W.A.R.P. The Reluctant Assassin by Eoin Colfer

Find it at the Chandler Public Library

Life in Victorian London is hard for anyone, but Riley has the special misfortune of being apprenticed to an illusionist turned assassin: Albert Garrick. Problem is, Riley doesn’t really want to be a murderer. So when Garrick’s latest victim transports him into the future in his dying moments, he’s somewhere between elated and terrified. Modern-day London is a pretty cool place, but Riley knows that his master is coming for him.

Meanwhile, seventeen-year-old FBI agent Chevron Savano is getting pretty tired of her new job in London. That is, until a young boy and a dead man from the past show up in the device she’s supposed to be guarding. Soon, her mentor is dead and she’s on the run with Riley, fleeing from an Albert Garrick who’s not only managed to travel to the future, but has also merged with and absorbed the memories of a scientist working on the time travel project. Garrick is eager to get back to his time and make a mint off all the technology designs he’s picked up from the future, but first he has to get rid of all the witnesses. Riley wants to be out of the shadow of his villainous master forever. And Chevron, who just wanted something interesting to do over the summer, gets a lot more than she bargained for.

This book starts out a bit confusing and tedious at first, but after it picks up the pace I was completely absorbed. Pretty much everything by Eoin Colfer is a guarantee for a good read, and this was no exception. It also helps if you’ve read one of his other book, Airman, because it makes the character Otto Malarkey much more interesting. - Susanna (Sunset Teen)

Book Review: Killing Lincoln by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

Find it at the Chandler Public Library

I’m sure may people have heard about this novel from the O’Reily Factor, and trust me, it does not disappoint. This book is one of the most well-written historic novels that I have ever read. If anybody is struggling to find a history book that doesn’t put them to sleep instantly, you’ve found your savior. The novel is an account of the assassination of Lincoln, the flight of John Wilkes Booth, and the furious search to find him. I had to write a report on the assassination of Lincoln for one of my classes during the school year, and I struggled to comprehend any of the information I was reading, because it was just lines and lines and lines of seemingly endless reading for me. Then I found this book, and everything changed. The one defining factor about this book is that it does not read like a history textbook. It reads like a thriller, because it tells the story of how the assassination came about, not just listing the facts. You can feel the entertaining of tale of the flight of John Wilkes Booth in your mind; O’Reily really does a phenomenal job of making the novel vividly describe his escape from the law. On top of that, it provides much historical insight on the actual manhunt, and the people involved in it. The author really gives you an insight on the eccentric actions of all the people involved. I would surely recommend this novel to someone else, as it makes historic reading interesting again. - Kshitiz (Sunset Teen)

Book Review: William and the Lost Spirit by Gwen de Bonneval and Matthieu Bonhomme

Find it at the Chandler Public Library

In this beautiful graphic novel, William must set out to find his missing father and his sister that has gone searching for him. In a dreamlike world, everything has its own special sense of logic, but William pushes on, making friends and enemies along the way. Magic, strange creatures, and evil step-fathers glitter this growing-up tale.

Even though this book is listed at JF, I would recommend it to anyone looking for a gorgeous, easy read. The diologue leaves much to the imagination, at at times I found myself pretty confused with what was going on. This just made me read it again and again! There is definitely as much said in the illustrations and the gaps you have to fill in youself than what is written in words! - Elisia (Sunset Library)

Book Review: Dragonborn by Toby Forward



Find it at the Chandler Public Library

 This book is about a boy and his dragon having to go look for another wizard to teach him magic, because his old Great Wizard died leaving him alone. Many people thought that the boy, named Sam, had a great power, but just didn’t know it yet. These people want his power for themselves so they can be very powerful and use it for the wrong reasons. Sam needs someone to teach him how to use and control these powers, so Sam and his dragon, Starback, go out looking for a wizard to teach him.

This book is interesting and adventurous. Everyone can read this book, but I wouldn’t recommend it for everyone. This book is strongly and toughly worded, but teens and young adults that love fantasies and dragons will love this book. You won’t even notice the time flying by as you finish this amazing book in one sitting! - Karthika (Sunset Teen)

Book Review: A Corner of White by Jaclyn Moriarty



Find it at Chandler Public Library

 The worlds presented in Moriarty's A Corner of White, while almost overly-goofy and caricatured, seem real enough and welcoming enough, but it is her characters Madeleine and Elliot that really endear you to her story.

We all have dealt with the loss of family, but Moriarty parallels the two teen's heartbreak and self discovery in a way that so genuine that the other-worldliness and magic of the way in which they communicate and the differences between the two worlds fit seemlessly and perfectly. Battling disbelief and deception, Madeleine and Elliot work together to heal not only their broken families, but also the worlds in which they live.

I look forward to the next adventure of Madeleine and Elliot in The Colors of Madeleine series! - Elisia (Sunset Library)

Book Review: I am (Not) the Walrus by Ed Briant

In I am (Not) the Walrus, Ed Briant's second novel for young adults, protagonist Toby is coming to terms with his missing older brother, recent breakup with his girlfriend and possibly cursed bass guitar as he and his bandmates prepare for their first gig in their Beatles cover band. After finding a mysterious note in the case of the aformentioned bass, Toby embarks on a search for the instrument's rightful owner in an attempt to uncover the truth about both the guitar and his brother. This fast-paced story has enough smart dialogue, mystery and romance to keep readers of all ages engaged and is recommended for anyone looking for a light-hearted read. Beatles fans will enjoy all of the references to their favorite band. - Nick (Downtown Library)

Book Review: Beauty by Robin McKinley

Beauty (Robin McKinley) is a retelling of the classic story Beauty and the Beast. And, while there are necessary and frivolous similarities, there are also notable differences that make this story a treasure of the genre. This tale features Honor (Beauty) and her loving family who, as a result of tragic circumstances are forced to move to a place more terrible to city dwellers than any other, the country! However, they keep their heads high and their hearts pure. The story progress as most do until she reaches the castle. There magic is afoot and Beauty becomes fully immersed in it. She grows to discover her potential and her true beauty and manages to save her love from a slow and painful death. - Teen Volunteer