Review by Booklist Review
When April wears the beautiful, vinelike headpiece she found at a flea market, she immediately taps into the sensory perceptions of nearby animals. Soon she is on the run, hunted by the menacing Riven and headed toward the Chicago headquarters of the Keepers, who are using their magic to help save the girl and her treasure. The second novel in the Keepers series offers a well-plotted adventure story with smoothly integrated fantasy elements. From the riveting action scenes to the hints of discord in the Keepers' backstory, this lengthy sequel rewards readers with well-drawn characters and a nuanced view of their modern yet magical world.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2016 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-8-Having defeated the Riven and their creepy leader, Mr. Jericho, in The Box and the Dragonfly, Horace and Chloe are busy learning some of Horace's mom's secrets, including that she is a Tuner (someone who uses a harplike object to cleanse and tune up the Keeper's magical talismans). Then they are introduced to Brian, whose abilities are so unique that he can never leave his underground workshop. Meanwhile, a girl named April acquires an unusual piece of jewelry, which amps up her empathy toward animals but also makes her a target for the Riven and compels her to follow a mysterious woman (who may be neither trustworthy nor completely sane) and boy on a perilous journey. Chloe and Brian are especially interesting characters, both dealing with issues of trust and responsibility with snarky humor and bravado. Once again, there is a lot of jargon and complicated mythology to get through and a fair amount of violence. Many questions are left unanswered, leaving the door open to further adventures. VERDICT Readers who are willing to make the effort will find this a rewarding and thought-provoking fantasy.-Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
New Keepers Horace (who can see the future) and Chloe (who can become incorporeal) are joined by April, who, having found a piece of vine-like jewelry that gives her the ability to understand animals, is being hunted by the Keepers' greatest enemy: the Riven. This hefty second volume further develops the intricately designed fantasy world populated with likable and engaging characters. Glos. (c) Copyright 2017. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
