The Hunchback Assignments by Arthur Slade

Modo owes everything to Mr. Socrates. He was the one who rescued him from the freak show as a small child, taught him what he was capable of, taught him how to defend himself, and think for himself. Mr. Socrates educated him, trained him...and then, left him, on the streets of London to fend for himself? His final test, it seems, is to survive on his own. Mr. Socrates promises to find him when the time is right...

Modo's most distinguishing features are his hideously distorted face and hunchback. Not exactly the kind of thing you expect people to see beyond, unless you also have Modo's unique ability: to morph into whatever or whomever he desires. His disability need not prevent him from being a member of society, except that the shape-shifting has a limited window of time in which to work.

After he is dumped in London, he establishes himself in a small apartment and does odd detective work for a fee. No one sees his face during their interactions, and he primarily travels by rooftop. What better way to explore London without unnecessary distractions or traffic? One day, a beautiful woman (by the sound of it) inquires about some changes that have come over her brother since joining a scientific society.

Modo makes a visit to this society to inquire about the nature of its membership, and is greeted with less than friendly results. In fact, he gets beaten up by a man with what seems to be a metal arm! After imprisoning him, and setting the building alight, Modo manages to escape and track down this "sister."

Tavia may not be anyone's sister, but she does happen to also be working for Mr. Socrates. After being reunited, Modo is informed of the treacherous nature of the society they are going up against. The Clockwork Guild, as they are known, are working with a Dr. Hyde who is known for his experiments with animal hybridism. The exact nature of their scheme is still unclear, however there are several incidents which lead to the conclusion that they are "up to no good."

Very well written, it's just enough Dr. Jekell and Mr. Hyde meets The Hunchback of Notre Dame for audiences to feel familiar with the characters, but enough of a departure to be fresh.

"Steam geysered out the seams of the giant's clothing. He swung his massive arm again and Modo caught hold of it. Fuhr slammed him up against the wall. Modo wrenched himself away, ripping the sleeve from Fuhr's jacket. Modo's jaw dropped. The arm was made of metal! Pistons pushed back and forth between steel bones, the steam pumping out of holes in narrow iron plates. Fuhr swung yet again, Modo ducked and the man's fist pounded a hole in the wall. Modo shuddered: What such a blow would do to his skull!" (Slade pg. 75, 2009).

*Library Link*

If you liked this, check out:
The Dark Deeps: Hunchback Assignments #2 by Arthur Slade
The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman
Soulless by Gail Carriger

Slade, Arthur. (2009). The Hunchback Assignments. New York, NY: Wendy Lamb Books.

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

Alek, better known as the son of the Archduke of Austria, next in line for the throne, has had better days. He's woken up in the middle of the night, rushed around by his fencing instructor, piled into a walking machine, and made to march across the country for weeks. Why? Only because the Germans assassinated his parents to instigate World War I, of course! Like I said, he's having a rough time. In addition to this, he has to get out of Austria before someone kills him. Turns out his uncle, the Emperor of Austria, denies that Alek has any claim to the throne...because Alek's mom wasn't of royal birth. So pretty much his whole life, he's been made to feel like a fake prince. Losing both his parents at once, and running for his life is not exactly helping things.

Deryn wants so badly to be a member of the British Air Service. Her Da used to pilot a hot air balloon, and she loved it. After her Da passed away, it's the only thing she can think of that will give her another chance to fly. The obvious problem? It's 1914, and she's a girl. Using some serious tomboy skills, some advice from her brother, and the fact that she doesn't look a lot like a girl to her advantage, she signs up as Dylan Sharp. Turns out she is a serious airship(wo)man , and lucks out getting assigned to the Leviathan.

This story takes place in an altered history, which uses similar historical events (like World War I) but changes things to bring about a different future. One of the major element changes in this 1914: mechanical walking machines and bio-engineered animals. Starting to see some steampunk elements? The Germans (Clankers) are really into mechanical tech, while the British (Darwinists) prefer armored, engineered animals. It's a fascinating concept to think what might have happened if Darwin had engineered new species.

