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Arkspire #2
The Order of Misfits
The second thrilling Arkspire adventure from the bestselling author of Frostheart.
Glorious, powerful, magic; a city of twists, turns and tricksters; extraordinary secrets which only one girl can uncover . . . welcome to the world of Arkspire.
In the magical city of Arkspire, Juniper Bell’s Order of Misfits have one mission – to take down the five powerful (not to mention evil) Arcanists who control everything.
Juni’s already survived one deadly Arcanist trial, and with mysterious shadow creature Cinder at her side, the rest will be easy. You just have to think positively about these things.
But the Arcanists might have more tricks up their sleeve than Juni had anticipated. And Cinder’s power is growing, along with his insatiable thirst for revenge. Has Juni bitten off more than she can chew this time?
A thrilling adventure and astonishingly illustrated new fantasy series, from the bestselling author of Frostheart.
Glorious, powerful, magic; a city of twists, turns and tricksters; extraordinary secrets which only one girl can uncover . . . welcome to the world of Arkspire.
In the magical city of Arkspire, Juniper Bell’s Order of Misfits have one mission – to take down the five powerful (not to mention evil) Arcanists who control everything.
Juni’s already survived one deadly Arcanist trial, and with mysterious shadow creature Cinder at her side, the rest will be easy. You just have to think positively about these things.
But the Arcanists might have more tricks up their sleeve than Juni had anticipated. And Cinder’s power is growing, along with his insatiable thirst for revenge. Has Juni bitten off more than she can chew this time?
A thrilling adventure and astonishingly illustrated new fantasy series, from the bestselling author of Frostheart.
352 pages, Paperback
Published July 4, 2024
12 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Littler
64 books158 followersJamie is an author-illustrator who graduated from the Arts Institute at Bournemouth in 2008, going on to win a High Commendation in the Macmillan Children's Book Award. When not trying to tame his unnaturally fast growing hair or having staring matches with next door's cat, he likes drawing, colouring in, cutting things out and sticking things in. He sometimes uses a scanner and a computer, and too often is tempted to throw his printer out of the window. But he would just have to go and pick it up again. His interests are pretty wide and varied -- although he does have a soft spot for wild animals and things that go bump in the night. Jamie's illustration work includes Hamish and the Worldstoppers which was the bestselling children's debut of 2015 and Wilf the Mighty Worrier, shortlisted for the Laugh Out Loud Book Awards. Frostheart is his first foray into writing fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 13, 2024
I cannot get over how amazing this second book was! It had me running around my living room screaming! The story gets so dark and intense, the characters are so well written and the drawings are, as always, stunning.
This is a must-read for everyone who wants a great magical adventure.
This is a must-read for everyone who wants a great magical adventure.
August 10, 2024
It took me a while longer to get into this book. I think there’s perhaps one thing too much happening in the world of this story which means the narrative gets fragmented when focusing on the various revelations. This added a strange pace to it, but the final third of the novel found its way back to Littler’s usual adventure and twisty style that had me race through to see what would happen next. I enjoyed it overall, but I think it could do with some finessing.
July 4, 2024
Full review and more can be found on Bridging's Books - The Order of Misfits Review
Our Rating: 5
The Order of Misfits is the second book in the Arkspire series by the best-selling author and illustrator of the Frostheart series, Jamie Littler. And we are back with the young relic hunter, Juniper Bell but this time she is well and truly on her new mission to save Arkspire from the Arcanists.
And, with the second book in the series, we are straight back into the action, fresh from the first deadly Arcanist trail, she doesn’t have long to wait until her second one. And with her trusty Order of Misfits, she certainly feels invincible. But will it all go to plan, or has Juni bitten off more than she can chew?
Full of shocking revelations, moments that I just did not see or even think possible to happen and snippets of back story that reveal so much about Junipers and Elodie’s history together and how they got to where they did, and more about their mum and more about the world of Arkspire.
I’m going to begin this review by saying that I enjoyed this so much more than the first one, if that was even possible! Littler has managed to up the stakes, the emotional depth, the humour and that adorable and childish willpower we all aspire to still have, which was in the first one but to a much greater depth. The heart-to-hearts that Littler has in every one of his books is expertly done in this one that tugs on the old heartstrings. His characters have such great dynamics, with some great moments of light humour, to moments of distrust that push on their loyalty for each other. This did end up taking the narrative to some dark places, through where the characters ended up that just made you want to keep on reading until you’ve seen how our heroic friends make it through to the other side.
