The Book Trap (Pix and Gabe) by Kate Machon

What worked:

This book will have loyal readers thinking back to the first one when Pix was getting to know Gabe. She is forced to partner with Memoria from the Angel Archives, and the relationship has a rocky start. Memoria says Pix has “obstinate behaviour”, which is accurate, and readers will enjoy Pix’s mischievous actions as she tries to mess with the angel. Pix did the same thing with Gabe when they started working together, and they’re reunited in trying circumstances. Gabe is thrust into a book and can’t escape without completing different challenges. Luckily, Pix joins him, and she has no problem using deceit, trickery, and mischievous pranks to help her friend. Gabe’s situation forces Pix to conjure more spells than in the past, and she taps into powers that she’s not supposed to have.

Angels are notorious rule-followers, but Caelix has created Gabe’s tests. Caelix seems to have a huge grudge against Gabe, and the tasks don’t follow normal angel rules. Pix’s efforts to help Gabe are hampered because Gabe won’t tell his faerie friend any useful information about his past relationship with Caelix. This creates a mystery for young readers, as they try to figure out how Pix can best help Gabe. The angels have quickly turned against him, forcing Gabe to go into hiding. Pix takes the initiative to clear her friend’s name and reveal the treachery creeping into the angel world. However, there’s a time factor, as Caelix’s power is growing.

The relationship between Pix and Gabe is challenged. Pix is sure Gabe is keeping secrets even though they’ve promised to be honest with each other. Gabe said it was necessary if they were going to remain friends. However, Pix thinks she can’t help fight Caelix if she doesn’t understand the problem’s origins. On the other hand, Pix isn’t sharing all of her secrets, but she thinks she has no choice. Pix continues to help Gabe, but there’s a real question as to whether their friendship will survive.

What didn’t work as well:

It’s not essential that you read the first two books, but there are references to things Pix and Gabe did in the first book. It also feels like Pix is casting spells in every chapter, and it feels like too much. Much of the story takes place in the magical worlds of pixies and angels, so perhaps it makes sense.

The final verdict:

This book is more “serious” than the previous books, since Pix must use her antics and thinking skills to solve a big problem. In the past, there was more collaboration between Pix and Gabe, but Pix controls almost all decisions driving the plot. I highly recommend you read this book, and it’s not a bad idea to start with the beginning of the series. 

The Wondrous Tale of Lavender Wolfe by Karen Foxlee

What worked:

The setting aboard the pirate ship is strange, as all children develop their magic. Lavender finds herself below deck working with the kitchen crew. However, Big Agatha says it’s bad luck to have girls in the kitchen, so Lavender immediately has her hair cut off and is given the name Hans Whitby. The children’s magic is varied, as one can measure ingredients by sight, another can fly, and another can summon birds. Big Agatha calls the six children in the kitchen her rats and orders and threatens them. However, rats is an endearing term, and she’s quick to give hugs, offer soothing words, and magic cooking.

Big Agatha and the rats tell a tale about the origin of the ship’s curse, and it’s identifiable by the boldface font. A wizard cast a spell that will take full effect at the end of the year, so the conflict has a deadline to increase tension. As the plot progresses, readers will learn that some of the characters are connected to the original curse. Hans/Lavender begins to understand what’s at stake, and she faces a big choice. Does she try to escape the ship like her friend Colin, or does she stay on the ship and risk the same cursed fate of the crew? The characters' emotional trials are a highlight.

The author has a creative mind and masterful talent for description and language. The words will make readers think, create vivid mental images, and evoke a full range of emotions. Hans becomes torn about returning to her mother or remaining on the ship as a pirate. She defiantly reminds herself that she’s Lavender, but readers will notice how that inner voice becomes less insistent. Big Agatha is distressed every time one of her kitchen rats joins the crew on deck, as she demonstrates love and caring for them. The author subtly describes the camaraderie among the rats, and readers will become empathetic toward their fates and ever-changing relationships.

What didn’t work as well:

The thing that makes this book special may also make it confusing for young readers. Amazon suggests it for ages eight and older, but 8-year-olds will find connections between the plot and Agatha’s tale confusing. The book is also described as “playful illustrated”, but there are limited pictures that don’t majorly impact the story.

The final verdict:

Older middle-grade readers will enjoy this adventure and the author’s inventive world-building. Lavender/Hans is a dynamic character, and her emotional journey is gripping. I recommend you try this book for yourself.

The Neverfear (Impossible Creatures 3) by Katherine Rundell

What worked:

Christopher helps a mother unicorn deliver its distressed baby, but there’s an unexpected result. Somehow, touching the infant imbues Christopher with the ability to receive animals’ thoughts and emotions. It comes in handy at times, such as when controlling an injured behemoth, but it also carries potentially dangerous consequences. It affects him physically and can become overwhelming. Readers know this is a significant ability, and it will impact the story before the problems are resolved.