So, back to our protagonists. Dylan's ship, the Leviathan, is a huge collection of different animals which acts like a hydrogen airship. (S)he shows enough skill and daring to stay on board as they take on some interesting passengers and cargo. En route to deliver said cargo, the ship encounters enemy fire. They land on a glacier (not an ice berg) near where Alek and his "family" are camped. Alek first meets Dylan when he cuts her loose, and (s)he promptly proceeds to turn him into the higher ups. Without giving too much away, there is some great action, really cool drawings by Keith Thompson, fantastic slang ("Barking spiders!"), and the promise of more to come.

If you like steampunk, this is a must read. I was a little disappointed at how Westerfeld kept jumping back and forth between characters, and the storyline seemed disjointed. When the storylines joined, it was a much more enjoyable read.

"Maybe this was how you stayed sane in wartime: a handful of noble deeds amid the chaos," (Westerfeld, 2009).

*Library Link*

If you liked this, check out:

Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld
The Scorch Trials by James Dashner
Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

Westerfeld, Scott. (2009). Leviathan. New York, NY: Simon Pulse.

The Somnambulist by Jonathan Barnes

The narrator begins by telling us to put down this book. "Be warned. This book has no literary merit whatsoever. Needless to say, I doubt you'll believe a word of it." Strange how when someone tells you not to do something, you want to do it even more. Of course, I kept reading.

Edward Moon is a singularly arresting character, a formerly affluent member of Victorian English society, and an intriguing master of illusion and mind reading. His partner on the stage is known simply as The Somnambulist. The Somnambulist never speaks, and communicates only through hand-written messages on a slate he carries with him. Perhaps the singular most spectacular feat the two exhibit involves the Somnambulist being pierced with several long swords, every night, but exhibiting no wounds or signs of distress.

Another of Moon's endeavors is like that of Sherlock Holmes, a bit of an amateur detective consulted by Scotland Yard for especially baffling cases. The latest bit of bother involves a mysterious murder. At first glance, it seems ordinary...and then, another murder followed by the disappearance of both murdered men's mothers?

The Directorate, an underground government organization dedicated to preventing threats to Queen and country, may not always use scrupulous means to get what they want. They blackmail Moon into service, and take him to see a psychic...who may actually not be a total fake. The scariest part? She's predicting the end of the world...in 10 days.

As Moon and the Somnambulist begin to uncover more and more of this deep plot, more colorful characters are introduced, including Barrabas. Barrabas, also known as The Fiend, is a gluttonous prisoner, obsessed with beautiful trinkets. His previous association with Moon is hinted at, and it's believed that Barrabas may know more than he lets on.

As the foretold day approaches, events start to spin out of control. Will they be able to uncover who's behind it all, and stop them before they bring down the entire city? A fantastic steampunk Victorian murder mystery that crosses over for teens rather nicely. There is quite a bit of grisly subject matter, so recommended for older teens.

"Moon allowed himself a private, faintly malicious smile at their departure before flinging wide his arms. 'Applause,' he cried, 'for the city's most remarkable man! Asleep! Awake! The celebrated sleepwalker of Albion Square! Ladies and gentlemen, I give you...the Somnambulist!'" (Barnes pg. 23, 2007).

*Library Link*

If you liked this, check out:

The Domino Men by Jonathan Barnes
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
The Poe Shadow by Matthew Pearl

Barnes, Jonathan. (2007). The Somnambulist. New York, NY: William Morrow.

Mister Monday by Garth Nix (Keys to the Kingdom Series)

Arthur is kind of a weenie. His asthma prevents him from most strenuous activity, and his family moves a good deal, so it's hard for him to make friends. In fact, he's what you might call "ordinary." So much so, that when Mr. Monday and Skeezer show up during his gym class, he really has no idea what's going on. How could he? Even if he IS the rightful heir to the Will of the Architect, creator of all things, including the House and the Secondary Realms....wait, what?

