inlibrisveritas
Written on Sep 20, 2016
In 1899, when an evil threatens all the humans and animals of the Blue Ridge Mountains, twelve-year-old Serafina, rat catcher for the Biltmore estate and the daughter of a shapeshifting mountain lion, must search deep inside herself and embrace the destiny that awaits her.
- ISBN10 1484775031
- ISBN13 9781484775035
- Publish Date 12 July 2016
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Disney Hyperion
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 384
- Language English
- URL https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9781484775035
Reviews
cornerfolds
Written on Jul 7, 2016
Serafina and the Black Cloak was one of my favorite books of 2015, which was truly surprising since I don't actually review a lot of middle grade fiction. Originally (correct me if I'm wrong) it was only meant to be a standalone book. Luckily for all of us, Serafina was so well received that she got a second book! When Serafina and the Twisted Staff was announced I knew I had to see what happened next!
This book picks up not too long after the first left off. During our time away, Serafina has spent a lot of time with her mother wandering the woods and learning about her catamount nature. Although she hasn't succeeded in shifting to her cat form yet, she is determined to get it right eventually. But when a new danger comes to the woods near the Biltmore, her mother sends her away to keep her safe. Since we're talking about though, she decides to meet it head-on instead.
Serafina in the first book in this series was a lot of fun to get to know. She was seemingly fearless and was just a really interesting character. While I learned a lot about her then, now I feel like she's had a lot more opportunity to grow and develop. At the beginning of the Twisted Staff, Serafina is still prowling around in the walls and vents, sleeping during the day, and generally keeping out of sight of the rest of the house's inhabitants. She is hesitant of interacting with others (especially Rowena, the newest guest) and still sees herself as other. By then end, she has grown to accept herself and has become much, much more confident in her unique abilities!
Braeden also has the chance to come into his own in this second installment. In the first book we get the sense that he is a lover of animals and communicates with them perhaps more easily than with humans. This time around we get to see him fully understand his gifts while seeing his friendship with Serafina develop. I love these two together! While they seem to be from two totally different worlds in the beginning, their relationship really becomes something special and kind of adorable.
When I found out about this book I wondered what the new Big Bad would be and how it would fit in after the Man in the Black Cloak. I was a little worried that the story wouldn't be quite as good as the first, but it was awesome! Robert Beatty has created yet another unique and terrifying villain. While this is middle grade, I would say it's the upper end of middle grade and contains some frightening scenes and imagery... and I loved it!
My one issue with the story was that there were certain things that seemed to have been intended as twists or revelations that were extremely predictable and not surprising at all. Then again, if I was reading this as a child, there's a much better chance I would have been taken by surprise? I just don't think that one or two of the reveals was quite as exciting as they were intended to be. Still, there were a couple that shocked even me, which I really appreciate in a book!
Once again, the Biltmore and it's surrounding landscapes made fantastic settings for this book. It's very obvious that Robert Beatty knows what he's talking about and has done his homework when it comes to Biltmore! I enjoyed getting to discover even more locations than I did in the first book.
Serafina and the Twisted Staff is a fantastic addition to Serafina's story. I'm not sure if there are any current plans for a third book, but it seemed like this one ended in such a way that another book would possible. I really hope to get the chance to see what happens next and I'd definitely recommend this one to those who enjoy middle grade fantasy with a bit of a thrill!
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
//I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review//
limabean74
Written on Jul 3, 2016
First Impression:
This series is amazing, I couldn't wait to read this book and she what happened to Serafina when I left her last. This book has lots of details and just a great story with a group of colorful characters. This is a world I love to explore and I adore Serafina.
The Story & Characters:
When we last left Serafina, her and Braeden, had defeated the Black Cloak and Serafina found out where she came from. Serafina is still feeling a little out-of-place, wanting to be with her mom in the forest and her Pa at the house she is torn. Her father has let her spend time with her mom but something is wrong in the forest...something is coming. This book was dark, intense & filled with lots of action. I will be honest and say that the beginning was a little slow but when it picked up, it really picked up. Once the man in the forest starts to attack Serafina things get out of control. I loved learning more about both Serafina and Braeden. The supernatural elements in this book are my favorite and finding out more about Braeden made me rather excited about what will come in the next book. I loved that the end gave a little hint as to what we might see. Serafina is my favorite and I just love watching the story unfold in her POV. The new villain this book was all kinds of creepy and I just loved how the story played out. The mystery of it all had me guess all they way to the end even if I did have a little feeling something wasn't right and I hoped I was wrong..I wasn't. :) I don't at all want to give the end away but I was so proud of Serafina for finally finding who she really is and rather excited about...well I can't tell you, you will have to read the book!
I loved the introduction of a few new characters and my heart broke for how confused Serafina was. This is turning out to be one of my favorite series. I honestly can't wait for the next one.
Final Thoughts:
Fantastic. Adventurous. Lots of Twists and Turns. I can't get enough of this series. A great read for young kids and adults, so much is going on and it's hard not to love the characters. Everything you want in a MG books but so different. A must read! I can't recommend this series enough!
Thanks for stopping by to check out my review.
Have a great day and Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Because reading is better than real life