I enjoyed the short snippets of flashbacks that were sprinkled throughout The Order of Misfits, it gave so much depth and understanding to who Juni was and how she came to be in her position. It was brilliantly done and in a way that would add so much depth to the world and characters that you have just come to love. And it sure did help for that ending to throw quite the punch! Ahh!
Also just like with every one of Jamie Littler’s books, he beautifully illustrates throughout that helps capture the moment, to really help visualise and see the imaginative world of Arkspire and its inhabitants.Even with the cover itself, you know exactly what you are in for, magic, battles, witful charm and some quirky qualities, and Littler delivers all of this and more!
Overall, if you cannot tell yet, I absolutely loved this book and will be recommending this beautifully told series to everyone. We all need to embrace our love for these books, while they may be aimed at much younger readers than I am, there is so much packed into them that even the adults will love them, almost like a Disney film.
Much like the first Arkspire, I struggled to put this one down. And with the sequel, the stakes are raised, the highs are higher and the lows are so much lower for our heroes. Littler tackles head-on loyalty, bravery and even loss in ways that won’t be upsetting for younger readers, but in a way that helps you to understand what these characters are feeling.
This series (and his other one Frostheart) should be way more popular than they are. I feel fairly confident in saying that everyone will find something that they will enjoy in these books if not love. If you have read and enjoyed such series as Harry Potter, Percy Jackson or the Skandar series then this should be next on your list. You won’t be disappointed!
I can not wait for the next book in the series, that ending has me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next one. But until then, I will be right back. But first, I’m going to read through the first two books again!
Happy reading!
Our Rating: 5
The Order of Misfits is the second book in the Arkspire series by the best-selling author and illustrator of the Frostheart series, Jamie Littler. And we are back with the young relic hunter, Juniper Bell but this time she is well and truly on her new mission to save Arkspire from the Arcanists.
And, with the second book in the series, we are straight back into the action, fresh from the first deadly Arcanist trail, she doesn’t have long to wait until her second one. And with her trusty Order of Misfits, she certainly feels invincible. But will it all go to plan, or has Juni bitten off more than she can chew?
Full of shocking revelations, moments that I just did not see or even think possible to happen and snippets of back story that reveal so much about Junipers and Elodie’s history together and how they got to where they did, and more about their mum and more about the world of Arkspire.
I’m going to begin this review by saying that I enjoyed this so much more than the first one, if that was even possible! Littler has managed to up the stakes, the emotional depth, the humour and that adorable and childish willpower we all aspire to still have, which was in the first one but to a much greater depth. The heart-to-hearts that Littler has in every one of his books is expertly done in this one that tugs on the old heartstrings. His characters have such great dynamics, with some great moments of light humour, to moments of distrust that push on their loyalty for each other. This did end up taking the narrative to some dark places, through where the characters ended up that just made you want to keep on reading until you’ve seen how our heroic friends make it through to the other side.
I enjoyed the short snippets of flashbacks that were sprinkled throughout The Order of Misfits, it gave so much depth and understanding to who Juni was and how she came to be in her position. It was brilliantly done and in a way that would add so much depth to the world and characters that you have just come to love. And it sure did help for that ending to throw quite the punch! Ahh!
Also just like with every one of Jamie Littler’s books, he beautifully illustrates throughout that helps capture the moment, to really help visualise and see the imaginative world of Arkspire and its inhabitants.Even with the cover itself, you know exactly what you are in for, magic, battles, witful charm and some quirky qualities, and Littler delivers all of this and more!
Overall, if you cannot tell yet, I absolutely loved this book and will be recommending this beautifully told series to everyone. We all need to embrace our love for these books, while they may be aimed at much younger readers than I am, there is so much packed into them that even the adults will love them, almost like a Disney film.
Much like the first Arkspire, I struggled to put this one down. And with the sequel, the stakes are raised, the highs are higher and the lows are so much lower for our heroes. Littler tackles head-on loyalty, bravery and even loss in ways that won’t be upsetting for younger readers, but in a way that helps you to understand what these characters are feeling.
This series (and his other one Frostheart) should be way more popular than they are. I feel fairly confident in saying that everyone will find something that they will enjoy in these books if not love. If you have read and enjoyed such series as Harry Potter, Percy Jackson or the Skandar series then this should be next on your list. You won’t be disappointed!
