Category: MG Speculative

Title: My Fairy Grandmother

Author: Aubrey Mace

Publisher: Cedar Fort/Bonneville Books

Release Date: March 1, 2009

ISBN: 978-1599552170

Size: 270 pages, 5×8, softcover

Genre: Middle Grade

Descended from fairies?

At first, it sounds unbelievable to 9-year-old Kaitlin, but according to her grandmother Viola, it’s true. Soon, Viola begins telling Kaitlin stories of her family’s fairy past, and in spite of Kaitlin’s initial reluctance to visit her grandmother, she finds herself being drawn into the stories. But as Kaitlin learns more about her family, Kaitlin’s mother becomes increasingly concerned about Viola’s mental health. Good thing Kaitlin knows better! She believes her fairy grandmother isn’t crazy, and that her stories of elegant castles, evil counts, and exciting escapades are all true!

From the author of Spare Change, this enchanting tale will delight children, teens, and parents alike. Read My Fairy Grandmother and learn for yourself how a good story can bring a whole family together.

Title: Fablehaven: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary (vol. 4)

Author: Brandon Mull

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Release Date: March 24, 2008

ISBN: 978-1606410424

Size: 528 pages, hardcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Series: Fablehaven (v1), Rise of the Evening Star (v2), Grip of the Shadow Plague (v3)

The magical preserve Fablehaven provides refuge to numerous mystical species: centaurs, trolls, satyrs, ogres, fairies, minotaurs, brownies, imps, nymphs, and many others. But some beings are too large and powerful to be confined to regular enchanted refuges. These mightiest of creatures dwell inside the dragon sanctuaries.

With their leader revealed, the Society of the Evening Star is now racing to acquire the five keys to the great demon prison. To stop them, Kendra, Seth, and the Knights of the Dawn must journey to the dragon sanctuary Wyrmroost, located high in the Canadian Rockies. Fierce griffins, cunning giants, scheming wizards, and ferocious dragons stand between the Knights and their goal. As allies fall and the danger mounts, Kendra and Seth must rely on each other as never before if they hope to unlock the terrible secrets of the dragon sanctuary.

Title: Amaranth Enchantment

Author: Julie Berry

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books

Release Date: March 3, 2009

ISBN: 978-1599903347

Size: 320 pages, hardcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

When Lucinda Chapdelaine was a small child, her parents left for the royal ball and never returned. Ever since, Lucinda has been stuck in perpetual servitude at her evil aunt’s jewelry store. Then, on the very same day, a mysterious visitor and an even more bizarre piece of jewelry both enter the shop, setting in motion a string of twists and turns that will forever alter Lucinda’s path. In this magical story filled with delightful surprises, Lucinda will dance at the royal ball, fall under the Amaranth Witch’s spell, avenge her parents’ death, and maybe—just maybe—capture the heart of a prince.

Title: The Hunt for Dark Infinity (The 13th Reality, vol 2)

Author: James Dashner

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Release Date: March 4, 2009

ISBN: 978-1606410349

Size: 464 pages, hardback

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Series: The Journal of Curious Letters

It’s been a quiet summer for Tick, Paul, and Sofia, but the latest message from Master George changes everything. The Realities are in danger and from something more terrible than Mistress Jane and the mutated Chi karda of the Thirteenth Reality. People from all Realities are unexplainably going insane. Worse, some Realities are fragmenting, disintegrating into nothingness. Master George has learned that Mr. Chu from the Fourth Reality is working on a mysterious new weapon called Dark Infinity. But no one has any idea how to stop the weapon or even if it can be stopped. To make matters worse, Tick and his friends have been kidnapped, forced to wink from Reality to Reality, solving impossible riddles in order to survive the deadly traps surrounding them. Mistress Jane and Tick find themselves in a race to reach the weapon first but who will destroy it and who will become its master?

Title: Prince Etcheon and the Secret of the Ancient

Author: JoAnn Arnold

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Release Date: November, 2008

ISBN: 978-0-88290-956-1

Size: 320 pages, 6×9, softcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

The day Granna Fela died changed the life of young Etcheon in ways that he never expected.

