The Warlock

Gr 7 Up—Michael Scott delivers the next exciting, action-packed installment (Delacorte, 2011) in what will likely rank among the most noteworthy of modern fantasy series. The fate of the known world hangs in delicate balance, and time is fast running out. As creatures of nightmare threaten San Francisco, Sophie and Josh, the silver and gold twins of ancient prophecy, consider whether they have pledged alliances to the right sides. Dr. John Dee has gone utlaga (rogue), making him potentially more dangerous. But can the Flamels be trusted? No one is who they claim to be, and there are some big surprises in store—including the true identities of the twins' parents and elderly aunt. Meanwhile, Scatty and Joan of Arc, having traveled back in time to ensure the fall of Danu Talis, are being held captive in an impenetrable volcanic prison from which not even The Shadow can escape. The world may be doomed. This edge-of-the-seat adventure is brought to vivid life by Paul Boehmer. Through the use of distinct accents and inflections, he remarkably portrays characters male and female, mortal and immortal, historical and mythological. The cliffhanger ending will have fans of the series anxiously anticipating the final installment. A must have.—Alissa LeMerise, Oxford Public Library, MI