By Ella

​After fleeing Vietnam during the war, Hà couldn’t believe that a country as strange and foreign as America could ever become her home. Still, slowly but surely, exactly that has happened, and now Hà can’t imagine leaving her new friends and school.

But exactly that happens when Hà’s mother relocates them to Texas, a place whose name Hà can’t even pronounce. The last thing she wants is to start over again, and again, and again—not when she’s only just gotten used to America itself. But as Hà grows up in her new home, alongside unexpected friends and experiences, she finally begins to find her place in the world.

When Clouds Touch Us is a quiet but beautiful verse novel that serves as a sequel/companion book to Inside Out & Back Again. Once more, I enjoyed Lai’s thoughtful, lyrical free verse, which carried the story along at a quick yet meditative pace that never felt slow but was willing to linger on small yet impactful moments, something particularly important for an atmospheric historical novel like this one. I also really loved Hà—her determination, perseverance, and bravery propelled the story forward, and particularly in a thoughtful novel which easily could’ve felt slow or stagnant, her character was crucial in keeping me swept up in the story, something she did flawlessly. Although you don’t need to have read Inside Out & Back Again to enjoy When Clouds Touch Us (it’s been years since I read the first book, and didn’t actually realize at first that they were related), I think recalling more vividly Hà’s experiences from Inside Out & Back Again would help you understand more deeply who she is entering this story, and make you more familiar with some of the minor characters. I recommend When Clouds Touch Us to readers ages nine and up, particularly those who enjoy novels in verse. 

By Ella

​The Notorious Scarlett and Browne is the sequel to The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne, and the second book in an ongoing series. 

Look out--there are spoilers ahead for book one!

For Albert Browne, life is just beginning to get interesting. After spending his life stuck indoors, courtesy of the Faith House's oppressive views on his ability to read minds, he's finally escaped, thanks to Scarlett McCain, a far more experienced outlaw with a sharp tongue and a quick wit. All in all, leading a life of crime is all he could've hoped for and more: he gets to see the world and follow Scarlett on all sorts of interesting adventures. And with his magical skills and Scarlett's clever plans, they're yet to find a stronghold that can outwit them. 

Of course, there are some downsides...such as the nefarious criminal organization pursuing them, who is somehow connected to Scarlett's past. And the Faith House operative, with powers to rival Albert's own, who keeps popping up when least expected. And, of course, a messy ultimatum: either Scarlett and Albert break into a dangerously secure facility, or their friends will get eaten by owls. They might be the land's most infamous outlaws, but even they will be hard-pressed to handle everything before their time is up. 

And if they fail? Well, then, the story of the notorious Scarlett and Browne might just be over. 

The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne was one of my favorite books last year, and its sequel lived up to even my highest expectations. Stroud's writing is focused and clever, full of evocative descriptions and turns of phrase--plus an impeccable dose of humor--while keeping the story flying at an impossibly quick pace. I love the setting, as before; a futuristic, post-apocalyptic Britain governed by an organization of corrupt Faith Houses, it's utterly unlike anything I've read before, in the best possible way. The dynamic between Scarlett and Browne is truly brilliant. Full of humor and panache, their exploits are clever and all-absorbing, and although the happy, naive character contrasted with the snarky realist is a relationship I've seen many times before, Stroud makes it not just fresh but hilarious, too. And I'd be remiss not to mention the other characters in this book, particularly Mallory, whose arc/development was one of my favorite parts of the story. If you like audiobooks, this one's also extremely well-read! I highly recommend The Notorious Scarlett and Browne to readers ages ten and up looking for a quirky, fast-paced adventure with an intricate plot and spectacular characters. 

By Ella

The Golden Frog Games is the sequel to Witchlings, and the second book in Claribel A. Ortega’s ongoing Witchlings series.

[Look out—there are spoilers for book 1 below!]

Being one of the most famous Spares in the Twelve Towns is a lot to live up to. Especially for Seven, who’s heralded not just as the Spare who defeated the Nightbeast but as the future Town Uncle—a Town Uncle who, despite all her best efforts, can hear the voices of dangerous monstruos far louder than the animals that are supposed to be speaking to her. But ever since she, Valley, and Thorn made history as the first true Spare coven, they’ve been the face of all the Spares in the Twelve Towns. And Seven is sure that admitting she’s failing at her most basic Uncle duties is exactly what the growing number of anti-Spare agitators need to prove that Spares were always supposed to be powerless.

