The Golden Frog Games

Picking up where Witchlings (2022) ended, this sequel rejoins Seven Salazar, who, after bouts of insecurity regarding her powers, is now one of the most important Spares in Twelve Towns--along with besties Valley and Thorn. As such, Seven endures grueling training to get her magic to work, but something feels off when she uses her ability to talk to animals--those that speak to her seem to be evil. As the book continues, the action speeds up when Valley and Thorn join her in competing at The Golden Frog Games, where magic and talent are showcased. During the Games, Seven starts to notice that someone--or something--is trying to sabotage the Spares chances of winning. For instance, as Thorn presents her talent for fashion design, an unknown power begins turning her competitors to stone. The story is full of lessons about friendship, healthy competition, acceptance of others, and embracing one's differences. Readers will root for the girls as they focus on solving the mysteries that emerge and continue to learn about their own magic.

Seven Salazar, Valley Pepperhorn, and Thorn La Roux are back in this follow-up to Witchlings (2022). The Golden Frog Games are the Twelve Towns' most significant tournament, and the Witchlings are poised to once again make their mark. As Spares, without a traditional coven of their own, Seven, Valley, and Thorn don't fit the usual definitions of champions and leaders. Further stacking the decks against them, Seven is struggling to come into her newly discovered Uncle powers: She's hearing the voices of monstruos--including the dread Nightbeast--much more often than those of animals. Capping it all, there's a hexer on the loose at the games, threatening the safety of all the witches in the Twelve Towns. Luckily, the Witchlings are on the case. Navigating changes in their friendships, new romances, old bigotries, and some shattering losses, the Spare witches have a lot of growing to do. The story is unequivocally queer, quietly mirroring our world's rich landscape of genders and sexualities. Sharply insightful about the epidemic of hate against minority groups, Ortega invites readers to ponder the true definition of monstrosity as she puts her beloved trio through more challenges in this fast-paced and emotionally charged adventure with future nail-biting installments promised. Cheeky and moving by turns; an adventure for a new generation. (Fantasy. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.