Avalon High Book

Avalon High, Ellie's new school, is pretty much what she'd expected. There's Lance, the hunky footballer; Jennifer, the cute cheerleader; Marco, the troublemaker. And then there's Will - the most gorgeous guy Ellie's ever met. She can hardly believe he likes HER. When Will says he thinks he's met Ellie before, things start getting a little weird. A feeling that grows as Ellie discovers the strange bonds that entwine Will, Lance, Jen, Marco - and herself. As darkness turns to danger, can Ellie stop the horrific chain of events that is about the engulf them all…

Amy Alessio - VOYA

Elaine Harrison is starting her junior year in a new high school in Maryland instead of with her friends back home in Minnesota. Her parents are on sabbatical, and both are working on projects about their passion for the Medieval period. Ellie has spent her life inundated with Arthurian folklore and is ready to step into a high school named after an island in the legend of Avalon. But that is not the only Arthurian reference she finds. To her growing horror, characters from the legend seem to be emerging among her new friends and acquaintances, especially in her new crush A. Will Wagner, who is donning all the characteristics of King Arthur. His beautiful blond girlfriend, Jennifer, and best friend, Lance, are also growing into their ancient roles. But Elle, as Will calls her, refuses to be the Lady of Shalott from Tennyson's poem. She will not pine over Lance and just float away on heartbreak. The darker characters of the legend start appearing, and Elle learns that Will is in danger, just as Arthur was. Can she prevent him from being killed? This story has suspense, although it is somewhat predictable, and offers much of Cabot's usual humorous narrative. Elle feels like another version of Princess Mia, but the plot idea is original here, and Cabot fans will devour it as with her other stories. Minor characters such as the history teacher who becomes Merlin are well developed and add to the quality of this work. The history angle might bring in some new fans as well. It is recommended for public and school libraries. VOYA CODES: 4Q 4P J S (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10to 12). 2006, HarperCollins, 304p., and PLB Ages 12 to 18.