The Fire

The Fire is by James Patterson. The third book in the Witch and Wizard series. Whit and Wisty Allgood have sacrificed everything in their battle against the One Who is the One. Now he has executed their parents. The twins must use their growing power to force a final confrontation with the One and either save the world or be destroyed. Are they really the twins of the prophecy? Can they save the world? Fans of the series will enjoy this action packed installment.

Ratings: 8th grade - 8 out of 10 - V (violence).

Inferno

Inferno is by Sherrilyn Kenyon. The fourth book in the Chronicles of Nick series. Turning sixteen and getting a driver's license is supposed to be a wonderful time in a teen's life. Not for Nick, he's just found out the girl he loves has been sent to kill him, he's being hunted by a new host of creatures who want him dead, and his evil father (who also wants him dead) has escaped from prison. We find out a lot more about some of the other characters in this book and for those who have read the Dark Hunter novels this book raises all kinds of questions. Waiting for the answers will be a challenge.

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence) - AC (some mature thematic content).

The Sorceress

The Sorceress is by Michael Scott. The third installment in The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series. Josh's powers have been awakened, but he needs to be trained. Sophie also needs further training in the remaining elemental magics. Perenelle is trapped on Alcatraz. Nicholas decides to take the twins to England to be trained by the immortal king Gilgamesh, and then use the ley lines at Stonehenge to travel to San Francisco to rescue Perenelle. Dee and Machiavelli are on their trail, as are other monsters. While Gilgamesh might help train the twins in water magic, there is a problem - he is very very insane and he isn't exactly fond of the Alchemist. Another wonderful book in this fun and exciting series.

Ratings: 7th grade - 9 out of 10 - V (violence).

Charlie Bone and the Red Knight

Charlie Bone and the Red Knight is by Jenny Nimmo. The finale of the Children of the Red King series. Charlie Bone and his friends must defeat Lord Grimwald and his Sea Globe if they expect to save Charlie's parents. They must also prevent the Bloors and their allies from opening a door for Count Harken to return. They will need the help of the mysterious Red Knight, but who is he? The answer will change Charlie's life. A strong ending to a charming series. Fans will not be disappointed.

Ratings: 7th grade - 9 out of 10.

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Other Stories of the Supernatural

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Other Stories of the Supernatural is by Robert Louis Stevenson. The classic science fiction tale of a man who leads the life of a respectable doctor by day and a violent killer at night. This version also includes the following short stories: The Bottle Imp, Markheim, and The Body Snatcher. A must read classic novel for all ages.

Ratings: 7th grade - 10 out of 10 - V (violence).

Silverfin

Silverfin is by Charlie Higson. The first book in the Young James Bond series. It is the 1930s and young James Bond is at Eton. James' parents have died and he is cared for by his maternal aunt. As James struggles to find his place in his new school, he runs afoul of young George Hellebore and his overbearing and frightening father. On holiday, James and his aunt head for Scotland to visit James' terminally ill uncle and discovers the Hellebore estate is very close to his uncle's farm. James decides to help a boy from London look for his missing cousin who was last seen heading for forbidden Loch Silverfin on the Hellebore estate to fish. What happens next is worthy of any 007 adventure. This series, sanctioned by Ian Fleming's estate, will thrill boys of all ages.

Ratings: 7th grade - 9 out of 10 - V (violence) - AC (some mature thematic content).

The Thief Lord

The Thief Lord is by Cornelia Funke. Two orphan boys run away to Venice to escape their evil aunt after the death of their parents. They join a community of street urchins living in an abandoned theatre and looked after by the mysterious "Thief Lord". When their aunt and uncle arrive in Venice and set a detective on their trail, a mysterious series of events is set in motion that will change all their lives forever. A totally delightful story for boys and girls.

Ratings: 7th grade - 9 out of 10.