HOWZAT

Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson series

The author: An English teacher in Texas, he wrote a clutch of hardboiled detective novels before switching to children’s novels to help his dyslexic son.

The books: Percy discovers he has dyslexia because he is a demigod – son of Poseidon. If he can survive the monsters sent to kill him until he’s 16, he may save the world.

The buzz: Won the Red House award, as did Harry Potter, and is growing by word of mouth. The third, Percy Jackson & the Titan’s Curse, is slated to be directed by Chris Columbus, who directed the first two Harry Potter films. Has sold 125,000 copies – fewer than Eoin Colfer’s Artemis Fowl series – but has more of Rowling’s touches.

Critical verdict: Using Greek myth rather than fairytale, and transporting it to modern America, is witty and inspired. Gripping, touching and deliciously satirical about the worst of America. This is most likely to succeed Rowling in commercial terms.

Bottom line: Puffin is on to a winner with this.

Michelle Paver, Chronicles of Ancient Darkness

The author: A former City solicitor and successful writer of historical romances, Paver earned a £2 million advance for her six-book series.

The books: Torak, a Stone Age boy, an orphaned wolf cub, and Renn, a girl from another clan, fight the evil Soul Eater mages who murdered Torak’s parents. Four out of six completed, to a growing readership. The fourth, The Outcast, is published in September.

The buzz: Natural magic, maturing characters and battles against evil make this especially appealing to Potter fans, as does the meticulous research into primitive hunting and survival. Film optioned to Ridley Scott, the director of Gladiator. Rights sold to 37 countries. Strongly marketed from the start.

Critical verdict: Strong characterisation, pacey plots, crisp prose.

Bottom line: Not for the nerdier end of Pottermania, but ideal for Dangerous Book fans and reluctant readers.

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