Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

My name is Elisabeth, and I always wanted to become a warden for the Great Libraries. I was left on the doorstep as a baby, and I didn't know much beyond the magical grimoires kept within the walls. Then, my world was turned upside down when a deadly grimoire escaped, and I was accused of murdering the Director. I was sent to the Magisterium for questioning, but the sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn and his demon Silas made me wonder about everything I thought I knew. Maybe sorcerers and magic weren't the terrible things I'd been told. Little did I know that a terrible plot was in motion, and it would most likely destroy everything on earth. I'm not sure why magic doesn't affect me, but I have a feeling it will help me in the days ahead. But will it help me with Nathaniel Thorn?

This book is for mature middle grade readers. There's nothing terribly inappropriate, although there is one scene of passionate kissing. The narration isn't directed toward younger readers, and the relationship of magic, demons and sorcerers is unusual. Elisabeth is the main character, and she's thrust into the middle of an age-old conflict that isn't clear until later in the story. She has a resistance to magic which makes her relationship with Nathaniel all the more intriguing. She also has a strange connection to the grimoires. The Great Libraries exist to protect society from the power of the books, but Elisabeth doesn't view them as threats. Silas is my favorite character due to his nature as a demon. Sorcerer's get their magic by bargaining with demons, but Silas seems to have a fondness for Nathaniel. However, he's quick to remind Elisabeth that he's not a nice demon, and that he'd be very dangerous if freed from his bond. His character is a paradox between good and evil. Overall, I really enjoyed this book, as it introduced an unusual world of magic. I don't read many romantic books, but the budding affair between Elisabeth and Nathaniel was secondary to the big conflict. I recommend you give this book a shot. 

The Prince Warriors #2 and the Unseen Invasion by Priscilla Shirer with Gina Detwiler

My name is Manuel, and there's no scientific explanation for the existence of Ahoratos. This alternate world is real, and I only discovered it after being rescued from a bully. I wish I enjoyed the quests as much as Evan, but I guess I'm brave when I need to be. Ruwach says the enemy is angry after his last defeat, so our team has been given little red seeds to defend ourselves. He says we need to have faith, but I'm not stupid enough to believe a seed can protect me. My mom had one too, but my experiments on it haven't revealed anything special. The enemy is planning something extra evil for us, but who knows what it will be? I can only imagine the chaos they could unleash on earth if they ever find a way between the two worlds. 

You should probably read the first book to fully understand what's going on. The books have a religious feel, as the kids are led by the teachings of the Source and its guidance in The Book. The characters don't carry weapons but are told they have all they need to succeed if they trust and have faith. After reading book one, it's surprising this is a challenge for them, since they witnessed the occurrence of impossible things. However, two of the kids quickly forget, and Evan's lapse is especially serious. I guess this represents the difficulty of having faith and hope in real life. This book has more direct battles between good and evil with violent attacks from the enemy creatures. Additional characters are added to the group of protagonists, and the cast is becoming more diverse. The kids are upper elementary to middle school age, but a high school student, young adult, and a grandparent have joined the cause. They're all good at supporting each other in times of need if they are aware of the problems. One character is especially vulnerable, but the others don't fully understand until it's almost too late. As a side note, I find myself questioning the name of the series. In this time of awareness of diversity and gender equity, why is the series called Prince Warriors? Two of the main characters are princesses. Strange. I enjoyed this book more than the first, and I've already started reading the trilogy's conclusion, The Swords of Rhema. Give it a shot.

Explorer Academy #5: The Tiger's Nest by Trudi Trueit

My name is Lani, and the Explorers traveled to another section of Africa to help endangered wildlife. Our team was hoping to work with the sea turtles, so Emmett could test out his new invention. However, no one but me was excited to work with plants on the side of a mountain. Sure, cutting down trees and pulling out shrubs was hard work, but then we got to replace them with new trees to help the habitat and birds recover. Actually, we were lucky to survive when our teacher fell down the mountain, and we were forced to battle a violent tropical storm. Now back on the Orion, we've figured out the next clue in finding the formula hidden by Cruz's mom. Nebula is still trying to stop us, and they've already tried killing Cruz and kidnapping his father. Another Explorer is secretly telling Nebula our plans in the search, but I think I've figured out a way to discover his, or her, identity. 

