Bad Unicorn by Platte F. Clark

It wasn’t Max Spencer’s idea to fight robots, lead an army, or save the world—it just so happens that he’s the only living person who can read the most fantastical book ever written: The Codex of Infinite Knowability. The Codex is no ordinary book, and among other things, it describes a unicorn named Princess the Destroyer.

Princess the Destroyer is no ordinary unicorn. She loves nothing more than hunting down, killing, and eating other creatures. After all, what’s the point of having a sharp horn on your forehead if you don’t use it for destructive purposes? And right now Princess has a very definite purpose: Find Max and retrieve the lost Codex for an evil sorcerer and his mysterious master. If she can do that, she’s been promised an all-the-humans-you-can-eat buffet in Texas.

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Title: Bad Unicorn

Author: Platte F. Clark

Publisher: Aladdin

Release Date: April 16, 2013

ISBN: 978-1442450127

Size: 432 pages, hardcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy


Crater Lake: Return of the Mystic Gray by Steve Westover

Ethan and his friends are back!

When Jordan has  mysterious visions about Crater Lake, she finds herself with a power that she doesn’t quite understand and can’t quite control

But when Ethan, Allie and Brady also start displaying powers, they decide to return to Crater Lake in the middle of winter, only to discover that an epic battle is brewing between Chief Llao and his nemesis, Chief Skell.

Determined to find their fallen friend, Jacob, the young teens must train for the upcoming battle by mastering their powers and joingin forces with a powerful new ally—the Mystic Gray—an entity that could bring more trouble than they could ever imagine.

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Title: Return of the Mystic Gray (Crater Lake Book 2)

Author: Steve Westover

Publisher: Sweetwater (CFI)

Release Date: April 9, 2013

ISBN: 978-1462111879

Size: 256 pages, 5.5 x 8.5, softcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Crater Lake Series: Battle for Wizard Island (bk 1)


Hashbrown Winters and the Whiz-Tastrophe by Frank L. Cole

Losing to a girl in laser tag is the pits—especially if it’s to Melanie “Thumbs” Nottingham. The Hashbrown gang comes up with a plan that will guarantee their success.

But when he turns to the Oracle for guidance, he is given some unexpected advice that could change the game forever. When plans go awry and they’re sent to another dimension, it’s up to Hashbrown to set everything right..

Would you go through a portal and steal the identity of someone in another dimension just to become a winner again? Crack open Hashbrown Winters and the Whiz-Tastrophe to find out!

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Title: Hashbrown Winters and the Whiz-Tastrophe (Book 4)

Author: Frank L. Cole

Publisher: Bonneville (CFI)

Release Date: April 9, 2013

ISBN: 978-1462110568

Size: 128 pages, 5.5 x 8, softcover

Genre: Middle Grade

Hashbrown Series: The Adventures of Hashbrown Winters (book 1), Hashbrown Winters and the Mashimoto Madness (book 2), Hashbrown Winters and the Phantom of Pordunce (bk 3)


Beyonders: Chasing the Prophecy by Brandon Mull

Jason and Rachel were not born in Lyrian. They did not grow up in Lyrian. But after all of the battles and losses, the triumphs and adventures, and most of all, the friendships forged in this fantastical world, Lyrian has become home to them in a way they never could have imagined.

And so, armed now with the prophecy of a dying oracle, they have gone on their separate quests—each surrounded by brave and powerful allies—knowing that the chance for success is slim. But Jason and Rachel are ready at last to become the heroes Lyrian needs, no matter the cost.

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Title: Chasing the Prophecy (Beyonders #3)

Author: Brandon Mull

Publisher: Aladdin

Release Date: March 12, 2013

ISBN: 978-1416997962

Size: 512 pages,hardcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Beyonders Series: A World Without Heroes (bk 1), Seeds of Rebellion (bk 2)


The Legend Thief by E.J. Patten

Sky has more monsters to fight—and lives to save—in the sequel to Return to Exile.

Sky thought he had problems before. “Before” as in when his uncle disappeared, he had to move to an odd new town with his family, and, oh yeah, it was up to him to make sure the world’s deadliest monster didn’t escape from his prison.

