Hot Reads

Bilquis San Greal grows up knowing she will have to make sacrifices to be in the Knights Templar. Her childhood friend Kay uses King Solomon's cursed mirror, drawing the attention of one of the most dangerous of the Templars' enemies. Now Billi will have to make sacrifices greater than she'd ever imagined. …More

Jack Fletcher is shipwrecked off the coast of Japan, his beloved father and the crew lie slaughtered by ninja pirates. Rescued by a legendary master swordsman and brought under his wing, Jack begins the grueling physical and psychological training needed to become a samurai. …More

2010 Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book

In this companion to the Newbery Honor book "The Thief" and its sequels, a kidnapped prince fights to reclaim his throne and his country in a sweeping adventure of swords, wits, and subterfuge. …More

The second installment in a heart-stoppingly exciting series, this tale of revenge, love, heartbreak, and girls skilled in weaponry continues. Kimi and Hana have become masters of the sword, but when their secret identities are revealed, they must flee the dojo. …More

Fifteen-year-old Halfdan has vowed to avenge his brother's death, but first he must prove himself to be a true Viking warrior. Roberts brings his extensive knowledge of 9th-century Norse culture to the tale of a young man on the cusp of warriorhood. …More

Sixteen-year-old Digger thrives as a spy and sneak-thief among the feuding religious factions of Gerse. But when a routine job goes horribly wrong and her partner and lover is killed, she disguises herself in a group of young nobles and sneaks out of the city and soon becomes a part of a rebellion. …More

Scarred and orphaned by enemy fire, 15-year-old Zira learns her true identity and fulfills her destiny, in this romantic fantasy adventure for young teens.368 pp. …More

It's a fight to the death--on live TV--when a gladiator's daughter steps into the arena

Lyn is a neo-gladiator's daughter, through and through. Her mother has made a career out of marrying into the high-profile world of televised blood sport, and the rules of the Gladiator Sports Association are second nature to their family. "Always lend ineffable confidence to the gladiator. Remind him constantly of his victories. "And most importantly: "Never leave the stadium when your father is dying." The rules help the family survive, but rules--and the GSA--can also turn against you. When a gifted young fighter kills Lyn's seventh father, he also captures Lyn's dowry bracelet, which means she must marry him... For fans of "The Hunger Games" and "Fight Club," Lise Haines' debut novel is a mesmerizing look at a world addicted to violence--a modern world that's disturbingly easy to imagine. …More

Michael, an aspiring knight errant in the spirit of Don Quixote, and Fisk, a thief turned squire, make a wonderfully quirky team in this hilarious fantasy series. …More

Now that the vile Lord Oda is dead, Taro and his friends are safe in the mountain lair of the ninjas. Or so they think. Soon, Taro, Hana, and Hiro find themselves in a trap as strange new creatures invade their lives and familiar enemies surround them. …More