Anatopsis

April 17, 2006
Witches and warlocks and ancient Greek gods make appearances in this thoroughly enjoyable fantasy set on future Earth. Princess Anatopsis, known as Ana, is a typical soon-to-be-13-year-old witch who doesn't want the life her mother is molding for her: that of a future queen. Ana would rather be a knight-errant, like her father, the best in the Guild. As her Bacchanalian exams draw near, Ana gets a new tutor, Mr. Pound. The Queen tells Ana, "I think you will find him quite... unique." Abouzeid's tightly crafted fantasy boasts a clever cast of characters. For example, readers meet Barnaby Georges, Ana's classmate, the dim-witted yet loveable prince (and warlock) from the neighboring castle, as well as his faithful companion, Uno, a glib, wisecracking St. Bernard. As Ana and Barnaby prepare for their exams, exciting things happen, such as a field trip to Mount Olympus, but horrible things occur, too—such as what begins to happen to the prisoners in the dungeon. Is the creepy Mr. Pound, who claims to be a demigod, behind it all? The two heroes race to find the meaning of the "Os Divinitas," part of a Greek prophecy involving the god Prometheus—which they believe holds the key to the mystery—before their exams. Another thread in this fast-paced tale involves a rebel army of mortal resistance fighters who hope Ana and Barnaby will help them end the senseless cruelty the Immortals have inflicted on them for centuries. A fresh and entertaining story. Ages 10-up.

March 1, 2006
Gr 5 Up -Anatopsis, daughter of Queen Solomon, the chairwoman of Amalgamated Witchcraft Corporation, is a witch and an immortal. She wants to use her magical talents to become a knight-errant like her father, instead of following in her mother -s footsteps. In preparation for her Bacchanalian examinations, which come on her 14th birthday, two new figures enter her life -Mr. Pound, who has tutored generations of Ana -s family, and Prince Barnaby Georges, the son of King Georges, the Queen -s main competitor. Ana soon becomes aware of mysteries connected to Mr. Pound and his search for the Os Divinitas, a wishbone-shaped magical artifact, and the answer to a mysterious riddle. As Ana, Barnaby, and her human companion, Clarissa, try to understand Mr. Pound -s quest, they travel through slums, factories, and dungeons, learning about the inequities in the immortal and mortal worlds. Ana comes to understand both her own power and the world around her, leading her to make a choice that will affect the future. Characters are clearly drawn, with their own roles to play in the story -s development. Readers will laugh -and maybe even cry -along with Anatopsis, while learning along with her about wishes and what it means to be human. A smooth progression from beginning to startling conclusion will draw even reluctant readers into this unusual fantasy and its fully realized world." -Beth L. Meister, Pleasant View Elementary School, Franklin, WI"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.