Snow Blind (The Talisman Series Vol. 2.5) by Brett Salter

What worked:

This novella begins differently from previous books as it highlights Mr. Jones. He’s the series character who collects the knowledge of Darkbrand creatures while everyone else has the skills to fight them. Mr. Jones has a spell allowing him to teleport to different places worldwide. Most of the books have jumped into the action with dragons and their riders combatting viscous Darkbrands from the Void. This time, Mr. Jones investigates a possible new dragon ally in Antarctica. He is contacted from an email address he doesn’t recognize before being instructed to travel to Antarctica. He stops in Chile along the way where he meets a professional hunter. Readers will know right away that this man is evil and he will cross paths with Mr. Jones again. This is the first book in the series where Darkbrands aren’t a major factor in the plot. The author still finds ways to infuse levity into the story as he’s done in all of the other books.

Readers are introduced to the world of Ice Dragons which is the clan Krysta hails from. Krysta is a character from the second book who has gone through the Great Synergy. The author adds drama when Mr. Jones finds out many of the Ice Dragons aren’t happy that Krysta left, including her father. Yukon doesn’t believe dragons should bond with humans and he’s still angry that dragons were abandoned and hunted by humans in the past. Mr. Jones becomes an ambassador for humans although changing Yukon’s mind may be impossible. A small dragon named Glyph guides Mr. Jones through the caverns and adds a friendly voice to the story.

What didn’t work as well:

There are a couple of jumps to new settings that are unexpected and confusing. One of them describes characters not directly involved in this plot and the other is a flashback inserted into the story. The flashback would make more sense if it appeared right after Yukon is introduced.

The final verdict:

I suggest you read the first two books in the series before reading this novella to get some context into what’s happening. Featuring the quirky Mr. Jones presents a new kind of adventure in the series but brings up some of the same issues. Lovers of dragon stories will enjoy this book and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Vanderhoff Heist (Mystery at the Biltmore 1) by Colleen Nelson

What worked:

Elodie’s parents are famous detectives who investigate art thefts around the world. They won’t let Elodie accompany them on their trips but she’s learned investigative skills from talking with them. She wonders if anyone will want a young girl to investigate their cases but she’s confident she can do the job. A valuable piece of inspiration comes from her housekeeper, Ms. Rosa, who said that just because there hasn’t been a detective her age, why can’t there be one now? Elodie keeps track of clues in her notebook as she explores the elements of all crimes: suspects, motives, and how they were done.

The Biltmore holds many unique personalities as Elodie investigates the theft of Mrs. Vanderhoff’s earrings. Elodie is joined by Oscar, a daredevil young boy who is angry about moving to the hotel. Other residents become suspects although Elodie thinks they’re all so nice that she can’t imagine them as thieves. Mrs. Vanderhoff has accused her housekeeper of the theft but Agnes is the one who contacts Elodie about the crime. Freddie is the friendly doorman who has keys to all of the apartments. An orchid enthusiast had a falling out with Mrs. Vanderhoff and the kids note raising flowers is an expensive hobby. One of the Flying Wallendas lives across the courtyard and could have entered the apartment without using the door. Another resident has transformed his place into a bird sanctuary and might need money to care for them. It’s Elodie’s task to deduce the identity of the real jewel thief.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot is simple without serious complications so more experienced readers may be disappointed. As soon as Elodie finds a suspect she thinks of a reason why it can’t be them. It feels like the last suspect she finds will be the guilty party.

The final verdict:

Elodie is a charming character and the story is perfect for emerging mystery lovers. Cute, color illustrations are included to help bring the characters to life. I recommend you give this book a shot.

The Pinchers and the Curse of the Egyptian Cat (The Pinchers 5) by Anders Sparring & Per Gustavsson

What worked:

The book’s synopsis clearly explains what happens in the book. Theo is the main character and the contrast between his family and him sets the stage for the amusing stories in this series. He’s the only honest member of his thieving family and he can’t even tell a lie. The curse makes this book different from the rest of the series as Theo and his sister Ellen switch places. Theo takes a liking to stealing and lying while Elen gets nervous about breaking the law.

This book is perfect for readers in the lower to middle grades. It has many color illustrations to help readers visualize the Pinchers in their “prison-stripe” shirts and black robber masks. The plot is fast-paced and the short chapters don’t require much stamina. Emerging readers will enjoy feelings of success as they complete chapters while more-able readers can probably finish the book in one sitting. The book can be read independently from the rest of the series, as each has a distinct, separate story. The opening pages present a photo gallery of the Pincher family with descriptions of the characters. Even Granny makes an appearance near the end of the book when she escapes prison to attend Sunday dinner with the family.

