From the publisher’s site: Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London’s Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What’s more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa’s power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm’s length . . . everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world. . . . and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

Then check out the sequel, Radiance -

Riley Bloom died, aged twelve, in a car crash with her parents and her beloved dog Buttercup. Her sister Ever survived – but that’s another story. Riley must let go of Ever and all the things that tied her to life – and discover what she’s meant to be in the afterlife. Riley is a soul catcher. That means helping the unhappy lost souls who stick around in the human realm to move on – and find their own place, over the bridge, in the great hereafter. With her spirit guide, Bodhi, and Buttercup by her side, Riley embarks on an adventure that will take her around the world – sending ghosts back where they belong, until she can finally make it there herself.

L to R: Ray Reckers from Vision One; Molly H.; Dave Mezack, Executive Director

Congratulations to Molly H., 2010 Summer Reading Teen winner!

New Richmond resident, Molly H. is now the proud owner of a Compaq laptop, courtesy of Vision One IT Consulting.

Molly entered into the Summer Reading prize drawing with several AP required reading assignments for the upcoming school year.

Special thanks to all the 2010 Summer Reading participants and to Vision One IT Consulting for their generous donation.

Submit your lyrics or poetry  here in the comments by  October 9 for a shot at winning an electronic drum kit.

Library staff will sift through the entries and pick their 6 favorites. Those Top 6 will go head to head in a People’s Choice contest with you voting for your favorite  during Teen Read Week, October 17 – 24.

The winner will be announced October 25.

The rules:

• Writers need to be 12 – 18 years old
• Material must be original, so no sampling or mash-ups
• Writing may not contain offensive language of any type (if you wouldn’t show it to your grandma, don’t share it with us)

The list of nominees.

Full Metal Alchemist

Jennifer Government

The Compound

The Fortunes of Indigo Skye

The Maze Runner

Diamond of Darkhold

Truancy

Neuromancer

Gone

Epic

Knife of Never Letting Go

Leviathan

List courtesy of the ALA.

Are you ready for the end?

IT’S HERE! Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins, the final book in the Hunger Games trilogy. It’s under lock and key at the moment, but in 7 days you’ll be able to snatch it up.

Did you place a hold on the book? Do so, here, now! This book will fly off the shelves.

While you’re waiting for a copy of the book, start a discussion in the comments. What are your best guesses for the future of Katniss and the rest of Panem? Are you Team Peeta or Gale?

The winner of the laptop is Molly from the New Richmond Branch – congrats to her!

We’re going to have a couple of new contests starting in September so stay tuned!

You don’t have to be Canadian to take part in the 1st annual Teen Read Awards.  Cast your vote now and check back on September 25, 2010 to find out who will win!

And don’t forget the Teens’ Top Ten.  Check out the 2010 nominees and vote for your favorites between August 23rd and September 17th.  The winners will be announced during Teen Read Week, October 17-23.