However, this series has not only been a huge success with adolescent girls, but also has produced a spin-off effect, with a number of writers exploring the world of magic in various forms.

Several new series for teenagers and those younger have hit the book stores, and all are good reads. They are worth keeping in mind if you have an avid reader in the family, who is always looking for new authors and series.

In fact one series in particular is so good, I would have no hesitation in recommending it to older readers who enjoy novels with a magical theme. I certainly whipped through all the books in the series with hardly a pause in between.

The series is called Wicca, the author Cate Tiernan, and Book of Shadows introduces us to Morgan, a 16-year-old girl who becomes part of a Wiccan circle at school.

In the process she learns some shocking truths about her past, her parents and her powers. As the series progresses, Morgan must learn to control her magical powers, as well as defend herself from attacks from mysterious strangers.

Cate Tiernan's books are bestsellers in the US at the moment, and deservedly so - they are well written, interesting, and have a touch of romance and intrigue to keep the reader desperate for the next book in the series.

Isobel Bird also has written a series about Wiccan magic - Circle of Three. It is a lighter read, and aimed at younger teens.

The first book So Mote it Be, introduces high school student Kate Morgan, who decided to find out if magical powers really exist.

So she does what any sensible girl would do, and borrows a book from the library. Unfortunately Kate's love spell backfires, and she ends up the romantic target of all the boys in school, not to mention their irate girlfriends.

In desperation, Kate tracks down other girls who have borrowed the same library book, and from there, the Circle of Three is formed. Each book in the series deals with an adventure or progression in the circles' powers and the developing friendship between the three girls.

Authors H B Gilmore and Randi Reisfeld have until now been best known for their movie tie-in novels, but they've finally made the jump to original writing with their new series T*Witches.

This is a play on teen witches, and that basically tells you what the series is all about.

The first book The Power of Two introduces teenager Camryn Barnes, who meets her exact double when she visits an amusement park in another state. The girls get together, and discover they both have magical powers that are strengthened when they are close.

However, someone is intent on keeping them apart, and preventing them from tracking down their missing parents, and will do anything to keep the truth hidden. The series is rather humourous, with touches of Greek mythology throughout. However, it also deals with various adolescent issues such as eating disorders, bullying and self worth, in a subtle manner that doesn't interfere with the general entertainment of the story.

The authors are experienced writers and the books will certainly appeal to a wide age range.

These books are all available from the teenage section of the Bundaberg Library, and should also be readily available from book stores.