But none of that compares to now. “Now” as in when the entire Hunters of Legend are coming to Exile with one mission: kill Sky.

Well, Sky thought there was only one mission, but the longer he stays alive, the more he realizes that there is something else afoot. And all those friends that he kept in the dark to keep them safe? Turns out he might have to ask them to risk their lives yet again to stop an unspeakable evil from wreaking havoc on the world.

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Title: The Legend Thief (The Hunter Chronicles, vol. 2)

Author: E.J. Patten

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers

Release Date: March 5, 2013

ISBN: 978-1442420359

Size: 384 pages, hardcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

The Hunter Chronicles: Return to Exile (bk 1)


Cragbridge Hall: The Inventor’s Secret by Chad Morris

Abby and Derick have been accepted to the most prestigious secondary school in the world, Cragbridge Hall. Due to the inventions of their grandfather, Oscar Cragbridge, they will be able to experience history in 3D, use their minds to literally project visual interpretations of classic literature, and become animal avatars for zoology.

But when their grandfather and parents go missing, Abby and Derick must follow clues Oscar left for them that will reveal a dangerous secret. Along the way, they discover there is much more to one of their grandfather s inventions than anyone has ever dreamed.

Saving their family will take all of Derick s mind and Abby s heart as they come face to face with a crazed scientist who desperately seeks to change the past. If they fail, the world past and future will never be the same.

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Title: Cragbridge Hall: The Inventor’s Secret

Author: Chad Morris

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Release Date: March 5, 2013

ISBN: 978-1609073268

Size: 256 pages, hardcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

 


Jump Boys: SOS by Alex Banks

A dare gone terribly wrong.

An SOS from another universe.

A threat from right next door.

Thirteen-year-old twin brothers Jayce and Val are about to jump the multi-verses on a dangerous dare, but true danger is closer to home than they realize.

The Jupiter Prime colony has been orbiting the stormy gas giant for nineteen years and all anyone wants is to get back to Earth. Sent to preserve the best and brightest of the population, a grievous error in the Prime’s navigation coordinates sent the colony to an alternate dimension with no way to return to the Earth they call home.

In a society where technical expertise is valued above all else, Jayce and Val are among the most privileged—until they uncover their uncle’s plot to claim dominion over space and time. While attempting to rescue a lone girl from a post-apocalyptic earth, Val will come face to face with space pirates and Jayce will lay his life on the line for the sake of his brother and the little girl who holds the key to time itself.

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Title: Jump Boys

Author: Alex Banks (Ali Cross)

Publisher: Novel Ninjutsu

Release Date: February 27, 2013

ISBN: 978-0991859962

Size: 198 pages, 5×8, softcover

Genre: Middle Grade/Young Adult Science Fiction


Farworld: Air Keep by J Scott Savage

The adventure continues…

It’s been six months since Marcus and Kyja obtained the help of the land and water elementals. But before they can get help from the mysterious air elementals they have to figure out how to open a box with no key. Together, Marcus and Kyja travel into the Is, the Was, the Will Be, and the Never Was as they try to open the box, save their city, free Land Keep and Water Keep from water and land elementals who have joined the Dark Circle.

Marcus still has to find a way to change the future, and save Kyja s life, but there s a catch: any changes they make in the Abyss of Time may destroy the doorway, trapping them forever…

Even with his physical disability, Marcus is able to accomplish great things. This is a story of determination and friendship, and of having the courage to make those hard decisions.

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Title: Air Keep (Farworld #3)

Author: J Scott Savage

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Release Date: February 26, 2013

ISBN: 978-1609073251

Size: 336 pages, hardcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Farworld Series: Water Keep (bk 1), Land Keep (bk 2)


Raggleroot by Erik Olsen

“Help me, help me, Flin.” Parcell’s arm slowly reached toward Flin in despair, and then it dropped to the ground, lifeless.

Flin darted over and snatched up Parcell’s hand.

Parcell’s eyes suddenly popped open. “If I’m going to die, then you will too!”

