Katherine Rundell has pulled off something magical with The Poisoned King. She’s taken the beloved characters from Impossible Creatures and spun them into a fresh adventure that feels both new and deeply connected to the first book. That balance isn’t easy, but she makes it look effortless.

Her writing is a delight—lush, clever, and occasionally challenging in the best way. I often found myself pausing to savor a phrase (or even look up a word!), which only deepened my appreciation for her craft. This is the kind of story that makes you want to learn as much as you want to escape into its pages.

The extras made the world feel even more alive: the detailed map, the creature sketches, the sense that you’re leafing through an old bestiary. It gave me that wonderful “classic fantasy” feeling, the kind where you lose track of time and fall headfirst into wonder.

Enchanting, ambitious, and unforgettable—this is exactly what I hope for in a sequel.

***Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book*** As a sequel to one of my favorite middle-grade books of recent times, this book did not disappoint. I am constantly recommending Impossible Creatures and was really excited to see that a second book was available. With the return of Christopher, Irian, and Nighthand, along with some others, the introduction of some new characters made this a fresh update into the world of the Archipelago. Katherine Rundell is a masterful storyteller, creating a special world that any lover of fantasy can not help but be drawn to. Here's the idea: Christopher is summoned by his tiny dragon friend to go back to the Archipelago (a wonderful world where all the fantastic creatures and magic is real) to solve the mystery of why the dragons are dying. Christopher has been looking for any excuse to go back, so he agrees and starts the trek to Scotland and his grandfather's cabin, where he can enter this beloved place. There, he is met by friends and prophecy, adventure, and poison. By agreeing to help the dragons and a girl who's being hunted, it ties together 2 stories in such a gratifying way. There's truly something for everyone in this new installment.

I really enjoyed this book. It was magical and full of mystical creatures that made the story feel alive and enchanting. Katherine Rundell has a way of writing that makes the world feel timeless, and I think Poisoned King has the potential to become a classic. It’s a story that pulls you in and stays with you even after you finish reading.

I’ve been anticipating this book since I finished “Impossible Creatures”, and it did not disappoint. The power and impact of friendship was beautifully incorporated, between Christopher and Anya, Anya and the birds, and many more characters.

I applaud Rundell’s creation of Anya—many kids’ books write about an evil villain who was evil since birth (her uncle might fall under this category), but Anya showed how a person can either become the thing they hate (through her mom’s necklace she saw how hard and feared she would become if she killed her uncle) or grow into the person they want to be. Children who experience a lot of trauma understandably have a great deal of rage, and I appreciated how the characters around Anya helped her navigate her heightened emotions, while giving her the anonymity to make her own decisions.

Also, can we please talk about Koo for a minute!? Such a cute little fluff ball. Where can I get one?

If you don't know this series, jump into book 2 without any problem. I loved this one more than the first, and I think that if you want to give this book a try, this volume first, because it is less frenetic, less confusing, and easier to follow. (Book 1 is good too, but it has a lot of characters and things to get used to, so it's more challenging, although the end brought tears to my eyes. If you are an avid fantasy reader, used to a lot of characters and action, read in order. ) Each book addresses a different episode, and although the guardian is the same, the rest of the characters are from the same magical world as the first. This time, we go on an adventure to save a father, a king, to solve a murder, and it's guided by revenge and justice. You will love book 2 and will run to read the first, or, like me, you will be looking forward to a new adventure in this world in book 3 (because book 2 ends with a wonderful revelation).
I love that Jack makes me laugh.

Book two of the Impossible Creatures series did not disappoint.

It starts with the main character from the previous book, Christopher, who finds out that dragons are dying and he must return to the Archipelago to help save them. In, the Archipelago, there is a princess, Anya, who needs help after her grandfather is murdered, and her father is accused of the killing him. Christopher and Anya realize that they need to help each other to be able to save the
dragons and save her father.

I loved this book and feel like it's an easier, slightly more engaging read than book one. Since the world was already built up in book one, book two is able to focus more on the story and returning to the characters we already know from book one. The pacing was also really good. It felt like it moved along at a swift pace with lots of excitement which I feel is important to keep middle grade readers engaged. I have an 11-year-old who has read Impossible Creatures and I'm excited for them to read book two which I think they will enjoy.

