The Mad Apprentice

Alice is a Reader, able to enter different worlds via powerful books and work magic by subduing creatures trapped within (The Forbidden Library). When Esau-of-the-Waters, an Old Reader, is murdered by his apprentice, Alice is employed to bring the apprentice to justice. With an original concept, a spirited heroine, and tantalizing incipient relationships among the apprentices, Wexler's series grows stronger with each book.

Alice is a Reader, able to enter different worlds via certain powerful books and to work magic by subduing the creatures trapped within (The Forbidden Library, rev. 3/14). When Esau-of-the-Waters, one of the Old Readers, is murdered by his apprentice, Alice is employed by her master Geryon to bring the apprentice to justice. Since Esau was implicated in Alice's father's death, she hopes to find some answers as well. A big problem faces Alice and other apprentices sent on the same errand: the towers and bridges that form Esau's stronghold are an active labyrinth controlled by the rogue supernatural being Torment. Struggling against Torment's misdirection and fighting the monstrous creatures he sends after them showcases the apprentices' diverse, often appealing personalities; the powers they've earned while sojourning in their masters' books; and their ingenuity in using those powers. The forthright plot objective and unique setting allow Wexler to continue to develop his fantasy world and keep the tension strung high. With an original concept, a brave and spirited heroine, and tantalizing incipient relationships among the apprentices (including Alice's hot-and-cold friendship with Isaac, who tricked her in the first volume), Wexler's series grows stronger by the book. anita l. burkam