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(3)
4-6
Poisons of Caux series.
Illustrated by
Andrea Offermann.
In this trilogy ender, Ivy Manx's scattered allies regroup to unseat the corrupt Director (Ivy's father) and restore peace to Caux. Ivy's ragtag army of birds and scarecrows pits itself against poison, shifting alliances, and prophecy in this richly described fantasy. The plot's brief fragments of action weave together in a dense and rewarding narrative.
(4)
4-6
Poisons of Caux series.
Illustrated by
Jennifer Taylor.
In this labyrinthine sequel to The Hollow Bettle, apothecary and "Noble Child" Ivy must find the door to Pimcaux and prevent evil Vidal Verjouce from obtaining scourge bracken; if he does, "Caux's green earth will be reduced to ash." The adventure is imaginative and exciting, though in the end, it feels a bit like a wild goose chase.
(3)
4-6
Poisons of Caux series.
Illustrated by
Jennifer Taylor.
Ivy lives in a "poison or be poisoned" society. Her uncle, an apotheopath, disappears after a visit to the wicked king, leaving Ivy to venture out to find him--and save the entire kingdom. Appelbaum has created a wildly inventive, fully realized, and mysterious world. Taylor's eerie green-and-white illustrations help readers visualize some of the story's fantastical details.