The Adventurers Guild (The Adventurers Guild #1)

Centuries after the rest of the world fell to monsters, Freestone is one of few cities left standing, "points of light in the darkness." Its first line of defense is the Adventurers Guild, a group of volunteer soldiers and conscripts from the city's other guilds. When half-elven would-be wizard Zed is unexpectedly drafted into the Adventurers Guild, his brash friend Brock follows along to keep him safe, joined by noble-born Liza and Jett, a dwarf. The recruits' initiation into the guild nearly kills them, and that's just the beginning of their troubles: they soon learn that the magical wards that protect Freestone are failing and must be restored, leading to a perilous journey into monster-infested lands. Hazards, betrayals, and quick-witted banter abound in this gripping series opener ("Dangers will not pause to respect your comic timing," wisecracking Brock is scolded during training). Clark and Eliopulos weave a thread of post-apocalyptic adventure into a classic questing saga, replete with spells, enchanted weaponry, and mythological beings--elves, kobolds, gelatinous goo, and more. Ages 8-12. Agent: (for Clark) Ammi-Joan Paquette, Erin Murphy Literary; (for Eliopulos) Josh Adams, Adams Literary. (Oct.)

Gr 5-8--Ever since the Day of Dangers, when the land of Ferryn was attacked by monsters, the city of Freestone has been protected by wards of the Adventurers Guild. Zed and his friend Brock are anxious for the Guildculling, when those who have come of age will be assigned to one of the Guilds. Zed, who is an elf-blooded boy, hopes to be chosen as a Mage. Brock, whose parents are members of the Merchants Guild, expects to become a Merchant as well. Neither of them wants to be a Knight or a Healer--and certainly not an Adventurer, the most dangerous job of all. But both find themselves chosen by the Adventurers Guild; Zed snatched from the Mages, and Brock pressed into spying for the Merchants. Along with Jett and Liza, their fellow apprentices, they face a daunting initiation: they must survive the night outside the protected city walls. The initiation turns dangerous when monsters attack and Jett is paralyzed, while Zed discovers he possesses an innate ability to sense and use magic--and forbidden magic, at that. As the Adventurers' wards begin to fail, the apprentices must uncover the traitor and save their city. This first installment in a new series offers a solidly constructed world, endearing characters, and lots of fantasy-based adventure with fast-paced action. VERDICT Hand this to fans of Angie Sage's "Septimus Heap" and Brandon Mull's "Fablehaven" series; the ending will leave readers anxious for the sequel.--Laurie Slagenwhite Walters, Brighton District Library, Brighton, MI