THIS IS IT. I’M DOING IT. MY 52ND BOOK REVIEW OF 2024 BABYYYYYYYYY. And what a delightful tome to end it on! I have been eager to read the 2nd in this series since it came out, but of course the holds list at the library is five-ever deep. And then, I walk in two weeks ago and TAH DAH it’s on the hot picks shelf, where they put out 1 or 2 copies of new books that you can check out, for one less week than regular check-out. KISMET. And thus it became my last read of the year.
This little series stole my heart in a big big way, so like with any sequel I was apprehensive that it wouldn’t live up to the first one, but I’m pleased to say it totally did. I was again charmed and in love with Linus and Arthur, and in love WITH their love, and the love they have for the magical children that they adopted (at this time, in an unofficial capacity) on the island of Marsyas. Once again when the governmental entity DICOMY (Department in Charge of Magical Youth) sends an agent under the guise of verifying the safety of the children, Arthur, and now Linus, must do what they can to protect their family. Because although in Book 1, when Linus was assigned such a charge he came with an open mind, they have it on good authority that the new inspector, and the interim director, have closed minds and hidden agendas.
In this volume we follow along their path to fight for their rights, and the rights of all magical beings, as well as learn of Arthurs haunting and haunted past. Though this is a contained story, Klune left just enough at the end that a sequel would be totally justified and I would again run to get my hands on it.
P.S. Also, be sure to read the dedication because Klune is abso-tutely unequivocal in his pro-trans aims to be the anti-JK Rowling and I just loved to see it.