First, Etcheon finds out that he is a prince, a son of a king and queen whom he has never met, and is destined to rule a land he has never lived in. Then, he discovers that his life is in constant danger from a greedy ruler and wicked wizard, both seeking power that does not belong to them. Last, he learns that his parents and people are doomed to die, and he is the only one with the power to save them. With the help of a mysterious girl, a tree with magical powers, and several amazing animals, Etcheon undertakes a journey that will stretch his abilities and his belief about who he is and who he needs to become.

Armed with extraordinary weapons, armor, and skills, Etcheon is prepared to face his fears and save his parents and his people. Join Prince Etcheon as he discovers the meaning of friendship and love, loyalty and bravery, and strength and determination on his adventure of self-discovery.

Title: Alcatraz vs the Scrivener’s Bones

Author: Brandon Sanderson

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Release Date: November 1, 2008

ISBN: 978-0439925532

Size: 336 pages, Hardcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

The Evil Librarians are still up to their antics and it’s up to Alcatraz Smedry to put a stop to it! This second book will take Alcatraz and company on an exploration of the Library of Alexandria, which—despite Librarian rumors—was never destroyed. It is a mysterious place and everyone knows that it holds dark secrets. Can Alcatraz, with his talent for breaking things, break into this secret world? Or will the Evil Librarians once again prevail?

Title: Leven Thumps and the Wrath of Ezra

Author: Obert Skye

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Release Date: September 30, 2008

ISBN: 978-1590389638

Size: 432 pages, Hardback

Genre: Middle Grade fantasy

The dreams of mankind are in grave danger as the Dearth, the true evil beneath the soil, rises above ground and slowly gains the strength he needs to defeat Leven Thumps. Leven, now the Want, is also gaining strength. Will he discover his new power before the Dearth finds him? Sycophant Run is on the brink of war. The secret of how to kill sycophants is now more a threat than ever. Can Clover and the sycophants protect the only gateway to Reality now that they’re so vulnerable?

And speaking of Reality, Terry and Addy are about to join forces with a one-time janitor and the angriest, most confused toothpick alive—Ezra. What kind of power is raging inside that sliver of wood?

Get ready to ride a Wave, release a Longing,find the Invisible Village, travel by rope,wrestle in chocolate, and, of course, dream theimpossible! Join Leven, Winter, Geth, and Cloveron the most unFoogettable adventure yet!

Title: FarWorld: Water Keep

Author: J. Scott Savage

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Release Date: September 12, 2008

ISBN: 978-1590389621

Size: 432 pages, Hardback

Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy

Other people may see thirteen-year-old Marcus Kanenas as an outcast and a nobody, but he sees himself as a survivor and a dreamer. In fact, his favorite dream is of a world far away, a world where magic is as common as air, where animals tell jokes and trees beg people to pick their fruit. He even has a name for this place—Farworld.

When Marcus magically travels to Farworld, he meets Kyja, a girl without magic in a world where spells, charms, and potions are everywhere, and Master Therapass, a master wizard who has kept a secret hidden for thirteen years, a secret that could change the fate of two worlds.

But the Dark Circle has learned of Master Therapass’s secret and their evil influence and power are growing. Farworld’s only hope is for Marcus and Kyja to find the mythical Elementals— water, land, air and fire- and convince them to open a drift between the worlds.

As Kyja and Marcus travel to Water Keep, they must face the worst the evil Dark Circle can throw at them—Summoners, who can command the living and the dead; Unmakers, invisible creatures that can destroy both body and soul; and dark mages known as Thrathkin S’Bae.

Along the way, Marcus and Kyja will discover the truth about their own heritage, the strength of their friendship, and the depths of their unique powers.

Title: Stone’s Quest: Redemption of the Curse (vol 3)

Author: LaRene R. Ellis

Publisher: Gathering Place Publishers, Inc.

Release Date: July, 2008

ISBN: 978-0975462249

Size: 424 pages, softcover

Genre: Middle Grade fantasy

Series: Stone’s Quest: In Search of Its Master (vol. 1), The Battles Begin (vol. 2)

The Story continues, the curse is revealed. The balance of the galaxy is in the hands of the few. Will the revealed truth be enough, or will the overwhelming powers of the curse engulf the universe beyond the influence of the Master Stones?

The fate of all lies in the hands of one. Will this unlikely soul choose to save it all or let everything be destroyed? The race for ultimate power… who will win?

