HOT PICKS

Seventeen-year-old Duncan works in the Toronto Transit Lost and Found. One day, he discovers the leather bound journal of a man with a twisted mind. The journal depicts past crimes the madman has committed, such as arson, and his future plans, which include killing women.

Duncan decides to recruit his friends, Vinny and Wayne, to track down the serial killer who they nickname Roach. Just how far will Roach go, and what will Duncan, Vinny and Wayne do to prevent it?

The beginning of ACCELERATION is slow and tedious. However, once you have reached the action, you won't be able to put the book down. ACCELERATION isl a must-read.

--- Reviewed by Tali Rasis

When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon realizeshe has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself. Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic, and power. With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds. Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands. . . .

ELDEST opens as Eragon surveys, with great dismay, a field of dead, bloodied bodies, the results of the war that is being fought for the Varden against the evil Empire of King Galbatorix. He has killed the Shade known as Durza. With his dragon Saphira's help, he has bravely fought these enemies who destroyed his uncle and who continue to threaten the Dragon Riders. But his heart is heavy and he senses that there are changes happening to him. The boy is becoming the man, the warrior, the new Shadeslayer, but the cost is so dear.