Wednesday, 24 August 2011

NEXT IN THE SERIES BOOKS NEW TO THE LIBRARY (Part 1)

The series format has been wildly popular in young adult literature for decades. From The Chronicles of Narnia to the Harry Potter stories, series allow us to become familiar with fantastic worlds and compelling characters. Finishing a great series is a little like moving away from a much loved neighbourhood. Of course, the wait between books in a series can be agonizing, but there is that joyous anticipation when the next installment is in your hands!

Well, for many of you the wait is over as several amazing series had sequels published this summer.

SCORPIA RISING (Alex Rider #9 ) by Anthony Horowitz
Nine books and still going strong, this adrenaline pumping installment is perfect for middle school readers who love action.

Scorpia has dogged Alex Rider for most of his life. They killed his parents, they did their best to con Alex into turning traitor, and they just keep coming back with more power. Now the world's most dangerous terrorist organization is playing with fire in the world's most combustible land: the Middle East. No one knows Scorpia like Alex. And no one knows how best to get to Alex like Scorpia. Until now.

The chases have never been more intense, the fights more treacherous, or the risks so perilous to mankind. And this time, Alex won't get away.

THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC  (Aramov #1) by Robert Muchamore
Those of you who thought the Cherub series was at an end will be thrilled to know that Muchamore can't quite let the storyline go, so he's created a new series that links to Cherub. This spy-thriller will likely fly out of the library as fast as his other books, so hurry down to get a copy!

Ryan's been waiting for a mission since he passed CHERUB basic training eight months earlier.

Ethan is his target. A privileged California boy, who likes computers and chess. He makes easy prey for school bullies, but his grandma's running a billion dollar crime syndicate in distant Kyrgyzstan.

Ryan expects to enjoy the California lifestyle in a routine operation. But he's in for a nasty shock, as his mission turns into one of the biggest in CHERUB's history.

DARKE (Septimus Heap #6) by Angie Gage
Middle school readers and others will love this magical series.

In the sixth book of the Magykal series, Alther Mella has been Banished, a Darke Domaine engulfs the Castle, and a Darke dragon is on the loose. Septimus must use all of his skills to save the Castle and the Wizard Tower from destruction: He must enter the Darke. But he cannot do this alone. With the help of Jenna, Alther Mella, Marcellus Pye, and his estranged brother, Simon Heap, Septimus and Marcia Overstrand, the Extraordinary Wizard, battle the spreading Darkenesse. Will Septimus succeed in protecting his Magykal world?


WARLOCK (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel #5) by Michael Scott

Alcatraz:
Although their ally Dr. John Dee has been declared utlaga, Machiavelli and Billy the Kid will follow the plans the Elders have laid before them: they will loose the monsters of Alcatraz on the city of San Francisco, thereby triggering the end of the humani race.

Danu Talis:
The Shadowrealm that Scatty and Joan of Arc have entered is far more dangerous than they could ever have imagined. And they haven’t landed here by chance-the warriors were called for a reason. So were Saint-Germain, Palamededs, and Shakespeare. The group was summoned because they must travel back in time to Danu Talis and destroy it. For the island of Danu Talis, known in humani myth as the lost city of Atlantis, must fall if the modern world is to exist.

San Francisco:
The end is finally near. Josh Newman has chosen a side, and he will not stand with his sister, Sophie, or with the Alchemyst, Nicholas Flamel. He will fight alongside Dee and the mysterious Virginia Dare. Unless Sophie can find her twin before the battle begins, all is lost – forever.
In the fifth installment of this bestselling series, the twins of prophesy have been divided, and the end is finally beginning.

THE LAST LITTLE BLUE ENVELOPE (Little Blue Envelopes #2) by Maureen Johnson
 This short series falls into the Social Issues genre of fiction. If you like Sarah Dessen and Alyson Noel, then you should give Maureen Johnson a read.

When Ginny Blackstone received thirteen little blue envelopes last summer she recognized them for what they were: a wild adventure laid out by her Aunt Peg–Ginny’s wildly interesting relative who could never do anything the simple, mundane way.

The envelopes led Ginny to England and on an adventure across Europe. Along the way Ginny learned a lot about her aunt and even more about herself. Until her adventure was cut short when the last little blue envelope was stolen. Even without that final piece, without that bit of closure, Ginny knows following the rules in the envelopes was the most exciting thing she has ever done. Too bad she can’t explain any of that in 1000 words for her college application essay.

Then an inscrutable English boy offers Ginny the last little blue envelope. For a price. She doesn’t much like Oliver. She definitely doesn’t trust him. And she knows he has his own agenda. But she also knows she has to accept his offer. It’s what Aunt Peg would do and, now, it’s what Ginny needs to do.
This last piece of Ginny’s adventure has no rules. It will lead her back to familiar sites and old friends. It will test Ginny’s mettle, and maybe even her sanity when it comes to dealing with Oliver. This trip will be the stuff of a great college application (and a great story).

PLAGUE (Gone #4) by Michael Grant
A world with no adults? Sounds great, right? Not so much. This thrilling dystopian series has a twist for every turn  - it will keep you at the edge of your seat.


THE POWER OF SIX (Lorien Legacies #2) by Pittacus Lore
The first book, I am Number Four, was the publishing phenomenon of last year. It was such an immediate success that the movie was released in less than a year. Now, we're in for another electrifying installment of the war between young aliens with amazing superpowers and ruthless monsters who are determined to take over the earth.

I’ve seen him on the news. Followed the stories about what happened in Ohio. John Smith, out there, on the run. To the world, he’s a mystery. But to me . . . he’s one of us.
Nine of us came here, but sometimes I wonder if time has changed us—if we all still believe in our mission. How can I know? There are six of us left. We’re hiding, blending in, avoiding contact with one another . . . but our Legacies are developing, and soon we’ll be equipped to fight. Is John Number Four, and is his appearance the sign I’ve been waiting for? And what about Number Five and Six? Could one of them be the raven-haired girl with the stormy eyes from my dreams? The girl with powers that are beyond anything I could ever imagine? The girl who may be strong enough to bring the six of us together?
They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They tried to catch Number Four in Ohio—and failed.
           I am Number Seven. One of six still alive.

           And I'm ready to fight.

There is also a novella, Six's Legacy, available to download from most on-line booksellers.
Check the Pittacus Lore website for more details.

1 comment:

  1. I've had people say to me that they didn't like The secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel Series by Michael Scott. And while I agree that some of the earlier books in the series can get dull, The Warlock just completely blew me away. Some people have complained about there being three-four different points of view, but I find it extremely exciting to see so many different characters' plot lines unfold. This book, like the other books in the series, contains, in my opinion, a very interesting mixture of history and true events in it.

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