"The Rise of the Black Wolf" by Derek Benz

Great series!

"The Penguin Book of Witches" by Katherine Howe

This was a very interesting compilation of court documents from the New England witch trials, including Salem, from the 16th up to the 19th century. Although these are hard to read now a days they do cast an interesting glimpse at the very facts that were being perceived as actual evidence in the cases. They bring to vivid life the sheer hopelessness and terror that the persecuted must have lived in and give a close up view of the working of the Puritan collective at the time. Yes, there were many factors that contributed to the mass outbreaks of accusations and hangings, and yes, many of these names may be familiar to you. However, by the time you have finished reading this book you will see these times in a much more profound manner and that is the real challenge in reading this book, not the archaic language but a glimpse into a dark period of American history that could too easily be repeated even in modern times under a different banner. Great addition to a scholar's library.

"The Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountains" by Neil Gaiman

This is a great collaboration, sure to be part of a collection for anyone from Gaiman fans to folklore lovers. Highly recommend. The illustrations are stark and the perfect counterpart to the story.

"The Zoo is Closed Today!" by Evelyn Beilenson

The animals at the zoo are all sick and the children must wait to visit until the animals feel better. Take a stroll as we find out just what is afflicting them and wait with the children for news of their friends.

"The Alchemy of Chemistry" by Cathy Cobb

This book was a great introduction to some of the people who through out history have influenced turning the pursuit of the unknown into science. The material is presented in a witty way with doable demonstrations to help edify each alchemist's ideas and understanding of science during their time. Although some of these people were charlatans or working under misapprehensions, they have still, through these experiments and trials made major discoveries with far flung consequences that have created the base of chemistry that is so much a part of our lives today. So, if you've ever wanted to see what that thing does or what happens if I, then read this book. Added bonus, this will appeal to anyone who's interested in the sciences from astrology to zoology, Aristotle to Zosimos.

"A Storm of Witchcraft" by Emerson W. Baker

I was happy to find a book that seemed to be interested in presenting information about the people and events that were concerned in an even handed and non biased way. This is a great book to help understand who the key people and political and social conditions were. Baker has taken the time to recreate the areas of Massachusetts that were drastically effected by the accusations brought forward by both accusers and accused so that we can see exactly what the contributing factors were that led up to this tragedy. You get a more personal glance at the victims and their families and learn about the war being fought against the French and Native Americans on the edges of the Puritans City on the Hill and the various divisions within the Puritan community itself and the raising worry about competing groups like the Quakers. This is an academic, informative book so there are times when it gets a little hard to wade through all the names of the historical figures but the information gleaned is worth the effort. These people were driven by their love of God and in trying to preserve that they turned upon their own and paid for their mistakes. The family ties that several well known signers of the declaration of Independence have will make you stop and think about how the founding of our country may have been affected by the tragedy and how its repercussions continue up to this day. After having finished this book I am able to say that I can see where learning about Salem should be part of any American history course because it is the very history that begot the beginnings of the America that was created by our founding fathers. Well done to Baker.

"A Myth to the Night - Part I" by Cora Choi

This title had a lot of glimmers of being a good story. There are phantoms, a cursed island, a book of knowledge that everyone wants to get their hands on, really had good bones. Unfortunately the rest of the package included a lot of stuffing and failed to live up to its potential. Having said that, this is not the worst book I've ever read. As always, take a look at it, cause you never know.