School Library Journal
01/01/2014
Gr 5–8—Back in the Five Provinces after his appreticeship with the Dowager, Jaxter Grimjinx, along with Ma and Da, is summoned by the Shadowhands to a secret meeting. They soon discover that master thieves have gone missing, including the father of Maloch Oxter, Jaxter's nemesis. Much to Maloch's dismay, Jaxter's parents leave the boys behind to go searching for the remaining Shadowhands. Jaxter and Maloch resolve to solve the mystery on their own, but before they can get started, the boys are kidnapped by the normally peaceful Sarosans. What follows is an adventure filled with twists, turns, and unexpected connections. Vengekeep politics and slang are quickly integrated as the action takes off at breakneck speed. Readers need not have read the first book to follow along; Farrey gives just enough backstory to establish characters and setting. Attentive readers will appreciate the quotations from Grimjinx history, goblin philosophy, and the Lymmaris Creed that open each chapter.—Stacy Dillon, LREI, New York City