Book Review: The Adventurer's Guide to Successful Escapes

THE ADVENTURER’S GUIDE TO SUCCESSFUL ESCAPES by Wade Albert White is a new fantasy series for middle grades.

Three friends go on a magical quest that involves travel to exotic places with riddles along the way. The threesome faces an array of amazing creatures in fascinating settings

Librarians will find this humorous blend of traditional fantasy with memorable steampunk elements to be popular with the middle grade audience. Filled with action and humor, the quirky characters and fast-paced approach will keep children reading.

Published by Little, Brown Books, an imprint of Hachette Book Group on September 13, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Wooden Prince - Out of Abaton

THE WOODEN PRINCE by John Bemis is the first book in the new OUT OF ABATON series exploring the adventures of Pinocchio.

Pinocchio is an automa in this intriguing re-imagination of the beloved character. Pinocchio’s new master, Geppetto is trying to figure out how and why this unique automa is mysteriously transforming into a human body. After being kidnapped, Pinocchio must begin a journey across the Empire to find Geppetto again. Along the way he stumbles upon Princess Lazuli who is on a mission of her own. Together they must face half-beast outlaws and the emperor’s winged airmen to survive.

Librarians will find an audience among youth who enjoy fantasy adventures. Middle grade readers will enjoy the intersection of the traditional characters along with the new fantasy characters and steampunk world-building elements.

Many readers will be looking forward to the second book in the series titled LORD OF MONSTERS coming out in 2017.

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

Published by Disney-Hyperion on March 15, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Fires of Invention

FIRES OF INVENTION by J. Scott Savage is the first book in the Mysteries of Cove steampunk series for the middle grades.

Set in a dystopian world where creativity is a crime, thirteen-year-old Trenton is constantly in trouble for what he considers as helpful and harmless mechanical projects. When he meets a repair technician who shares his passion, they set off on an adventure involving mysterious clues, secret inventions, and discoveries that will change their city forever.

Librarians will find readership among fans of The Books of Ember and other series focusing on dystopian underworld societies. It’s also a good choice for those wishing to enter the world of steampunk. Although there’s nothing particularly compelling about the series, its combination of dystopian and steampunk themes along with the promise of more dragons will keep readers coming back for more.

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

Published by Shadow Mountain on September 29, 2015. ARC e-book.

Book Review: Mechanica

MECHANICA by Betsy Cornwell is a high-powered steampunk fairytale with a 21st century ending.

Loosely based on the Cinderella story, this engaging steampunk fairytale tells the classic story with a twist. Nicolette longs to invent special, ash-powered machines like her mother did, but magic is now illegal and her wicked stepmother and stepsisters keep her busy as a servant. There’s no fairy godmother, just a hint of magic and Nicolette’s unending passion to become a working inventor.

Cornell provides a refreshing twist on the classic tale. While the book has the potential to draw both fairy tale and steampunk fans, traditionalists may be disappointed by the switch ending. However, many youth (and adults alike) will cheer for the strong heroine’s decision.

With all the recent fairytale retellings, librarians have the opportunity for lots of interesting displays and promotions.

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

Published by Clarion on August 25, 2015. ARC from Edelweiss.

App Review: The Wired Bunch Series

THE WIRED BUNCH from nine22media is a rip-roaring western e-book series infused with interactive technology. Blending the best of old westerns and classic cartoons with engaging robots and fun animation, this series will be a hit with kids.

Six issues of this popular interactive e-book series have been published so far and six more are under development. The first issue is free, while other issues need to be purchased. The app opens to a bookshelf showing the issues currently available.

Set in an alternative Old West setting, each story revolves around robot cowboys. In the first exciting episode, Marshal Ram and his deputies are introduced to readers. These Old West bots must protect their town from O.L. Tycoon and his evil robots. Children can read the story, listen to the story read aloud, or a combination. At any point, readers can go to a particular page, set a bookmark, or edit the story.

The old-time piano music along with the engaging animation immediately immerse children in the world of the wired bunch! Each e-page is visually stunning with crisp bright colors. Basic animation adds to the experience without distracting from the story. The bright yellow font is presented in a size that is easy to read. The audio narration fits perfectly with the western theme. Throughout the story, readers are encouraged to participate by exploring the screen or answering a reflective question. These interactions relate directly to the story so they enhance the reading experience.

Like the Saturday Morning cartoons of the past, some of the technology references and sophisticated humor may be “over the heads” of some children. However, parents, teachers, and librarians will enjoy every play on words making the books a wonderful joint reading experience.

This interactive e-book series would be a wonderful way to engage reluctant readers both inside and outside the classroom. Children will read these engaging stories over and over again.