I can not wait for the next book in the series, that ending has me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next one. But until then, I will be right back. But first, I’m going to read through the first two books again!
Happy reading!
July 11, 2024
Absolutely loved this! I really liked how dark it was. Danger, betrayal, murder and friendship… what’s not to love?! These characters and the world are just gloriously written, and now that I’m finished, I can’t WAIT for the next one! Jamie’s illustrations add so much to this story!
August 6, 2024
Reading Book 999 and now is my 1000th Book read!
This is a great new series by Jamie Littler who is becoming one of my new favourite authors.
I liked all the characters especially Cinder and found the concept of the Arkanists interesting. I can't wait to see how the third book unfolds and what will happen to Juniper and Cinder.
This is a great new series by Jamie Littler who is becoming one of my new favourite authors.
I liked all the characters especially Cinder and found the concept of the Arkanists interesting. I can't wait to see how the third book unfolds and what will happen to Juniper and Cinder.
July 20, 2025
Better than the first book. Can't wait to see what happends in the last book.
July 16, 2024
If Arkspire lays the groundwork, then Arkspire 2 hits the ground running and runs wild! The Arcanists need to be taken down but who can Juniper trust? And each attempt brings chaos and further destruction...
The Order of Misfits is even darker than book one and harder to put down. The final chapters had my heart racing! I am desperate for book 3! The illustrations are, again, incredible - of the changing Cinder in particular. The Arkspire books are stand out tense supernatural adventure and I can't recommend them enough.
The Order of Misfits is even darker than book one and harder to put down. The final chapters had my heart racing! I am desperate for book 3! The illustrations are, again, incredible - of the changing Cinder in particular. The Arkspire books are stand out tense supernatural adventure and I can't recommend them enough.
August 9, 2025
https://my-bo0ks.over-blog.com/2025/0...
3.5/5
Après la découverte du premier tome de La cité d'Archeflèche de Jamie Littler, une série de fantasy jeunesse qui mêle magie, humour, amitié et aventure, j'étais plus que ravie de retrouver Juniper et les autres dans ce second volet. Et cette suite est à la hauteur du premier tome avec pour thématique centrale : l'amitié.
Dans cette série, nous suivons Juniper, 13 ans, accompagnée de sa meilleure amie Théa, qui malgré leur jeune âge, se sont lancées dans le trafic de reliques magiques pour subvenir à leurs besoins. Mais Juniper a fait la découverte d'un morceau de miroir dont en est sorti Tison, un démon qui souhaite prendre sa revanche sur les Arcanistes (seuls autorisés à manier la magie et faisant office de dirigeants). D'une situation à une autre, voilà que Juniper prétend avoir reçu un don du Visiteur et cache l'existence de Tison.
Dans cette suite, Juniper a donc réussi le premier défi lancé par les Arcanistes et va devoir réussir le suivant pour prouver qu'elle détient un pouvoir. Mais en même temps, elle doit trouver un moyen de révéler que les Arcanistes ne sont pas ceux qu'ils prétendent, sans y laisser la vie. Car les plans machiavéliques de certains pourraient lui être fatales. Autant dire encore pas mal d'aventure dans cette suite qui vont amener notre héroine à faire des choix.
Ce qui domine ici, c'est bel et bien l'amitié. Entre Juniper et Théa bien sur, mais aussi avec Evrard, le fils d'un membre réputé qui l'a espionné dans le tome 1 avant de finalement devenir complice. Et puis il y a aussi la relation entre les jumelles, Juniper, elle, fait partie des rebelles alors que sa sœur est candidate pour devenir l'une des héritières des Arcanistes. Autrement dit, des camps ennemis. Ce qui amènera notre héroine a choisir entre sa famille et les idées de Tison, rongé par la vengeance.
En conclusion, pas de temps mort pour cette suite. Juniper est une héroine attachante qui ne fait pas toujours les bons choix, comme on peut si attendre dans ces circonstances. Mais à travers ses aventures, des messages importants sont mis en avant comme l'amitié, la confiance et les notions de bien et de mal. Hâte de poursuivre l'aventure à ses côtés, surtout vu la tournure des événements à la fin de ce tome 2.