Flin has always known to stay away from the doors with five clover leaves. His grandmother made sure he knew that whatever was behind those doors meant death. But when he finds out what’s really behind one of them, his discovery isn’t just deadly—it’s devastating.

And that’s not the only mystery rocking Flin’s underground world. There’s the puzzle of why his best friend, Flowell, was caught kissing Triston, and the fact that an obscure stranger wants to kill him. Join Flin as he learns the true meaning of friendship in this fast-paced adventure.

 

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Title: Raggleroot (Flin’s Destiny #3)

Author: Erik Olsen

Publisher: Sweetwater (CFI)

Release Date: January 8, 2013

ISBN: 978-1462110117

Size: 304 pages, 5.5 x 8.3, hardcover

Genre: Middle Grade/YA Fantasy

Flin’s Destiny Series: Cobble Cavern (bk 1), Garden of the Lost Souls (bk 3)


John Taylor & the Mystery Puzzle by Christy Monson

Micah put the phone back together and touched the screen.

Nothing.

“Maybe it needs to dry,” said Micah, opening up the back and leaving the phone in the sun. After a few minutes, he put it back together, but still nothing. “What are we going to do?”

“Maybe we’re stuck here forever,” said Alicia.

Micah and Alicia are excited to meet John Taylor as a child in England, so they use their dad’s special time-travel phone to get there. But when the phone breaks and won’t let them return to their own time, they must follow the prophet around the world and throughout his lifetime to solve the puzzle that will bring them home.

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Title: John Taylor & the Mystery Puzzle (Texting Through Time)

Author: Christy Monson

Publisher: Bonneville Books (CFI)

Release Date: November 13, 2012

ISBN: 978-1462110841

Size: 176 pages, 6×9, softcover

Genre: Middle Grade Speculative/Historical

Texting Through Time Series: A Trek with Brigham Young (bk 1)


Benotripia: The Rescue by McKenzie Wagner

Two islands stand amid swirling seas of mist and oceans that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Eleven-year-old Roseabelle lives on the tropical island of Benotripia with her mother, Danette, the island’s leader. When Danette suddenly disappears, Roseabelle, with her friends Astro and Jessicana, embark on a perilous journey to the evil neighboring island of Darvonia to save her mother and, if possible, Benotripia.

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Title: Benotripia: The Rescue

Author: McKenzie Wagner

Publisher: Sweetwater Books (Cedar Fort)

Release Date: September 11, 2012

ISBN: 978-1462110148

Size: 136 pages, 5×7, softcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy


Garden of the Lost Souls by Erik Olsen

Flin had climbed to the top of the cathedral and was now pinned against the anemone’s ceiling while dozens of enraged snazzards scaled up after him.

I can’t climb any higher! he thought, desperately looking around for any lost options. There’s no place left to go! They’re going to get me! Panicked, he jumped and fell hundreds of feet through the air as the ground raced toward him.

“NO!” he screamed.

After all he’s been through, it seems Flin’s life is finally getting back to normal—well, as normal as you can get when you’re stuck hundreds of miles under the earth’s surface. But in Cobble Cavern, nothing stays normal for long.

And when Flin and the rest of his classmates are sucked into another adventure, they’ll need more than a little magic to make it out alive. Especially since this time Flin will have to choose between saving an entire village from destruction or rescuing his own best friend!

Packed with action, humor, and tons of twists, this second installment in the Flin’s Destiny series will keep your kids up with a flashlight long past bedtime. Delve deeper into the mysterious underworld in this heart-pounding story that’s bound to become a family favorite.

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Title: Garden of The Lost Souls (Flin’s Destiny, #2)

Author: Erik Olsen

Publisher: Sweetwater/CFI

Release Date: July 10, 2012

ISBN: 978-1462110100

Size: 304 pages, 5.5 x 8.25, hardcover

Genre: Middle Grade/Young Adult Fantasy

Series: Cobble Cavern (bk 1)


Middle School Magic: The Kindling by Braden Bell

Loud shrieks sliced the air, followed by the smell of burning cloth. Conner looked over in time to see Geoffrey jumping up and down, yelling and shrieking. Smoke poured from the seat of his shorts while blue and yellow sparks snap-crackle-and-popped all around the heater.