It turns out that the Architect was the one who created everything out of Nothing (not nothing mind you, Nothing). She created the House, and the denizens of the House, who endeavor to watch and catalog the goings on of the Secondary Realms (which is pretty much anywhere outside of the House, and includes Earth), but not to interfere. So when the Architect died, she left a Will and Trustees (who are conveniently named after the days of the week) to watch over the House until a suitable Heir can be found. Of course, no one likes to give up their power...so the Trustees hide the Will away, after breaking it into seven pieces, and increasingly start to interfere with the Secondary Realms. PHEW! Are you confused yet? Arthur sure is, especially when his friends start succumbing to the "Sleepy Plague" as they are calling it, which seems to be caused by contamination from the House.

It turns out, Part 1 of the Will has found a way to get to Arthur. Armed with the Key, and the Compleat Atlas of the House (a very useful book), he must find a way to fight Mr. Monday for control of the Lower House. Lucky for him, he meets Suzy Turquoise Blue, one of the Piper's Children brought from Earth long ago, along with all the Rats. She, it seems, is the carrier of the Will...albeit in the guise of a frog! The three plot Mister Monday's downfall, but will they ever make it past all his guards, traps, prisons, and more?

Excellent juvenile fantasy, and recommended for lovers of Harry Potter.

"Don't look, part of his mind said. If you don't see trouble, it doesn't exist. But it does, thought Arthur, fighting down the fear. Keep breathing slowly. You have to confront your fears. Deal with them," (Nix, 2003).

*Library Link*

If you liked this, check out:

Grim Tuesday by Garth Nix
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
Midnight for Charlie Bone by Jenny Nimmo

Nix, Garth. (2003). Mister Monday. New York, NY: Scholastic.

Shiver by Maggie Steifvater

August is Once Upon a Time...
August is all about fairy tales retold. Ancient stories that have been brought up to date in modern times. These are a great way to get lost in a romance, an adventure, breaking the spell, or finding your true home. Back-to-school doesn't have to mean back-to-boring.

One of Grace's first memories is of the wolves. They attacked her, but all she remembers is the piercing yellow eyes of her wolf. Despite their rough treatment, she survives, and continues to be enraptured by the wolves, especially her wolf.

Years later, when a student at her high school is attacked and killed, Grace sticks up for the wolves. It's their nature, and knowing Jack Culpeper, he provoked them. Feeling desperate when she learns a hunting party has been sent out to kill them, she rushes into the woods, unsure of what she hopes to do. Witnessing one wolf get shot, her wolf, she is amazed to watch him transform into a teenage boy...is this really happening? He begs her not to let him change back, he is Sam.

Without much more thought, she rushes him to the hospital. Finally alone after his wound is stitched up, he begins to explain. His werewolf blood accelarates his healing process, so they have to get out of the hospital before someone figures it out. The "change" between human and wolf is facilitated by temperature, the colder it is, the more likely he is to change. Grace takes him back to her house, not knowing what else to do, and not willing to let him out of her sight. The wolf, her wolf, is Sam...this desire she has always held is real. He is real.

The biggest question is when - when will he change again? The tenuous nature of his existence does nothing to alleviate the very real feelings they have for each other. It's as if a dream has come true for both of them. He has always watched her, just as she has watched him. Their devotion develops in a way that seems meant to be. His respect for her is admirable and refreshing, without being too chaste.

Jack, it turns out, is not dead. He has changed, just as those before him. As a new wolf, he is unstable. He is showing up at the school, at home, threatening to expose their secret. Sam confronts him, only to learn that Jack is convinced that Grace knows the cure. She is the only one who was bitten, but didn't change. As the winter grows ever closer, the inevitable change in Sam becomes a tangible obstacle. Will Jack's insistence that Grace knows the answer turn into violence? Will Jack's sister Isabel expose their secret? Are Grace and Sam doomed to know love, only to lose it?

This book is what Twilight should have been, in my humble opinion. Highly recommended, which means a lot coming from a person who generally dislikes romance.

