INTO THE SHADOW MIST, by Christina Soontornvat, Scholastic Press, July 18, 2023, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 8-12)
Christina Soontornvat returns to a world of animals, magic and empowered kids in Into the Shadow Mist, the second book in the Legends of Lotus Island series.
Plum and her friends are traveling to the misty Bokati Island. There they will study with the mysterious Guardian Master Em, who is the keeper of the ancient forest there. The field trip comes just in time for Plum, who still can’t figure out why she’s so different from the other Novices on Lotus Island.
At first, Plum doesn’t know what to make of this quiet and sometimes gloomy place. But it doesn’t take long to discover that Bokati is brimming with an incredible array of fascinating animals and plants.
When an unseen force begins to destroy the trees, putting the entire ecosystem at risk, Plum and her classmates must spring into action. Plum is determined to help, even though she’s hiding secrets about her own Guardian powers from even her closest friends. —Synopsis provided by Scholastic Press
Into the Shadow Mist is the second book in the Legends of Lotus Island series, and it does need to be read in order. This series serves as an entry point into fantasy novels, and the books build upon each other.
Into the Shadow Mist takes place shortly after where The Guardian Test left off. Plum is now a Novice, but she’s still having trouble with her powers. Though she can hear animals and plants, she can’t seem to heal them. And she’s discovered a new “trick” that’s amazing, but has her worried.
At 160 pages, Into the Shadow Mist is a lot less daunting than some of its contemporary middle grade novels. It has short chapters and illustrations sprinkled throughout, making it accessible for readers who want a grand story but not the major commitment of more than 200 pages. And author Christina Soontornvat gives readers something more than cutesy characters. It’s a great book for transitioning out of beginning chapter books or for kids who just want a good story — my 9-year-old is in love with this series and is also reading 300+-page books, too.
Into the Shadow Mist features strong characters, interesting storylines, strong friendships and focuses on problem solving as a group. It’s an short, easy-to-read novel that fans of the first book will gobble up.
Copyright © 2023 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
