Max Helsing and the Thirteenth Curse

In this series opener from Wereworld creator Jobling, Max is the latest descendent of the famed monster-fighting Van Helsing family—his forefather battled Dracula in Stoker’s classic—growing up in Gallows Hill, Mass., with his tetchy guardian, Jed. (Max’s father died young, a common fate for monster hunters.) Aided by best friend Syd, Max is a pro at stopping ghouls, fire phantasms, and vampires (dossier-style profiles of which appear throughout), but Max would rather try to rehabilitate monsters than destroy them. His compassion is put to the test when normally placid monsters begin attacking him on his 13th birthday, and Max learns of a 300-year-old curse affecting his family. A warlock has been unleashed who could destroy all civilization, and Max, Syd, and a young neighbor fight the clock to stop him. Max, a hero in the vein of a young Indiana Jones, is more at ease facing demons than managing middle school, and his wisecracking attitude and quick thinking make for entertaining reading. This action-packed thriller sets up what promises to be a series filled with legend, lore, and epic battles. Ages 10–up. (Nov.)