Emperor Mage (Tamora Pierce)

Author Biography

Tamora Pierce has written numerous renowned fantasy novels, set in either the “Tortall” universe or the “Circle” universe. In 2013 she received the Margaret A. Edwards award for her body of work.

Published By: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Year: 1995

ISBN: 0-689-85613-X

Reading Level: Grades 7 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

When a peace delegation travels from Tortall to the empire of Carthak, Daine is invited to join them. Little does she know that the gods are angry with the ruthless Emperor Ozorne… and willing to use her magic as a tool to punish him.

The Black Cauldron (Lloyd Alexander)

Author Biography

Lloyd Alexander (1924-2007) was the widely renowned author of numerous fantasy novels, most famously The Chronicles of Prydain. His honors include a 1966 Newbery Honor for The Black Cauldron and the 1969 Newbery Medal for The High King.

Published By: Holt, Reinhart and Winston

Year: 1965

ISBN: 0-8050-0992-2

Reading Level: Grades 7 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

A year after their adventures in The Book of Three, Taran and his friends join the lords of Prydain on a quest to destroy the Black Cauldron of Arawn. This quest proves darker than Taran ever expected and drags him headlong into new maturity.