Book Review: Seeker

SEEKER by Arwen Elys Dayton is the first book in a new science fiction trilogy. The story revolves around three friends that have been trained to become Seekers. Instead of becoming the noble protectors they envisioned, the teens get caught up in a world of family lies, deceit, and assassination.

With sword fights and ancient artifacts alongside airships and a disruptor weapon, the novel blends medieval, steampunk, and dystopian elements together for a bizarre, but fascinating near-future world. While many readers will enjoy the “mash-up,” others may dislike this unusual approach to world-building.

The fast-paced story is told from four different perspectives making it somewhat confusing at times as readers shift among characters and between the present, the past, and the future. However, the plot elements come together in the end for a satisfying conclusion that sets up the next book in this young adult trilogy.

Readers are likely to make comparisons with their favorite science fiction and fantasy works, however the novel is distinct enough to hold its own. With a hint of romance along with action-adventure segments, both girls and boys will enjoy the story.

A movie based on this book is already in development, so it’s likely to draw teen readers. Librarians should be prepared for increased interest in the trilogy over the next several years.

Available February 10, 2015 and published by Random House Delacorte BFYR, a NetGalley ARC was used for the review.

Book Review: Waistcoats & Weaponry

A few days ago I reviewed the first two books in the FINISHING SCHOOL series in anticipation of the third book's release tomorrow. #FinishingSchool

WAISTCOATS & WEAPONRY by Gail Carriger is the third book in the popular FINISHING SCHOOL series. Now in her second year, Sophronia is more confident and independent than ever in terms of her intelligence skills, however she’s still learning how to react to the advances of two very different suitors. Once again, Mademoiselle Geraldine’s students find themselves in the middle of another madcap adventure.

While CURTSIES & CONSPIRACIES focused on vampires, this story delves deeper into the world of flywaymen and werewolves. The familiar characters and nonstop action made this third installment just as exciting as the first two. The book concludes with a shocking choice that has intriguing implications for the next book in this entertaining series.

From wielding lethal fans to practicing the art of seduction, readers will enjoy another round of Carriger’s witty steampunk prose.

With the popularity of steampunk, consider developing a library display focusing on popular series. The FINISHING SCHOOL website at http://finishingschoolbooks.com/ contains lots of hilarious “lessons” that can be printed as part of the display. Get students involved in the fun. What’s the proper way to faint? How do you defeat a vampire? How do ladies ride a werewolf?

NetGalley ARC used for review

Book Review: Finishing School Series

I hate jumping into the middle of a series? With the third book in the popular FINISHING SCHOOL series by Gail Carriger coming out November 4, I thought I’d go back and review the first two books to get you up to speed in case you missed it. Steampunk is a popular genre with teens and young women will immediately be attracted to Sophronia’s likable personality.

ETIQUETTE AND ESPIONAGE by Gail Carriger is the first book in this exciting new series. This whimsical adventure establishes an alternative Victorian-era world filled with quirky characters including robots, vampires, and werewolves.

Most fans of fantasy will immediately see connections between Mademoiselle Geraldine’s Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality and Hogwarts. Most teens (as well as adults) love the idea of going to a school where they learn skills in espionage, interact with interesting creatures, and go on daring adventures.

Carriger’s skillful narrative makes even the most ridiculous situations seem plausible. Like most “first books” in a new series, this one spends most of text establishing the setting and characters leaving the plot elements surface level. However, the author weaves an entertaining tale and leaves enough untold to entice readers to seek out the next book in the series.

CURTSIES & CONSPIRACIES by Gail Carriger is the second book in the FINISHING SCHOOL series. This book picks up six months after the first book with Sophronia completing her first formal exams. As her training continues, she’s forced to test her skills in the dangerous city of London and an unexpected love triangle adds to the adventure.

Gail’s crisp, humorous writing style will appeal to young adult readers. Like many sequels, the characters and setting seem less fresh and innovative than the first book. However this quick, quirky story will keep readers coming back for the rest of the series.

It’s time to start reading the first two because the third book in the series WAISTCOAT & WEAPONRY (Book 3) is coming out November 4, 2014.

Whether you’re new to steampunk or looking for a great way to get started with this exciting genre, ETIQUETTE AND ESPIONAGE by Gail Carriger is an excellent choice. Other books in the series include CURTSIES & CONSPIRACIES and WAISTCOATS & WEAPONRY. To learn more about the series, go to Finishing School at http://finishingschoolbooks.com/

For more light-hearted, steampunk fun, look for Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series. 

To learn more about Gail Carriger and her books, go to http://www.gailcarriger.com/

NetGalley ARC used for review