Untamed

Untamed by Kristin and P.C. Cast, 2008 St. Martin's

     Fledgling vampyre Zoey Redbird's friends have lost all faith in her, but she has determined to talk to them, to renew and strengthen their relationship. Aphrodite reappears re-Marked and joins the friends at lunch, but before a confrontation can ensue the famous archer fledgling  James Stark arrives. Zoey meets Aphrodite and Stevie Rae after lunch and learns that Stevie Rae is much as she was before her death; the only difference is an aversion to sunlight. The two also reveal that Aphrodite's mark is fake, she is human but retains her visions.
     When she goes to speak with them, Erin, Shaunee, Damien, and Damien's boyfriend (and a new member of their group) Jack, tell Zoey they felt betrayed when she shared Stevie Rae with Aphrodite rather than her friends. When she explains they make up and cast a circle to find out why everything has happened. Nyx explains Stevie Rae and Aphrodite, then warns the group that Dark events have been set in motion.
     The friends, the "nerd herd" rushes to a Council meeting where they find Shekinah, the High Priestess of all vampyres, has arrived to revoke Neferet's declaration of war on humans. Erik has returned to take over Professor Nolan's position as drama teacher, to Zoey's dismay. On her return to the dorm, Zoey sees Stark practicing with his bow and learns his gift is that he never misses a target, but his body rejects the Change and he dies in her arms.
     Zoey and her friends visit a local cat shelter, run by the nuns of the Benedictine Abbey, as a community activity for the Dark Sons and Daughters. The leader, Sister Mary Angela, startles Zoey with the difference between her beliefs and those of her stepfather. On the way back to the House of Night they encounter Heath, Zoey's ex-boyfriend, he says he's given up loving her because it hurt too much. Back at the House of Night Zoey is late for drama with Professor Erik Night, her former boyfriend. He casts her as Desdemona to his Othello, giving her a chance to explain her feelings, but storms off as the bell rings.
     After class Zoey is met by Darius, a Sons of Erebus (Nyx's consort) Warrior, and taken to Aphrodite. She has been having visions of Sylvia Redbird, Zoey's grandmother, and gives Zoey a poem. Sylvia and Zoey work out that the poem is an ancient Cherokee prophecy predicting the rise of Kalona, a fallen angel. Sylvia warns Zoey and her friends of Raven Mockers: half-human, half-raven offspring of Kalona and human women he violated, and Zoey requests that she come to the House of Night for protection.
     On her way to a Council meeting Zoey is attacked by a Raven Mocker and escapes Aphrodite's vision of her death by calling Damien who sends Air to her rescue. She overhears a conversation between Shekinah and Neferet; Neferet blames all the troubles she's faced on Zoey. After Neferet has gone, Zoey explains about the cat shelter and asks for a place for her grandmother. She then finds Erik and explains the situation  he encountered that caused him to break up with her.
     Sylvia Redbird arrives and stays in Stevie Rae and Zoey's room, they discuss what to do about the evil that is coming, but halfway through discover a Raven Mocker listening at the window. Shekinah asks Zoey to perform a cleansing ritual, and comes to tell her Sylvia has been in a car crash. Zoey and friends rush to the hospital and fearing the Raven Mockers caused Sylvia's accident ask to have Sister Mary Angela guard her.
     Zoey performs the ritual and tries to introduce the red fledglings, but Neferet brings undead Stark and tries to frame Zoey. Stark shoots Stevie Rae, nearly killing her, and her blood brings to life Kalona. Neferet kills Shekinah and the 'nerd herd' escapes to the underground tunnels where the red fledglings stayed. The dangerous headmistress is revealed as the evil witch who brings Kalona back from his imprisonment in the earth, heralding a new era at the Tulsa House of Night.
     The friends have found each other again, but have lost their safe haven with their escape from Neferet's dark handhold over the school. Stevie Rae's rediscovery of humanity and near death take their toll on Zoey's growing leadership; she begins to question who she has become, but turns to Nyx and her loving guidance. Zoey is still trying to figure out where her life is going and how to deal with the gifts she has been blessed with. The challenge Neferet poses is devastating, yet she is a believable character as she struggles with the problems rising from Shekinah's death and her friends' banishment. Like the rest of the series, Untamed is directed toward older school-aged readers.

