Gr 5 9 In this sequel to The Floating Island (Tor, 2006), Ven Polypheme undertakes his first assignment for King Vandemere of Serendair. Ven and his friends are sent into the Gated City to uncover the meaning of a strange glowing stone. The former penal colony is ruled by the cruel Queen of Thieves, and the children find both wonders and danger behind the gates. Haydon uses snippets of Ven's diary entries, fast-paced action, and plenty of humorous touches to keep readers engaged. While Ven is clearly the leader, all of the youngsters use their unique skills and abilities to move the story forward to a conclusion that, not surprisingly, promises more adventures to come. Chan's occasional illustrations add visual appeal. The cover makes the book look like a dragon fantasy. It is not, but dragons have been promised to feature prominently in future installments. Fans of the first book will be excited by this one (complete with a preview chapter from Book 3, The Dragon's Lair, and a "Reader's Guide"). While the story will make more sense to those who have read The Floating Island, Haydon does a wonderful job of weaving the critical details from that story into this one. This first-rate novel will have wide appeal. Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

In the sequel to The Floating Island (2006), the king sends Ven to the amazing Gated City in Kingston, which is ruled by the Thief Queen, and where "some of the most magical and exotic goods in the world are sold." His mission: to solve the riddle of a mysterious light stone. He is accompanied by four good friends, one of whom is kidnapped, and the search for her is fraught with peril, though they find some individuals willing to help. One of them turns out to be the Thief Queen's runaway daughter, who orchestrates their escape from her mother's evil clutches. Haydon not only maintains the dazzling action, convincing characterizations, and vigorous world building of the first book but also carefully paves the way for further installments in the Lost Journals of Ven Polypheme series. Another surefire winner, featuring line illustrations by Jason Chan rather than Brett Helquist (who provided the drawings for book 1). Estes, Sally. From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.