Title: Pillage

Author: Obert Skye

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Release Date: July 1, 2008

ISBN: 978-1590389225

Size: 352 pages, hardcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

When fifteen-year-old Beck Phillips travels by train to the secluded village of Kingsplot to live with his wealthy but estranged uncle, Beck discovers some dark family secrets. A buried basement, a forbidden wall, an old book of family history with odd references to… dragons?

Beck’s life is about to be changed forever in this suspenseful tale about the destructive nature of greed and the courage to make things right.

Pillage is filled wtih Mr. Skye’s signature humor as well as some very intense moments. including a surprising ending, that will keep readers young and old engrossed and entertained.

Title: Dragon Flight

Author: Jessica Day George

Publisher: Bloomsbury Books

Release Date: April 28, 2008

ISBN: 978-1599901107

Size: 272 pages, 5.5×8, hardback

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Series: Sequel to Dragon Slippers

With the Dragon Wars over, Creel finds herself bored with life as a seamstress. Then word comes that a bordering country has been breeding dragons in preparation for an invasion. Never one to sit around, Creel throws herself headlong into an adventure that will reunite her with her dragon friend Shardas, pit her against a vicious new enemy and perhaps rekindle a friendship with Prince Luka that seems to have gone cold.

In far off Citatie, Prince Luka has made an alarming discovery: the southern country’s entire army is mounted on dragons, and they plan to attack Feravel. It’s up to Creel to gather her dragon friends and lead them south, first as spies, then as soldiers, in a battle against an unexpected enemy. But the Citatian dragons outnumber those from Feravel, and some of Creel’s friends are still recovering from the first dragon war. Will they be able to win this fight, and will they still have a home to return to even if they do?

Title: Fablehaven: The Grip of the Shadow Plague (Vol 3)

Author: Brandon Mull

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Release Date: April 21, 2008

ISBN: 978-1590388983

Size: 5.5×8, 480 pages, hardback

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Series: Fablehaven (vol. 1), Rise of the Evening Star (vol. 2)

Strange things are afoot at Fablehaven. Someone or something has released a plague that transforms beings of light into creatures of darkness. Seth discovers the problem in its infancy, but as the infectious disease spreads, it becomes clear that the preserve cannot hold out for long.

In dire need of help, the Sorensons question where to turn. The Sphinx has always given sound advice—but is he a traitor? Inside the Quiet Box, Vanessa might have information that could lead to a cure—but can she be trusted?

Meanwhile, Kendra and members of the Knights of the Dawn must journey to a distant preserve and retrieve another hidden artifact. Will the Society of the Evening Star recover it first? Will the plague eclipse all light at Fablehaven? Find out in Fablehaven: Grip of the Shadow Plague.

Title: The 13th Reality: The Journal of Curious Letters

Author: James Dashner

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Release Date: March 3 2008

ISBN: 978-1590388310

Size: Hardback; 432 pages

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

What if every time you made a choice that had a significant consequence, a new, alternate reality was created—the life that would’ve been had you made the other choice? What if those new realities were in danger? What if it fell to you to save all the realities? Atticus Higginbottom, a.k.a. Tick, is an average thirteen-year-old boy until the day a strange letter arrives in his mailbox. Postmarked from Alaska and cryptically signed with the initials “M.G.,” the letter informs Tick that dangerous—perhaps even deadly—events have been set in motion that could result in the destruction of reality itself. M.G. promises to send Tick twelve riddles that will reveal on a certain day, at a certain time, at a certain place, something extraordinary will happen. Will Tick have the courage to follow the twelve clues M.G. sends to him? Will he be able to solve the riddles in time? Will Tick discover the life he was meant to live? The first volume of an outstanding new children’s fantasy series, The Journal of Curious Letters is filled with adventure, humor, riddles, and, oh, yes—danger… As M.G. warns Tick, Very frightening things are coming your way. Will you join Tick and his friends on an amazing journey through the Realities? What will your choice be?

Title: Diamondback Cave*

Author: K.L. Fogg

Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.

