Category: Middle Grade (Ages 8-12)

It wasn’t Max Spencer’s idea to fight robots, lead an army, or save the world—it just so happens that he’s the only living person who can read the most fantastical book ever written: The Codex of Infinite Knowability. The Codex is no ordinary book, and among other things, it describes a unicorn named Princess the Destroyer.

Princess the Destroyer is no ordinary unicorn. She loves nothing more than hunting down, killing, and eating other creatures. After all, what’s the point of having a sharp horn on your forehead if you don’t use it for destructive purposes? And right now Princess has a very definite purpose: Find Max and retrieve the lost Codex for an evil sorcerer and his mysterious master. If she can do that, she’s been promised an all-the-humans-you-can-eat buffet in Texas.

Read excerpt   View trailer

Title: Bad Unicorn

Author: Platte F. Clark

Publisher: Aladdin

Release Date: April 16, 2013

ISBN: 978-1442450127

Size: 432 pages, hardcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Ethan and his friends are back!

When Jordan has  mysterious visions about Crater Lake, she finds herself with a power that she doesn’t quite understand and can’t quite control

But when Ethan, Allie and Brady also start displaying powers, they decide to return to Crater Lake in the middle of winter, only to discover that an epic battle is brewing between Chief Llao and his nemesis, Chief Skell.

Determined to find their fallen friend, Jacob, the young teens must train for the upcoming battle by mastering their powers and joingin forces with a powerful new ally—the Mystic Gray—an entity that could bring more trouble than they could ever imagine.

Read excerpt 

Title: Return of the Mystic Gray (Crater Lake Book 2)

Author: Steve Westover

Publisher: Sweetwater (CFI)

Release Date: April 9, 2013

ISBN: 978-1462111879

Size: 256 pages, 5.5 x 8.5, softcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Crater Lake Series: Battle for Wizard Island (bk 1)

Losing to a girl in laser tag is the pits—especially if it’s to Melanie “Thumbs” Nottingham. The Hashbrown gang comes up with a plan that will guarantee their success.

But when he turns to the Oracle for guidance, he is given some unexpected advice that could change the game forever. When plans go awry and they’re sent to another dimension, it’s up to Hashbrown to set everything right..

Would you go through a portal and steal the identity of someone in another dimension just to become a winner again? Crack open Hashbrown Winters and the Whiz-Tastrophe to find out!

Read excerpt

Title: Hashbrown Winters and the Whiz-Tastrophe (Book 4)

Author: Frank L. Cole

Publisher: Bonneville (CFI)

Release Date: April 9, 2013

ISBN: 978-1462110568

Size: 128 pages, 5.5 x 8, softcover

Genre: Middle Grade

Hashbrown Series: The Adventures of Hashbrown Winters (book 1), Hashbrown Winters and the Mashimoto Madness (book 2), Hashbrown Winters and the Phantom of Pordunce (bk 3)

Jason and Rachel were not born in Lyrian. They did not grow up in Lyrian. But after all of the battles and losses, the triumphs and adventures, and most of all, the friendships forged in this fantastical world, Lyrian has become home to them in a way they never could have imagined.

And so, armed now with the prophecy of a dying oracle, they have gone on their separate quests—each surrounded by brave and powerful allies—knowing that the chance for success is slim. But Jason and Rachel are ready at last to become the heroes Lyrian needs, no matter the cost.

Read excerpt

Title: Chasing the Prophecy (Beyonders #3)

Author: Brandon Mull

Publisher: Aladdin

Release Date: March 12, 2013

ISBN: 978-1416997962

Size: 512 pages,hardcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Beyonders Series: A World Without Heroes (bk 1), Seeds of Rebellion (bk 2)

Sky has more monsters to fight—and lives to save—in the sequel to Return to Exile.

Sky thought he had problems before. “Before” as in when his uncle disappeared, he had to move to an odd new town with his family, and, oh yeah, it was up to him to make sure the world’s deadliest monster didn’t escape from his prison.

But none of that compares to now. “Now” as in when the entire Hunters of Legend are coming to Exile with one mission: kill Sky.

