Return of the Evening Star by Diane Rios

Return of the Evening Star

by Diane Rios

A mysterious hospital deep in the Oregon woods is sending marauding ambulances into the countryside, looking for new patients. Mowing down anything in their path, the deadly ambulance drivers have forced the people and animals of the land into hiding. Twelve-year-old Chloe Ashton has returned to Fairfax and is desperate to find her mother. Together with her friends—the magical cook Mrs. Goodweather, carpenter Brisco Knot, and clever white rat Shakespeare—she hatches a plan to enter the hospital and stop the bloodshed. At the same time a rumor reaches them from the east: Silas the Stargazer is coming, and he is bringing an army. An animal army.

Reviewed by Molly J(Cover To Cover Cafe) on

4 of 5 stars

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This is my first Diane Rios book and it’s not going to be last, that’s for sure! This is the second book in her Silver Mountain series, and while I wish I had read book 1 first, just because I’m a stickler for reading a series in order, this was not overly confusing. It’s beautifully written and definitely engaging for those middle grade, and young adult readers.

Rios creates her characters with a true to life feel. I love that in any book, but especially in a middle grade novel. It gives the readers a chance to become the characters while reading, and feeling what they go through. The fantasy element of Chloe’s story, really spices up the story for the young readers. The mystery is beautifully woven into the page-turning plot and the characters jump of the page.

This is a story that I highly recommend for readers of all ages. It’s perfectly chiseled, captivating and definitely worthy of 4 star praises and two thumbs up. Ms. Rios is going on my list of must read authors and I am looking forward to going back to the beginning of Chloe’s story. Well done, Ms. Rios! Bring on the next!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksparks and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

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  • 22 May, 2019: Reviewed