The Pack (book 1) introduced readers to Charm House, a boarding school for humans with animal traits who must learn to control their instincts to prevent them from being caught and jailed. In this sequel, Sadie, a lion-light struggles with keeping a secret from her pack mates. Sadie is torn because the secret will keep her friend safe, but she isn’t used to having friends and doesn’t want to risk losing one by not telling her the truth about her family- information her friend is desperate to learn. Despite being a sequel, this book would work as a stand alone. The fantasy elements aren’t very intricate or involved, so readers new to the series will be able to understand the plot. This book is geared towards 4th-6th graders who might relate to Sadie as she navigates new friendships and the strong desire to fit in. While the premise of this series is interesting, in many ways this book fell flat. The characters are mostly human and the animal references sprinkled throughout the book seemed forced, though unfortunately necessary, in order to remind readers that the characters are more than just mean girls. Also, Sadie’s dilemma and the resulting fall-out could have been explored more to help readers sympathize with the characters and add some depth to the plot. Readers who enjoyed the first book would probably enjoy this book, and the ending suggests that there will be at least one more book in the series. Otherwise, there are other middle grade books that have similar elements and themes that would be a better read.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library