Dragonwatch

Students, children, and life-long readers,

It has been awhile since I have been so excited for a book to come out.  I have been in a fantasy rut and needed a top quality fantasy to quench my thirst.  Thank you, Brandon Mull.

First off, if you have not read the Fablehaven series, do that immediately.  It is on my top five fantasy series, and Brandon Mull is my favorite fantasy author.

Kendra and Seth are back, and a new threat has awakened.  After defeating the Demon King, Celebrant, the king of the dragons, is causing problems at the dragon sanctuary.  Their grandfather is worried that the threat of dragons breaking free from the sanctuaries may be a bigger threat than the demons from the first series.  It is not long before Kendra and Seth are asked to join Dragonwatch, a group of warriors and wizards tasked with confining the dragons, and the adventure begins.

There are a number characters that return for minor roles in this secondary Fablehaven series, but the focus again is on Kendra and Seth as they try to prevent the dragons from escaping and reeking havoc on the rest of the planet.

This series will not disappoint, and I enjoyed it so much once I started, I did not put it down until it was finished.  Brandon Mull has struck again with a plot line, setting, conflict, and complex characters that make it hard to stop reading once you are hooked.

AUTHOR: Brandon Mull

GENRE: Fantasy

GRADE LEVEL - 6-8

Unwanteds Quest - Dragon Captives

Students, children, and life-long readers,

If you are a student in my classroom, you have heard of one of our favorite fantasy series, The Unwanteds.  Dragon Captives continues with a side series that focuses on Alex's sisters, Fifer and Thisbe.  I encourage you to read the Unwanteds series first to better understand the setting and minor characters throughout the series.  There is an even a villain that makes a return.  You will also be able to see the magical ability of our main characters.

Fifer and Thisbe ar e being prevented from entering Magical training due to their lack of maturity and unspeakable power that they have trouble controlling as you will see in the first chapter.  Alex has them on a short leash.  But when the dragons come in need of help and hold Alex to his promise of magically increasing the size of their wings so they can fly, the twins jump on this opportunity for an adventure and to prove to Alex that they are ready to use their abilities.  The twins are off to an island that has yet to be discovered, and trouble quickly follows them.

There are many favorite characters returning, and new ones that are introduced.  If you enjoyed Unwanteds, you should definitely give this one a try.  And if you are worried that Colby spoiled the ending, don't worry - there is more than meets the eye to the thrilling conclusion of this novel.

AUTHOR: Lisa McMannis

GENRE: Fantasy

Grade Level: 5-8

Going Wild

Students, children, and life-long readers,

Lisa McMann is back with another fantasy series to follow her very popular Unwanted series.

Our main character Charlie is making the big move with her family from Chicago to Arizona.  As usual, she is upset and nervous about this big change that is taking place.  Her family is dynamic and setting is changing drastically.  Right before they leave she receives a package with a mysterious bracelet.  Thinking it is from her grandma she thinks nothing of it and puts it on.  Little does she know, that this bracelet carries the powers of five different animals that give her superhuman abilities.
Charlies is faced with many struggles including making new friends, learning the meaning of the bracelet, and finding help on why she has it in the first place, and who sent it.

Can she learn the truth behind the bracelet? Can she learn to master these new abilities without hurting those around her, and before her enemies find her location and work to take back what they feel is there's?

AUTHOR - Lisa McMann

GENRE - Fantasy

GRADE LEVEL - 5-8