Amid a rise in anti-Spare sentiment, Seven hopes that the Golden Frog Games—an anticipated tournament where the Twelve Towns compete in everything from frog racing to magical clothing—will allay the worst of the tension, thanks to Seven’s covenmate and friend Thorn being a prime contender in the costura division. But when a fellow competitor is turned to stone, with Thorn the prime suspect, it’s up to Seven, Valley, and Thorn to find the hexer before they hurt anyone else.

I loved Witchlings, so I was super excited for the sequel—and it didn’t disappoint! Brimming with quirky worldbuilding, humor, and adventure, I didn’t want to put this story down. As before, the characters are awesome—Seven, Thorn, and Valley are one of my favorite literary trios, both for their individual personalities and the way they interact with each other. They feel like such a natural group of friends, and I love reading about them! The new cast was also great (I particularly liked Graves), always bringing energy and quirkiness to the narrative. I particularly loved seeing Seven and her friends stand up to anti-Spare prejudice in this book, and her struggle and determination in the face of it; realistic and thoughtful, it helped make the world of Witchlings come alive. I highly recommend The Golden Frog Games (and the Witchlings series) to readers ages ten and up. 

By Ella

The Dragon’s Promise is the sequel to Six Crimson Cranes and the final book in the Six Crimson Cranes duology by Elizabeth Lim.

Look out – there are spoilers for Six Crimson Cranes below!

Shiori promised her stepmother before her death that she would return her broken dragon pearl to its rightful owner. And now, Shiori is determined to fulfil it—even if it means risking her life when she enters the underwater dragon kingdom, Ai’long, with the full intention of outwitting its infamous ruler.

There, she must navigate a complex web of politics, relationships, and powerful magic which could doom her to a fate worse than death. But above the ocean’s surface, a far more disastrous challenge is brewing, and it will be up to Shiori to escape the dragon’s kingdom, return her stepmother’s pearl, and defeat a powerful force of evil once and for all before it destroys her homeland forever.

​The Dragon’s Promise was an unusual but satisfying series-closer which tied together the myriad threads from Six Crimson Cranes and its own story. As before, Lim’s settings and descriptions are highly atmospheric, and I particularly enjoyed the sections set in Ai’long – the dragons’ world and society felt distinct and unique, and I liked the complex interpersonal and political conflicts there. The plotline surrounding Shiori’s stepmother was also excellent and one of my favorite parts of this duology; the ‘wicked stepmother’ trope is so common that Lim’s thoughtful and interesting reversal of it was definitely a highlight, and gave this book a deeper emotional core. I recommend The Dragon’s Promise and the Six Crimson Cranes duology to readers ages twelve and up. 

By Ella

The Ever Storms is the third book in the ongoing Wilderlore series; the previous books in the series are The Accidental Apprentice (book 1) and The Weeping Tide (book 2).

Look out—there are spoilers for earlier books in the series in the review!

After facing off with Audrian Keyes and saving the Wilderlands and the Elsewheres—twice—Barclay Thorne is ready for a break. But instead, he and his fellow apprentices, Viola and Tadg, are bound for the Symposium, a series of courses at one of the Lorekeepers’ most prestigious schools in the heart of the Desert.

As an Elsie and outsider to the Lorekeeper world, Barclay is pretty sure he’s going to be scrambling to keep up. And that’s even without the Tourney, an infamous prank war between the Symposium’s students which his friends expect him to be part of, too.

But when a series of mysterious sandstorms known as the Ever Storms appear across the desert, Barclay and his friends might be the only ones who can find their source and stop them before they give rise to something even more disastrous.

I truly love the Wilderlore series, and The Ever Storms was just as good as its predecessors. Witty and magical, this is a perfect middle-grade read for anyone who loves sprawling fantasy series that sparkle with uniqueness and yet take advantage of the familiar. I love Foody’s worldbuilding—every Wilderland is full of interesting details and vivid descriptions, and the Beasts and their powers are both varied and so intriguing. Barclay and his friends, particularly as the series progresses, are such good characters—all distinct and funny, their interactions, relationships, and interactions are consistently engrossing and likable, and I’m so glad to get to know some of them better in this book. I already can’t wait for book 4! I highly recommend The Ever Storms to readers ages nine and up, particularly those who love fantasy series like Septimus Heap and Poppy Pendle. 

