Anatopsis

Witches and warlocks and ancient Greek gods make appearances in this thoroughly enjoyable fantasy set on future Earth. Princess Anatopsis, known as Ana, is a typical soon-to-be-13-year-old witch who doesn't want the life her mother is molding for her: that of a future queen. Ana would rather be a knight-errant, like her father, the best in the Guild. As her Bacchanalian exams draw near, Ana gets a new tutor, Mr. Pound. The Queen tells Ana, "I think you will find him quite... unique." Abouzeid's tightly crafted fantasy boasts a clever cast of characters. For example, readers meet Barnaby Georges, Ana's classmate, the dim-witted yet loveable prince (and warlock) from the neighboring castle, as well as his faithful companion, Uno, a glib, wisecracking St. Bernard. As Ana and Barnaby prepare for their exams, exciting things happen, such as a field trip to Mount Olympus, but horrible things occur, too—such as what begins to happen to the prisoners in the dungeon. Is the creepy Mr. Pound, who claims to be a demigod, behind it all? The two heroes race to find the meaning of the "Os Divinitas," part of a Greek prophecy involving the god Prometheus—which they believe holds the key to the mystery—before their exams. Another thread in this fast-paced tale involves a rebel army of mortal resistance fighters who hope Ana and Barnaby will help them end the senseless cruelty the Immortals have inflicted on them for centuries. A fresh and entertaining story. Ages 10-up. (Mar.)