiction, monster fantasy, and even the horror genre. However, at it’s core is a story of family, friendship, and forgiveness that transcends genres.

Librarians will find that this unusual fantasy appeals to a broad spectrum of readers.

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

Published by Clarion on October 6, 2015. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Dear Yeti

DEAR YETI by James Kwan is an adorable picture book featuring a pair of young hikers on a quest to find a mythical creature.

A small, blue bird delivers letters from the hikers to the yeti trying to convince the creature to show itself. Along the way, the yeti helps the children by leaving them berries, building a snow shelter, and saving them from a bear. In the end, they form a friendship.

The large, informal font and epistolary form will be attractive to young readers. The illustrator’s use of a red dotted line to follow the bird’s flight will appeal to young adventurers.

Librarians will find this story of a friendly, helpful monster to be popular with primary-aged children. The story would also be a fun way to introduce letter writing.

Learn more about the author/illustrator at http://www.james-kwan.com/.

Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux, an imprint of Macmillan on November 3, 2015.

Book Review: The Little Shop of Monsters

THE LITTLE SHOP OF MONSTERS by R. L. Stine and Marc Brown is a picture book with just the right balance of giggles, gross outs, and evil grins to please most monster book fans.

Written for ages 4-8, this silly-scary book actively engages readers. Potential monster buyers are asked to guess the name of a creature or what it eats. The author use rhymes and visual clues to keep readers thinking.

These two popular children’s authors make a great team. R.L. Stine’s creepy creatures are beautifully illustrated by Marc Brown. The gross visuals and goofy jokes are just right for the primary grade audience. The quick scare at the end will keep readers coming back for more.

Librarians will have fun with the variety of creatures displayed at the Little Shop of Monsters. Involve the art teacher in creating your own library-front window display of student-produced monsters. Then, get students to write stories to go with the creatures. This is also a great opportunity to bring out your creature puppets and other monster books. Pair this picture book with the beginning chapter books from the Magical Animal Adoption Agency by Kallie George.

To learn more about R.L. Stine, go to http://rlstine.com/.
To learn more about Marc Brown, go to http://marcbrownstudios.com/.

Published by Little, Brown Kids, an imprint of Hachette Book Group on August 25, 2015.

Book Review: The Orphan Army

THE ORPHAN ARMY by Jonathan Maberry is the first book in the new Nightsiders fantasy series.

When Earth is invaded by aliens, young Milo becomes part of a group of scavengers helping soldiers in a remote area of the Louisiana bayou. During a scouting expedition, Milo stumbles upon magical creatures who are also battling the alien invaders. Together, they form a ragtag army, save their friends, and take back an ancient, magical artifact stolen by the evil Huntsman.

This fast-paced, science fiction adventure is well-written with engaging plot elements that keep the heart-pounding tension going from start to finish. Middle grade readers will enjoy the banter among the well-developed fantasy creatures reminiscent of Guardians of the Galaxy. The author skillful interweaves dream segments and diary entries to add appeal.

With both giant bug aliens and magical creatures, this new series will appeal to a wide range of fantasy and science fiction fans. Youth will be begging librarians for the next book in this hot new series.

To learn about the author, go to http://www.jonathanmaberry.com/.

Published by Simon & Schuster, May 19, 2015.

Book Review: The Luck Uglies

THE LUCK UGLIES by Paul Durham is one of the books you may have missed earlier in the year with the spring flood of new offerings. With the second book in this popular new middle-grade fantasy adventure trilogy coming out in March 2015, it’s time to catch up!

With elements of mystery, adventure, and monster thrills, tweens will quickly become absorbed in this fantasy world set in a medieval-style village. Both boys and girls alike will enjoy the intelligent writing and engaging characters. The short chapters move quickly as the story builds to an exciting climax that involves intriguing monsters and a mysterious secret society.

Not your typical “good vs evil” storyline, this book will appeal to young readers who are beginning to explore the layers of life, power of secrets and fear, and the fine line between hero and villain.

Fans of Holly Black, Rick Riordan, and Brandon Mull will all enjoy this fantasy trilogy.

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

Check out the book trailer at http://youtu.be/vTEUX8JzRhc.