The+Book+of+Blood+and+Shadow

//The Book of Blood and Shadow// by Robin Wasserman For teen fans of books like the DaVinci Code...although I felt it was a bit too long, too much Latin thrown in, and not enough connection with the characters. A so-so choice for the list. -Amy I. Barrington

I found this book a very slow and rather boring read. I can't imagine a lot of our teens would stick it out. It is a pity, because the premise is a good one. There was just too much of it. ~ Sharon Flesher, Nashua High South

I loved this book right up until the cartoonish, Indiana Jones-esque ending. A perfect companion to the second book in Harkness' All Souls Trilogy, since the characters in this book research Edward Kelley, the Voynich Manuscript, and Prague. This academic thriller has research (yay!), intrigue, murder, and international travel. My favorite kind of thriller! Nora (the Latin translator), Chris, and Max assist a professor in his research into the Voynich Manuscript, in modern-day Chapman, MA. Nora concentrates on the letters of Kelley's adopted daughter, Elizabeth, feeling as though she and Elizabeth are bonded. When she comes across a letter that seems more personal, and less pertinent to their research, Nora takes it to protect Elizabeth's privacy. And then someone winds up dead, one person winds up crazy, and one person disappears. Great for both boys and girls, as there's romance and angst along with lots of action. Definitely high school level. I highly recommend this for the final list. -Kirsten Rundquist Corbett, Lane Memorial Library, Hampton

I agree that while this is a terrific book, I think it would not fully engage most teens. It is too long in places and the Latin is not something with major teen appeal. Most teens would find it too slow paced and would give up on it. Sally Nelson, Leach Library, Londonderry