What didn’t work as well:

The book doesn’t have many flaws for its young target audience. It’s funny, has pictures, and it’s easy to read. More-able readers may not like the simplicity and they may question some details. However, the book is suitably written for young, emerging readers.

The final verdict:

The fast-paced story with illustrations will appeal to a wide range of young readers. The humor and quirky personalities make the characters relatable. Overall, I recommend you give this amusing book and the series a shot.

Zombie Season 3: Rise of the Ancients

What worked:

Disclaimer: I’ve not read the previous two books so keep that perspective in mind as you read on. The Prologue opens with a battle between humans and a giant zombie that escapes from its frozen prison up in the waters of Alaska. This presumably happened in book two. The main conflict pits humans against zombies that have risen worldwide for many years. They typically become active during warmer months and things calm down again in Autumn. However, something’s changed and there are fears that the zombie attacks will continue longer than they ever have before. Plus, they seem more organized this time. Readers will learn the giant zombie has the mental power to control other zombies and it’s discovered that it can manipulate some humans too.

The other big twist is a revelation that humans can become zombies without dying first. Some characters are aware that they’re changing, some are in denial, and some have no idea what’s happening to them. Regina is one of the main characters and she’s dealing with this problem. Oliver is the only member of her team who knows and he’s helping to keep it secret. Luckily, the chapters focusing on Regina allow readers into her mind so they can see how hard she struggles to suppress the urge to gorge on meat. She knows if she slips up she’ll finally fully transform into a full-on zombie. The fact that there are others like her living among humans means there is the potential for the humans to start fighting themselves.

Stuxville is a haven for humans so refugees flock there from all over for safety. However, living in a protected, enclosed area for a long time means resources will become scarce. There’s a feeling growing among the people that they need to stop accepting new refugees before Stuxville can no longer support everyone living there. Readers may make connections between the story and the real world. Humans are so concerned about their own survival that they become desensitized to the needs of others. The are several areas in the story where the characters compare and contrast human hoarding with the hordes of attacking zombies.

What didn’t work as well:

Different chapters focus on different characters and it’s okay when it’s the four main characters. However, some chapters switch to minor characters which tends to move the attention away from the main personalities. Also, people new to the series will feel like they’re missing the backstory so I recommend you read the first two books before this one.

The final verdict:

The story builds to an exciting climax where it seems all is lost, although the resolution may not be fully satisfying. Overall, the zombies may not be what readers are used to but there are exciting, suspenseful moments. I recommend you give it a shot starting with the first book in the Zombie Season series.

Mirror, Mirror (Creepers) by Edgar J. Hyde

What worked:

The story isn’t overembellished so it’s easy to follow and well-paced. The book opens with the family buying an old mirror from a shop owner and the youngest daughter, Sophie, finding a ballerina doll atop a music box. The family is told the mirror and doll come from the same home so readers will immediately sense something strange will happen. The mirror is hung in the den when Sophie finds herself alone, playing with her music box. She suddenly notices a terrifying scene in the mirror and witnesses a woman having her head chopped off! This kicks off the mystery of the mirror.

Maya and Dani, the two older sisters, are the main characters and middle-grade readers should be able to relate with them. Maya is the oldest child and Sophie thinks nothing can scare her. This characteristic is most handy when dealing with a haunted mirror. Dani is the most scholarly of the children as she’s constantly reading books. This habit makes her intelligent and a perfect partner for Maya. The sisters quickly realize a girl named Sara is keeper of the mirror and they’re determined to find a way to free the spirit.

What didn’t work as well:

The simple text may not appeal to more advanced readers although they often find the topics of spirits and ghosts very interesting.

The final verdict:

This book is a wonderful introduction to scary stories. Its simple text will appeal to reluctant or emerging readers and the subject matter isn’t too intense. I recommend you give it a shot.

The Abandoned Theater (Alderland Series 1) by Dana Robertson

What worked:

The story follows Beth as she wants to investigate the disappearance of a friend named Brent. Readers may be surprised to learn that her two best friends are starkly different from each other. Stan is an unpopular nerd with unusual quirks; he thinks dressing in green shorts, a green shirt, and a green fedora will act as camouflage in the woods. On the other hand, Teri is tall and pretty and she’s one of the most popular girls in school. Readers will know there’s something different about Beth as she wears an amulet that appears to glow. She dreams of places she’s never been only to discover they actually exist. She’s told she was lucky to escape the car accident that killed her parents when she was four but her aunt won’t talk about it. Beth has questions and the answers make her wonder about what she’s been told.

