Can Helena survive long enough to solve the mystery?

The Book of Peril (The Last Oracle #2) is a fantastical twisty sequel to The Book of Secrets! Helena’s stuck in a steep learning curve as she struggles her way through the custodian’s instruction manual, but she’s winging it, learning more about how the oracle works as she goes. Now Helena must contend with the oracle giving out duplicate and unasked-for auguries, origami-wielding bad guys, a stalker ex-boyfriend, an attractive ex-Navy SEAL, a potentially traitorous frenemy, and yet more fashion advice from her BFF, Viv. While Helena can see through the most complex illusion, can she see through to the truth? Who is trying to fool the Oracle and why? Can she survive long enough to solve the mystery?

In The Book of Peril we learn more about the Neutralities, the magical world as a whole, and Helena visits the spiritual successor to the Library of Alexandria, the Athenaeum, searching for clues in past custodian’s reports of strange behavior on the part of the oracle and on the magic required to cast such powerful illusions. Helena must fight to protect the oracle and to clear Judy, who is jailed as the prime suspect.

Overall, this is an action-laced book with plenty to enjoy, from complex magical systems, strong female characters, believable world-building, and a mesmerizing story. One caveat: There’s a potentially triggering scene involving physical violence against a woman; so if you are triggered by that, you’ll want to skip over that particular confrontation, but you should see it coming when you get there.

This is a great addition to The Last Oracle storyline, and I’m only sorry that I have to wait for the next book. Highly recommended.

This story is full of danger, intrigue, and mystery. Not only is this world complex but the characters are too, Helena is growing into her new life,  just when she might lose it but she has plenty of help from her friends.

I enjoyed this book. It's quirky, fun and an easy read. I enjoyed the unusual storyline. Can't wait to read the next one. #TheBookOfPeril #NetGalley

Cozy mystery meets urban fantasy in this follow up tale about a clever magical bookshop.

The book nerd in me connects emphatically with Helena, the realistic shy nerd heroine.

But oh the ending broke my heart. I am definitely going to need more books in this series.