Shadow Wars: Son of Shadows (The Shadow Wars Series 2) by Sherrilyn Kenyon, Hinako Hishinuma, Madaug Hishinuma

What worked:

The story is based on Japanese mythology, as humans, deities, and monsters interact. Ryuichi is the main character, and his father, Ryucage, is a powerful, feared god in the spirit world. His mother once guarded the gate between the worlds, but that job now falls upon Ryuichi. He doesn’t understand how to use his powers, so he’ll never stand a chance against Orochi. His parents weakened and imprisoned the “World Eater”, so Orochi is focused on gaining revenge. Ryuichi’s mother is gone, Ryucage is missing, so Orochi’s fury and growing power are now aimed at Ryuichi. Ryuichi and his friends think their only desperate hope is to seek help from his violent, malevolent father.

Ryuichi’s team is a highlight of the book. The most unusual character is Ryuichi’s shadow, which has separated from his body. Ryuichi-kage has a mind and spirit of his own, and he enjoys fighting and killing. He reveals something later in the book that adds a countdown clock to the importance of reuniting with Ryuichi. Haruki is a goddess, incessantly insulting and antagonizing the others, often reminding them that they’ll probably die soon. Koichi is Ryuichi’s fighting teacher, but he’s constantly trying to get his hands on sake to drink. Masaru has vowed to protect Ryuichi, and he can enter Ryuichi’s body to make him a formidable warrior. He also likes to banter with Haruki and takes verbal jabs at Koichi. Ryuichi is joined by other colorful characters along the way that create additional entertaining exchanges.

What didn’t work as well:

Readers unfamiliar with Japanese culture may struggle with the language, names, and terms. Also, Ryuichi defeated Ryucage in the first book, but many of the characters that are helping Ryuichi are still loyal to his father. It’s puzzling why demons following Ryucage are helping the character who defeated Ryucage.

The final verdict:

I strongly recommend that you read the first book in the series. Without reading it, readers will feel they're lacking the depth of knowledge needed to fully understand the backstory and current conflict. I recommend you give the series a shot, starting with The Secret War.

Secrets at Sparhawk Point by Anna Rose Johnson

What worked:

The story focuses on two pairs of siblings, neighbors in a remote town in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The girls are the daughters of the town’s pastor, which adds a layer of moral expectations. The boys know money is tight, so they want to help their mother in any way. The kids make inferences about their parents’ intentions, and readers will sense the desperation about the prospect of moving. The kids are responsible, well-behaved, and respectful of others, and they’re motivated to help their families. Readers will follow their efforts to make a difference, some of them successful while others are not.

The story is connected by the mystery of the lake monster. People speculate about what it might be, and stories about previous sightings arise. Other newspapers build on what’s reported locally, and that’s when complications emerge. Some people wonder if the sightings are related to secret German war efforts. Even though the war is overseas, the author shares its everyday effects on lives in the United States. Metal is used to make army vehicles and supplies, and there are food shortages. The kids help by collecting scraps around town, and many women work at the local factory.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot evolves slowly, as it follows the description found in the synopsis. The main nugget of interest is the fact that the children see an unidentified object in Lake Superior. A UFO, an unidentified floating object? Readers may expect a surprising secret, but it’s nothing earth-shattering.

The final verdict:

This is a wholesome story from a small, laid-back town during the Second World War. The citizens are good people, and readers can relate to their secrets. You should check it out for yourself.

The Band From Another World (Alien Survival Guide 3) by Kevin Garone

What worked:

Each chapter begins with an excerpt from a guidebook that describes what to do in case of an alien invasion. These passages are usually related to events in the book, and Marv follows the information as though it’s the absolute truth. He’s convinced Earth is being invaded, so he interprets most situations as evidence supporting his ideas. The story is told through Marv’s eyes, so readers are aware of every thought of an alien conspiracy. Nora joined his team in the first book, but Marv continues to think her father is an alien. Marv’s given each character a nickname. His best friend, Jace, is called Baller One, Nora is Space Cadet, Kenji is Pyro, and Marv calls himself Gold Leader.

This book introduces a new character named Liv, but Marv immediately starts calling her Alien Lover. As you can guess from her name, Liv thinks visiting aliens will be friendly, and she would like to travel into space with them. Her character contrasts with Marv’s view of aliens, so readers will be entertained by their interactions. On the plus side, they share a strong interest in aliens, so Liv is supportive of Marv’s efforts to find proof. Nora thinks Marv is nuts, and Jace goes along with his friend’s strange ideas. Kenji just loves the adventure and opportunities to play with fire or create pranks.