Well, Sky thought there was only one mission, but the longer he stays alive, the more he realizes that there is something else afoot. And all those friends that he kept in the dark to keep them safe? Turns out he might have to ask them to risk their lives yet again to stop an unspeakable evil from wreaking havoc on the world.

Read excerpt

Title: The Legend Thief (The Hunter Chronicles, vol. 2)

Author: E.J. Patten

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers

Release Date: March 5, 2013

ISBN: 978-1442420359

Size: 384 pages, hardcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

The Hunter Chronicles: Return to Exile (bk 1)

Abby and Derick have been accepted to the most prestigious secondary school in the world, Cragbridge Hall. Due to the inventions of their grandfather, Oscar Cragbridge, they will be able to experience history in 3D, use their minds to literally project visual interpretations of classic literature, and become animal avatars for zoology.

But when their grandfather and parents go missing, Abby and Derick must follow clues Oscar left for them that will reveal a dangerous secret. Along the way, they discover there is much more to one of their grandfather s inventions than anyone has ever dreamed.

Saving their family will take all of Derick s mind and Abby s heart as they come face to face with a crazed scientist who desperately seeks to change the past. If they fail, the world past and future will never be the same.

Read excerpt

Title: Cragbridge Hall: The Inventor’s Secret

Author: Chad Morris

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Release Date: March 5, 2013

ISBN: 978-1609073268

Size: 256 pages, hardcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

 

The adventure continues…

It’s been six months since Marcus and Kyja obtained the help of the land and water elementals. But before they can get help from the mysterious air elementals they have to figure out how to open a box with no key. Together, Marcus and Kyja travel into the Is, the Was, the Will Be, and the Never Was as they try to open the box, save their city, free Land Keep and Water Keep from water and land elementals who have joined the Dark Circle.

Marcus still has to find a way to change the future, and save Kyja s life, but there s a catch: any changes they make in the Abyss of Time may destroy the doorway, trapping them forever…

Even with his physical disability, Marcus is able to accomplish great things. This is a story of determination and friendship, and of having the courage to make those hard decisions.

Read excerpt    Book Site

Title: Air Keep (Farworld #3)

Author: J Scott Savage

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Release Date: February 26, 2013

ISBN: 978-1609073251

Size: 336 pages, hardcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Farworld Series: Water Keep (bk 1), Land Keep (bk 2)

Loud shrieks sliced the air, followed by the smell of burning cloth. Conner looked over in time to see Geoffrey jumping up and down, yelling and shrieking. Smoke poured from the seat of his shorts while blue and yellow sparks snap-crackle-and-popped all around the heater.

All thirteen-year-old Connor Dell wants to do is pass pre-algebra, play lacrosse, and possibly kiss Melanie Stephens. He didn’t mean to set anyone’s gym shorts on fire or make school lunches explode. But now that the strange powers inside him have been ignited, Connor’s normal teenage life is about to go up in flames!

Homework? Of course. Crushes? Sure. But who knew seventh grade included superpowers?

Read excerpt   View trailers

Title: Middle School Magic: The Kindling

Author: Braden Bell

Publisher: Sweetwater Books/CFI

Release Date: July 10, 2012

ISBN: 978-1-4621-1027-8

Size: 304 pages, 5.5 x 8.5, softcover

Genre: Middle Grade light fantasy/adventure

When eleven-year-old Guster Johnsonville rejects his mother’s casserole for the umpteenth time, she takes him into the city of New Orleans to find him something to eat. There, in a dark, abandoned corner of the city they meet a dying pastry maker. In his last breath he entrusts them with a secret: an ancient recipe that makes the most delicious taste the world will ever know — a taste that will change the fate of humanity forever.

Forced to flee by a cult of murderous chefs, the Johnsonvilles embark on a perilous journey to ancient ruins, faraway jungles and forgotten caves. Along the way they discover the truth: Guster is an Evertaster — a kid so picky that nothing but the legendary taste itself will save him from starvation. With the sinister chefs hot on Guster’s heels and the chefs’ reign of terror spreading, Guster and his family must find the legendary taste before it’s too late.

Read excerpt

Title: Evertaster

Author: Adam Glendon Sidwell

Publisher: Future House Publishing (Trident Media Group)

Release Date: June 14, 2012

ISBN: 978-1441473844

Size: 304 pages, 6×9, softcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy Adventure

“There’s no time to explain. I called you because I think you may be in danger, and I don’t want to be responsible for this. You’ve got to get help. I’ll do what I can to stop them.”

