The Scourge

Gr 5-8--Under orders from Governor Felling, wardens enter the River People's country to extract five grubs, a derogatory name given to its citizens. But the grub, Ani Mells, turns out to be a handful. When Ani is tested for the Scourge, a disease plaguing the people of Keldan, she gets quarantined on Attic Island with the other Colonists who test positive for the disease. The problem is, patients enter the island but never leave. Ani suspects there is more going on than meets the eye, and in order to survive, she must uncover the truth. The story quickly advances from there, with Ani embroiled in a fight for her life. The characters are well defined and memorable. Feisty Ani, a likable character who is thoughtful and strong, drives the story forward and keeps readers wanting to know more.

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Best friends Ani and Weevil are part of a loyal, hardworking community of River People living under the thumb of Governor Felling of Keldan, who denies them voting rights and infringes on their borders. Though they have little, Ani, an only child, and fatherless Weevil are devoted to each other. When Ani and Della, the well-heeled daughter of a prominent Keldan family, are taken to Attic Island after testing positive for the Scourge, a deadly and incurable plague, Weevil joins them. There, Ani finds herself in trouble as she tests the boundaries of the wardens' powers. As Ani mysteriously gets stronger while Della weakens, she and Weevil discover a band of dissidents who claim to be cured of the Scourge. The dissidents' belief that River People are "dirty" and "cowards" is overturned as they work with Ani and Weevil to uncover a conspiracy. Nielsen's (A Night Divided) polished fantasy smoothly combines medieval elements with hints of mystery and romance. Though the plot is conventional, it delivers a significant message about how misinformation breeds intolerance. Ages 10-14. Agent: Ammi-Joan Paquette, Erin Murphy Literary Agency. (Aug.)

Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Praise for The Scourge

"A strong, feisty main character... narrates a story that is equal parts adventure, mystery, and political intrigue." — The Horn Book

"Ani's willingness to help others, a hard battle in herself as she tries to get over long-held assumptions, demonstrates effectively how emergencies can bridge distances." — Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Nielsen's (A Night Divided) polished fantasy smoothly combines medieval elements with hints of mystery and romance.... it delivers a significant message about how misinformation breeds intolerance." — Publishers Weekly

"Nielsen provides readers with a strong, three-dimensional heroine and a plot that will keep readers guessing." — School Library Connection

"The characters are well defined and memorable. Feisty Ani, a likable character who is thoughtful and strong, drives the story forward and keeps readers wanting to know more.... A solid choice for readers who enjoy tales of strong heroines set in the ever-popular dystopian genre." — School Library Journal

Praise for A Night Divided

"Like Anne Frank before her, Gerta is small but mighty, a hardheaded heroine who dreams up big ideas and refuses to give up in the face of adversity and danger. Nielsen (Mark of the Thief) evokes the constant unease of life in a divided Berlin through Gerta's sober narration... but the family never loses sight of the power of humility and forgiveness." — Publishers Weekly

"Nielsen, best known for her fantasy novels, proves she is equally skilled at historical fiction in this solidly structured, balanced account of the origins of an infamous historical landmark... The novel's strong setting and tense climax will keep readers engrossed and holding their breath until the last page." — School Library Journal

Praise for Mark of the Thief

*"The fast-paced, ingenious plot, charismatic hero and highly diverse cast of characters — including the ancient, eternal city itself — make this series opener a captivating joy ride." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Perfect for Rick Riordan fans." — San Francisco Chronicle

"Fans of Nielsen's Ascendance trilogy will be clamoring for this new series. This genre mash-up of history, fantasy, and action/adventure is fast-paced and explores themes such as class struggles, familial ties, and the immorality of slavery." — School Library Journal

Praise for the Ascendance Trilogy:

A New York Times Notable Children's Book
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
A Chicago Public Library "Best of the Best" Children's Book
A Cybils Award Winner

"[A] pageturner." — The New York Times Book Review

"Sage proves to be a compelling character whose sharp mind and shrewd self-possession will make readers eager to follow him into a sequel." — The Wall Street Journal

"A swashbuckling origin story... chock-full of alluring details for adventure-loving boys." — Los Angeles Times

*"An impressive, promising story." — Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A fast-paced and thrilling read with twists and turns that never let up." — School Library Journal

"Gripping." — Kirkus Reviews

"Should appeal to fans of... Suzanne Collins... [A] surefire mix of adventure, mystery, and suspense." — The Horn Book