This is actually the second book in the series which I was not aware of. As I have not read the first book, there are some references which I did not get. But having said that, this book can be read without reading the first one. The book has a little of magic, action, adventure and mystery all added to make it a fun middle grade novel o read.

I enjoyed this, and look forward to reading any future volumes. Good world-building, plot, and characters with whom one can sympathise. My only quibble is the amount of back-story the reader needs to be aware of to fully appreciate the book. Weaving this into his storyline, Neale sometimes lets the plot sag a little while the reader catches up. This, however, is a minor detraction from an otherwise accomplished piece of work.

I'm starting to think middle grade books are better and more intricate than most of the YA I've tried.

This is the second book in the series, but can be read without the first.

Everyone knows I’m a big fan of Tolkien (I suppose it’s in the name)

I love the beautiful, meandering descriptions of trees and the world that is Middle Earth.

And you know what? I don’t care if a book has more descriptions than a book ought to have – if those descriptions are gorgeous, I’m in.

This story begins with a little boy who finds himself relocated to a neighbourhood.

He missed his dad. Before he died, Mum or Dad would make sure one of them was home during the holidays, but Mum said she couldn’t afford that anymore.

The neighbourhood is absolutely magical, and Thomas must spend his days with Abby, and her caretakers, Nora and Daphne.

Abby was outside swinging around the stupid wooden sword, and she was not beyond hitting him with a stick when they all played at fighting either.

Image result for young girl with sword deviantart

Little does Thomas know, Nora and Daphne are witches. And they are truly Some of the coolest witches I’ve read in modern literature.

Image result for young boy with sword deviantart

Abby was once able to do fantastic magic but gave up her magic to save her mother.

The story truly begins when Thomas begins to stay over with Abby, Nora and Daphne.

DaphneI haven’t forgotten being a child. And I know that you pretty well, young lady. Not all problems can be solved with a sword.

Nora: Nora is the extremely grumpy old witch with a kind heart deep down (she’s basically the Granny Weatherwax of this book)

Daphne and Nora, other than being witches, are guardians of the Peace Accords – protectors of humans from magical danger.

Things start getting real when Erykah, queen of the fairies, enlists the Guardians of the Peace accords to help in destroying the Ruined – a group of distorted and evil elves. The catch is that Erykah wishes for Abby to be enlisted, but Nora and Daphne are afraid to involve Abby. However, Thomas is taken by the Ruined.

Image result for elves deviantart

The Ruined:Daphne held her breath. So hadn’t seen her friend so angry for centuries but, with the Ruined on the march, the twisted and fallen elves armed with their heavy blades, made of a decaying metal that literally poisoned anything it touched.

I won’t spoil much more of the plot – but it’s very complex for a middle grade book, yet understandable. I absolutely love love love. The magic system and wonderful races (elves, pixes, dwarves and ruined.)

The Dwarves: I absolutely love the dwarves in this book. They’re similar to the Tolkien mythos. Einion is an amazingly loyal and skilled blacksmith, while Rhiannon is a kindly female dwarf (with a beard, of course) who helps Abby and the Guardians of the Peace Accord as best she can.

There are a lot of nods to Tolkien (Abby’s middle name is Arwen)

This book has a great start with anticipation but it lags near the middle and end. I truly enjoy how, like many fantastic middle grade books, the judgement, wisdom and wit of the elderly is emphasized and becomes a joy of my life

One of the cons of this book is Thomas. Initially, we can sympathise with him due to the death of his father, but the death is never again mentioned by Thomas and he continues to be an irritating little boy throughout the book.

This book is recommended for anyone who enjoyed the Spiderwick Chronicles, but something a little more complex and fun. I feel like it’s a fantastic start for children to be introduced to high fantasy with black and white morals.

A Middle Grade book about Elves, Witches, Fairies and humans.

This is I believe a sequel about a young girl named Abby who had already been to the Fairy World and been recognised as warrior by defeating a rotten Fairy King along with her brother Chris.

The sequel centres around Abby and her young neighbour Tom who has been kidnapped by the Ruined and being used against the Guardians and the Accords. Everyone had there own agenda but at what risk to Abby and Tom who are human children.

This is a good book for 9-13 year olds to read as it’s about magic and mayhem. There is some action scenes and this book sets you up nicely for a War that is coming.

For me personally it wasn’t the best book (but I am older than 13!) quick read and the characters of given a bit more would be quite enjoyable.

Abby and Chris has moved. Abby is 11 years old. She is being taken care of 2 witches during the day while her mother is at work. Thomas the boy from the next door neighbors is there during the day to be taken care of. Thomas isn’t happy to go there as he doesn’t like Abby for beating him at sword play. Abby practices a type of sword style every morning. She is serious compared to Thomas. The Queen of Fairy comes calling from her world to ask for help from the 2 witches. The Queen wants Abby to help with a war that is coming to her land. Why does she want Abby? What did she ask the two witches for?

The author writes an excellent magical , adventure, mystery novel. It is a novel that contains magic, secrets, adventures and surprises. I enjoyed how the characters traveled to different worlds when needed. I admired all of the characters as they stayed true to themselves wither for good or evil. As I read it, I did discover the price of magic is.

First I will tell you that I find a book that leaves the reader hanging is a sure way to alienate this reader. This book is like the first half of a book- One child is left in danger and another is left in a magical land hoping to be healed. The war is just beginning at the end of the book.

I was extremely disappointed and disgusted that the writer was unable to write a complete story.

Abby, an 11 yr old girl and her brother Chris moved two summers ago and found out her neighbors were witches. Chris is gone for the Easter holidays this year and Abby is spending quite a bit of time with Daphne and Nora, the witches. Thomas a neighborhood boy is also staying with them although most think he is more than a bit of trouble. While taking a walk, the Queen of the Land of Fairy comes looking for help and insists Abby must give her help as well. The witches try to protect Abby, but gets drawn into events when Thomas gets kidnapped and is held by the The Malevolent King Rictus the Gaunt. Abby and her friends must find a way to rescue Thomas and help the Queen of the Fairies. Full of adventures and magic. I received this book from Net Galley for an honest review.