The Sweet Far Thing

by Libba Bray. Delacorte Press, c. 2007. Pbk. 819 pages. ISBN 978-0-440-23777-8

Final book of the Gemma Doyle Trilogy. Gemma struggles with the pressures of preparing for her debut as a young woman in London society while she works to bring order to the growing chaos in the Realms. Alliances are tested and puzzling clues cause Gemma to question who and what to trust--including her own mind.

For those who wish the trilogy wouldn't end, this 800-page plus book may satisfy. Bray leaves it open-ended and it seems possible that she may someday re-visit Gemma Doyle.

Rebel Angels

by Libba Bray. New York: Dleacorte Press, c. 2005, pbk. 548 pages. ISBN 978-0-385-73341-0

Second book in the Gemma Doyle trilogy. It is near Christmastime and Gemma and her friends are looking forward to time away from Spence Academy. But their time of celebration is clouded by the dangers brought on by Gemma's recent actions in the Realms. Now the magic is loose and many are after its power. It is now up to Gemma to find the Temple and bind the magic to restore order to the Realms. But who can she trust when so many thirst for the power?

This book is a must read for fans of the first book, A Great and Terrible Beauty. Not only is this book full of mystery and fantasy, but Bray also gives the reader an opportunity to ponder racism, classism and the roles of women in Victorian England.

The Secret Fiend: The Boy Sherlock, His Fourth Case

by Shane Peacock. Tundra Books: 2010, 244 pages. ISBN 978-0887768538

Fourth book in an award-winning series for children and teens, The Secret Fiend finds a young Sherlock Holmes trying to not get involved in a case involving a young female admirer. This case revolves around attacks by a believed-to-be-fictional Spring Heeled Jack while paranoia and disorder begin to envelope the country as the Jewish Benjamin Disraeli becomes Prime Minister.

Full of historical detail and clues leading to wrong turns, this book will excite young and adult readers. Familiarity with the previous books is not necessary to enjoy The Secret Fiend, but many readers will no doubt seek out the others after finishing this tale.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Title: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
Author: Jane Austen & Seth Grahame-Smith
Publication date: 2009
Number of pages: 319
Genre: Classical Zombie Literature, Literature Mashup
Geographical setting: England countryside, village of Meryton
Time period: early 19th century
Series: N/A

Plot Summary: A plague has caused the dead return to life—and they are hungry for human brains! Luckily the town of Meryton has the Bennet sisters, trained in the deadly arts, to help defend the people of England against the “unmentionables.” Elizabeth Bennet has a duty to vanquish the spawn of Satan but she is soon distracted by the handsome, but arrogant, Mr. Darcy.

Subject Headings: 19th century England, zombies, romance, heartbreak, sisters, martial arts, classism, ninjas

Appeal: literature mashup of public domain work and zombie and ninja elements, comical and violent elements alongside original scenes of Austen’s work; illustrations; farcical reader discussion guide included; well received by critics; possible movie adaptation in the works

If you liked Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, you might enjoy: S.G. Browne’s Breathers: A Zombie Lament, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, stories of Edgar Allan Poe, Zadie Smith’s On Beauty