This is a fantastic series! It’s got magic, mythical beasts, and adventure.. I love the characters and setting. The emotions are real and the characters feel like friends.
.The setting is magical, and the world building is great. But this is so much more than a whimsical story. There is real heartbreak and loss here and yet it’s handled so beautifully.
Highly recommend both books!

Oh also, the narration is absolutely brilliant, so I’d recommend the audio!

I look forward to sharing this with my Middle Grade Book Club

Christopher hurries to the Archipelago as soon as he hears that dragons are mysteriously dying. He takes a detour to save a girl being hunted by soldiers, and together, they realize their stories are twisted up together. But Christopher is unwilling to give up on saving the dragons, and Anya is unwilling to give up on saving her father, so they work together to beat the deadline and try to prevent something even worse than a usurping king.

I'm sorry; I tried to write a good summary, but after reading this book, nothing I write seems any good at all by comparison. I was only three pages from the end and thinking Katherine Rundell had at last failed to make me sob during one of her books. But nope. Got me. The plot itself is a pretty classic story. But the characters and the writing are so enchanting and lovable. The narration manages to be lyrical and swift at the same time, stopping far from being melodramatic but hinting at something greater than you might expect from a simple children's book. And don't forget the funny moments. I want to immerse myself in this world forever. But also not touch it because it's probably better with minimal contact with humans. I hope this series continues. I'll go buy more tissues.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Princess Anya’s grandfather has been murdered and her father is accused. When her uncle takes over, an attempt is made on Anya’s life and she barely manages to escape. Heading to the Islet of Gimlet, she takes refuge with her friend, Christopher. There, the Beserker Nighthand helps the duo see how their missions to save the dragons and Anya’s father are connected. As the duo set out on their interconnected missions, can Christopher and Anya figure out who framed her father? Can the two friends save the dragons?

The plot is engaging, full of adventure, and is hard to put down. The well-developed characters continue to grow and keep and keep readers engaged. The world building is well done and continues from book one. Readers who like fantasy, adventure, and mystery will want to pick this one up. Recommended for most library collections. 5 stars, Gr 5 to 8

I love the mythical creatures and the magical elements of this series. It really helps the reader use their imagination. I was excited to receive a copy of this book. I read the first book after my daughter enjoyed it. So excited to have something to look forward to with this author.

I keep wanting these books to be much better than they are. There are components that could make them so cool, but they just fall flat. This one had a whole lot of nothing going on.

Christopher's first adventure in the Archipelago has changed him forever, and when Jacques comes to tell him dragons are dying, he finds himself mixed up in a brutal quest to save creatures and humans alike. Princess Anya is desperate to save her father, and together, they find all kinds of help. The story of bravery, love, and conquering fear with friendship will resonate with fantasy readers of all ages. Every page is magical, and the art is lovely.

This book was as good as the first. I really enjoyed going back to this world. I love the characters and the struggle how they help each other out. The world is fun and imaginative.

I received a digital arc from the publisher via Netgalley though all thoughts are my own.

I was excited to get back into this world, to see what new adventures Christopher would go on and what creatures would be encountered. The anticipation was well worth the wait and I enjoyed this book just as much as I did the first.

In this sequel, there are so many fascinating mythical creatures introduced which were a mix of the popular ones seen in fantasy as well as some of the more elusive and I loved reading about all of them.

I really enjoyed getting to know Anya who is second in line to a throne that she's never much cared about as she's spent most of her young life in the woods with her father who loves nothing more than to be around plants, animals and help those who he encounters whether they be animal or human.

She is not a fan of having to be back at the castle where her grandfather is King and rules the island they are on. She would rather run free and be back among the forest with her beloved gaganas (raven-like creatures that she's able to communicate with) and her Father. Anya soon finds herself on the run when her Father is framed for the murder of the King, which Anya is confident he didn't commit and she learns who wants not only her Dad dead but also her.

When she is saved by Christopher and Naravirala the Sphinx, she will find herself on the adventure of a lifetime to hopefully help save Dragons who are dying of a mysterious poison that could very well be linked to what happened to her Grandfather. This adventure could very well alter the course of her future and will take courage to follow her heart as she tries to race to save her Father and hopefully find a cure to the mysterious poison.

My heart hurt for all of the tough decisions that Anya had to make as she tried to save her Dad from someone who wants the throne and will do anything to get that crown.

Highly recommend this book and I'm so excited to read the next book in the series!

Trigger warnings: death of a family member, poisoning, death of animals, attempted murder of a child, false imprisonment

Christopher Forrester is summoned back to the Archipelago by Jacques, the sparrow-sized dragon who loves him. But the dragons, of all stripes and sizes, are dying, poisoned from within. Across the sea, Princess Anya mourns her grandfather’s murder, her innocent father framed for the crime. On Glimt, an island of refuge, their stories braid—grief, danger, the possibility of cure. They work against time. An uncle plots, power shifts, the islands tremble. Myth and poison entwine. To save dragons, to clear a name, to preserve what matters—they have to believe in more than survival.

The middle-grade novel is divided into three sections -- Castle, Dragons, and Revenge. Yes, Christopher is back, but the story focuses on Anya's situation and personal journey. It's equally delightful as the first book in the series, and it could be read as a stand-alone. But why would you deprive yourself of the imaginative world-building and mythical characters? Read them both.

[Thanks to Random House Children's Books and NetGalley for an opportunity to read an advanced reader copy and share my opinion of this book.]

It’s finally here! The sequel to last year’s “Impossible Creatures”. When Christopher wakes up to find a tiny dragon chewing on his face, he knows he’ll be heading back to the Archipelago where magical creatures still live.
After the difficult journey back to the Archipelago, he meets Anneth, a princess who carries a newly hatched chick in her pocket and has a black bird named Gallia with whom she can communicate. While Christoper’s focus is saving the dragons, Anneth’s is rescuing her father from the castle dungeon. The two decide to join forces and you will be flipping the pages as the two (or three if you include Jacques, the little dragon) soar on the back of a sphinx to save a kingdom and the mighty creatures.
And the huge (very warranted) success of “Impossible Creatures” has caused, I have read, Ms.Rundell to expand the series from three books to five. Woohoo!

Great story! I was drawn in from the first chapter. The characters felt real and I felt like I was in the story with them. I have not read the first book, but didn't feel like I missed anything. However, I am definitely going back to read it now. Highly recommend this book!

The second book in a series, this fast paced fantasy is a delight. The world building and fantastical creatures keep pace with a plot that will appeal to all ages. The moral dilemma leads to a life lesson that we all need. I’ll be recommending this series to young and old.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

“The Poisoned King” is book two in Katherine Rundell’s “Impossible Creatures,” one of those incredible children’s books that has “future classic” emblazoned all over it. The new installment is highly anticipated (like by the 9 year old dragon obsessed reader in our family) and it will deliver the same thrills and chills of experiencing Rundell’s magical bestiary all over again.

It’s one year later and Christopher, the boy who discovered his grandfather is the guardian of a “waybetween” — a portal between our world and the Archipelago where the last remaining magic or “glimourie” remains, returns, but this time he’s first alerted by his own baby dragon friend, Jacques, who tells him that the dragons of the Archipelago are being poisoned. He takes up the challenge and crosses paths this time with Princess Anya, instead of Mal (who taught him the world was far more colossal that he realized). Anya is fleeing from her evil uncle (and all-around bad guy) who murdered her grandfather. Their chief ally from the bestiary this time is the Sphinx. It’s another thrilling story that will delight the previous readers and enchant the adults who read it to their children at bedtime. 5 stars!

Again, the US edition is beautifully illustrated by Ashley MacKenzie and the edition has her bestiary at the end of the book.

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Well, we know that centaurs and dryads have green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO It’s a magical forest, so anything goes.

Thank you to Random House Children's Books | Knopf Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

I cannot recommend this series enough!

Normally the second book isn’t quite as good as the first but that was not the case with this one!! This was phenomenal!

I read this to my 8 year old and every single night he begged for more chapters. He said at this end this was a 5 star book for sure.

In this second installment of the Impossible Creatures series, we follow Christopher as he goes back to the Archipelago to help Jacques save the dragons. But with Naraviralas guidance they find Anya, the Princess of Dousha, who is in desperate need of their help also. Turns out helping Anya and the dragons are the same mission.

This was 5/5 stars and I cannot wait for more in this series! We will definitely be buying a physical copy for our shelf. I highly recommend this!!