The continuing thread through all of the books is Cruz's quest to find all of the pieces to his deceased mother's formula that could change modern medicine forever. However, a ruthless chemical company called Nebula is doing all it can to stop him. Cruz has a close-knit group of friends, but the author keeps stringing along the mystery of a spy among the explorers. Consequently, I find myself suspecting everyone, including Cruz's friends. I anticipate it will be a startling reveal, but I hate that I can't trust any of the characters. Every book in the series finds the explorers traveling somewhere in the world to help protect the environment. It's a good way to learn about plants and animals, and it reveals the different ways mankind is harming them. The series introduces all kinds of impossible inventions that make this book science fiction. The most entertaining invention/character is Mell, a bee-like drone invented by Cruz. It accompanies Cruz everywhere and follows his orders, and it communicates with blinking lights in its eyes. Cruz treats it like a friend which helps generate feelings for the mechanical drone. Overall, I'm enjoying the series, although I feel like it's getting into a predictable pattern. The author is keeping my interest, so far, but I'm expecting a significant change. Cruz has found 3/4 of the puzzle, so the series needs to end soon. 

Spartan Warrior #1: The Fire of Ares by Michael Ford

My name is Lysander and being a slave to the Spartans makes it difficult getting medicine and food to keep my mother alive. I don't know anything about my father, but my mother has told me to always protect the pendant hanging around my neck. The Fire of Ares has belonged to our family for generations, and I can feel its power surge when I need strength. However, I was in the market earlier today when someone held a knife to my throat and stole the pendant from me. I can't let my mother know, but what can I do now? Then, a former Helot slave came to our home, and my world was flipped upside down. He told me that I'm the grandson of Ephor Sarpedon, a leader of the Spartan people. Even though I'm a half-breed, he wants me to train as a Spartan warrior. I've decided this will be the best way to take care of my mother, and I intend to make my grandfather proud.

This book told the underdog story of a Helot slave trying to uphold the memory of his deceased Spartan father. While Lysander knew nothing beyond the stories he heard, the Spartan people remembered his father as a courageous hero. The plot was based on prejudice and slavery, and it effectively described the atrocities suffered by the Helots. The irony of it all was that there ten times more Helots than Spartans. The Spartans knew they needed to instill fear and hopelessness in the Helots in order to keep them from rebelling. The plot followed Lysander, as he tried to survive the warrior training. Being half slave and half son of a Spartan hero created an interesting twist, as other characters weren't sure how to treat him. His courage, strength, and perseverance slowly earned him a couple friends, but he still faced constant prejudice and physical attacks due to his Helot upbringing. This created constant tension for the character and reader. Underlying everything was Lysander's search for the lost pendant, the Fire of Ares. While he thought it gave him power, and his mother said it did, it still wasn't clear if this actually happened. I could chalk it up to increased adrenaline due to his belief in the pendant's power. I guess we'll see in the sequels. Overall, this book was an entertaining story of an ancient culture, and I recommend you give it a shot. 

Max Einstein #3: Max Einstein Saves the Future by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein

My name is Max, and the Change Makers newest mission is to stop world hunger. That's kind of a big problem for a group of young geniuses to tackle. The biggest change this time is that Ms. Kaplan has put Hana in charge instead of me. I don't mind having someone else in charge, but it'll take some getting used to. I'm not sure why Ms. Kaplan doesn't like me, since she constantly reminds me of the change in leadership. The good thing is that we will visit Princeton where Albert Einstein once visited and worked on a time machine. I hope to learn more about my idol and maybe learn more about where I came from. Being an orphan, I always wonder about who my parents might have been. Of course, the Corp is still after me, and they've hired a vicious assassin to get me. I hope he won't interrupt the CMI's plans to finish our mission.

The book concludes the trilogy and answers many questions about Max. The series has been based in "reality" with the young geniuses doing improbable, but not impossible, things. However, this book introduces a bit of science fiction to explain past events. The book is a fun mix of dealing with world issues while dealing with the adventure of an evil organization trying to stop the CMI. Dr. Zimm has been leading the bad guys' efforts, and he's hinted that he knows Max from the time she was a baby. The mystery of her past has been a lingering mental conflict for Max and readers, but this book answers the question in an unexpected way. The CMI kids have worked well in the past, but this book introduces some conflict that goes beyond personalities. The most enjoyable character is an AI named Leo. He was taken from the Corp in the second book and reprogrammed by one of the CMI geniuses. He has all the abilities one might expect from a super robot, but his interactions with others come across in personal, yet robotic, sort of ways. He plays a major role in the plot of this book. Overall, this is an entertaining series that should appeal to lovers of science fiction, adventure, and helping the planet. I highly recommend you read this series, starting with the first book. Oh yeah, the group finds a way to end world hunger!

Rival Magic by Deva Fagan

My name is Antonia, and I don't know how I'll become a Grand Wizard with Moppe around. She's supposed to be working for the cook, but Master Betrys has made her another apprentice like me. Ok, she seems to have more magical power than me, but I've read all the grimoires and know the spells and magewords. My mother showed up after six months and said she'd only let me stay here if I spy on Master Betrys. Mother thinks Master Betrys knows the location of the crown of Medasia that will allow its holder to control the Black Drake. The Liberationists will use that control over the giant sea monster to start a rebellion. With Master Betrys now in prison, I can't believe it's up to Moppe and me to locate the crown and bring peace to the entire island.

This book was the winner of the 2020 Cybils Award in Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction. The core of the story centered on the rivalry/friendship between Antonia and Moppe. Antonia worked tirelessly to perfect magic, but she was envious and jealous of Moppe's natural power. However, Moppe had secrets and couldn't master her powers without Antonia's help. Both girls had demanding, controlling mothers who applied internal conflicts within their daughters. The mothers also happened to be leaders of opposing political groups. Ancient history and politics created external conflicts that placed the whole island on the brink of war. The plot found Antonia and Moppe traveling across the island while facing their greatest fears and untold dangers. They each held great potential that could only be unlocked together, and they didn't understand how to use a secret word in magespeak. This created aniticipation for the moment it would all click together. It took the girls awhile to figure out how to work as a team, as their friendship shakily grew. The author included several twists along the way that complicated matters and changed the focus of the plot. Overall, this was a wonderful book of magic and friendship, and I highly recommend you give it a shot. 

A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat

My name is Pong, and my greatest fear is being sent back to prison. It wasn't fair that I lived in one only because of my mother's crime, so I escaped when I had the chance. These past few years, I've enjoyed living with the monks at the temple, and Father Cham has taught me so much. He even braided strings to cover the prison tattoo on my wrist. He makes wishes to go with every braid, and they always come true. He told me I notice things others miss, and that I seem to be searching for something. His last wish was that I'd find what I'm looking for. That will be nice and all, but right now I hope I can stay out of prison. The warden and his family have come to visit the temple, and I'm afraid one of them will recognize me. Their daughter Nok is especially intense and observant, and it seems only a matter of time before I'm discovered. 

This book was a finalist for the 2020 Cybils Award in Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction. Pong believed in doing what was right even if it happened to be illegal. His best friend Somkit didn't understand how Pong couldn't ignore victims of unfairness even though it usually got him in trouble. I didn't fully understand the governor's motiviations when he seemed to spout positive messages about society. He had saved the city after the Great Fire, but that seemed to give him the right to do whatever he wanted. The concept of fire itself symbolized the old way of life, and everyone believed fire was bad. The focus on light colors was unusual and symbolized the different status levels of citizens. The poor could only afford the dim violet ones, while the wealthy were the only people who could afford gold. The different societal levels were at the core of the conflict, and the story shared the message that all people have value.