Schrödinger's Bookshelf

This World We Live In, by Susan Beth Pfeffer (Harcourt, 2010)

Michael M. Jones — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 21:06:10 +0000

In the months since the Moon was dislodged from its orbit, civilization has continued to fall into chaos and ruin. Now, as the point-of-view characters from the first two books in the series meet and fall in love, we see that things can always get worse. What could have been an uplifting conclusion to a trilogy is instead a rather bleak, depressing installment in the ongoing saga, where no character is safe and hope is a near-vanished luxury. Though compelling and richly-detailed, this book’s a real mood-killer. Hopefully the sun will come out if the series continues.

Princess For Hire, by Lindsey Leavitt (Hyperion, 2010)

Michael M. Jones — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 21:04:27 +0000

Desi Bascomb is rescued from an ordinary everyday existence when a woman in a magic bubble appears, tells her she has Magic Potential, and introduces her to a very special temp agency specializing in short-term princess impersonations. Thrilled at the chance to lead a life of glamour and elegance, Desi throws herself into the job, subbing for a variety of unusual princesses. But when her willful ways and talent for improvisation go against the company rules, she’ll have to prove she’s worth keeping. Light, fluffy, and humorous, this pretty-in-pink tale is enjoyable, but hard to take seriously.

Fever Crumb, by Philip Reeve (Scholastic, 2010)

Michael M. Jones — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 21:02:19 +0000

Orphaned as a baby, raised by the Order of Engineers as their only female apprentice, Fever Crumb has been trained to think in a rational, scientific manner. However, her new assignment – to aid the archaeologist Kit Solvent on his attempt to uncover the secrets of Auric Godshawk, infamous former overlord and unspeakable genius – challenges the way she sees the world, and reveals long-hidden truths regarding her own origins. As the mysteries unfold and a city erupts in flames and chaos, Fever will be forced to set forth to claim her destiny. This post-apocalyptic steam punk adventure serves as a prequel to Reeve’s Mortal Engines setting, and sets the stage for no-holds-barred action and nifty concepts.

Other, by Karen Kincy (Flux, 2010)

Michael M. Jones — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 21:00:27 +0000

It’s not easy being a part-pooka shapeshifter in a society where supernatural Others are tolerated at best, hunted at worst, but by keeping her true nature secret, Gwen has managed just fine. However, when a serial killer starts targeting Others around her, Gwen may not be able to hide for long, especially when she becomes a target. Now, with the help of a cute kitsune, she has to track down a murderer before he strikes again. The skillful use of myth and folklore and a strong emotional component keep this from being your standard murder mystery.

The Shadow Hunt, by Katherine Langrish (Harper, 2010)

Michael M. Jones — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 20:58:14 +0000

When Wolf runs away from the monastery he’s called home for years in search of a more fulfilling life, he finds more than he bargained for in the forms of a feral elf-child and a local lord driven by heartbreak, loss and ambition. Taken into service by Lord Hugo of the Red Mound, Wolf befriends his stubborn, spirited daughter, Nest, and takes on the task of civilizing the elf. But what does Hugo want with the elf, and what sort of trouble will arise as a result of his quest? Set in a long-ago Wales where magic and superstition still hold power, this book draws on traditional fairy tales and religious beliefs to tell a creepy, intriguing story where anything is possible.