​By Ella

The Secrets of the Stormforest is the third book in L D Lapinski's middle-grade fantasy Strangeworlds Travel Agency series. It is preceded by Strangeworlds Travel Agency and The Edge of the Ocean, both of which we also loved--we chose the series overall as one of our favorites of 2022! 

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[Look out--there are spoilers for books 1 & 2 below!]

Ever since Flick Hudson discovered the Strangeworlds Travel Agency and met Jonathan Mercator, who oversees the travel through the multiverse via portals trapped in suitcases, her life has become extraordinary. But now, as Flick begins to understand the truth about the travel agency and the dangers facing the many worlds, she discovers that not just Strangeworlds, but the entire multiverse, might be in danger. 

Now, with Jonathan and Avery by her side, Flick must race to find a suitcase with the power to destroy the multiverse--before it is used to tear apart every magical place she's ever found. 

I adored Flick and Jonathan's previous adventures, each full of quirky twists, awesome characters, and a sense of inarguable magic. The Secrets of the Stormforest's only flaw is that it's the final book in the trilogy! With everything that made books one and two so wonderful, plus unfolding secrets, impending disaster, and a series of stunning plot twists I never would have expected, there was so much to love about this story. As in the earlier books, Lapinski's characters are extraordinary; I felt so much for Flick, Jonathan, Avery, and the entire cast over the course of this book, who are made utterly relatable by their vulnerability, flaws, bravery, and connections to one another. Everything came together with beautiful, sometimes heartbreaking perfection, and threads both anticipated and unexpected from the previous books wove into a story I didn't want to end. I highly recommend the Strangeworlds Travel Agency series to anyone who loves heartwarming, exciting adventures, strong characters, and immersive worldbuilding, ages nine and up. 

By Ella

Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris is the sequel to Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos, and the second installment in the Theodosia series. 

[Look out--there are spoilers for the first book!]

After saving England from the sinister actions of the Serpents of Chaos, trouble has died down for Theodosia Throckmorton, daughter of the head curator of a London archaeology museum. Clearly, though, some peaceful time to catalog artifacts and remove some nasty lingering curses is too much to hope for, because after uncovering an artifact she is fairly certain is the legendary Staff of Osiris--imbued with the power to raise the dead--in the museum's basement, a small platoon of mummies appear in the foyer. The police are convinced her father stole them, but Theodosia believes they were summoned by the Staff of Osiris--and that the Serpents of Chaos are well aware of the mummies' unusual behavior. 

Determined to clear her family name, outwit the Serpents of Chaos, and avoid her grandmother's latest succession of prospective governesses, Theodosia sets out to solve this latest mystery before the Serpents of Chaos succeed in their latest plan--and use the Staff of Osiris for something far more sinister than moving the dead. 

Once more, Theodosia Throckmorton does not disappoint. Somewhat like a fantasy version of Flavia de Luce, she manages to be witty, sharp, and indisputably an eleven-year-old in the best possible way, making this series constantly surprising, unexpected, and brilliantly clever. Combining fantasy, mystery, historical fiction, and ancient Egyptian archaeology, Theodosia has a bit of everything, and it's all pulled off brilliantly well. I highly recommend Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris and the Theodosia series to readers ages ten and up who enjoy mysteries and fantasy novels. 

By Ella

The Last Fallen Moon is the sequel to The Last Fallen Star by Graci Kim, and the second book in the Gifted Clans trilogy. 

[Look out--there are spoilers for book 1!]

Riley Oh just saved the world--it seems like she should have a chance to celebrate. But since in the process nearly everyone she knows lost their memories of her and the Gom clan no longer has their healing gift...well, let's just say that not everyone is thrilled about what Riley has done. 

Determined to fix at least one of her mistakes, Riley enters the Spiritrealm, or the world of the dead, to recruit a new patron for the Gom clan and restore their healing powers. Only the Spiritrealm is in the midst of its own problems, and with the help of a mysterious, white-haired boy named Dahl, Riley has to figure out what's really going on and stop a particularly nefarious plot before the Spiritrealm and Mortalrealm are endangered. 

