The Gift of the Quoxxel by Richard Titus

 Review
"The Gift of the Quoxxel" is teen/young adult book with a humorous, whimsical story that is sure to delight anyone wanting a light-hearted read. The plot follows two main characters, King Norr and Captain Gadd.

The author, Richard Titus, has filled each scene with humor and quirkiness. The book is riddled with neologism, and the new words are defined in a glossary.

Although the plot is interesting, the whimsical world and funny characters are the strengths of this book. King Norr is the character I liked most.

While reading the book, I was reminded a bit of Alice and Wonderland.

The book is expertly laid out, with bright colorful images at the beginning of each chapter.

If you want a light-spirited, quirky book with funny characters that'll take you a few steps away from your day-to-day life for awhile, then this is the book for you.

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Libellus de Numeros by Jim West

Review
Libellus de Numeros (book 1 in the Magicae Mathematica series) is a book about a smart young girl who is transported to a mystical world.

The protagonist, Alex, is independent and determined due in part to her busy parents’ absence in her life. When she’s teleported to an unfamiliar countryside, she sees none other than Archimedes on the road. Alex soon learns she is in a world where magic, wizards, math, and Latin play an important role in her life.

One of the things I like about the world is it is approachable yet imaginative. For instance, the world's main city (The City) is protected by powerful, enigmatic Guardians, who are prepared for service by Archimedes. One of my favorite things about the book is that West does an excellent job of not letting a character be defined by a disability, such as the hearing-impaired character Maya.

I also like the many layers of the plot. For example, there is a struggle between the classes in The City that adds an extra layer to the plot.

This would be a great book for anyone (especially 8 - 15) who likes engaging stories with fantasy elements.

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"Queen Darkara" by Renn McWolfe

Review
Renn McWolfe's "Queen Darkara" is a brilliantly written fantasy novel for teens with an engaging plot and a fascinating world.

The story follows the young, beautiful enchantress Queen Darkara after she is summoned to a distant land rife with death and destruction.

When Darkar learns that the land is being overtaken by a powerful, cunning witch, she agrees to do her best to hunt the witch, with a team of equally dedicated warriors, including the dashing, headstrong General Dominik the Brave.

As engaging as the plot is, it is the writing that truly makes "Queen Darkara" shine.
It is one of those books where you forget you are reading, and instead feel as though you are a transient observer in a far-off world.

The well-developed characters and otherworldly creatures, such as the Trickster, a creature with a hunger for human hearts, feel tangible.

The humor in the book adds a light-hearted element to the book, despite the somewhat dark plot.

Unlike humor in many books aimed at teens, the humor does not feel forced; it feels like a natural part of the situations.

Because of the writing, humor, and world, the cat-and-mouse game between Darkara and the evil witch is continually interesting, and the reader finds his or herself not wanting it to end.

"Queen Darkara" is a must-have for any teen craving an accessible, fast-paced fantasy novel.

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Buy it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ECZWI1S
Buy it on Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/queen-darkara-renn-mcwolfe/1117607966?ean=2940148648437