The Accidental Empress

Pataki, Allison.  The Accidental Empress.  2015.   Howard Books, New York, New York.

Hardcover, $26, ISBN: 978-1-4767-9022-0.

Book Talk:
Sisi is the wild and free second daughter of a noble man.  She loves nothing more than riding horses, running through the woods, and exploring the world around her.

Growing up far away from the intrigues of the Hapsburg Court in Vienna, Sisi has experienced a childhood unlike any other noblewoman of her time.  Allowed to spend her time as she wished, with only minimal attention to courtly manners and tutors, Sisi is utterly at peace and contented with who she is, and unaware that anything like court politics is looming over her head and about to affect her in a very real way, very quickly.

The news comes one beautiful afternoon that her older sister, Helene, has been promised in marriage to the Emperor of Austria.  A man she met once, years ago, when they were children.  A man who also happens to be her first cousin.

Their mother packs the girls up and heads off to Austria in order to introduce Helene to her fiance and introduce the girls to court life.

Upon arrival in Austria, things take a turn for the unexpected.

The Emperor, Hans, feels no connection whatsoever to his intended, but instead finds himself irresistibly drawn to the younger sister, Sisi.  Sisi also feels the unexpected connection with the dashing young emperor.

Standing up to his mother, Hans does the unthinkable and breaks his engagement to Helene and announces his intention to marry the love of his life, Sisi.

The unexpected, wild, and untamed young girl is thrust into the limelight of the Hapsburg court, and immediately surrounded by the intrigue, protocols, and subterfuge that control her every waking moment.

Can Sisi manage to break free from the intrigue and become her own woman and master of her own fate?

Can she finally defeat the machinations of the powerful Empress, the mother of Hans?

Has she truly captured the heart and mind of her husband, the Emperor?

Bettina's Note:
This is a fascinating tale, based upon the real life of the Empress Elizabeth (Sisi), of Austria.  She was beloved by her people, and considered to be one of the great beauties of her time.  For the history buffs out there, note that this story takes place AFTER the American Civil War, and puts us in the years leading up to World War 1.  This particular story leaves off in the late 19th century.  The author has announced a sequel, which will take us through WW1.  Fascinating, fascinating look at one of the "grandest" royal families of their time.

I debated long and hard about putting this book on the YA blog, but I feel that this is a good match for high school students looking for a new challenge.  There are adult themes in the book, so use your own discretion when deciding whether or not to recommend this book. 

Age Level:  This book is cataloged as an adult book.  I believe that this book is appropriate for older students,  10th (maybe), 11th & 12th graders. 



Author's Web Site: http://allisonpataki.com/about/

Artemis Fowl

Colfer, Eoin.  Artemis Fowl.  2001.  Hyperion Books for Children, and imprint of Disney Children's Book Group.  New York, NY.

Softcover, $3.99, ISBN: 0-439-35600-8.

Book Talk:

Criminal.  Genius.  Master Mind.

These three words describe Artemis Fowl, who runs an international corporation of not quite so legal businesses, all in the pursuit of more money for the Fowl family.

Did I mention that he's all of 13 years old?

Since Artemis' father disappeared under mysterious circumstances in Russia a year ago, and his mother has retreated into a deep, dark, place in order to deal with her grief, Artemis has successfully run and expanded the Fowl empire, with the help of Butler, his bodyguard and right hand man.

Tired of the traditional means of getting more  wealth, Artemis has conceived of an idea that is so radical, so outrageous, and so unbelievable that nobody except Butler would ever believe that any of this would work.

Deep inside of the Earth dwell the Fairy People, who were chased off of the surface of the planet many centuries ago and now live deep inside of the Earth.  They are a technologically advanced race, with gadgets and gizmos that any human would drool over.  They covet their privacy and live in fear of the humans discovering them, their hidden world, and their riches.  Each fairy carries a book with them at all times.  This book lays out the rules for Fairies, rules that have been laid out since the beginning of time.

Not only does Artemis believe in the Fairy People, he has found one of the books, and managed to decipher the ancient language and read the ancient secrets of the Fairy People.

One secret in particular has caught his attention.

The Fairy Ransom Fund.

If a fairy is caught and held for ransom by a human, the fairy will be exchanged for gold.

With this information begins a wild and crazy scheme to make the current generation of the Fowl family the most successful generation, ever.

Artemis is going to kidnap a fairy.

Armed with the secrets of the book, Artemis lays out the necessary traps and equipment to capture one of the most elusive creatures on the planet.

But, has he taken on more of a challenge than he anticipated?  The Fairy people do not part easily with their gold.  They frown upon the holding of hostages.  And they are equipped with Foaly, a genius technological wizard who is every bit as smart and capable as Artemis.

Can Artemis successfully kidnap a fairy and force the People to part with some of their Gold?


Find out in "Artemis Fowl".

Author's Web Site:  http://www.eoincolfer.com/

Star Trek Crafts

Pedersen, Angie.  Star Trek Craft Book.  2013. Gallery Books, a Division of  Simon and Schuster, New York, New York.

Softcover, $19.99,  ISBN: 978-1-4767-1864-4.

Book Talk:

Do you love to make crafts?  Do you love Star Trek?  Then this is the book for you!  Filled with fun crafts, and easy to follow directions, you will find crafts to tickle your funny bone!

Make a Spock sock monkey.  A tri-coder that doubles as a totally kickin' purse!  Custom shoes with comic book characters!  Captain, there are some fantastic crafts in this book for everyone from the novice to experienced crafter!

Are you looking for a productive way to spend some time this summer?  Look no further than the Star Trek Craft Book!


Author's Web Site:  http://angiepedersen.typepad.com/

Reviewer's Note:
If I was Book Talking this book in a school or library, I would have at least two completed crafts from the book to use as part of my book talk.  Based upon my own crafting ability and interest level, I would have (or wear) the sneakers.  I'd use the mascots from the summer reading program on the shoes.  I also really like the Kirk & Spock peg people (think old school Fisher-Price people).  They'd look really cool on the display, as would the Tribbles.  There are directions for wine glass charms made from guitar picks.  These would be really fun to attach to some wire earrings, and wear them in to the book talk.  Food to think about...