TIDEMAGIC

In this second series entry, Ista Flit enlists a chancy ally to help her wrest her enchanted dad from the clutches of the evil Marsh Queen.

In order to crash the deadly queen’s birthday party and free her father, the redoubtable young shape-shifter needs to pass through multiple magic portals with trusted friends Nat Shah and Ruby Mallard in tow. She must also find someone familiar with the ways of marsh-spinners—elusive insectlike beings given to enthralling unwary mortals with irresistible music and tricksy bargains. The question is: How far can she trust the troubled young musician Tamlin, who knows much but is plainly hiding something? Picking up the action right where she left off in the opening book (but recapping enough to let new readers find their feet), Harlow propels her racially diverse rescuers into a suspenseful climactic face-off that, due to the queen’s fondness for rigged games and challenges, requires as much cleverness as it does courage. Adding further zest, it turns out there’s another person in need of rescue as well as a wish on offer—but only one chance to get it right. Equally beguiling is how Nat holds his own and is treated with equal respect despite being a rare nonmagical human. The author ends on a seemingly conclusive note before hinting of further adventures to come. Kister has added small portraits in the cast list and a running chapter head decoration.

An engagingly twisty sequel.