Book series keep storylines going—April 15, 2011
While browsing the juvenile fiction and young adult sections in the library, you may notice that more and more children’s books are not just told in one volume but either done as a series or a trilogy. Everyone has heard of such series as Harry Potter and Twilight, but there are quite a few lesser known series that you or your children might enjoy.
The Children of the Lamp series by P. B. Kerr is a fantasy series about the adventures of twelve-year-old twins John and Philippa Gaunt. This brother and sister team recently discovered that they are descended from a long line of djinns, more commonly known as genies. This series is full of adventure and magic and will appeal to readers who have enjoyed Harry Potter.
Fablehaven by Brandon Mull is a series about a sanctuary for magical creatures, which is in danger from an ancient evil that has been unleashed. Kendra along with her brother and grandfather, the current caretaker of Fablehaven, must work to save the mystical sanctuary before it is destroyed.
The 13th Reality series by James Dasher deals with the adventures of Atticus "Tick" Higginbottom who begins receiving mysterious letters from around the world and the clues contained therein lead him on a journey to the perilous 13th Reality and a confrontation with the evil Mistress Jane.
For older readers who are fans of the horror genre, try The Last Apprentice series by Joseph Delaney. This series is about Tom, the seventh son of a seventh son, who starts working as an apprentice for the village spook, whose job is to protect ordinary folk from ghouls, boggarts, and all manner of wicked creatures.
Also try the Vampirates series by Justin Somper. This is great series about twins Grace and Conner Tempest, who get separated during a storm after their father dies. Connor is saved by a group of pirates, while Grace is rescued by the mythical vampirates. The twins soon discover that the pirates and vampirates don’t get along and they must work to save their crews before a war is started.
Finally, check out the Tunnels series by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams. This series is about Will Burrows and his friend Chester, who embark on a quest to find Will's archaeologist father who has disappeared. They are led to a labyrinthine world underneath London, full of sinister inhabitants with evil intentions toward "Topsoilers" like Will and his father.
All these as well as many other great series can be found at the Hastings Public Library.
