The Dragon's Tooth, by N.D. Wilson

If you liked Percy Jackson (Rick Riordan) and Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling) and are looking for what to read next, head on over to our Tween Area and grab The Dragon's Tooth, by N.D. Wilson. This is the first in a fantastic trilogy that's packed with high adventure, heart-pounding excitement, and non-stop action that will keep you on the edge of your seat. We promise you won't be able to put it down!

Cyrus Smith never thought there was anything special about his life. Since the death of his parents a few years earlier, he and his sister, Antigone, have lived a fairly boring existence with their older brother Dan and helped operate the family's run-down motel. But not many guests come to stay, so there's not much to do. 

Until...

On a day that begins like any other, a reclusive old man with a skeleton tattoo arrives and makes some very particular demands. By morning, the motel has burned down, the old man is dead, and Cyrus is in possession of a set of very unusual keys that, in the hands of the diabolical Dr. Phoenix, could spell the end of the world as we know it. Just before the bad guys arrive on the scene, Cyrus and Antigone are kidnapped by a hulking stranger who informs them that their family is part of an secret Order of magicians, explorers, and sages who have been keeping the world in balance for thousands of years. Now they must begin training so they can take their rightful place among these great men and women.

But that's not the whole story.

Years earlier, their parents got involved in something that caused them to fall out of favor with the Order (their deaths were no accident). And now, because of this, Cyrus and Antigone are outcasts. But despite being hated by nearly every member of the Order, Cyrus and Antigone must stay within the walls and train. Because staying means they will be offered a certain amount of protection. 

But Dr, Phoenix knows Cyrus has the keys to ultimate power. He knows where Cyrus is. 

And if Cyrus makes one wrong move... 

--AJB

Varjak Paw, by SF Said

Young Varjak Paw, a Mesopotamian Blue kitten, lives with the rest of his cat clan in an old house high atop a hill, a beloved pet of an elderly woman. Shunned by his siblings for being different, Varjak does his best to keep a low profile. His only solace are the stories his grandfather tells of their ancient ancestor, the great Jalal, the cat who developed The Way, a secret martial arts known only to a chosen few cats.

Then one day the old woman vanishes. In her place are a mysterious Gentleman and his sinister feline companions, and soon Varjak's whole family is in grave danger. 

Fleeing the only home he's ever known and swearing he will get help, Varjak is soon at the mercy of the City and all its dangers. 

It is here he learns Varjak faces his greatest fears and learns he is a very, very special cat--perhaps the only one who can stop the Gentleman's evil plot and save the day.

Varjak Paw by SF Said is one of this year's Battle of the Books selections, and it is well worth your time! --AJB

Teen Reviewer: Stormbreaker, by Anthony Horowitz

Teen reviewer Marissa N., age 13, read Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz on a friend's request. She found this adventure story to be very entertaining. 

This is her review:

"The plot is about Alex, a typical boy who wants a normal life, but his uncle gets into a mysterious car crash and his (Alex's) life is flipped upside-down. With secret gadgets and intense training from M16 Secret Service, Alex is put into the life as a teen spy. Alex develops from a nervous teenager only worried about sports and grades to stopping villains. Along the road, Alex faces many challenges and it is intriguing to find out how he uses his special tools to get out of life or death situations. At the beginning, you might get a little bored, but wait a little longer and you won't be able to put it down!"

Marissa would recommend Stormbreaker to others.