Books: Eon: Dragoneye Reborn by Alison Goodman & Project Sweet Life by Brent Hartinger

Anne Dame

Eon: Dragoneye Reborn by Alison Goodman

Eon has been learning magic for four years in an attempt to become an apprentice to a Dragon Master. Finally, it is time for the annual ritual where the 12 energy dragons choose their new apprentices. Set in an elaborate Asian zodiacal format, Eon struggles with cultural norms for not only is she a cripple, but she is also a girl, which is strictly taboo for a dragon's apprentice.

My words do not do this book justice, for it is well-written although a few plot points are quite predictable, and kept me turning pages as quickly as I could to find out what happened. Be warned, however, it is the first in a series and the next one is not due out until December 2009.

Project Sweet Life by Brent Hartinger

Remember what summer was like when you were a kid? No job, no worries, just hanging out with your friends and having fun? Well, that's what Dave and his friends think. They are really looking forward to it , too because it is their last summer to play since they are 15 now and know they will have to get jobs next summer. However, Dave's dad throws a monkey wrench in the works when he says that Dave will have to get a job this summer after all. Dave and his friends come up with a plan that they call "Project Sweet Life" by which they will quickly and easily raise the same amount of money that would earn working minimum wage jobs all summer. As with many of the best laid plans, this one also goes astray leading to many adventures and schemes throughout the summer. Written by a Tacoma native and set in Tacoma as well, this is a fun summer read, with potential appeal for boys and reluctant readers.