Glint

June 1, 2007
Gr 6-8-This book tells the story of Ellie and the trauma her family faces when her brother, Danny, disappears on his 11th birthday, and that of Argent, who is desperate to save a stolen dragon hatchling. At first the separate sections are a little distracting as readers try to relate the two disparate tales, but the adventure becomes more engaging and intriguing as the book goes on. Coburn leaves the question hanging as to whether Ellie and Argent are analogues in parallel universes or simply the product of the imprisoned Danny's drug-induced hallucinations. The realistic views of Ellie and her family are definitely the strongest element of the story. While "Glint" is good, Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy (Knopf) and Beth Goobie's "Flux" (2004) and "Fixed" (2005, both Orca) make the transition between worlds a little more seamless and cohesive. Buy this one only where fantasy novels are in heavy demand."Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2007
When Ellie's happy-go-lucky brother doesn't come home the evening of his eleventh birthday, friends, family, and police begin a search that becomes increasingly desperate. Frustrated by the amount of time the police spend questioning her father, whom Ellie believes to be above reproach, the 15-year-old sets out on her own to find Danny, following clues in a story they both loved when they were younger. Danny, who is being held captive, comforts himself with the same fantasy tale. Coburn neatly braids together Ellie's emotional journey of discovery, Danny's frightening captivity, and the adventures in their favorite story, which focuses on a character who protects a baby dragon. A few coincidences aside, this is a multilayered, satisfying tale, suspenseful and fluidly written, and populated with resonant characters.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)