The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde

Copyright 2012

Jasper Fforde has written two other series I’ve read: Thursday Next and the Nursery Crimes.  I have always contended that the Nursery Crime books were actually intended for middle school students instead of adults – its just the right sort of humor.

This time, Fforde has moved officially into the youth market with a new series, Chronicles of Kazam.  Jennifer Strange is 16, or will be in two weeks, and runs Kazam Mystical Arts Management, an employment agency for magicians.  Of course magic isn’t the same anymore.  Everyday there is less and less magic.  Magic carpets are reduced to pizza delivery.  But something changes.  There is a rumor that the last dragon will be slain.  Pragmatic Jennifer, lost in a bin of crazy acquaintances, magicians, and monarchs, plods along to her own destiny.  Who is the dragonslayer?  And why is magic suddenly building throughout the land?  And what exactly is a Transient Moose?

For some of the answers and many more questions, you’ll just have to read the book yourself.

Recommended for 6th grade and up.

Tiger’s Destiny by Colleen Houck

Tiger’s Destiny by Colleen Houck closes the wonderful series, Tiger’s Curse.  In this book, Kelsey proves to be stronger than every before.  She and the brothers/tigers travel through more mystical places, face unfathomable beings, travel in time and meet the woman who will become Durga.

Throughout the series, I have been taken in by the magic and the pageantry of India. I have snuck off to the library to check on Hindu Gods and Goddesses and especially Durga. I admit that I loved the first book, enjoyed the second book and had a harder time finishing the the third book. I was a little concerned about this one. (I don’t like it when Kelsey whines a lot.) But the story and the choices of the two tigers leads to an exciting conclusion that satisfies nicely. I’ll always love my tigers. And, I’m greatful to Ms. Houck for introducing a new (to me) mythology.

Tiger’s Destiny