Considering the possibility of alien lifeforms visiting Earth is an entertaining aspect of the series. Marv is convinced it’s going to happen, or it’s already happened, but the first two books had science-related explanations for what occurred. This book follows that same pattern, so readers start to wonder if aliens will ever show up. Marv and his friends find musical instruments in an old, abandoned house, and they begin to behave strangely. Their behavior is worst while playing the instruments, so readers may suspect they’re possessed by spirits. Marv’s sister, Reformed Skeptic, contacts paranormal experts, and they seem to resolve the problem. However, the handbook warns that a dangerous time period arises when you think everything is fine.

What didn’t work as well:

The story is meant to be humorous, but some readers may think Marv is wackadoodle. The characters' names and nicknames are used interchangeably without a pattern for when they are used. This is unusual since the story is told from Marv’s point of view. He uses nicknames within dialogue, so why don’t his thoughts use those same names?

The final verdict:

This book can be enjoyed on its own, but I suggest you start with the first book in the series, I Know What UFO Did Last Summer. The climax brings back events from previous books, so it will help to be more aware of them. I recommend this book for paranormal/UFO lovers, so give it a chance.

War of the Wings (New Dragon City 2) by Mari Mancusi

What worked:

The story is told from different points of view, as alternating chapters focus on Noah, Maya, and Asha. Noah and Maya are the two main human characters, and they offer contrasting attitudes toward dragons. Noah has been looking forward to the dragons emerging from hibernation, since he’s bonded with Asha, queen of her dragon herd. Maya is fearful of dragons and can’t understand how people have quickly forgotten the destruction they caused. She remembers feeling safe in hiding until dragons killed her grandmother. Noah and Maya are good friends, but readers are well aware that Maya’s negative memories of dragons will be hard to change. Likewise, some dragons can’t understand how Asha and her herd want to be friends with humans. Noah and Asha want their bond to be a beacon of hope for all humans and dragons.

Noah reunites with characters from the series prequel, Dawn of the Dragons, as the plot shifts to their conflict. Lucas bonded with Cinder, princess of her herd, but her brother, Flame, has run off with a few other dragons in the herd. They were told of a settlement in the former city of Boston where humans and dragons live together harmoniously. However, Noah and Asha sense something is off about the City of Scales. Asha is uncomfortable about her initial impressions of the city, and readers should notice clues to reinforce those worries. The dragons here seem to have taken over tasks once done by heavy machines, so the happy alliance between humans and dragons feels shady.

The relationships between the main humans and the dragons are ever-changing. Noah and Asha face rough moments, as Noah sees positives in the City of Scales while Asha continues to worry about how the dragons are treated. Strangely, Noah doesn’t take the time to see things from his bonded dragon’s point of view. Maya’s main emotions toward dragons are still fear and anger, but she has an unexpected encounter below ground. A new character shares some history of the city and how things operate there. This information is invaluable in resolving the conflict and has a profound effect on Maya. 

What didn’t work as well:

Readers should quickly figure out what’s wrong with the dragons in the City of Scales. The clues are evident even as the characters keep saying something feels off. The full extent of the problem still needs to be determined, but the thing that is “off” isn’t a mystery. 

The final verdict:

I haven’t read New Dragon City, but I might recommend you read its prequel, Dawn of the Dragons. The story has a nice blend of close relationships, action, and intrigue, as Noah and his friends try to unite humans and dragons. I recommend you give this book a shot!

The Midnight Guardians by Ross Montgomery

What worked:

Col’s guardians form an entertaining group of characters. Their banter and teasing are incessant and constantly stir up emotions. King of Rogues is a brave, loyal, short knight in full armor, and he suffers from insecurities that cause him to overreact to many comments. Don’t call him Rogue! Mr. Noakes is a talking badger with a keen sense of smell, and he loves to tease the King of Rogues. Pendlebury is a tiger that can transform from the size of a tiny mouse to become as large as a house. She can carry the main characters on her back and constantly acts as the calming influence for the Guardians. They’re later joined by Ruth, a mysterious, angry young girl, although the King of Rogues is leery of her intentions. Spies for the Midwinter King are everywhere.

The Midwinter King presents a formidable character, since he’s gaining strength from the negativity and violence of the war. He controls the Spirit World with an iron fist, and he won’t tolerate any spirits escaping the realm. However, Col’s three guardians have done just that, so the Midwinter King becomes obsessed with recapturing them. Even after discovering the Guardians aren’t actively doing anything to stop his plans of controlling the world, he can’t allow spirits to escape without punishment. The Midwinter King can enter Col’s dreams, and he uses that ability to harass Col with nightmares. Col fears he may give away the Guardians’ location if he falls asleep at night.

