Although fantasy novels for teens always have been popular, a plethora of them are being published lately, attempting to capitalize on the success of the Harry Potter series. Many of these books appeal to adult readers as well. “The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel” by Michael Scott; “Un Lun Dun” by China Miéville; and “Endymion Spring” by Matthew Skelton, are three of the better books that entertain both kids and adults.

Readers of the Harry Potter books may recognize the name Nicholas Flamel as a character who is one of the most famous alchemists of all time, living in Paris in the 14th century. Michael Scott, an Irish author and expert on folklore and mythology, based his characters for “The Alchemyst” on historic fact or world mythologies. After stumbling on the real Flamel’s house in Paris, Scott knew he had found the hero for the stories forming in his mind, and he’s already plotted the details for the sequels of the projected six-volume series.

This engrossing story opens with the immortal Flamel as a bookshop owner in modern day San Francisco, where he lives with his wife, Perenelle. Their nemesis, Dr. John Dee, a 16th century British alchemist, is after the “Book of Abraham the Mage,” a work containing the secrets of immortality that the real-life Flamel and Perenelle had tried to decode for many years.

As Dee attempts to storm the bookstore and snatch the precious book from Josh, a teenage employee, the last two crucial pages tear out and remain in Josh’s hands. Thus, teenage twins Josh and Sophie are unwittingly caught in a battle between the two alchemists.

Based on a prophecy in the secret book about twins with gold and silver auras, Flamel soon realizes that Sophie and Josh have magical powers unknown to them, and he enlists the help of the goddess Hekate to awaken these dormant powers. The story zips along, carrying the reader with it. But eager readers will have to wait until the next volume is published to find out what happens next.
 
“Un Lun Dun” is a well-crafted story by British adult science fiction/fantasy writer China Miéville. This is Miéville’s first novel written for youth.

Two girls, Deeba and Zanna, accidentally fall into a surreal alternate London, the “abcity” UnLondon, where things are not what they seem; where objects discarded in the real London take on a life of their own — a milk carton becoming a pet, a flying school bus, a man with a birdcage head, and “unbrellas” (broken umbrellas).

According to a talking book of prophecies, Zanna is believed by UnLondoners to be the chosen one — the Shwazzy — who is expected to save UnLondon from the Smog, a beast that has been chased out of London into UnLondon. This prophecy turns out to be false, as do some of the other prophecies in the book. Deeba, just Zanna’s funny sidekick according to the prophecy, is actually the one who bravely returns alone to UnLondon to fight the Smog. 

In a published interview, the author said that he wanted to turn traditional plots where the Chosen One is always the hero into a story where the sidekick becomes the true hero. Deeba cannot rely on the inaccurate prophecies to guide her; she must use her own wits. With her companions, she sets off on a quest to collect the “seven jewels” that will help them defeat the Smog. 

Another incorrect prophecy, however; they really only need the final and most powerful of the jewels, the “UnGun,” which is hidden in Webminster Abbey and guarded by Black Windows. The author uses wordplay and inventive vocabulary to spin his imaginative story and vividly depict the odd characters and fantastical world of UnLondon. (There are illustrations by the author scattered throughout the book, too.) 
 
“Endymion Spring” is the first novel by Matthew Skelton, born in England and raised in Canada, with a doctorate in English literature from Oxford University. His book entwines two stories, one set in 1453 Germany and the other in present-day Oxford.

Again, a book is a key “character.” Blake, a teen, is living in Oxford with his mother and sister, and where his mother has a fellowship to do research on the legendary Faust. While in the Bodeian Library, Blake happens upon an old book with the title “Endymion Spring.” At first the pages are blank, but after a few moments Blake sees a verse appear in tiny letters. He later learns that this book supposedly contains the key to the world’s knowledge, the ability to foresee the future, and will bring power and riches to whoever owns it.

The book was brought to Oxford in 1453 by Endymion Spring, a young apprentice of Gutenberg. The pages are made of dragon skin parchment, and the words appear only to the few the book chooses to read it. It becomes almost alive in Blake’s hands, as if trying to communicate with him. Blake also learns that others with ulterior motives are after the precious book, so of course, he must do whatever it takes to protect it.

If you enjoyed Harry Potter, I encourage you to take a look in the teen section of your local library and see what else you might discover. Among the “chick lit,” “problem novels,” vampire and horror stories, graphic novels and manga, you will find some intriguing fantasy books such as the titles reviewed here.

* Rae Kozloff is the children’s and young adult librarian at the Anacortes Public Library. She can be reached at 360-293-1910 or .