  | Scroll of kings (Lost books) Author: Prineas, Sarah | |
| Price: $6.50 | ||
Summary:
Book 1--The powerful Lost Books are infecting the rest with an evil magic, and one boy must save not only the books, but the entire kingdom. The start of a tween fantasy series.
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 5.20 Points: 9.0 Quiz: 198943 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (03/15/18)
School Library Journal (03/01/18)
Booklist (05/01/18)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 03/01/2018 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 - Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 05/01/2018 While reading a strange book in his father’s library, 12-year-old Alex suddenly notices letters flowing off the page and encircling his wrist, marking him with mysterious, shifting words. Though in training as a warrior, he becomes convinced that he must follow a different calling. A few years later, apprenticed to the elderly librarian at a castle, he discovers the man dead (strangled by a malevolent book on vines). Alex soon weasels his way into a new position: Royal Librarian at the Winter Palace. There he gradually wins over the recently crowned 16-year-old queen, while attempting to thwart the schemes of her treacherous uncle and the murderous intentions of the increasing number of books possessed by evil magic. The first in the Lost Books series, this features a number of strong characters, inventive details, and unexpected plot twists. Often impudent to those who disrespect him, Alex has a roguelike quality that will appeal to many readers. A page-turner of a fantasy with elements of humor as well as intrigue, swordplay, and librarian-versus-hostile-book combat. - Copyright 2018 Booklist.
