Skyfall: Troll hunters, book one. by Michael Dahl

105 pgs.

Target audience: Ages 9-13

Rating: Wizard

The monsters so vividly drawn in a young boy’s imagination come alive during the biggest meteor storm in a century, the Draconids. Pablo and his friends, Thora and Bryce are supposed to meet at the old quarry lake to watch the show, but a mysterious car accident involving one of Pablo’s schoolmates, Zack, prevents him from getting there. Seven-year-old Louise who lives nearby with her dad, runs into the woods after one of her bunnies escapes. Upon returning home after the meteor shower, Thora meets up with Zack and Pablo who are trying to find the lost Louise. A terrifying monster comes thundering through the forest after them, but a centaur appears out of nowhere and vanquishes the beast. A strange three-armed man, Dr. Hoo, rescues the kids and takes them to his house. They learn that Dr. Hoo is a crypto zoologist who studies hidden and secret creatures and the monster after them was a gathool or troll and is most definitely not alone. Others have come to take back the surface world for themselves and the doctor’s house is currently under attack from all sides. While the doctor goes off to take care of the trolls, the kids use their initiative, unique skills and talent to help out. There is non stop action in this exciting new chapter book series. The illustrations done in black and sepia contribute nicely to the creepy aspect of the story. The author includes notes on the gathool and a gathool vocabulary.
(This book provided for review by children's lit - www.childrenslit.com)

The Enchantress: The secrets of Nicholas Flamel, volume 6 by Michael Scott.

509 pgs.
Target audience: Young adult
Rating: Griffin

 This sweeping saga comes to a close with a bang – a ten on the action Richter scale. There are earthquakes, collapsing bridges, monster battles, major magic, fighting atop a pyramid, and a spectacular airship crash into a legendary tree. The end of the world battle takes place on two planes. The Perenelles try to save San Francisco from the final monster invasion before their powers are depleted and they die. Sophie and Josh, the twins of legend, travel ten thousand years into the past with the magician Dr. Dee and Virginia Dare where they are coerced by Osiris and Isis to usurp Aten’s power and rule over Danu Talis. Of course beloved characters Scathach, Prometheus, Shakespeare, Joan of Arc and Palamedes make an appearance as well as more than a few new ones. Meanwhile dark elders are combining forces against those fighting on Alcatraz.Readers will be relieved that questions behind Abram’s prophecy “The two that are one must become the one that is all. One to save the world, one to destroy it” are nicely resolved. The author’s knowledge of mythology is astounding and he layers the plotline with the most fantastical, historical and legendary characters with customary ease. The story is so packed full, almost too full with multiple plotlines overlapping, long dead characters coming back to the story alive and well through time travel, major revelations, characters abruptly switching loyalties, a family reunion, and an all-out humani rebellion against the Elders. Despite its fractured and cluttered storyline, it is a satisfying conclusion to the series and a must for fans.