A Little Taste of Poison

In this sequel to A Pocket Full of Murder (2015), Isaveth's magical invention having proved vastly profitable for Glow-Mor, the company president rewards her with a scholarship to exclusive Tarreton College, where she excels at Sagery but is snubbed by its aristocratic students.They resent the admission of a commoner from the Moshite religious sect whose father has advocated Moshite resistance, but two students break rank to befriend Isaveth: a new friend, Eulalie, and her old friend Esmond, younger son of the ailing Sagelord. Esmond needs Isaveth's help to thwart older brother Eryx's schemes. Both know Eryx is guilty of murder and has preserved, then hidden, evidence of his misdeeds. Isaveth locates this during a masked ball only to find it's magically guarded. Her efforts to cook up a spell to disarm Eryx's protections come to an abrupt end when she's falsely accused of stealing a diamond necklace and suspended from school, which also threatens Glow-Mor. A secret agenda's at work. But whose, and for what purpose? To seize Isaveth's invention? To clear Eryx's path to power? Anderson's alternate world features characters of multiple skin colors (Isaveth is olive-skinned; Eulalie has brown skin), but race plays no importance in assigning status; this universe is divided by politics and class. With its ornate, Regency-esque setting and intricate plot packed with mysterious twists and turns (plus a few serious themes), this sequel is part melodrama, part comedy, and all-around good fun. (Fantasy. 10-14) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

September 1, 2016

Gr 5-7-Struggles with class and religious differences and conflicts arising from abuse of power are smartly woven into this sequel to the fantastical mystery A Pocket Full of Murder. Isaveth is given a scholarship to the prestigious magical school Tarrenton College by Glo-Mor, the company that bought her spellpaper in the earlier book. Isaveth, a Moshite whose father was imprisoned, attempts to fit in among her aristocratic new peers. Though her father has since been released, she and friend Esmond, the son of the dying Sagelord, work to prove that Isaveth's father was framed. Isaveth is concerned about Esmond's brother Eryx becoming Sagelord; Eryx will prevent Moshites, who face continuous discrimination and pressure to convert, from receiving relief. Isaveth tries to blend in at her new school but is bullied, outed as a Moshite, and accused of thievery. Fortunately, she makes friends with Eulalie Fairpont and Mander Ghataj, who help her as she sneaks into a masked ball, confronts family troubles, and is kidnapped. The second installment has an excellent story line and solid character development. Anderson keeps her world-building detailed but never overwhelming, revealing the history of the Moshites and why they have a lower social standing than other groups. Broader issues of prejudice and social class give readers a chance to reflect on religious and socioeconomic discrimination. VERDICT An excellent series for readers who enjoy a mix of magic, murder, and social issues. Purchase where the first volume in the series and fantasy are popular.-Liz Anderson, DC Public Library

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.