“A page-turner of a fantasy with elements of humor as well as intrigue, swordplay, and librarian-versus-hostile-book combat.” —Booklist “A fast-paced, engaging adventure.” —Publishers Weekly “One for the books.” —Kirkus Reviews From Sarah Prineas, author of the acclaimed Magic Thief series, comes a stunning new tween fantasy where books literally come to life! The powerful Lost Books at the palace library are infecting the rest with an evil magic, and two unlikely friends must figure out who, or what, is controlling the books and their power. If they can’t, the entire kingdom could be at risk. Sarah Prineas returns to her classic middle grade roots with this imaginative, fast-paced adventure for book lovers everywhere. A young librarian with a secret. A prince who can’t read. And a library where the books are fighting back. Books Come to Life: Not all stories stay on the page. In this library, vines can strangle, words can attack, and a book of explosions might just explode. - An Unlikely Friendship: Alex knows everything about books. Prince Charlie can’t even read one. Together, they’re the kingdom’s only hope. - A Librarian Hero: Forget dusty shelves and quiet reading rooms. Alex is a new kind of librarian—one who needs a sword as much as a library card to survive. - High-Stakes Adventure: When the powerful Lost Books escape, their dark magic threatens to unravel the entire kingdom. Gr 5–8—Alex has been chosen to be a librarian, a caretaker of books. The problem? He's not even 16 and no one will take him seriously. Oh, and the books are afraid while someone—or something—is killing the librarians. Alex has to prove he's capable of saving himself and the information before it's too late. Castles, kingdoms, sword fights, magical pages, and mysterious deaths all are present and accounted for. Alex is snarky and not particularly likable. Queen Kenneret struggles to rule her kingdom and is seemingly oblivious to obvious things. The mystery is intriguing and some of the fantasy elements are engaging, but middle grade readers may find the heavy-handed praise of libraries, reading, and librarians to be a bit too on-the-nose. VERDICT For libraries that have a strong fantasy readership, this title may appeal, despite its flaws.—Maureen Sullivan, Calumet City Public Library, IL “One for the books—and for all who, like Alex, cherish them.” - Kirkus Reviews “A page-turner of a fantasy with elements of humor as well as intrigue, swordplay, and librarian-versus-hostile-book combat.” - Booklist “A fast-paced, engaging adventure.” - Publishers Weekly Sarah Prineas lives in the midst of the corn in rural Iowa, where she wrangles dogs, cats, chickens, and goats, goes on lots of hikes, and finds time to write. She is also the author of Ash & Bramble, a retelling of Cinderella. She is married to a physics professor and has two kids. You can visit Sarah online at www.sarah-prineas.com.