Review of The Twistrose Key-Tone Almhjell

There were many things to love about this book: interesting & enjoyable lead characters, imaginative scenery & wonderful magic.  But towards the end, so many new characters came into play that it got a bit confusing.  The author is Norwegian and sometimes it felt like some things were lost in translation but aside from that, I was engrossed in the story and its thrilling action.  3 Elves - Recommended for middle-grade readers

Review of Shadowspell-Jenna Black

I read Glimmerglass, Book 1 of the Faeriewalker series, a few years ago and liked it but didn't look for the sequel.  When I saw this book, I remembered the series and enjoyed the second book just as much as the first.  The author really has a flair for getting inside a teen's head and giving her a believable voice.  The next book in the series is already out (and maybe another after that); I look forward to reading more about the faeriewalker and Avalon.  4 Elves - Highly recommended for teens.

Review of Alanna: The First Adventure-Tamora Pierce

Although the Song of the Lioness series started with this book back in the 80s, somehow I missed this whole series.  Now that I have read the first book, I'm anxious to read the other three in the series (and maybe some of her other series).  I love her character, Alanna - a young girl who wants to be a knight.  All of the other characters are interesting and diverse and along with some great magic, the action is thrilling.  4 Elves - Very highly recommended for middle grade readers and lovers of fantasy

Review of Dragonflight-Anne McCaffrey

I read this novel for the first time in high school and have read it several times since.  But since I will be writing a new series about dragons, I thought it was time to revisit this wonderful story.  Lessa is from a noble house but after her parents are murdered by an evil nobleman wanting their lands, she has remained hidden as a kitchen drudge.  When dragonriders come to her land on a Search for new riders, she is recognized as a potential rider with unique talents.  When she bonds with a queen dragon, her life changes forever.  I can only hope that new readers will continue to be attracted to McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern series because there is magic in these books.  4 Elves for readers of all ages - Very Highly Recommended

Review of Far Far Away-Tom McNeal

A young boy, Jeremy, is haunted by a friendly ghost, Jacob Grimm (one half of the famous fairy tale authors).  Having a ghost speak in his ear all day makes him a target for other kids and even townsfolk.  But, a young, vibrant girl thinks there is more to Jeremy and befriends him, causing some strange events to occur.  Soon, Jeremy and his friend Ginger are shunned by nearly everyone in the town except the kindly baker.  Kids keep disappearing from the town and the sheriff and his deputy are helpless to solve the mystery;  instead, they follow the two friends everywhere, hoping to catch them in some mischief.  This is a great, thrilling read for middle-graders.  4 Elves - Highly recommended

Review of The Wolf Princess-Cathryn Constable

In a gray, dreary boarding school in London, a young orphan girl dreams of a snowy landscape.  When Sophie and her two best friends are suddenly allowed to go on a field trip to St. Petersburg, Russia, she jumps at the chance.  Abandoned in a snowy blizzard, the three friends are whisked away to a decrepit castle deep in the woods.  There they meet a princess who invites them to stay with her, but things aren't what they seem and the longer they stay, the more the mystery deepens.  This was a great fairy tale/ Russian folk tale of a novel - thoroughly enjoyable.  4 Elves - highly recommended for middle grade readers

Review of Dragonhaven-Robin McKinley

After reading several earlier books by this author, I finally got around to Dragonhaven, and I'm glad I did.  An unusual book written in the voice of a teen boy, this is one of the most interesting books about dragons I have read.  Since my next book series will be about dragons, I like to read what's out there in dragon lore and like Pegasus, she delves into the minds of the creatures.  I liked the main character, Jake and his adopted baby dragon, Lois; when adult dragons enter the story, they are just as interesting and compelling. 4 Elves- Highly Recommended for teens or middle grade readers.