Young readers can learn a bit about World War II from the story’s descriptions and occasional pages sharing brief facts from that time. Nighttime is when the Midwinter King becomes stronger, but blackouts were essential during the war with Germany. Throughout the story, characters extinguish lights and cover their windows with dark sheets every night, camouflaging their homes from enemy bombers. It’s difficult to find food and shelter amid the destruction, and families feel safer living farther from the large cities. The people in Europe are overwhelmed by the power of German forces, and they pray that the United States will eventually enter the war and help.

What didn’t work as well:

The passages about World War II aren’t necessary. They’re not always directly related to events in the story, and the information isn’t detailed or specific. The plot would not be affected if these passages weren’t present.

The final verdict:

The story stresses love for family and friends. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy quests, humor, and unusual characters. I recommend you try it for yourself.

The Mystery of Insch Brae House by Susan Fiddes

What worked:

The author describes a mysterious, depressing setting for Muriel, as she’s sent to stay with a guardian she’s never met. Miss Floss demeans her at every opportunity to the point where Muriel is afraid to move about the house. The house itself is drab and dusty, with most of the rooms standing empty. However, food surprisingly appears outside her bedroom door, but it seems Miss Floss doesn’t know anything about it. Strange sounds and Muriel’s curiosity lead her to begin investigating the house.

The author uses short chapters, which should appeal to young readers. The conflict focuses on the history of Insch Brae House, since Muriel doesn’t understand why it’s in such poor condition now. She deduces that it may have been a school where Miss Floss once worked, but Muriel wants to know why she’s now so sad and bitter. A young boy from town joins Muriel halfway into the story, and together, they follow clues to uncover what happened to the house and Miss Floss. The truth involves bullying and a tragic love story and builds to a surprising climax.

What didn’t work as well:

The prologue and an early chapter describe Muriel’s father in India. He’s injured during an earthquake, and her mother travels there to be with him. However, her parents aren’t a major part of the story, and readers may be disappointed or surprised by that. Perhaps the parents will be more present in the book’s sequel.

The final verdict:

The plot isn’t a suspenseful mystery, but it features unique characters and a heart-warming ending. I suggest you give it a shot.

The Nightkeeper’s Apprentice by Jude Reid

What worked:

Eilidh joins her aunt and cousin on a barren, rocky island, and readers' speculation begins with her arrival. She’s told to never enter the lighthouse but isn’t given a reason. Most readers will join Eilidh, as her imagination comes up with many ways to explain why she can’t visit a lighthouse that doesn’t shine a warning light for ships. Adding to the intrigue is the question of what her aunt can possibly be doing in there every day. Readers know that something will happen, making Eilidh eventually break her promise to her aunt and venture into the strange tower. This will change the trajectory of the story.

Two characters contribute to the mystery and an unpredictable course of events. Magnus is Eilidh’s cousin, and he’s fairly quiet for much of the story. He clearly doesn’t want her around and spends much of his time stomping around the house or going off on his own outside. He knows about the lighthouse and its secrets, and he moves about the property as if he’s searching for something. Later, Cam joins the story, and he’s the ghost mentioned in the synopsis. He feels he hasn’t moved on because of unfinished business, but he has no idea what it might be. Ghosts always include a bit of uncertainty. However, Cam infuses some humor as he becomes acquainted with Eilidh.

There’s a simmering conflict behind the scenes between the Finfolk and the Landfolk, though it isn’t clear whether the humans are aware of it. Long ago, all creatures were Finfolk until some discovered a way to live on shore by trading their fins for legs. Eventually, Landfolk forced Finfolk to remain in the ocean, and they then took all the fish and polluted the waters. Finfolk have never forgotten. Sing-In-The-Shallows is infatuated by Landfolk, but she’s angered by their wars and killing. The author inserts pages between some chapters that explain what Sing-In-The-Shallows is doing and what she observes. Readers will remain curious as they discover how she fits into the story. A magical horn emerges as a major conflict, but readers must wait to find out what it means.

What didn’t work as well:

The Finfolks’ current attitude toward Landfolk is unclear. The pages about Sing-In-The-Shallows describe her curiosity about humans and how she helps them in times of need. However, she says the other Finfolk wouldn’t approve of her actions, but they don’t enter the story until the very end. Their feelings are still ambiguous even after that scene.

The final verdict:

Readers under ten years of age can still enjoy this book. It’s reminiscent of Irish selkie stories and creepy water creatures. The mystery of the Nighthouse will keep readers captivated, although readers will predict that Eilidh will make a questionable decision. I recommend you try this book for yourself.