Consequences: The Books of Magic #4    by Carla Jablonski Order:  USA  Can Eos, 2004 (2004) Paperback Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Hilary Williamson These Books of Magic adventures are based on a graphic novel series of the same name created by Neil Gaiman and John Bolton. Though I hadn't read either, and missed some of the references to past episodes (The Invitation, Bindings and The Children's Crusade), it was still easy to jump in and enjoy the exciting ride through the slums and sewers of London with thirteen-year-old Timothy Hunter, the greatest magician of all time ... if he can ever figure out how to use his magic. The tale opens with a peek into the sanctuary world of Free Country where 'the formerly deprived, the previously abused, and the perpetually frightened could be happy and safe.' But Daniel (who took refuge there from Dickensian London) isn't a happy camper - he misses his 'sweetie pie' Marya, blames Tim for luring her back to the 'Bad World', and vows revenge. Tim, in the meantime, is trying to pluck up his own courage to tell his best friend and only companion, Molly, about his magic, which has shown him 'unseen gates, passageways into other worlds', in which time passes at different speeds. He's also discovering unintended consequences of even his most casual wishes, and the responsibility that goes with great power. In the land of Faerie, King Auberon, unhappy with his Queen Titania, heads to our world seeking diversion. He falls into a trap instead, that sucks out his soul, and is enslaved with others in an underground factory, where the discontented Daniel also wends his way, to fall into a different kind of trap. Ultimately it's up to Tim, backed up by Molly and a unicorn, to sort it all out. He learns more about his own background, and teaches Auberon a few lessons, in the process. It's an exciting series, whose adventures continue in #5, Lost Places. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews