Review: The saga grows up
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 29, 2014
I enjoyed Scott's first book in the series "Scepter", and reviewed it previously. This continuation takes our heroes (4 tweens from the previous books plus 1) down a more intense and gritty trail of events in their effort to restore the scepter and the kingdom they love.I appreciated that the danger level and intensity increased significantly since the last book. The characters are maturing , as is the story. The "grand adventure" is moving forward at a great pace.The author writes in a style that puts the reader "in scene" without over selling it. We again get to meet new creatures, as well as some classic fantasy types we know. The interactions are believable, although still a little "easy", but that probably sits better with the books intended YA audience.We also get a deeper glimpse into the evil that is the main antagonist, the wizard Argyle. The dark magic that is afoot, along with the properties of his favorite medium "cinnabar", are detailed and let the mind imagine what other things he may be planning. A lot of the future work will depend on expanding this element of the story.The series continues to show that it is moving forward, towards what should be a climatic end. Each installment has been a pleasure to read and would be thoroughly enjoyed by the 14 year-old and younger crowd that it is aimed at. I recommend this book (and the series) as a great addition a library and will continue to purchase follow on novels.