As the book’s title implies, it’s full of unusual and impossible creatures and characters. Jacques is back, and this tiny dragon with attitude is Christopher’s companion and a source of amusement for readers. Companion might be the wrong word, because Jacques constantly questions decisions and tells the humans how they’re doomed. He also has many flowery instructions for Christopher to write in the dragon’s biography. Manticores, Cerberus, and giants are imposing obstacles, or they assist the characters. The author’s imagination will introduce readers to other creatures that they’ve never heard of. The back of the book contains illustrations and descriptions for many of them.

The plot focuses on Irian’s rescue after being kidnapped by bandits. Christopher and Anya are forced to rescue her on their own, since the kidnappers have forbidden them from telling Nighthand, her husband. This restriction enhances the conflict because Nighthand is a berserker and formidable warrior. Christopher and Anya are ordered to obtain three objects that were once part of Hercules’s thirteen labors. They question why the kidnappers want these three specific items and wonder if something larger is happening. The Immortal was an important character in the first book but was absent from the second. The Immortal is reborn as a young boy, and his presence complicates the conflict. A new antagonist, Astor Morax, is introduced, and his evil plans will continue into the next book.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot mostly follows Christopher and Anya, so readers might want to know more about the other characters. However, the author saves a surprise about Anya for later in the book, although astute readers will suspect it. Also, it would be nice to have the illustrations of creatures within the story instead of grouping them at the end.

The final verdict:

Lovers of adventure and uncommon beasts will enjoy this book. Serious dangers threaten this world, and the events come to a dramatic climax, or two. I highly recommend you try this book for yourself, and further, I suggest you start with the first book in the series. 

Ghost in the Night by Tiffany D. Jackson

What worked:

As you might guess from the synopsis, this ghost story turns into a mystery. A popular black man is murdered, his grandson goes missing, and Harmony’s new friend Myah is determined to find the killer. Myah is also dealing with the consequences of a poor decision, but readers don’t learn the details until later. Robby is a precocious ten-year-old dealing with an overprotective mother. Harmony is still grieving for her recently deceased grandmother, and she’s been touring with her father’s band for the past six months. She wonders if she’s already seen her grandmother’s ghost, so she’s more open to the possibility of spirits in the most haunted city in America.

The narrative is a nice blend of fiction, true ghost tales, and the history of New Orleans and Savannah. The author acknowledges she took some liberties “to keep this story PG”, since some of the actual tales are “REALLY gruesome”. There are links in the back of the book to some of the author’s favorite ghost tours and sources of ghostly information. The narrative includes actual locations and real people who lived in Savannah. The author includes information about the abuse and disrespect shown toward slaves, and readers may be surprised to know that parts of Savannah are built atop mass graves.

What didn’t work as well:

Readers looking for a ghost story will be disappointed. The book has more information about ghosts than it does about a spooky story. The mystery of the murder is the driving force of the plot, along with the children’s subplots mentioned above. The book’s second half becomes more interesting as things fall into place.

The final verdict:

Despite the backdrop of ghost stories and a murder mystery, the story of the three children is most engaging. I recommend this book to readers interested in learning about ghosts and children dealing with hardships. 

The Magic Library of Waterfall Way (The Prophecymakers) by Julie Abe

What worked:

Lyra is immediately cast into the role of underdog when she’s labeled Extremely Unremarkable. She’s the only Unremarkable in the empire, and the empire’s census shows it. She’ll be sent to the Mist if a guild doesn’t accept her, and every guild so far balks when they become aware of her status as Extremely Unremarkable. Readers will develop empathy for Lyra’s character because she’s desperate to find a place she can call home. Her parents are dead, and her older sister is in the Guild of the Crown, so she doesn’t have any family left. The Guild of Scholars is her last chance to avoid the Mist.

The Guild of the Crown is cast in a negative light, as its superiority is lorded over everyone else. This guild will probably become more of a focus in future books, but the Mist is the true antagonist this time. The Mist was once united with the Guilds, but they were separated hundreds of years ago. The Mist wants to control all of the magic in the world, although they’re appeased when the Guilds send them any Unremarkables who are not part of a guild. Readers and Lyra will learn more about the Mist throughout the book, as Lyra reads and hears stories about the past. The topic of Prophecymakers arises later in the plot, but it’s very important to the series.

Two supporting characters are important to the plot for different reasons. Wishlight is a sable that can transform into a book, with a tail. Lyra and Wishlight can communicate through their minds, and Wishlight possesses a bit of magic. Wishlight gives Lyra an unexpected quest that becomes the conflict’s main conflict. Flynn is the assistant to the Guild Master, and his dislike for Lyra is evident. He openly says he wishes she’d leave, even though they’ve both lost family members. There are moments when they seem to bond, but any camaraderie doesn’t last.

