In some ways book two of Secrets of Camp Whatever: The Doors to Nowhere is better than book one. Still, there are a few bumps (if it has been a while since you read book one, you might have forgotten a few characters or a story point or two), but overall, Willow and the gang are back for another fun adventure where everything is normal. So, what if there are vampires, elves, gnomes, scary spirit creatures, trolls, and werewolves? Willow has their family and friends, and life is good. So, what if the troll has a taste for elf guard dogs and grandmothers? And so what if the elf wants to bring back a crazy wizard of the past? There is ice cream and cake to eat.
Chris Grine has taken a character we all know from other stories: a 12/13-year-old girl growing up. He just puts her in the middle of magical adventures. We see how Willow has a pesky brother, friends, and a loving family. We see her battle book stealing gnomes (and steal back said book), we see her supporting her friend when she starts changing (I mean every girl turns into a mermaid when she hits puberty right?) and sure, boys get hairy during the same time (werewolves are perfectly normal) and hey, every group of friends has the smart one who reads a lot and performs magic.
The only difference is that Willow is hearing-impaired. And of course, this comes in handy when they are battling the Forrest Frog (or was it the Frog of the Forrest? They are different you know).
Probably best for ages 10 and up, though there is little that a strong eight and up would have issues with. However, please note that I am having trouble (re)finding book one at my local independent, so hopefully your local library has a copy, or you can purchase from Oni Press directly.
