Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard
The sequel introduces Sophie who is an ordinary book mender that gets drug into a world of magic, intrigue, and adventure. Much, like what’s happened to Peter in the first book. Peter and Sir Tode make their glorious comeback, but the story is really about Sophie and her quest to become the last storyguard, protect magical books, and solve the mystery of what happened to her mother.
Reading Audience:
This chapter book is likely aimed at late elementary school kids that can read lengthy chapter books and middle school readers who enjoy fantasy.
Stuff to be aware of:
There was one curse word in the book that is said by one of the bad guys. The word is “damnable.” Once he says it another villain reprimands him and mentions something along the lines of how foul words makes one look bad, unwise, and/or common.
One character deals in herbs, elixirs, and portions. She owns a shop where people go to forget their problems called the Forgetting Place. A lot of people are seen in her shop smoking things and taking elixirs. Hookahs, tobacco, strange teas, and colorful smoke are mentioned. None of the main characters partake in any of this.
There are battles and deaths. Some characters die and some magical animals get burnt alive in a house fire. There is also a book made of human flesh.
Overall:
I enjoyed the first book, but I like this one a lot better. This story takes place two years after the first so it is neat to see how Peter and Sir Tode have grown as characters. The author’s main emphasis throughout the book is how the stories we read (and tell) are magic. Jonathan Auxier is an amazing word smith and tells a wonderful story that truly shows how magical stories are and can be. My favorite quote from the book show his writing skill and the story emphasis - “Should you ever be so lucky as to encounter an author in your life, you should shower her or him with gifts and praise.” There also seemed to be more magic and mythological creatures in this one. It has a Harry Potter feel to it.