A Swiftly Tilting Planet

A Swiftly Tilting Planet by Madeleine L'Engle, 1978 Farrar, Straus & Giroux

     Ten years after their adventures with the Echthroi in A Wind in the Door Meg and Calvin are married and expecting their first child. Meg spends Thanksgiving with the Murry family and Calvin's mother, Mrs. O'Keefe, while Calvin is at a conference in Britain. When the family hears of impending nuclear war caused by "Mad Dog Branzillo", dictator of a fictional South American country, Mrs. O'Keefe charges Charles Wallace with preventing the war and arms him with "Patrick's Rune" a spell of protection passed down from her Irish ancestors.
     Charles Wallace goes to the family's star-watching rock and begins reciting the rune. He summons Gauidor, a unicorn from the heavens, who explains that Charles Wallace must travel through time to merge his mind with other people who have lived near the star-watching rock and change "might-have-beens" and alter the course of history. Charles Wallace is confused how events in New England will change what happens in South America, but the changes Charles Wallace makes act through a Butterfly Effect making larger changes in the modern world.
     As he travels the Echthroi return and each change for the good that Charles Wallace fights for is opposed by their forces trying to maintain the 'evil' outcome. Charles Wallace visits a Native American boy, a Welsh trans-atlantic voyager, a welsh colonist, an American Civil War writer, and Mrs. O'Keefe's brother as a child. Meg uses the technique kything that she learned in A Wind in the Door to keep in touch with Charles Wallace telepathically on his adventures.
     Charles Wallace discovers the connection between New England and Mad Dog Branzillo, but his alteration of "might-have-beens" causes a peaceful man to be born, rather than the crazed dictator.
     The story of A Swiftly Tilting Planet shows how small events in everyday life can change the world and suggests a way for the reader to act in his or her own life that makes the future of our world a more desirable one. The story is suitable for older children, around fifth or sixth grade, however, some of L'Engle's language may be difficult for young readers. Older readers will discover new dimensions of the reading with each revisit.

Clockwork Prince

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare, 2011 Simon & Schuster

     The sequel to Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince follows Tessa and her Shadowhunter friends as they continue searching for the Magister. Tessa continues to wonder who she is and what the Magister meant when he claimed he "created her" and that she "belongs" to him. Tessa re-encounters her brother, revealing a spy at the Institute and encouraging the Enclave to examine itself closely for the corruption.
     Along the way Tessa makes shocking discoveries about her past which ripple into shocking opportunities for her future. Will faces the internal demons that have created his rude, sarcastic, and hateful behavior and discovers that his curse was the clever trickery of a demon his father had kept captive. Jem confronts his addiction and the limitations he felt it put on his life to make a life-changing decision.
     While some of the content may be directed at older students (the author's website states it is meant for 14+ or at least 9th grade) there are several themes secondary elementary students may find useful; Jem's illness progresses from the first novel, quite frankly, he is dying. Yet no one has given up hope that he will survive and that a cure will be found. This is a case of the person not becoming their illness. Meanwhile, the romantic entanglements between Jem & Tessa and Will & Tessa take on a more mature nature. Tessa's reasoning is presented as she is charged with an impossible decision. While it seems like she's being selfish, she shows compassion in the face of Jem's weakness.

Chosen

Chosen by Kristin and P.C. Cast, 2008 St. Martin's

     On her seventeenth birthday, Zoey Redbird resolves to break up with Heath, but after the crucifixion of Patricia Nolan, one of the House of Night professors, Neferet has tightened security. It appears the People of the Faith have killed Professor Nolan and all vampyres are in danger. She sneaks out to end the relationship with Heath, and fails, but on the way back Zoey and Aphrodite help Stevie Rae into Aphrodite's parents' house where she can stay until they figure out a way to save her.
     Back at House of Night, Zoey must replace Stevie Rae in the Dark Sons and Daughters, she unhappily chooses Aphrodite for her new affinity with Earth. She makes plans to cast a circle to heal Stevie Rae, but her love life complicates everything.
     Zoey's relationship with Erik becomes strained because of the lies she tells to hide Loren Blake's seduction, and her imprint with Heath. The night of Zoey's first Dark Daughters and Sons ceremony with Aphrodite in Stevie Rae's place Erik makes the Change into full vampyre and Loren consummates his relationship with Zoey, breaking the imprint with Heath. Erik walks in on Loren and Zoey and breaks up with her. Then, on her way to meet with Shaunee, Erin, Damien and Aphrodite for the ceremony to heal Stevie Rae, Zoey sees Loren talking to Neferet explaining he had seduced Zoey to distance her from her friends. He professes his love for Neferet, Zoey is startled and shocked.
     Zoey is late for meeting and Stevie Rae arrives before she can explain why they're meeting. Erin, Shaunee, and Damien feel betrayed, but agree to cast the circle and help Stevie Rae. During the casting Stevie Rae becomes jealous of Aphrodite's new place and attacks her. The two imprint and Stevie Rae becomes the first full red vampyre. Aphrodite discovers her Mark is gone: she is human again! Aphrodite and Stevie Rae leave the House of Night through a secret entrance.
     Zoey tries to explain to Erin, Shaunee, and Damien, finally getting them to listen until Erik appears and reveals her infidelity and relationship with Loren Blake. Her friends no longer believe her and Zoey is left alone when spasms of pain signal the end of her imprint with Loren as he died. Neferet uses his death as an excuse to declare war on the humans, Zoey sees that she has gone crazy and confronts Neferet in front of the Council.
     Readers follow Zoey through the difficult and troubling times that she faces as a vampyre fledgling. Her troubles are similar to those of everyday high schoolers: balancing romantic and platonic relationships, losing and creating friendships, and feeling alienated. This third novel goes further into Zoey's development and self-realization, going further into her character and what makes her Zoey Redbird.

