Jennifer Scales and the Messenger of Light

I love this series. I was kind of surprised when the first one was recommended to me, since I'm 27 and have two children of my own. Why would I want to read about a 14 year old? But I quickly got snagged. Jennifer Scales is not a perfect heroine, which is part of her appeal. In some other YA books I've read, the teenagers are responsible and grounded, which isn't really realistic and sometimes makes it hard to follow (teenage saints?). I love that Jennifer pops off the page as an angst-filled teenager who waivers between hating and loving her parents, makes impulsive mistakes, and just generally behaves as a teenager in real life does. The story line is also, of course, very intriguing and light, easy to follow. Wonderful way to pass the time . . .

I haven't read the first book in this series, Jennifer Scales and the Ancient Furnace, so it took me a chapter or two to familiarize myself with the world. After that, though, it was a fast-moving, action-packed story. In the story world, there are three supernatural races: beaststalkers, weredragons, and werachnids (were-spiders, etc.), in addition to ordinary humans, and the three races are enemies. Jennifer, however, is both a beaststalker and a weredragon, putting her right in the middle. She's up against enmity and prejudices from both sides, and a half-brother who's weredragon/werachnid, who's just shown up wanting revenge for being stuck in what would be called on Angel a hell dimension. The characters are well-developed and sympathetic, and there are no easy answers. I'll be looking for the first book.

The Jennifer Scales series capture teenage angst dead on target. I came upon this series by accident as a fan of other works from the author. Imagine my suprise seeing such a well written "Teenage science fiction". I read from start to finish. Jennifer has a mouth on her; similar to my own teenagers. The story was emotional at times; but wonderfuly written by the authors (how do you do that??). Thank you for such a great series, hope to see future installments.

Near the end of the second, and quite wonderful Jennifer Scales book, the most perfect description appears that pretty much says everything you ever need about teenagers and reality. Don't worry, it isn't a spoiler, but could anyone possibly top "She followed him down the hallway, smelling the faint odor of unshowered boy"? It rings true, as does virtually everything having to do with growing up and dealing with relationships in this book. Yes, it is a fantasy novel, and gloriously, it is written on several levels, so that both my 12-year old and I enjoyed it equally (since I cannot let her read MJD's adult fiction yet). My daughter agreed that the teenagers were accurately depicted, the plot was filled with twists and action, and the ups and downs were all there for a reason. MaryJanice Davidson's trademark humor, a little downplayed for a younger audience, is augmented by what must be Tony Alongi's gift for narrative description. The combination pulls you into the story and does not let you go. The broad hints at a third book were greeted, in our household, by sighs of relief and irritation that the next book was not available already. There is humor, the angst of adolescence, the importance of relationships -- all without the heavy-handedness of most "uplifting" teen fiction. All this AND a great plot, too! I cannot wait for the next installment.

My son (11) and I LOVE the Jennifer Scales books. I've long been a fan of MJD's adult fiction so when I saw the Ancient Furnace book for teens I had to get it. My son and I read both books together and he is now a huge fan as well. We are hoping for a book 3!?! It's great to find books that combine all the elements we love: imaginative characters and situations, weirdness, scares, laughs and a multigenerational appeal. A lot of young adult books bludgeon the kids with heavy morality, which can be a turn off. These don't do that but they do teach wonderful lessons about friendship, family, and bigotry.