The Drowned Vault

October 1, 2012

Gr 6-10-This action-packed sequel to The Dragon's Tooth (Random, 2011) promises-and delivers-as much magic, mystery, and mythology as its predecessor. Thanks to Cyrus and Antigone Smith, Dr. Phoenix now possesses the Dragon's Tooth-and he's been using it to hunt and kill immortals worldwide. Phoenix has a dark agenda, but an evil alliance of immortals, Ordo Draconis, also seeks the tooth's power. Worse, the Ordos have a centuries-old vendetta against the Smith family. Circumstances within the Order of Brendan are already shaky when fearful immortals, led by Gilgamesh of Uruk, storm Ashtown, demanding Smith blood. The siblings narrowly escape. To help retrieve the tooth, they recruit the infamous immortal, Captain John Smith. Cyrus has a plan, but will it work? Characters are well drawn, and the story's many interwoven plotlines, although complex, are easy to follow. This absorbing guy-friendly adventure will appeal to fans of Michael Scott and Rick Riordan.-Alissa J. Bach, Oxford Public Library, MI

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2012
Grades 8-12 Cyrus and Antigone Smith have a lot of problems. Their mother is still unresponsive in the hospital. The Ordo Draconis was stopped the last time out by their ancestor, Captain John Smith, but the cabal seems intent on rising to power again. The siblings should be training to become explorers, but there isn't enough time. The leadership of the Order of Brendan is changing, and the transmortalslike Gilgamesh of Urukwant revenge on Cyrus because he inadvertently put the Tooth of the Dragon into the hands of Dr. Phoenix. It's no wonder the Smiths are on the run with the other Polygoners. They must fight their way through physical and emotional torture as they seek to release Captain Smith and stop Phoenix. Beginning where The Dragon's Tooth (2011) left off, Wilson's second installment is fast-paced and creatively plotted. New characters, such as Arache and her spiders and a mysterious red-winged blackbird, add complexity in relationships and prevent the story line from feeling contrived. In exploring the idea of what it means to be truly alive, this novel will move wide audiences.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)