Prince Caspian

Prince Caspian by C. S. Lewis, 1951 Geoffrey Bles

     After their first trip into Narnia, Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter Pevensie find themselves back in the magical land when they are jerked away from their railway station as they travel to school for the year. In their absence, Telemarines have invaded Narnia and driven the Old Narnians into hiding.
     The Pevensies find themselves at the ruins of Cair Paravel, their former home. It has been centuries since they were last in Narnia and the castle has fallen beyond repair.
     Prince Caspian, the rightful king of Telmarine, has escaped from his Uncle Miraz's home at the birth of his new cousin. The king no longer has need for Caspian with an heir of his own, realizing this, Caspian flees into Narnia, is discovered and taken to the Old Narnians, the talking Animals and mythical creatures of Classic Narnia.
     When Miraz and his army appear nearby, Caspian and his companions flee to Aslan's How where they stage their defense, but are nearly defeated. At a pause in the battle the Narnians debate whether to use Queen Susan's horn to call for help, but are unsure where help will arrive. They send Pattertwig, a Squirrel, to Lantern Waste where the Pevensies first appeared in Narnia, and Trumpkin the dwarf to Cair Paravel where he is captured by the Telmarines and rescued by the Pevensies.
     The group travels to meet Caspian at Alsan's How, but lose their way. Lucy sees Aslan, but is ignored until He comes to her in a dream telling her to wake the others and follow him. Eventually she convinces her sister and brothers and they see first Aslan's shadow, then Aslan himself. Aslan sends Trumpkin, Peter, and Edmund ahead to deal with treachery afoot while He, Susan, and Lucy watch the woods come alive at Aslan's return.
     Peter, Edmund, and Trumpkin arrive at the How as a black dwarf, hag, and wer-wolf try to convince Caspian to resurrect the White Witch to save Narnia and in the resulting struggle the three are killed. Peter then challenges Miraz to single combat. Goaded by his advisers, Miraz agrees and falls during the battle. His advisers shout that the Narnians cheated and order the army to attack, then stab Miraz in the back. The army is thrown back when the Living Wood comes alive and are blocked from retreat by the Great River where their bridge has been destroyed by the Narnian forces.
     At their surrender, Aslan offers the Telmarines the option of staying in Narnia under Caspian, or returning to Earth, where they came from. After some of the Telmarines travel through Aslan's magic door, the Pevensies return to Earth where their story began, just in time to catch their train to school.
     The Pevensie children are growing older; Peter and Susan discover they are too old to return to Narnia, and their faith is Aslan is challenged through the journey. The childlike joy with which they began their ventures into Narnia has faded into a more confident and more adult assurance allowing the children to take on the new roles facing them. Aslan still acts as a god-like figure appearing when times are at their worst and lifting the spirits of his followers, inspiring them to greater deeds. This story has some graphic violence, but was written for a third grade or older audience. Each new reading brings a different take on an old and familiar story.

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis, 1952 Geoffrey Bles

     Edmund and Lucy have traveled to Narnia twice before, but when they and their cruel cousin Eustace Scrubb are drawn through a photograph at their aunt's home it is Eustace's first trip into the fantastical world. They find themselves on a ship, the Dawn Treader, with King Caspian X, whom they had helped regain his throne. Caspian has left Narnia in the capable hands of the dwarf Trumpkin and is sailing to the Eastern edge of the world searching for the Noble Lords. Lords Revilian, Bern, Argoz, Mavramorn, Octesian, Restimar, and Rhoop were sent away by Caspian's Uncle Miraz after his father's death.
     Reepicheep, however, joined the voyage in search of Aslan's land beyond the end of the world. Reepicheep is a Mouse, a talking mouse with a vindictive edge and the sword to back it up.
     Caspian, Reepicheep, and the children decide to explore one of the smaller Lone Islands (some of Narnia's tribute states), but before they get very far they are captured by slave dealers. Before they can be loaded onto the slave-ship a well dressed man buys Caspian. He reveals himself to be Lord Bern and Caspian reveals his own identity--together they work to get Edmund, Lucy, Eustance, and Reepicheep back. Caspian goes to the governor and finds him lacking; he requires the previous 150 years' unpaid tribute and abolishes slavery. When the governor cannot fulfill his obligations, Caspian replaces him with Lord Bern.
     The Dawn Treader and her passengers move beyond the Lone Islands. When a two-week storm empties their stores, tempers become short. The crew spots an island and go ashore to replenish their supplies. Eustace goes into the mountains to avoid work and becomes lost, he falls into a valley where he discovers a dragon. The dragon keels over and dies, to Eustace's relief, and a rainstorm drives Eustace into his treasure-filled cave. Eustace fills his pockets with gold and slips an arm-ring up his arm, then falls alseep. When he wakes he is a dragon. Eustace discovers he can fly and goes to the ship for help, startling the Dawn Treader's crew. Caspian recognizes the arm-ring as Lord Octesian's and the group accepts Eustance-the-dragon rather than fighting him. Aslan himself comes to help change the repentant Eustace back into a boy and the Dawn Treader departs Dragon Island.
     Eustace begins to become a more friendly as his changed attitude is noticed and praised. They encounter another Lord turned to gold in a pool, Reepicheep names the island Deathwater Island and they move on. The next landing is the island of the Dufflepods. Caspian, Lucy, Eustace, Reepicheep, and Edmund go ashore and Lucy discovers a race of creatures turned invisible when they refused to do work for a magician. They need Lucy to read the spell to make them visible again because it was one of their young girls who made them invisible. Lucy makes them visible, and Aslan brings her to meet the magician: a star fallen from the sky, who shows her the creatures she made visible again--one legged creatures bouncing around the yard. Coriakin, the star, repairs damage done to the Dawn Treader and makes a magical map of the lands Caspian has already explored. Coriakin also shares that seven years before a ship with the Lords Revilian, Argoz, Mavramorn, and Rhoop had continued beyond his island, naming the golden lord as Restimar.
     After some time, the Dawn Treader encounters a misty shape of an island. As the ship drew closer the skies became dark as if by magic. A mysterious man appears and reveals the island is a land where dreams come true, even the nightmares. He identifies himself as Lord Rhoop, and when the crew looks back to where the island was, it has vanished.
     The Narnians continue beyond the site of the vanished island and find another land, when Caspian, Reepicheep, Lucy, Edmund, and Eustace go ashore they find a table laden with foods of all sorts. At the table are three men in an enchanted sleep, the group assumes it was a result of eating the food, but a young woman appears and says it was a quarrel in which one of them touched the knife Aslan used at the Stone Table that caused their deep sleep. When Caspian asked how to remove the enchantment the young woman's father appeared. The woman and her father sang the dawn, and the old man introduced himself as Ramandu, another former star. He explained the group must sail to the end of the world and leave a member of their party there: Reepicheep is delighted.
     The Dawn Treader and her passengers continue on toward the much-larger sun. When Reepicheep dives overboard to battle a mer-king he discovers the sea is sweet rather than salty. He takes it to mean they are near to Aslan's land: Reepicheep's ultimate goal. They sail through miles and miles of lilies, and Aslan appears to Caspian telling him to send Lucy, Edmund, Eustace, and Reepicheep on, but to return home to Narnia. The children and Rat continue on and run aground before a giant wave, and Reepicheep continues over the ever moving wave never to be seen again.
     The children encounter Aslan and learn Lucy and Edmund are growing too old to return. When Lucy asks if Eustace will return, Aslan says it is not hers to know. They are transported back to the room in England, and Caspian returns to Narnia with Ramandu's daughter where they marry and have many sons who become kings.
     The journey shows how Narnia changes Eustace. Lucy and Edmund have already been changed by the land, becoming more confident and assured. Caspian has grown and changed since their last journey to Narnia. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader was aimed toward eight-year-olds, but the reach stretches to readers of all ages.