(3) 4-6 Vengekeep Prophecies series. Illustrated by Brett Helquist. When mage sentinels carry off Jaxter Grimjinx's little sister Aubrin to be their new augur, the family's quest to get her back leads to the opening elements of a prophecy in which Jaxter will save the Five Provinces from a deadly scourge but die doing so. The twisted but coherent puzzle plot unfolds swiftly, speeded along by irreverent Grimjinx humor.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) 4-6 Vengekeep Prophecies series. Illustrated by Brett Helquist. When the Shadowhands--elite thieves--go missing, failed thief but not-bad plant-specialist Jaxter (The Vengekeep Prophecies) and his childhood rival Maloch set out to uncover the thieves' target (magic relics from the royal vaults) and run up against the anti-magic tribe, the Sarosans. A wryly humorous voice and some gratifyingly unexpected plot reversals mark this worthy sequel.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam