The Golden Swift (The Silver Arrow)

by Lev Grossman

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

The Golden Swift is the sequel and second book in the Silver Arrow adventure series for middle grade readers by Lev Grossman. Released 3rd May 2022 by Hachette on their Little Brown & co.Young Readers imprint, it's 272 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out in second quarter 2023. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is an engaging and very well written adventure story for all ages. Protagonist Kate has been helping animals and restoring habitats as part of the Great Secret Intercontinental Railway, but this time she's off to try to find her Uncle Herbert who has gone missing. The book is full of interesting facts about habitats, ecology, and animals as well as a fair bit of sobering reflection on human impact on climate and the environment. The read is enhanced by line drawn illustrations throughout, rendered by Tracy Nishimura Bishop. They're whimsical and deceptively simple, with flowing lines and small details. I liked that there's quite a lot of humor written into the book, and Kate's pithy observations often surprised a chuckle out of me.

Four stars. This would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, bedtime reading, or even buddy read. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.