I loved The Last Fallen Star, so I was thrilled to read the sequel. I loved it! With the same hilarious characters, fast pace, and intricate plot as book one, The Last Fallen Moon lived up to my expectations and introduced me to a whole new side to Riley's world that was constantly funny, interesting, and unique. I particularly liked getting to know both old and new characters better during this story, especially Hattie and Dahl. I highly recommend The Last Fallen Moon to readers ages nine and up looking for a strong, exciting series full of mythology and magic. 

​By Ella

Breaking Badlands is the third and final book in the Talespinners series by Scott Reintgen, preceded by Saving Fable (book one) and Escaping Ordinary (book two). 

[Look out--there are spoilers for the first two books!]

Indira Story has now saved the land of Imagination twice, and she's ready for a vacation. But that's before she gets swept up in a mysterious group known as the Antiheroes, who ask her to go on a dangerous mission to infiltrate Antagonist Academy before the leader of the villain school can execute a plan which would be disastrous not only for Good and Evil in all stories, but the very land of Imagination. Although Indira is at first certain this new mission will be a piece of cake, not all is as it seems. She's defended Imagination from all sorts of nefarious dangers--but can she protect it from herself? 

So often with humorous, brilliant books--particularly when the jokes made are specialized--I find the sequels something of a letdown. I begin them hoping they will be everything their predecessors were, and they never quite are. But just like the second Talespinners book, Escaping Ordinary, Breaking Badlands does something truly remarkable: in my opinion, it not only meets the strengths of book one, it's even better. Breaking Badlands delivers everything which was great about the first two books and makes it all even better, perhaps in part because the cast is all familiar, making it a new and wonderfully clever adventure inhabited by characters who are already old friends. It expertly wraps up the subplots and characters from the previous books, all while shining with new twists, settings, and humor. As a fan of well-drawn villains, the setting of Antagonist Academy was particularly enjoyable to me. I highly recommend the entire Talespinners series to anyone who loves stories and the characters who inhabit them ages nine and up. 

By Piranha T. 

Aru Shah and the Nectar of Immortality is the fifth and final book in the Pandava Quintet, which opened with Aru Shah and the End of Time. 

[Look out--there are spoilers below for earlier books in the series!] 

Aru Shah and her friends have lost their celestial weapons--and without them, they don't have a chance of entering the labyrinth in which the Nectar of Immortality is hidden. The Sleeper and his army are already there, though, and Aru knows she's running out of time. 

Together, Aru, Mini and Brynne--with lots of help from their friends--must trade in old favors, journey to the ends of the earth, and even perform at a rock concert to regain their weapons and stop the Sleeper in time. But what if the Pandava sisters aren't up for the task? And can Aru figure out the right thing to do in time? 

The first book in the Pandava Quintet, Aru Shah and the End of Time, was so funny, spot-on and brilliant that it made me think, there's no way the whole series can be this awesome. Having finished the final installment, Aru Shah and the Nectar of Immortality​, I can assure you that it is. The quirky characters, witty narrative and constantly engrossing story never flags; Aru and her friends--particularly Mini, Brynne and Aiden--manage to be both utterly hilarious and deeply relatable and understandable. Having reached the final page of the final book, I found myself wishing I could hang out with them some more! I highly recommend Aru Shah and the Nectar of Immortality​ (and the entire Pandava Quintet) to readers ages eight and up. 

​By Piranha T. 

Eva Evergreen and the Cursed Witch is the sequel to Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch by Julie Abe, and is the second book in the duology. 

[Look out--there are spoilers for the first book!]

Eva Evergreen, Novice Witch, has finally found the source of the Culling--a mysterious and powerful magic storm which sweeps through Rivelle Realm every year and wreaks destruction in its wake. Ever since it began, all the realm's magic-users have been searching for its source, and how to stop it. No one ever would have expected it came from Grand Master Hayato Grottel's tower, the leader of the Council of Witches and Wizards. 

Eva thinks that discovering this will end the Culling for good, but when Grottel escapes, everything goes wrong. The Culling begins striking with increasing frequency, and the efforts of the country's best witches and wizards are barely working as they attempt to reach Grottel's tower. Eva finally gets placed in the group trying to penetrate the tower--and what she discovers there will change everything. 

Eva Evergreen and the Cursed Witch continues the fun, quirky narrative of Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch to a satisfying series conclusion. Eva remains a realistic, awesome character who is determined to save her friends and family as much as the whole realm, and in this way, her fight to save Rivelle Realm always feels personal and close to home. I recommend the Eva Evergreen series to readers ages nine and up who like lighthearted, engrossing fantasy stories which feel driven by character as much as plot. 