“Why am I in danger?” I asked, becoming alarmed.

“Things aren’t going according to plan, and they’re going to try something else.”

Just when she thought she was safe, Amber learns she’s become a target and it seems even her closest allies can t be trusted. Now Amber, Trendon, and the whole gang are facing their most terrifying enemy yet.

Read excerpt

Title: The Guardians of Elijah’s Fire

Author: Frank L. Cole

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Release Date: June 12, 2012

ISBN: 978-1462110575

Size: 215 pages, 6×9, softcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Series: The Guardians of the Hidden Scepter (bk 1)

“There is one thing which might show some commitment on your part…”

“Name it!” The Thane relaxed again on his spear.

“Deliver the Tail, alive, here, alone, one week from tonight.” The Wolf sat back on the grass of the meadow.

“I will send him, but you must kill him yourself. Agreed?”

The Wolf licked her chops. “Agreed.”

In a world overtaken by greed and a ruthless, power-hungry dictator, Pinecone knows he’s no warrior. But when he’s entrusted with the sacred Scroll of Quickening, an ancient record that holds great power, Pinecone must summon the courage to protect the scroll. If he doesn’t, its secrets will be lost forever.

Meanwhile, Pinecone’s friend Leafe is mounting a makeshift rebellion to fend off the Thane, whose evil might grows stronger every day. But her efforts may force her into some troubling alliances.

 

Read excerpt   Book Site

Title: Quickened Chronicles: The Rifts of Rime

Author: Steven L. Peck

Publisher: Sweetwater/Cedar Fort

Release Date: June 12, 2012

ISBN: 978-1599559674

Size: 280 pages, 5.5 x 8, softcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Long ago, Stone Mages were revered in Lyria. They were men and women who could use powerful tradestones to harness their unique gifts of wind, rain, and earth to help those around them. But war with the Southern realm has threatened the mages with extinction. The truth about the tradestones has been lost, and the remaining magic is dwindling.

When Princess Ivy, the beloved daughter of the king, is abducted, it seems that all hope for Lyria is lost as well. But when an unlikely group of loyal subjects embarks on a dangerous journey to the far-distant Fringe, the hope of restoring crown and kingdom is renewed. Among the group is Simon, a fool with wisdom beyond his years; Gilda, a nonmagical witch; Burr, a young thief; and Merrick, a jaded sea captain. Their quest will test their courage, their strength, and their friendship.

But at the Fringe, they encounter a truth that will change everything they thought they knew about themselves, and this small band of heroes must embrace the power that is their birthright and stand together as Stone Mages of Lyria.

Title: Journey to the Fringe (The Stone Mage Wars, #1)

Author: Kelli Swofford Nielsen

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Release Date: May 1, 2012

ISBN: 978-1609088330

Size: 368 pages, 6×9, hardcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

A World Like No Other…

When a newly formed group of friends finds themselves fighting for survival, little did they know that was just the beginning.

When Chloe, Megan, Jason and Zach are forced to take cover in a nearby cave from a violent storm they find their new friend Preston there as well. Zach guides the group through the cave but as they go deeper strange things begin to happen and they find themselves separated in a magical kingdom surrounded by unusual people and wizards. Things get even more dangerous as they travel the kingdom in search of the city of Mere and each other.

As their journey unfolds, Preston discovers that the bedtime stories he was told as a child are true and that his rightful place in time must be realized. The kingdom itself has gone under attack as Jacan, a traitor to the crown, forces his armies through the magical borders.

Looking back Preston should have recognized that it was all real. He should have seen the signs. But how could he have known? After all, Jacan was just a villain in a story that took place in a far off mystical land. How could he have imagined that the stories that his father told him as a child were true?

How could any of them have known that their destinies were already written, and that to discover who they really are would take courage that they never realized they had?

Read excerpt

Title: Mere Enchantment

Author: Alicia Rivoli

Publisher: Self

Release Date: April 12, 2012

ISBN: 978-1475145533

Size: 392 pages, 5.5 x8.5 , softcover

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy