Gr 8 Up-In an alternate reality, the Great Library of Alexandria is a powerful governing force that controls the dissemination of information. With strategically located branches around the world, it enforces its rules via a highly trained military and deadly automatons. Possession of a book in its original form is illegal, but copies can be requested and are transferred temporarily to readers. For the majority of people who follow its edicts, the library seems like a benevolent authority, but as the delivery boy for his father's black market operation in original books, Jess Brightwell lives in constant fear of being caught by the High Garda. When his father announces that he's enrolled Jess as a postulant to train for a coveted library position, Jess is intrigued and resentful. Constant exposure to books has him hungering for access to the library's vast archives, but he has no wish to continue risking his life for his father's business. His illegal activities have imbued him with the skills necessary to place among the top contenders for the few available positions. But the further Jess gets into the training, the greater the risk of being found out and the more he realizes that the library will stop at nothing to maintain control over its collection. Caine has created a Dickensian future with an odd mix of technologies and elements of sorcery. A strong cast of characters and nail-biting intensity make for a promising start to this new series. VERDICT Teens and librarians alike will be anxiously awaiting the next installment. Cary Frostick, formerly at Mary Riley Styles Public Library, Falls Church, VA

Starred Review In an alternative world, the Great Library of Alexandria still exists and controls all knowledge through its daughter libraries, sending books and information on tablets. Books are rare commodities, which is why 16-year-old Jess Brightwell and his family find it so lucrative to sell them on the black market. Jess' father thinks it would be good to have a plant at the source and buys Jess the chance to win a spot working for the Library. So begins a thrill-a-minute adventure that is girded by some powerful themes: When do you question authority? How much do you sacrifice for friendship? Who controls knowledge? Jess makes for a fine, flawed hero, and Caine gives him an excellent supporting cast including his fellow postulants, all vying for the six places available, and the Snape-like figure of Christopher Wolfe, who appears to have little regard for his students while holding close lots of secrets. This first entry in the Great Library series has pieces that mirror the excitement and bitterness of the Hunger Games series and contains some of the psychological elements of the Harry Potter books, but this world has its own unique feel. The cliff-hanger ending leaves readers wanting more, and right now, please.