Beauty Sleep by Cameron Dokey

In this retelling of Sleeping Beauty, Aurore grows up with reminders of her christening-day curse all around her. Forbidden to touch sharp objects or go outside, she feels smothered. Finally, her parents agree to loosen the strictures and make the bittersweet discovery that she is the heir they always hoped she would be. But the curse remains. Aurore grows up and embarks on an adventure to delay the curse, and, perhaps, change her future.

I don't think this is one of my favorite retellings of Sleeping Beauty. The story is certainly an interesting take, although I'm not a huge fan of the writing style: told in first person, the beginning of the story is full of asides which I thought were a bit tedious. After the first couple of chapters, however, the commentaries disappear. The ending is also a bit unorthodox, but ties up all of the loose ends well. Overall, I would say that I liked this story, but I would probably only recommend it to fantasy fans who are really into retellings or readers who prefer the first person narrative-style stories.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Spindle's End, Princess Nevermore, or The Frog Princess

The Keys to the Kingdom by Garth Nix

The first book in this series, Mister Monday, introduces Arthur Penhaligon, a fairly average seventh- grader in the (presumably) near future. Arthur is supposed to die, but a twist of fate brings him a 'key' which saves his life and also causes him to see odd things - like the house that takes up half the street in his neighborhood. Suddenly strange creatures come after him, causing those around him to grow sick with the 'Sleepy Plague.' Arthur realizes that to save himself and his family, he must venture into the strange house. Suddenly, Arthur is swept up in an adventure without any idea of what the key means. But soon, he'll discover that he has gotten more than he bargained for: the Will has declared that he is the rightful heir and it's his job to undo damage and set things to rights, even though Monday won't give up his position without a fight.


The next four books tell the story of Arthur's struggle to release the rest of the Will and gain control of the keys:

In Grim Tuesday, Tuesday has decided to call in Monday's debt and will take it from Arthur in any way necessary, forcing Arthur to sneak back into the House and gather new friends and allies as he works through new challenges.

Wednesday follows in Drowned Wednesday; Arthur receives an invitation from Wednesday and discovers that she has been cursed by others of the Morrow Days, causing her to eat until she has turned into a Leviathan. She offers her key freely if Arthur will help release her from the spell, forcing Arthur to make difficult decisions about whom he should trust. Meanwhile, his friend, Leaf, has accidentally gotten caught up in Arthur's adventures and must find a way to keep herself safe while Arthur forges ahead to gain the third key.

After dealing with Wednesday, Arthur discovers in Sir Thursday that a copy of him has taken up residence on Earth and is trying to gain control of everyone around him. Leaf gets sent back to help, but Arthur must stay because he has been called up to serve in Thursday's army, as all denizens must do at some point. Army life would be dangerous enough, but an army of Nithlings ,unlike any the denizens have ever seen, has appeared and started a war. Arthur's only hope may be to gain the fourth key and negotiate peace.

Finally, in Lady Friday, Leaf discovers that Friday is abducting mortals from Earth and experimenting on them. In the House, Friday has lead Arthur and others on a wild goose chase for her key, claiming to have abdicated. Only Arthur can save his friend and the other innocent people that Friday is tormenting, if only he can wade through all the traps first.


Note: According to Amazon, the sixth book, Superior Saturday, will be released in August 2008. The seventh, and final, book does not yet have a release date.

This series is great. It seems to be geared somewhat toward younger teens, but they're interesting enough for all ages. The story is new, imaginative, and fairly unpredictable. There are not many 'solid' characters in these books (most of them are generic 'denizens of the House' that Arthur meets on his quests), but Arthur is definitely well defined and easy to sympathize with. The plot keeps moving at a good pace and these books are all fairly quick reads, but without being too 'fluffy.' I'm looking forward to the final two books and I would definitely recommend them to fantasy fans of all ages.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Last Apprentice, Fablehaven, or Flora Segunda

The Saint of the Dragons by Jason Hightman

Dragons were feared and hunted in the time of St. George, but are believed to be extinct. Instead, they have merely adapted to the new, modern environment and continue to spread their evil amongst humans. Simon St. George is a thirteen-year-old boy who has no memory of his parents and has lived at an elite private boys school since he was very young. Suddenly, a ragged-looking man appears out of nowhere, claiming to be his father and spirits him away, plunging him head-first into the family dragon hunting business. Due to unusual circumstances, Simon and his father are the last dragon hunters of their lineage; unfortunately, things are about to get even more unusual and no one else can stop the dragons' plot. Along with Alaythia Moore, an artist who gets swept up in their adventures, they travel across the seas looking for clues and a way to save the world.

I have to admit that I'm personally not a huge fan of the 'evil dragon' plot, but the author builds an intriguingly plausible scenario in this book. The characterization is fairly good although the relationships between the characters are a bit forced. Additionally, the author relies on the relationships to drive much of the plot which makes it a bit repetitive; the constant fighting between father and son, in particular, tends to get old. Overall, this book has an interesting premise, but the story is somewhat lacking. It is definitely geared toward younger teens and those readers may enjoy it more. It isn't a bad book if you're looking for something with a real-life 'modern' storyline, but readers who want a more sophisticated writing style (or who are easily annoyed by characters who keep making the same mistakes) should probably pass this one over.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Dragonhaven, Fablehaven, or Now You See It

Spirit Fox by Mickey Zucker Reichert and Jennifer Wingert

Reminiscent of medieval fiefs, the matriarchal fort communities of the Marchlands have long fought in a battle dictated by their gods. But when the gods make peace amongst themselves, the people embrace the 'Joyous Reunion' and make it illegal to learn fighting or warcraft of any kind. Unfortunately, years of peace have made them an easy target for an invading foreign army intent on wiping out the magic that many people wield as healers and soothsayers as well as those who have been spirit-linked to animals – a magical connection which the foreigners call an Abomination but which the Marchlanders view as a gift from their gods. One young girl, Kiarda, suffers a particularly difficult fate because her spirit link has become corrupted, causing her to turn into a fox. She must learn how to deal with her personal healing and find ways to save her people before their way of life is destroyed.

I really enjoy this book - the plot is relatively unusual, but definitely interesting. The characters are well developed (although occasionally a little too predictable) and the characterization of the invaders in particular added a unique facet to the story. The ending is a little too neat to be entirely 'realistic,' but it does tie up all the loose ends satisfyingly. I'd definitely recommend this book to fantasy fans.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Reserved for the Cat, Half-Human, Resenting the Hero, or Dragonsdawn