Anatopsis

Anatopsis is a cross between traditional fantasy and futuristic science fiction, with dashes of mythology and environmentalism thrown in. It's the story of Ana (full name Anatopsis), an Immortal princess who lives in a magical castle on the only island left on Earth capable of sustaining life. Ana's mother, Queen Abigail, is a witch descended from a long line of witches, and is also the chairperson of Amalgamated Witchcraft Corporation. Queen Abigail's sworn enemy is the Warlock King Archibald Georges, head of a rival witchcraft corporation. As the story begins, Ana learns that she is to have a new tutor for the next year, the demi-god Mr. Pound, and that her classes will be shared with Prince Barnaby Georges (son of her mother's enemy). Ana is supposed to learn with Barnaby, but never to befriend him. Barnaby is a rather hapless boy with very limited magical skills, though he does have some non-magical mechanical ability. Ana and her best friend/chambermaid, Clarissa (a mortal), initially delight in tormenting Barnaby and his talking dog, Uno. However, as dark events start to occur in the castle, the three children and Uno bond together. By the time circumstances separate them again, their loyalties are firm. This is helped by the fact that Ana's mother and Barnaby's father are both rather harsh and dictatorial. Ana, Barnaby, Clarissa, and Uno must solve a puzzle related to the mythological division of the human race into mortal vs. immortal, non-magical vs. magical. This division is clearly presented throughout the book, with the mortals portrayed as exploited victims of the immortals (though they are victims who quietly fight back). The mortals live in the toxic environment of the ghetto, while the immortals have access to a magical purification system that keeps their part of the world pleasant. There are a lot of things to like about this book. I particularly enjoyed the mix of magic and science fiction. For example, Barnaby interns for a time in the offices of the Amalgamated Witchcraft Corporation, and learns of the mysterious and high tech things that go on there behind the scenes. I also liked the fact that the two main characters are rebels, each in their own way, who disappoint their powerful parents. The character of Ana is especially well-drawn. There's also a section of the book that's written in short, alternating passages, reflecting the different experiences of Barnaby and Ana during a time that they're separated, and I found the technique to be quite gripping. The rules regarding magic and the environment are detailed and consistent throughout the book. The ending is satisfying, pulling together various strands of plot into one inevitable confrontation and series of consequences. Overall, I think that Anatopsis will please fans of middle-grade fantasy novels, especially those who struggle under the burden of parental expectations, or who want a touch of science fiction thrown in. This review was originally published on

In a coming-of-age, coming-into-powers story, the magical prodigy Princess Anatopsis - Ana for short - must become partners with two most unlikely people. Her fellow student, Prince Barnaby, could be the poster-child for fathers' disappointed hopes, lacking any real magical talent. Ana's servant and friend, Clarissa, likewise lacks any magical talent, being a "mortal." Together, though, they must discover other valuable talents within themselves in order to prepare for the witchery exams and forestall the end of the world of magic as they know it. All in a day's work, right? Maybe, if Mr. Pound never gets involved, but when a member of the near-living-dead is sent to be your tutor, you know there is trouble ahead. As everything Ana holds dear is threatened and changed, she must ultimately rely on her own strengths and talents - and the timely help of remaining allies, of course - to survive. This wonderfully creative plot is adeptly combined with a descriptive writing style and an astute portrayal of human nature. The complexity of the relationships Ana shares with the other characters in the book, for instance, makes for a lot of character development. Abouzied candidly shows how people really are: complicated. Although, it can seem a bit disheartening at times, when Ana, only thirteen, must wake up to the realities of the world around her. Nonetheless, Abouzeid has written an excellent coming-of-age story that would tug on the heartstrings of anyone who has experienced - or who is experiencing - the confusion of growing up in an imperfect world. Reviewed by Flamingnet Book Reviews www.flamingnet.com Preteen, teen, and young adult book reviews and recommendations.

A friend's mom recommended this book to me, and although I'm a college student and long past the age when I gravitate towards the young adult section at a bookstore, I still found it to be a great read. It's a bit reminiscent of movies like Shrek, where kids love it just by virtue of it being great, and adults find the little witticisms and subtle ironies to be a comforting change from the somber fiction dominating the shelves today - it's absolutely enthralling! Don't stop yourself from picking this up just because you're a bit older - it's a fantastic, funny, beautifully written read and I guarantee it'll be on your bookshelves for years to come!

I really enjoyed this book. It is a great young adult and even adult fantasy novel. I love the connection to the Greek gods. The story makes you think about such far reaching topics as pollution, the balance of good and evil, friends, promises and wishes. My sons are lovers of fantasy novels and the stories of the ancient Greeks. I can't wait for my oldest son to finish it and hear his reaction.

I am a longtime fan of young adult books, especially ones with a fantasy theme. This one will go on my list of books I want to share - it was so much fun! Anatopsis starts out as a typically self-interested teen,treating her best friend Clarissa like a servant - ok, she is her maid, but still! When Barnaby and Uno come into the castle, Ana becomes someone you can really care about. By the end of the book, I was having trouble deciding which of the four friends was my favorite. Uno (a great big talking shaggy dog) is hilariously sarcastic, but they each have a place in my heart. Possibly the best thing about this book is that it has a real plot with an ending that is not pat or completely happy. I think I'll wait a few months and read it again!