In her debut novel, North takes readers centuries into the future, to a forgotten colony of Earth where technology masquerades as magic and wars are fought over books. 5 1. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

In this complex and rewarding novel set on a decaying, far-future colonial world that barely remembers Earth, Haly is an apprentice Libyrarian, dedicated to protecting the countless books housed in the enormous and decrepit maze known as the Libyrinth. Opposed to her order are the Eradicants, a powerful civilization that defines books as evil. When Haly-who has the ability to hear the contents of books, letters and other pieces of writing without reading them-learns that the Eradicants have discovered the location of the near-mythical tome, The Book of the Night, which "held the secrets of the Ancients, all of their machines and miracles," she sets off to recover it and save her society. Among this novel's pleasures are the many anonymous quotations scattered throughout, snatches of prose that Haly hears as she goes about her chores, from such sources as Anne Frank's The Diary of a Young Girl, Charlotte's Web and Fahrenheit 451, all of which are carefully identified at the end. The complex moral issues posed by this thoughtful and exciting tale are just as fascinating. Ages 13-up. (July) Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Gr 9 Up-Despite her seemingly humble role as a library clerk in a forgotten colony, Haly is the keeper of a remarkable secret. In a world in which books are both revered and feared, she has the power to hear the words of the tomes around her. When a rival group called the Eradicants, who believe that the books are evil, plots to destroy the ancient library where she lives and works, Haly is forced to make difficult choices to protect the lives of those around her. This debut novel is based on the premise of librarians as the protector of knowledge, defending literature from those who have abandoned the written word. With many references to well-known young adult works (listed in an appendix), particularly Anne Frank's The Diary of a Young Girl, the author tries to create a world of magic, adventure, and mystery. Some of the faster-paced scenes have the potential to captivate readers, but becoming completely absorbed in the story is a challenge. How well this book succeeds will depend on whether teenagers are able to bond with the main character, and how much interest they have in the world of librarians.-Caryl Soriano, New York Public Library Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Haly, clerk to the Libyrarian Selene, can hear books. As the Libyrarians care for and study the books in the Libyrinth, the Eradicants uphold their belief that books are evil by burning them, and Haly experiences both great joy and terrible sorrow in the books' living and dying voices. In an Earth-based future where those who protect the books of the Ancients are at war with those who believe they should be destroyed, Haly holds firmly with the Libyrarians until she sets off with Selene and her friend, Clauda, to save a very important book and finds things are not quite as they seem including her own identity and purpose. Although rough in spots and a bit too tidy in the wrap-up, this is a complex and imaginative tale for sophisticated readers who enjoy fantasy and science fiction. An interesting twist on the themes of societal opposition and integration, and perhaps an intriguing companion to Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451.--Koelling, Holly Copyright 2009 Booklist From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.