The theater is portrayed as a spooky, dangerous place that is off-limits to everyone. The theater owner disappeared years ago and now Brent is gone too. Beth’s aunt makes Beth promise that she’ll stay away from it but readers know that promise will soon be broken. Stan’s uncle was in the audience when the owner disappeared but he’s unable to recall any details from that night. No one fleeing the theater can remember exactly what happened. This leaves readers to speculate about the possibilities. Are the owner and Brent dead, murdered by an unknown villain? Did the owner’s wife commit the crime? The police bring her in for questioning. Perhaps something more magical is happening that might explain Beth’s amulet and premonitions. Could there be a hidden portal leading to another world?

The author artfully uses words and language to create moods and set scenes. When the kids first travel to the theater, they must maneuver a raft across a lake to reach it. At first, the lake has “gentle waves”, and fresh air “at this early hour”, and the raft drifts as the sun rises. The scene shifts once they make it across as “the sun’s rays flickered”, “an ominous shadow fell over the raft”, and the ground below the cliff was “untamed, overgrown”. Swaying branches seemed to “beckon them forward with long, slender fingers.” Once inside the theater, the kids hear clicking sounds that are “massive black crows” pecking at the skylight, blocking out the sun, “casting a shadow through the theater”.

What didn’t work as well:

The truth behind Beth’s past isn’t too hard to predict for experienced readers. The clues are all there and a character later in the book even tells Beth that she’s probably already figured it out on her own.

The final verdict:

The book’s second half has more action than the first as Beth starts to unravel the truth about her life. Shocking reunions await and Beth becomes an important factor in a war to save all worlds. There’s a medieval feel later in the story with magical elements mixed in. Overall, this should be a fascinating series to follow and I recommend you give this first book a shot.

Spy School Entrance Exam by Stuart Gibbs and Jeff Chen

What worked:

This book is a collection of puzzles enriched by the Spy School characters. The premise of the book is past mistakes led to security breaches and tainted recruitment of new CIA spies. The puzzles in this book present a new step in the screening process to identify intelligent, qualified candidates. After a brief, redacted introduction from the new CIA director, Zoe describes the first set of puzzles, word searches. Zoe has been a kind character in the past so Erica Hale presents a contrasting tone in the next section, different types of codes. Erica says she won’t be as supportive as Zoe since she’s “a spy, not a cheerleader”. Alexander Hale, Erica’s father, continues his tendency to exaggerate past accomplishments as he introduces “Outside the Box” mental challenges. However, Murray Hill, the antagonist in most of the Spy School books, interrupts and shares clever and devious solutions to the challenges. More characters from the series return to share Crypt-to-grams, crosswords, Battleship-like Battle Royale, and other familiar activities.

Many of the puzzle formats will be familiar to middle-grade readers although modifications have been made to make things trickier. Most people have seen Sudoku with numbers but how many are ready for a Sudoku with letters? “Chain Letters of Doom” requires readers to connect all twenty-six letters of the alphabet, in order, without crossing the connecting line. A fun twist to every section is the final puzzle’s hidden, coded messages that will be used later in the book. This detail promotes the book’s spy theme and helps to connect all of the different sections. In addition, all of the text, clues, and explanations are related to readers applying to become new CIA agents and to thoughts of the Spy School series.

Fans of Spy School will enjoy revisiting characters they’ve enjoyed in the past. Ben Ripley talks about his limited qualifications as a CIA agent even though he’s the main character of the series. He introduces Sudoku puzzles while Catherine Hale describes Double-Cross Crosswords. The characters mention previous events and missions so they evoke readers’ memories from other books. The last section of the book shares solutions to all of the puzzles. Of course, Murray Hill’s explanations cover more pages because he must share the clever solutions and then follow with his multiple devious solutions for villains.

What didn’t work as well:

Everyone can enjoy the variety of puzzles but they will need to read previous Spy School books to fully appreciate the characters and narratives. They have unique personalities and there are references to previous moments or relationships in the series. Crossword clues are related to the series so readers will need to have some knowledge of previous books to complete them.

The final verdict:

This book will be a treat for loyal readers although those unfamiliar with the series may not enjoy it as much. The different versions of familiar puzzles and challenges make them more interesting and difficult. Those who enjoy puzzles and Spy School will love this book and I recommend you check it out!