Published by Clarion Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt on July 13, 2021
ISBN: 0358012414
Pages: 336
Genres: Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
In this sequel to All Those Monsters, Clara and team seven seek some respite from fighting scabs. Their belief that the scabs were trained and planted by the government develops into a search for truth. Some characters are well developed but it is Clara’s ex-boyfriend who dominated several scenes as Clara provides the narrative. As a sequel this story does pick up where the previous storyline stopped but it cannot stand alone. Not enough backstory is provided to hold the interest of readers who have not already digested All These Monsters.
The level of violence may distract some readers as well as the physical proximity of casual relationships.
These two books are suggested for high school readers who enjoy fantasy and mystery in unlikely situations. While the text may not be believable it surely presents some relief from the current social and political problems of current times. Librarians who have purchased All These Monsters will want to add this sequel to their collections. Gift only as a 2 book set to teens.
Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired librarian in Scarborough, ME