The Invisible Tower

Gr 5–8—The King Arthur legend gets a modern update in this new series. Artie Kingfisher, 12, doesn't realize that he is special until he is contacted by a mysterious Mr. T (aka Merlin) through his favorite Otherworld video game. A powerful magical demonstration convinces Artie that he really is a clone of the original King and that it is his duty to reconnect the real Otherworld with his world and save both from impending disaster. He and his 13-year-old sister, Kay, locate Excalibur and set off on a quest for the key that will free Merlin from his tower prison. Short, action-packed chapters (each with a cheeky title), funny dialogue, and an amusing trick for pulling the wool over the eyes of a parent, who would definitely not approve of sword-fighting practice with razor-sharp blades in the backyard, make this book a surefire hit with the legions of Rick Riordan fans. Adults may be disappointed that Artie gets knowledge and battle skills magically instead of through hard work, but kids won't care, and it's the choices and natural leadership that he displays that mark him as the true king. The witch Morgaine is set up as the villain, but only her minions make an appearance, and the final battle won't happen for at least few more books.—Caroline Tesauro, Radford Public Library, VA