Code Name Komiko.

Paul, Naomi.  Code Name Komiko.  Enslow  2014  285p  $18.95  ISBN 978-1-62324-023-3   ms/hs  Mystery/Detective  VG-BN  

Lian (code name Komiko) is a 16-year-old senior in Hong Kong who joins a group of cyber-investigators to expose injustice and corruption in the virtual world. Readers will enjoy this fast paced novel that is flavored with espionage, friendship, and romance.

Lian has joined the 04/06 cyber–investigator group to help stop corruption in the virtual world.  The group keeps the individuals’ real names secret so that anonymity is maintained.  Lian’s fight for justice becomes personal when she happens to be on the shore of Big Wave Bay when a body is discovered.  The story portrays the problem of American businesses coming to Hong Kong to manufacture cheap clothing and spoiling the local environment in the process.  At school, Lian meets Matt Harrison, whose father, Rand, is the corporate goon exploiting the local workforce.  Lian must work carefully, because her father is a hotshot businessman who is brokering the deal.
   

Readers will enjoy the suspense, mystery, and fast-paced stress-filled actions of the group of investigators, and will be kiamazed by the strength and fortitude required of the characters in order to survive through harsh conditions.

Summary: Lian (code name Komiko) is a 16-year-old senior in Hong Kong who joins a group of cyber-investigators to expose injustice and corruption in the virtual world.  Readers will enjoy this fast-paced novel that is flavored with espionage, friendship, and romance.
                 

Espionage-Fiction                                     --Linda McNeil   

Paul, Donita K. Dragons of the Valley.

Paul, Donita K. Dragons of the Valley.
Waterbrook 2010 370p 13.99
978-1-4000-7340-5 hs/adult E-BN


Tipper Schope and her artist friend, Bealomondore, try to prevent the enemy from seizing three important statues by hiding them in the Valley of the Dragon, while an evil creature makes its presence known in Chiril.

Tipper Schope and her artist friend, Bealomondore, try to prevent the invading enemy from seizing three important and powerful statues by hiding them in the Valley of the Dragon. Meanwhile an evil creature, the Grawl, makes its presence known in Chiril, stealthily killing the leaders of each region. It is only part human and hunts more like an animal leaving no trace. Between the attacking enemy army and the work of the Grawl, the citizens of Chiril are thoroughly demoralized and ready to surrender.
Meanwhile, Bealomondore is learning swordsmanship with the help of an enchanted sword. The sword acts almost of its own will and the wielder must learn to complement the magic.
Once the three statues have reached the Valley, Fenwoth the magician creates a grotto worthy in size and splendor to hold the three statues in their proper orientation. This restores both balance and hope in the population of Chiril.
In a final battle on many fronts, the advancing enemy army is routed, the Grawl defeated, and peace restored.
Fast paced, excellent read for lovers of fantasy. Rated by the publisher as adult, it could definitely be enjoyed by high school students and mature middle school students. Fantasy Theal, Joan