This was different from the first two books in the series, and while I missed Verity, I was still happy to learn more about the Price family. Though, Alex was boring compared to this more flamboyant sister.

I did end up liking the book, but I found myself skimming parts and wishing the plot would get a move on. There were parts that were info-dumps in order to acclimate the reader to this new non-sentient cryptid world. (Which, I did appreciate since I had wondered about that during Verity's books.)

However, I really liked Shelby once she had character development beyond Alex's clueless girlfriend. And I loved seeing more of the gorgon community. (Verity and Dominic's cameo seemed needlessly shoehorned in, though.)

It was great seeing Sarah again, particularly since last we saw her she wasn't in a very good place. I really want to know more about cuckoos, and it seems like Alex's books may give me that given Grandma Angela is one too.

Once again, thank you to the publisher for providing this to voters for Hugo award consideration. This wasn't my favourite of the books so far, but this continues to be an enjoyable and interesting series and I look forward to continuing on with Alex and Shelby's next adventure.

I love this series and appreciate the chance to revisit before the Hugo voting - I've been buying the earlier books slowly. This is probably my favorite installment currently - I have a soft spot for books about reality shows, and this puts Verity in her world-burning element, with important consequences for where things go from here. Plus more Dominic and other interesting Price family members.

I absolutely adored this book, which was both a bit of a delightful surprise and the first step in laying a foundation of affection for everything that comes after this!

With book three the focus switched to Alex, Verity’s older brother. Alex is working at a zoo in Ohio while staying with his grandparents and cousin Sarah. He assistant at the zoo is a gorgon who is helping him with cataloguing the local fricken population. Turns out his girlfriend at the zoo, a visiting professional from Australia knows about the cyprid population. After a few crossed wired they are both working to find what is turning people to stone around the zoo and it isn’t his assistant.

Another fun entertaining read set in the InCryptid universe and I picked up book four right after this one to find out what happens next for Alex.