THE KINGDOM OF TROLLS

The fourth entry in Bridgman’s MiddleGate YA fantasy series finds heroes Wil and Sophie exploring the lost magic of Iceland.

Cousins Wil Wychwood and Sophie Isidor, who come from a long line of mages, are back to continue battling the ancient evil secret society known as the Serpent's Chain—this time in Iceland. When Aunt Violet and Aunt Rue win an all-expenses-paid trip to the volcanic country, Wil and Sophie are worried—they’ve heard from famed explorer Vitellus Albumen that Iceland is perhaps the most desolate, dangerous place of all. Before they can even set off on their trip by passing through the Brimstone Snakes monument (which is actually a magical portal), they hear that a priceless manuscript has been stolen from the MiddleGate library. Bartholomew Bertram, an old friend of Wil’s dad, is accused of the theft and thrown in the “Puzzle Palace," MiddleGate’s prison. Wil and Sophie’s worries only increase when they discover the presence of the Serpent's Chain in Iceland via a mysterious “scriptorium” that shows them visions of the past. As the cousins begin to suspect that their troubles here and at home are connected, their situation is further complicated by the horrifying presence of real-life trolls. A list of character descriptions and a brief summary catch up readers who are new to the series. Black-and-white sketches by the author, reminiscent of traditional Scandinavian folklore drawings, provide images that enhance the rich descriptions Bridgman provides: “The monsters’ ghastly mouths had huge, pebbled tongues and misshapen teeth that gnashed together.” Readers will see similarities to another series featuring a boy wizard—especially in the descriptions of the magical school, Gruffud’s Academy, that Wil and Sophie attend; its textbooks, including Magykal Spelling, Grammar and Palaver; and Aunt Rue’s job at the Secretariat on the Status of Magical Creatures. But these echoes do nothing to dim the dazzling world and lovable characters of Bridgman’s novel—and, in fact, will likely delight fans who have been craving more magical exploits in this world.

Magic, fantasy, and adventure converge for another wild adventure in this spellbinding universe.