What didn’t work as well:

Lyra’s quest is unusual, as it involves reopening halls in the library that closed following a great fire. She makes attempts to find the keys, but she can always leave whenever she wants to have dinner or rest in her bed. Venturing inside the library presents dangers, but the ability to leave makes it unusual.

The final verdict:

The fact that Lyra is an orphan and only wants to find a new family and home will touch readers’ heartstrings. The premise of the book is fresh and innovative, and I recommend you give it a shot!

The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia (An Illustrated Novel) by Leia Ham

What worked:

Sparrow, real name Ruyan, is an unassuming, humble student, trying to learn about magic before it’s lost. All children in this setting possess magic while knowing they’ll lose it as adults. Her older brother Ainsley is a third-year student, but he’s recognized for his powerful fire magic. In contrast, the fire Sparrow summons is barely larger than the flame on a match, and she feels inadequate when compared to other students, especially her brother. However, she sees a vision while being tested for her magical ability, and she’s told that’s usually an indicator of strong power. The head healer examines her and says something is blocking Sparrow’s ability to access her power. This tells readers that there’s more to her character than they currently see, and they’ll await the moment her powers awaken.

Sparrow becomes obsessed with finding out the cause of magedrain, which is causing students to lose their magic. She thinks it’s not natural reasons and suspects that someone is poisoning their classmates. Sparrow quickly identifies a suspect, but readers will question if she’s right. The suspect seems too obvious, and Sparrow makes all of her observations and “evidence” fit this person. The illness is attacking students with the strongest magic, so Sparrow fears her brother may be one of the next victims. Her friend wonders if Sparrow is more concerned about finding the guilty party or proving her brother wrong. Good question.

The school’s purpose is to strengthen students’ magic, and it’s interesting to see the variety of mages. Besides Sparrow’s fire, her best friends Lyndon and Orla possess air and nature magic, respectively. All of the students want stronger powers, although Lyndon has a special interest in magecraft, the art of engineering magic. The school includes a first-year bully who goes out of her way to heckle and tease Sparrow. Sparrow eventually has an unexpected reaction to the girl’s harassment, but it’s important to the story.

What didn’t work as well:

It would be nice to know more about a few of the supporting characters. Ainsley is a conflicted mage, but readers are only shown his arrogant side. Camellia taunts Sparrow throughout much of the story, but behaves differently later on. Readers don’t really know exactly what changed to cause this new version of herself.

The final verdict:

The book has many of the same traits as other stories about schools for magic students, although it’s unusual that none of the teachers can perform it. The plot focuses on the mystery of magedrain and Sparrow’s drive to prove herself, culminating in a surprising revelation that will continue into the sequel. I recommend you try this book for yourself.

Jamie Cooper and the Touchscreen Portal by J.P. Harper

What worked:

The format will be familiar to middle-grade readers, as an underdog, Jamie, teams up with two students at opposite ends of the student spectrum. Dan is a large, quiet boy whom everyone else avoids out of fear. Lakshmi is a popular, top student who brings her knowledge to the group. A twist involves Jamie’s older brother, as his father has moved to this small town for a fresh start. The early chapters inform readers that Cameron died, but they soon learn that he actually disappeared. This fact leaves the door open for Cameron to reappear later.

Visiting a new world is nothing new, although this book connects Myridiam to video games. The mysterious messages and portal to the world arise from Jamie’s iPad, and a version of it allows him to return home. Much of his experience doesn’t feel like virtual reality, although Jamie, Dan, and Lakshmi see text in their peripheral vision that identifies unknown creatures and weapon upgrades. Upon arriving in Myridiam, a chamber chooses a bow for Jamie, giving him the ability to rapidly shoot arrows with electrical charges or fire. Dan is assigned gleaming armor along with a shield that can grow to protect him and others from attacks. Lakshmi receives a staff that fires an energy beam and other powers that are revealed when needed.

It’s interesting to note that these three Guardians don’t overtly kill anyone with their powerful weapons, and there are many fighting scenes where that can happen. The only clue that an opponent might have been slain is a VR message indicating Jamie’s arrow made a critical hit. The kids have virtuous characters that aren’t immediately evident in the early chapters. This quality and their merciful nature make others respect and admire them, which is especially important when they venture within the borders of suspicious, aggressive Sothian warriors.

What didn’t work as well:

The ending is disappointing, as it leaves readers needing to read the sequel to resolve unfinished business. Also, the characters get into dire, no-win situations, but the arrows, staff, or armor get sudden upgrades to get them out of it, especially Lakshmi’s staff. It sometimes feels like cheating, since the characters don’t use their talents or intelligence to come up with solutions.

The final verdict:

This book will appeal to middle-grade readers who enjoy underdog characters with unexpected abilities. The purity and compassion of the main characters are admirable, as they aid new allies to save Myridiam. I recommend you try this book for yourself.