The Fortune-Teller

Gr 5–7—The wizard Harlano offers Mikal more riches than he could possibly see in his entire life, but Mikal is not tempted and is unwilling to give Harlano Orry, in return for the fortune. Orry has a human head scupted in bronze by the wizard Sungam the Smith centuries earlier. Harlano knows its power and wants possession. Angered by Mikal's refusal, he and his thugs create chaos at the Miracle Fair where Mikal and his friend, Lyra, work. The Fairmaster insists on maintaining a friendly, safe, and fun place for families to visit and he's certain that Mikal and Lyra are putting the Fair's reputation at risk. He banishes them, and Mikal, Lyra, and Orry begin their journey to find a safe place away from Harlano and his troublemakers. The book's descriptive opening sentences immediately create an atmospheric setting that will draw readers into its world. The fast-paced adventure will have readers eagerly turning the pages to learn of the characters' next dangers and challenges. This second book in the series stands alone, but readers will be eager to start book three as soon as they finish this one.—Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego