smaugerella's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
The only problem I have with this series is that there are only two books in it
thechristined's review
5.0
I loved this sequel just as much as its predecessor; it was the perfect continuation of Isaveth and Quiz's story!
juicelina's review
4.0
*More of a 3.5*
I didn't quite like this one as much as I liked the first one, but it was still entertaining. I loved being back with Isaveth and Quiz/Esmond. (Although, there was way less Quiz than I would've liked) The mystery was just as complex, but it felt messier. Everything wrapped up in the end, but idk it just seemed messy. It seemed a bit rushed and slightly convenient. Either way this was still a pretty good conclusion. I definitely was not expecting that plot twist from the epilogue. I enjoyed R.J. Anderson's writing and I love Isaveth and Quiz with all my heart. This is an underrated middle grade that needs more love.
I didn't quite like this one as much as I liked the first one, but it was still entertaining. I loved being back with Isaveth and Quiz/Esmond. (Although, there was way less Quiz than I would've liked) The mystery was just as complex, but it felt messier. Everything wrapped up in the end, but idk it just seemed messy. It seemed a bit rushed and slightly convenient. Either way this was still a pretty good conclusion. I definitely was not expecting that plot twist from the epilogue. I enjoyed R.J. Anderson's writing and I love Isaveth and Quiz with all my heart. This is an underrated middle grade that needs more love.
snazel's review
5.0
This is such a good Middle Grade series.
Excellent, complete characters? Check.
Familiar yet interesting worldbuilding? Check.
Discussions about the impact of corrupt governments, the ways in which injustice perpetuates itself, religious prejudice, social ostracism, the power of rumour and assumption, income inequality and privilege? Check.
Title that is applicable to actionable plot and ALSO the characters' journeys? Check.
Kick-ass mystery? Check.
A very deep desire on my part for book three? Check AND check.
Excellent, complete characters? Check.
Familiar yet interesting worldbuilding? Check.
Discussions about the impact of corrupt governments, the ways in which injustice perpetuates itself, religious prejudice, social ostracism, the power of rumour and assumption, income inequality and privilege? Check.
Title that is applicable to actionable plot and ALSO the characters' journeys? Check.
Kick-ass mystery? Check.
A very deep desire on my part for book three? Check AND check.
sakurap's review
5.0
AMAZING, I am in love with the sequel. Fun fact I read this story before the first story and this book was the main reason I started reading even more. This book will forever have a special place in my heart
the_fabric_of_words's review
5.0
I loved these mysteries so much I bought them both!
We picked up these mysteries on the second book and it was love at first page. I so rarely encounter mysteries for MG that are complex and take into account the wide range of human behavior. There's an unspoken rule in MG that characters must never kill each other, or be capable of committing truly heinous violence - that's reserved for YA. So these were a delight to find!
This series is strong, featuring a heroine / investigator with a love interest (but without delving into the overtly sexual), with intricate and well-plotted storylines. The fact that they are fantasy books, and magic is integral to the plots, was also very appealing. The second book is as strong as the first, with a stronger resolution (the reveal of the poisoner is fantastic!) and a gripping read from cover to cover.
Looking for more book suggestions for your 7th/8th grade classroom and students?
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
We picked up these mysteries on the second book and it was love at first page. I so rarely encounter mysteries for MG that are complex and take into account the wide range of human behavior. There's an unspoken rule in MG that characters must never kill each other, or be capable of committing truly heinous violence - that's reserved for YA. So these were a delight to find!
This series is strong, featuring a heroine / investigator with a love interest (but without delving into the overtly sexual), with intricate and well-plotted storylines. The fact that they are fantasy books, and magic is integral to the plots, was also very appealing. The second book is as strong as the first, with a stronger resolution (the reveal of the poisoner is fantastic!) and a gripping read from cover to cover.
Looking for more book suggestions for your 7th/8th grade classroom and students?
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
peripety's review
5.0
What a wonderful sequel to A Pocket Full of Murder! I love the turn-of-the-century feel to the world and the magic system is unique and feels right at home. Action sequences near the end had me breathless with worry--great writing and plotting.
jackieforrest's review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
emma_amma's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Giving this 5/5 stars because I read this when I was younger and really liked it & it inspired me to start writing so it’s made a big impact on me. Maybe not the best book ever but it made me want to read and write more.