Library of the Sapphire Wind

Lindskold (the Firekeeper Saga series) takes a cue from classic portal fantasies in this fun series launch, as retirees Peg Gallegos, Meg Blake, and Tessa “Teg” Brown are pulled from their book club meeting and transported to the world of Over Where. The women were accidentally summoned by three unusual young people seeking guidance on their individual quests: the fox-headed Vereez needs to find her missing sister, the lion-headed Xerak needs to find his missing mentor, and the stag-headed Grunwold needs to find a cure for his dying father. Despite some hesitation from both groups, Meg, Peg, and Teg agree to stay and help. Together, they head to the ruins of the eponymous library, looking for answers. But the library demands something of them before it will help: they must retrieve and reassemble an artifact, the theft of which occurred during the library’s destruction. On this new quest, Vereez, Xerak, and Grunwold confront secrets from the past, some of which are their own. Though readers may be disappointed not to see more of the library itself, the older adventurers add some freshness to the setup, while the animal-headed youngsters charm. This vivid, magical tale is sure to please. (Feb.)