All thirteen-year-old Connor Dell wants to do is pass pre-algebra, play lacrosse, and possibly kiss Melanie Stephens. He didn’t mean to set anyone’s gym shorts on fire or make school lunches explode. But now that the strange powers inside him have been ignited, Connor’s normal teenage life is about to go up in flames!

Homework? Of course. Crushes? Sure. But who knew seventh grade included superpowers?

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Title: Middle School Magic: The Kindling

Author: Braden Bell

Publisher: Sweetwater Books/CFI

Release Date: July 10, 2012

ISBN: 978-1-4621-1027-8

Size: 304 pages, 5.5 x 8.5, softcover

Genre: Middle Grade light fantasy/adventure


Evertaster by Adam Glendon Sidwell

When eleven-year-old Guster Johnsonville rejects his mother’s casserole for the umpteenth time, she takes him into the city of New Orleans to find him something to eat. There, in a dark, abandoned corner of the city they meet a dying pastry maker. In his last breath he entrusts them with a secret: an ancient recipe that makes the most delicious taste the world will ever know — a taste that will change the fate of humanity forever.

Forced to flee by a cult of murderous chefs, the Johnsonvilles embark on a perilous journey to ancient ruins, faraway jungles and forgotten caves. Along the way they discover the truth: Guster is an Evertaster — a kid so picky that nothing but the legendary taste itself will save him from starvation. With the sinister chefs hot on Guster’s heels and the chefs’ reign of terror spreading, Guster and his family must find the legendary taste before it’s too late.

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Title: Evertaster

Author: Adam Glendon Sidwell

Publisher: Future House Publishing (Trident Media Group)

Release Date: June 14, 2012

ISBN: 978-1441473844

Size: 304 pages, 6×9, softcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy Adventure


The Guardians of Elijah’s Fire by Frank L. Cole

“There’s no time to explain. I called you because I think you may be in danger, and I don’t want to be responsible for this. You’ve got to get help. I’ll do what I can to stop them.”

“Why am I in danger?” I asked, becoming alarmed.

“Things aren’t going according to plan, and they’re going to try something else.”

Just when she thought she was safe, Amber learns she’s become a target and it seems even her closest allies can t be trusted. Now Amber, Trendon, and the whole gang are facing their most terrifying enemy yet.

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Title: The Guardians of Elijah’s Fire

Author: Frank L. Cole

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Release Date: June 12, 2012

ISBN: 978-1462110575

Size: 215 pages, 6×9, softcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Series: The Guardians of the Hidden Scepter (bk 1)


Quickened Chronicles: The Rifts of Rime by Steven L. Peck

“There is one thing which might show some commitment on your part…”

“Name it!” The Thane relaxed again on his spear.

“Deliver the Tail, alive, here, alone, one week from tonight.” The Wolf sat back on the grass of the meadow.

“I will send him, but you must kill him yourself. Agreed?”

The Wolf licked her chops. “Agreed.”

In a world overtaken by greed and a ruthless, power-hungry dictator, Pinecone knows he’s no warrior. But when he’s entrusted with the sacred Scroll of Quickening, an ancient record that holds great power, Pinecone must summon the courage to protect the scroll. If he doesn’t, its secrets will be lost forever.

Meanwhile, Pinecone’s friend Leafe is mounting a makeshift rebellion to fend off the Thane, whose evil might grows stronger every day. But her efforts may force her into some troubling alliances.

 

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Title: Quickened Chronicles: The Rifts of Rime

Author: Steven L. Peck

Publisher: Sweetwater/Cedar Fort

Release Date: June 12, 2012

ISBN: 978-1599559674

Size: 280 pages, 5.5 x 8, softcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy


The Golden Boy by Kristen Randle

Okay, this is about me, Brandon, the kid who owned the whole entire world for at least two and a half hours.

So listen—if anybody ever tries to tell you that you’re just average? Do NOT listen to them. They have no idea whatsoever.

If you read this, you should probably get some really long paper—like a roll of toilet paper or something—so you can take notes on the dumb junk that happens in here, so you won’t do the same dumb junk if this ever happens to you.

And don’t think it won’t. Just don’t mess with magic, is all. Super big mistake.

All this stuff was really scary when it happened to me. But when I read the way she told it in this book? It was pretty funny.

What? You thought I was going to write down all this stuff myself?

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Title: The Golden Boy

Author: Kristen Randle

Publisher: Ponymoon Press

Release Date: June 4, 2012

ISBN: 978-1477602768

Size: 170 pages, 5×8, softcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy


Journey to the Fringe by Kelli Swofford Nielsen

Long ago, Stone Mages were revered in Lyria. They were men and women who could use powerful tradestones to harness their unique gifts of wind, rain, and earth to help those around them. But war with the Southern realm has threatened the mages with extinction. The truth about the tradestones has been lost, and the remaining magic is dwindling.

When Princess Ivy, the beloved daughter of the king, is abducted, it seems that all hope for Lyria is lost as well. But when an unlikely group of loyal subjects embarks on a dangerous journey to the far-distant Fringe, the hope of restoring crown and kingdom is renewed. Among the group is Simon, a fool with wisdom beyond his years; Gilda, a nonmagical witch; Burr, a young thief; and Merrick, a jaded sea captain. Their quest will test their courage, their strength, and their friendship.

But at the Fringe, they encounter a truth that will change everything they thought they knew about themselves, and this small band of heroes must embrace the power that is their birthright and stand together as Stone Mages of Lyria.

Title: Journey to the Fringe (The Stone Mage Wars, #1)

Author: Kelli Swofford Nielsen

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Release Date: May 1, 2012

ISBN: 978-1609088330

Size: 368 pages, 6×9, hardcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy


The Rock of Ivanore by Laurisa White Reyes

The annual Great Quest is about to be announced in Quendel, a task that will determine the future of Marcus and the other boys from the village who are coming of age. The wizard Zyll commands them to find the Rock of Ivanore, but he doesn’t tell them what the Rock is exactly or where it can be found.

Marcus must reach deep within himself to develop new powers of magic and find the strength to survive the wild lands and fierce enemies he encounters as he searches for the illusive Rock. If he succeeds, he will live a life of honor; if he fails, he will live a life of menial labor in shame.

With more twists and turns than a labyrinth, and a story in which nothing is at it seems, this tale of deception and discovery keeps readers in suspense until the end.

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Title: The Rock of Ivanore

Author: Laurisa White Reyes

Publisher: Tanglewood Press

Release Date: May 15, 2012

ISBN: 978-1933718606

Size: 356 pages, hardcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy


Mere Enchantment by Alicia Rivoli

A World Like No Other…

When a newly formed group of friends finds themselves fighting for survival, little did they know that was just the beginning.

When Chloe, Megan, Jason and Zach are forced to take cover in a nearby cave from a violent storm they find their new friend Preston there as well. Zach guides the group through the cave but as they go deeper strange things begin to happen and they find themselves separated in a magical kingdom surrounded by unusual people and wizards. Things get even more dangerous as they travel the kingdom in search of the city of Mere and each other.

As their journey unfolds, Preston discovers that the bedtime stories he was told as a child are true and that his rightful place in time must be realized. The kingdom itself has gone under attack as Jacan, a traitor to the crown, forces his armies through the magical borders.

Looking back Preston should have recognized that it was all real. He should have seen the signs. But how could he have known? After all, Jacan was just a villain in a story that took place in a far off mystical land. How could he have imagined that the stories that his father told him as a child were true?

How could any of them have known that their destinies were already written, and that to discover who they really are would take courage that they never realized they had?

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Title: Mere Enchantment

Author: Alicia Rivoli

Publisher: Self

Release Date: April 12, 2012

ISBN: 978-1475145533

Size: 392 pages, 5.5 x8.5 , softcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy


Cobble Cavern by Erik Olsen

“What was that?” Pilt asked in alarm.

