The Secrets of the Storm Vortex

March 1, 2015
In this second Lightning Catcher book, 12-year-old Angus McFangus learns more about his storm-prophet powers while investigating a mysterious storm vortex engulfing the Perilous Exploratorium for Violent Weather and Vicious Storms.Angus and pals Dougal and Indigo begin their second year of studies with a volatile storm brewing over Castle Dankhart, poised to hurl weather weapons at Perilous. Is villainous Scabious Dankhart responsible? While lightning catchers work to uncover Dankhart's plot, Angus and classmates experience scarlet sleeping snow, rancid rain, shimmer sharks, and murderous mist. Angus also receives special instruction on the history of storm prophets, including a visit to the Perilous crypt, where early storm prophets are entombed with their storm dragons. When his storm dragon is unexpectedly aroused, Angus realizes he can control as well as predict weather. Angus, Dougal, and Indigo witness a shocking betrayal and find themselves in grave danger as they discover Dankhart's cataclysmic weather plans. Humorous boarding school high jinks, weird weather scenarios, and eccentric personalities abound as the engaging trio pursue theatrical villains with diabolical schemes. Black-and-white spot art adds atmosphere. This outrageous meteorological adventure will leave readers eager for the final Lightning Catcher volume. (map) (Fantasy. 8-12)

April 1, 2015
Grades 4-7 In the third installment of the series, Angus McFangus, just turned 12, returns to the Perilous Exploratorium to reunite with friends (and foes) and master his rare skills as a storm prophet, taming the dragon that is his oracle. All the series' hallmark elements are present, including an extensive cast of curiously named characters, explosive weather battles, and devoted friendships. And there are new intrigues, too, such as the experiments of 1777, and the mysterious Dankheart bleckles (think blemishes crossed with freckles) on Indigo's hands. And what of the loyalties of Principal Dark-Angel? The adventure concludes with a momentary calm before the coming, ultimate storm of the final book.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)