Fifteen-year-old Ariane has been bounced between different foster families and schools ever since her mother disappeared mysteriously two years ago. Now living with her Aunt Phyllis, Ariane has the chance to begin again – if only a catty clique of school bullies and, oh yes, the Lady of the Lake would leave her alone.

It seems that Ariane, long prone to eerily accurate premonitions, is the modern descendent of the Faerie Lady of Arthurian legend, the creature who helped imprison the wizard Merlin centuries ago. Appearing to Ariane in a magical underwater chamber, the Lady reveals her heir’s destiny: to reunite the shards of Excalibur scattered ages ago by the Lady, before Merlin does.

For Merlin has escaped from his prison and has been steadily building his empire as an eccentric Internet magnate, searching for the shards that will one day allow him to rule both Earth and Faerie. Song of the Sword is a gripping introduction to Ariane’s quest, which she accepts only because it may help her find her mother. Joining her is the school brain, Wally, whose sister would love nothing more than to see them fail. Willett’s novel will please fantasy junkies with its intricate details; yet there’s also an appealing poetry to Ariane’s story, best manifested when she learns to use her powers to merge with water and transport herself wherever it flows. Song of the Sword is a unique twist on the old subjects of teenage rebellion and self-discovery. mRb