By Piranha T.

The Artifact Hunters is a companion book/sequel to The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle by Janet Fox.

When twelve-year-old Isaac Wolf flees Prague in the midst of World War II, he thinks he’s only running from the Nazis. He’s wrong: the creatures which are following him are much more magical and just as malicious.

But Isaac doesn’t know about these mysterious pursuers when his parents give him a closed box and tell him to leave. It’s only when he arrives at Rookskill Castle, a place laced with magic and strangeness with an unknown power pressing in on all sides, and he learns the box is a time travel machine, that he begins to uncover answers: about the creatures following him, about the clues his parents left for him throughout the past, and about himself. But will Isaac learn everything in time? Or will his pursuers catch up to him first?

The Artifact Hunters continues the mysterious atmosphere and vivid historical setting of The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle. The magic in it is strong and interesting, from the time travel device to other powerful artifacts found along the way. I think I loved this book even more than the first one! I highly recommend The Artifact Hunters to readers ages ten and up.

Note: Although mostly unrelated, there is overlap (mainly characters) with The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle, so I think The Artifact Hunters will be most enjoyed by those also familiar with the first book.

By Piranha T.

Out of Time is the third book in Laurie Graves’s ongoing Great Library Series, preceded by Maya and the Book of Everything and Library Lost. If you haven’t read the other books, skip the description here—there will be spoilers about events in them!

The Great Library Series begins with Maya Hammond, a fifteen-year-old girl thrust into an ancient conflict between Time and Chaos. The mysterious Great Library is part of it, as are the wise Books of Everything, sent to many different worlds to help Time triumph. In the first two books in this series, Maya travels across the universe to aid the Books of Everything and Time in their quest to defeat Chaos once and for all.

In Out of Time, the Great Library itself has fallen to one of Chaos’s servants, Cinnial, and it’s up to Maya to enter the strange new world of Elferterre to find the lock she’ll need to defeat him. Here, Magic rather than Time holds ultimate authority, and it’s unlike any other world she’s entered, full of mysterious powers and unfamiliar creatures. Only with the help of a trio of newfound friends can she hope to succeed in a quest which would help liberate not only the Great Library, but Elferterre as well.

Out of Time is a compelling, fast read, and an excellent third installment. Elferterre is an interesting and unique setting, different from those of the first two books but just as intriguing and fun to read about, complete with its own set of quirky and layered characters. Here, threads of the Great Library, Time, Chaos, and the Books of Everything continue to weave together, but this new world offers Maya something of a respite from the constant danger from Cinnial, although peril remains to hound her. Because of this, while Out of Time continues her mission to help defeat him, it also deeply explores the supporting characters and continues to give a stronger sense of Maya. Maya herself continues to shine, perhaps even more brightly than before in the face of this wholly new challenge; she’s an awesome protagonist whose determination to succeed no matter how much adversity she faces. I highly recommend Out of Time and the Great Library Series to readers who love strong fantasy series with interesting settings and plotlines ages eleven and up. I can’t wait to read book four!
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Thank you to author Laurie Graves for sending us a copy of this book! 

By Piranha T. 

Midnight Train by Angie Sage, sequel to Twilight Hauntings, ​is the second and final book in the Enchanter's Child duology. 

The series takes place in a fantasy world where Enchanters and their children are hunted after a prophecy spoken ten years ago which says the king will die by the hand of an Enchanter's child. Alex has grown up in the city of Luma, where her only clue to the identity of her birth parents is a set of Enchanted cards. When she escapes the city and finds both friends and enemies in the surrounding lands, she begins to learn more about herself, her kingdom, and how to free it from the fear of Enchanters and their children. 

In Midnight Train, Alex continues her quest to destroy the malicious Twilight Hauntings who seek to kill all Enchanters. Like the first installment, this book is full of humor, quirky characters, and nonstop action. Angie Sage creates a witty story whose culmination fully fulfilled the expectations set for me by book one. I highly recommend Midnight Train and the Enchanter's Child Duology to readers ages nine and up! 

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P.S. When we read and love the sequels to books we've reviewed, we'll give them 'mini-reviews' like this one - to share awesome sequels (and series) without spoiling the first book!