Release Date: 2008

ISBN:

Size: small hardback

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Series: Serpent Tide (vol. 1), Widow’s Revenge (vol. 2)

Imogene Vandergrift wants out of jail. And she’ll say or do just about anything to make sure she can recover the millions in diamonds she has hidden away. Television reality-adventure star Jack Mackey wants nothing to do with Imogene–especially after what she has already put his son Wesley through. Jack has assured Wes that the evil woman who pretended for years to be his mother will remain behind bars. But that was before Alex Harris mysteriously disappeared. Now the rules have changed. Wesley and his best friend Amanda decide it is up to them to find Alex, Amanda’s soon-to-be stepfather. A little covert detective work leads them to Diamondback Cave.

Although Imogene’s diamonds are hidden inside, it is named for the rattlesnakes that infest the black hole in the ground. However, the cavern also holds other dangers–henchman who may be working for, or against, Imogene. Can Wesley’s friends and family survive these new attacks from Imogene Vandergrift? Will Amanda find Alex before it’s too late for him to become part of her family? Will you be able to catch your breath as you dive into Diamondback Cave?

*Although this book is in Seagull stores, it’s not on their website nor on Covenant’s. I couldn’t find a cover image that I could lift anyplace online. This is the cover of the audio book.

Title: Red Dragon Codex

Author: R.D. Henham (Rebecca Shelley)

Publisher: Mirrorstone

Release Date: January 8, 2008

ISBN: 978-0786949250

Size: Trade hardcover; 256 pages

Genre: Middle Grade Speculative

Dear Reader,

In my cozy library alcove, I never realized the peril that could befall a traveler in the mountains — or even a quiet villager, minding her own business. Then I read Sindri Suncatcher’s A Practical Guide to Dragons and I just had to find out more about dragonkind.

In my research, I discovered this true tale of an evil red dragon who plots revenge, kidnaps a seer, and sets a young boy named Mudd on a rescue mission. I hope you find as much thrilling enjoyment from it as I did.

Your humble servant,
R.D. Henham
Scribe in the Great Library of Palanthas

The Dragon Codices chronicle adventures with each of ten dragons of Krynn. From the fiery, evil red dragon to the playful copper, each dragon’s tale is unique. Sindri Suncatcher, narrator of A Practical Guide to Dragons, shared these tales from his travels with library scribe R.D. Henham.

Mudd lives a peaceful life in his small town, tinkering with the mill and any mechanical devices that he can find. But his peaceful life soon changes when, out of nowhere, a red dragon attacks, burning the town and kidnapping Shemnara, the village seer. Only one clue is left behind–a cryptic note telling Mudd, “Seek the silver dragon.”

About the Author
R.D. Henham is a scribe in the great library of Palanthas. In the course of transcribing stories of legendary dragons, the author felt a gap existed in the story of the everydragon: ordinary dragons who end up doing extraordinary things. With the help of fellow scribes, R.D. had filled that gap with the Dragon Codices.

Title: Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening Star

Author: Brandon Mull

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Release Date: May 1, 2007

ISBN: 978-1590387429

Size: 5.5×8; 456 pages

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Series: Sequel to Fablehaven

At the end of the school year, Kendra and her brother, Seth, find themselves racing back to Fablehaven, a refuge for mythical and magical creatures. Grandpa Sorenson, the caretaker, invites three specialists- a potion master, a magical relics collector, and a mystical creature trapper- to help protect the property from the Society of the Evening Star, an ancient organization determined to infiltrate the preserve and steal a hidden artifact of great power. Time is running out. The Evening Star is storming the gates. If the artifact falls into the wrong hands, it could mean the downfall of other preserves and possibly the world. Will Kendra learn to use her fairy gifts in time? Will Seth stay out of trouble? Can they overcome paralyzing fear?

Title: Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians

Author: Brandon Sanderson

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Release Date: October 1, 2007

ISBN: 978-0439925501

Size: 6×8; 320 pages

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

A hero with an incredible talent…for breaking things. A life-or-death mission…to rescue a bag of sand. A fearsome threat from a powerful secret network…the evil Librarians.

Alcatraz Smedry doesn’t seem destined for anything but disaster. On his 13th birthday he receives a bag of sand, which is quickly stolen by the cult of evil Librarians plotting to take over the world. The sand will give the Librarians the edge they need to achieve world domination. Alcatraz must stop them!…by infiltrating the local library, armed with nothing but eyeglasses and a talent for klutziness.