"Dull orange-brown leaves, dry and dead, clung to the branches and fluttered in the wind, waiting for the gust of wind that would knock them to the ground. That was what Sam was: transient. A summer leaf clinging to a frozen branch for as long as possible. 'You're beautiful and sad," I said finally, not looking at him when I did. 'Just like your eyes. You're like a song that I heard when I was a little kid but forgot I knew until I heard it again,'" (Steifvater pg. 208, 2009).

*Library Link*

If you liked this, check out:

Linger by Maggie Steifvater
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow


Steifvater, Maggie. (2009). Shiver. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

Beastly by Alex Flinn

Adrian is a beast. He used to be rich, handsome, popular Kyle...but not anymore. Now he's alone. Even his father wants nothing to do with him. Who would? He's a Beast, remember?

The witch who put him under the spell tells him the spell can only be broken by true love's kiss. But where is he going to find someone who can stand to be around him, let alone kiss him?! One night, someone breaks into his house. The man looks like a bum, a junkie, trying to score some cash. Adrian strikes a deal with him, he can leave on one condition. He must send his daughter to take his place.

Adrian has been watching her, the daughter of the horrible man, but she is far from horrible. She is lovely! He has hope for the first time in years. Perhaps she will appreciate him for who he is, instead of his appearance. He readies her room, buys her new clothes, cuts flowers from his beloved greenhouse...all for her. Will she ever accept him?

This retelling of Beauty and the Beast is a fun, modern take on a classic. It's even been adapted into a movie, which is scheduled to be released in March, 2011. Recommended for lovers of fairy tales and romance.

"...I picked her up to carry her to her room. She woke halfway up the dark staircase. 'What the...?' 'You fell asleep. I was carrying you to your room. Don't worry. I won't hurt you. I promise. You can trust me. And I won't drop you.' Her weight was barely anything in my arms. The beast was strong too," (Flinn pg. 205, 2007).

*Library Link*

If you liked this, check out:
A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn
Wicked by Gregory Maguire
The Rose and the Beast by Francesca Lia Block

Flinn, Alex. (2007). Beastly. New York, NY: HarperTeen.

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

Scarlet and Rosie are not your typical teenagers. They couldn't be, after what they experienced. Scarlet lost her eye to the wolf, the Fenris, who killed their grandmother. Now they are hunters, because they know the truth. They must protect all the others who live in blissful ignorance. They are two halves of the same heart, beating as one, hunting and surviving...but is it enough?

Silas is back from California. Silas, Scarlet's partner in the hunt, something like a brother, has returned. Scarlet feared he would stay there, but once he's back, everything is forgiven. Rosie can't help but notice how handsome he looks, how her heart beats faster when he's around, how she wants to inch closer to him on the couch. But she's a hunter, and hunters don't fall in love.

The wolves are on the lookout for "The Potential", the man who can be turned into a wolf. Scarlet, Rosie, and Silas are unclear on why or how someone is chosen, but they decide to move to the city to fight the packs while they are in force. After a few disappointing attempts, Scarlet decides that they need to look for "The Potential" to use as bait.

Meanwhile, Rosie starts to give in to her feelings for Silas. Is this a mutual attraction? How will Scarlet feel about it? She feels as if she is betraying the other half of her heart. Can she be a hunter, AND something else? So many questions surround them. Without "The Potential" they have few options left to lure the wolves, and they are running out of time to find him before the Fenris do. Could it be the answer was in front of them all the time?

This modern retelling of Little Red Riding Hood brings the story well into the present. Told from the viewpoints of each sister, this explores themes of love and loss, and acceptance.

"Scarlett took a step forward, then another, until she was so close to the monster that the rotting stench emanating from his throat choked her. The wolf opened his wide, long jaws, rows of teeth and bloodstained tongue stretching for her. A thought locked itself in Scarlett’s mind, and she repeated it over and over until it became a chant, a prayer: I am the only one left to fight, so now I must kill you,"(Pearce pg. 8, 2010).

*Library Link*

If you liked this, check out:
As You Wish by Jackson Pearce
Linger by Maggie Steifvater
Ash by Malinda Lo

Pearce, Jackson. (2010). Sisters Red. New York, NY: Little, Brown.