“Whatever it is, it’s coming our way, and fast!” Flin said. He searched futilely for a nearby refuge.

Another screeching hiss rose from below.

Flin took the torch and held it out in front of him. “I can see something moving down there!” he said, panic thick in his voice.

What starts out to be a fun field trip to Ireland for Flin and his school debate team turns into a life changing adventure when their bus ends up in an earthquake. Flin and his teammates get swallowed deep into the earth and become trapped under the ocean inside a clear dome where they discover an unknown civilization. Now they must fight their way back to the surface if they ever want to see home again. Join Flin and his classmates on a journey of a lifetime in this thrilling adventure story.

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Title: Cobble Cavern (Flin’s Destiny #1)

Author: Erik Olsen

Publisher: Sweetwater/CFI

Release Date: April 10, 2012 (originally self-published in 2010)

ISBN: 978-1462110094

Size: 304 pages, 5.5 x 8, hardcover

Genre: Middle Grade/YA Fantasy


Molly Woodhaven by A.D. Duling

Molly Woodhaven is an eight year old girl with quite an imagination,or does she? Behind their Victorian and the wooden fence of their backyard are the woods; where Molly’s mother has said not to go in.

Molly doesn’t listen to her mother and does. Deep inside, she finds a little elf man named Mr. Pickett who takes her on an impossible sailing adventure to and on the great Atlantic Ocean.

Where she becomes a cabin girl, meets a mermaid King, goes to the Isles of Three for medicinal lily pads and collects Spitfire fireflies at the Spitfire Caves! And all this in one day! When she returns home, time has not turned, not even by a minute and Molly realizes she has not been caught.

She also realizes that tomorrow she can go on another adventure and the next day and the day after that…

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Title: Molly Woodhaven: Stories of Her Adventures & Other Extraordinary Experiences

Author: A.D. Duling

Publisher: Self

Release Date: April 12, 2012

ASIN: B007TVV8PY

Size: 54 pages, ebook

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

*This book may not meet the length requirements for a Whitney Award.



Elliot and the Last Underworld War by Jennifer Nielsen

WARNING:

If you care at all for planet Earth, you will pay very close attention to the lessons inside these pages. We usually ask you to run away from dreadful things. But now, you are warned to turn the pages as fast as you can read them. You must know what happens inside this book to learn whether Earth gets destroyed. Because let’s face it—that would be a bad thing.

As King of the Brownies, Elliot has battled Goblins, tricked Pixies, and trapped a Demon. But now, that Demon has escaped and he’s ready for revenge. Elliot will face a challenge unlike any he’s seen before.

The Last Underworld War is about to begin

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Title: Elliot and the Last Underworld War

Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen

Illustrator: Gideon Kendall

Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Release Date: April 1, 2012

ISBN: 978-1402240218

Size: 208 pages, hardcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Series: Eliot and the Goblin War (book 1), Eliot and the Pixie Plot (book 2)


Dragonbound: Blue Dragon by Rebecca Shelley

Life started at Stonefountain.

Near the bubbling fountain of power, the humans and dragons grew up together. Bound by blood, the two races became great and powerful. But with power came division. For not all were bound, and those with the power brought on by the bonding abused that power, subjecting all powerless ones to servitude.

In time the servants rebelled against their masters. Their violent uprising left almost all the bonded dragons and humans dead. From that day on the races separated, fleeing from Stonefountain and claiming their own lands. Distrust and war grew up between humans and dragons. The humans, fearing the power of the dragon bond, killed all those born to bond with the dragons. But some survived.

When Kanvar’s brother comes down with the dragon sickness, his mother learns that her husband and both her sons are Nagas, human traitors that bond with the Great Gold dragons. All three must die. Kanvar’s father is shot in the back and falls from a high window with Kanvar’s brother, leaving Kanvar to escape execution, survive on his own, and face the wrath of a Great Blue dragon whose family has been killed by the humans.

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Title: Dragonbound: Blue Dragon

Author: Rebecca Shelley

Publisher: Wonder Realm Books

Release Date: March 21, 2012

ISBN: 978-1475042474

Size: 252 pages, 5×8, softcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy