Stolen Magic

February 1, 2015
Elodie takes the stage again as a mansioner (actor) and assistant detective when a mystery interrupts her homeward journey and imperils her friends in this sequel to A Tale of Two Castles (2011).Having survived seasickness, robbery, unemployment and accusations of assassination in her first five weeks away from home, Elodie leaves the big city of Two Castles with the gentle, shape-shifting ogre known as Count Jonty Um and the erudite but illiterate dragon Masteress Meenore, intending to reassure her parents of her safety and good fortune. When a snowstorm strands the trio at the mountain hall of Oase, they discover that the Replica that keeps the island together and the volcanoes dormant is gone, and Zertrum will soon explode. Elodie dives into detective work, eager to save the island and prove her powers to Meenore, but the other guests are hostile, the host, High Brunka Marya, is an irritatingly enigmatic magical creature, and her human "bees" are less dronelike than their title of servitude suggests. The narrative shifts among Elodie, Jonty Um and Meenore are distracting, dilute an already thin plot, and in Meenore's case, run counter to previously established characterization. Despite the meager mystery, Levine still offers a detailed magical world, high-stakes action, and arch observations of family tensions and racial divides. The unusual blend of magical medieval mystery and disaster lite offers an effervescent but not explosive read. (Fantasy. 10-14)

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March 1, 2015

Gr 4-6-Fans of Levine's A Tale of Two Castles (HarperCollins, 2011) will be pleased to see their favorite dragon detective and her apprentice, Elodie, back for another adventure. Elodie is taking Masteress Meenore and the kind ogre Count Jonty Um to her home island of Lahnt. During the journey, the trio learns that a priceless statue, the Replica, has been stolen. This statue is not just a decoration-when moved from its pedestal, it has the power to unleash a deadly volcano if not returned in three days. With countless characters who could be the culprit, it is up to the duo to decipher the clues and return the Replica before it is too late. Readers may be confused if encountering Elodie for the first time in this novel; it is best to be familar with the previous book. The story is plot driven, and the lack of background information may leave some stumbling through the fantasy world of Lahnt. Meenore, the dragon masteress, is referred to as Meenore's gender. Nonetheless, there are redeeming aspects to this novel. Elodie is a strong-willed but kind girl whose assumptions are clearly made after the facts have been presented. Meenore brings quips and witticisms that lighten the mood of the novel and recall the charm of author's classic Ella Enchanted (HarperCollins, 1997). VERDICT There is plenty of adventure and mystery to engage readers, and fans of Levine's other works will be pleased to see this in the collection.-Brittney Kosev, Dave Blair Elementary School, Farmers Branch, TX

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