Nocturne

December 1, 2010

Gr 5-10-Abandoned as a baby and left in the care of Anatole, the most powerful wizard on Wicker Street, 15-year-old Flannery Lane is determined to find the answers to her mysterious past. Fearing that magic will be her undoing, Anatole limits her knowledge and practice of the arts, thinking he is protecting her, but he is not the wizard he once was and Flan's magic is so strong that she takes matters into her own hands. She begins to run his shop and the townspeople have no idea that she is the one who is creating the charms, spells, and amulets they require, as well as secretly practicing and teaching herself what she can. Things seem fine until an evil presence threatens all that Flan holds dear and she realizes she is the only one with the power to make things right. Harkrader weaves a compelling tale of vampires and magic in an "old world" time period that perfectly sets the tone. The story is dark and eerie with plenty of fast-paced excitement, adventure, and even a little romance. Readers will root for this strong, resourceful heroine as she uncovers clues and solves her mysterious past. Not all the loose ends are neatly tied up, leaving room for a possible sequel.-Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.