3.5/5
Après la découverte du premier tome de La cité d'Archeflèche de Jamie Littler, une série de fantasy jeunesse qui mêle magie, humour, amitié et aventure, j'étais plus que ravie de retrouver Juniper et les autres dans ce second volet. Et cette suite est à la hauteur du premier tome avec pour thématique centrale : l'amitié.
Dans cette série, nous suivons Juniper, 13 ans, accompagnée de sa meilleure amie Théa, qui malgré leur jeune âge, se sont lancées dans le trafic de reliques magiques pour subvenir à leurs besoins. Mais Juniper a fait la découverte d'un morceau de miroir dont en est sorti Tison, un démon qui souhaite prendre sa revanche sur les Arcanistes (seuls autorisés à manier la magie et faisant office de dirigeants). D'une situation à une autre, voilà que Juniper prétend avoir reçu un don du Visiteur et cache l'existence de Tison.
Dans cette suite, Juniper a donc réussi le premier défi lancé par les Arcanistes et va devoir réussir le suivant pour prouver qu'elle détient un pouvoir. Mais en même temps, elle doit trouver un moyen de révéler que les Arcanistes ne sont pas ceux qu'ils prétendent, sans y laisser la vie. Car les plans machiavéliques de certains pourraient lui être fatales. Autant dire encore pas mal d'aventure dans cette suite qui vont amener notre héroine à faire des choix.
Ce qui domine ici, c'est bel et bien l'amitié. Entre Juniper et Théa bien sur, mais aussi avec Evrard, le fils d'un membre réputé qui l'a espionné dans le tome 1 avant de finalement devenir complice. Et puis il y a aussi la relation entre les jumelles, Juniper, elle, fait partie des rebelles alors que sa sœur est candidate pour devenir l'une des héritières des Arcanistes. Autrement dit, des camps ennemis. Ce qui amènera notre héroine a choisir entre sa famille et les idées de Tison, rongé par la vengeance.
En conclusion, pas de temps mort pour cette suite. Juniper est une héroine attachante qui ne fait pas toujours les bons choix, comme on peut si attendre dans ces circonstances. Mais à travers ses aventures, des messages importants sont mis en avant comme l'amitié, la confiance et les notions de bien et de mal. Hâte de poursuivre l'aventure à ses côtés, surtout vu la tournure des événements à la fin de ce tome 2.
November 17, 2025
Jamie Littler has an amazing way of creating worlds so different from ours, but are fully flashed out and believable.
As with his Frostheart series, the characters are unique, but all loveable in their own way. There are twists, surprises, exciting revelations and character developments.
A story that’s impossible to put down. I feel sad that having completed the Frostheart series as well, I only have one book left of these two incredible trilogies.
As with his Frostheart series, the characters are unique, but all loveable in their own way. There are twists, surprises, exciting revelations and character developments.
A story that’s impossible to put down. I feel sad that having completed the Frostheart series as well, I only have one book left of these two incredible trilogies.
July 19, 2024
It’s the second book in a trilogy so obviously everything that could go wrong goes wrong
Pros:
Fun cast of quirky characters
Plot didn’t go the way I expected (despite knowing that things were going to go wrong)
I worked out some lore reveals so I got to feel smarter than a book aimed at younger readers
Pros:
Fun cast of quirky characters
Plot didn’t go the way I expected (despite knowing that things were going to go wrong)
I worked out some lore reveals so I got to feel smarter than a book aimed at younger readers
August 11, 2024
I wanted to love this book sooooo badly, and yet I felt like the plot and pacing was looser than I wanted it to be (though I know my expectations were high given the SHEER PERFECTION of Frostheart!). As always, the illustrations and worldbuilding are gorgeous. I just fell like the humor juxtaposed really confusingly with the high stakes and I was just left feeling underwhelmed. Still holding out hope for book 3 to pull it all together!
July 26, 2024
Wow! Jamie Littler you’ve done it again. What a book! So many twists and turns this had me on the edge of my seat! It’s quite rare for me to want to finish a book in one sitting but this one was the one. Looking forward to the next one!
July 8, 2024
Couldn’t put this book down. It’s making me eagerly want arkspire 3 . I recommend this series and this author to every one
July 8, 2024
4 25⭐️
July 18, 2024
I really felt sorry for Juniper in this book, the ending left on a partial cliffhanger and I am looking forward to the next book (even though it's a bit of a wait).
August 25, 2024
Insane
Mind blowing, insane plot reveals and astonishigly deep, I literally can't expect what might happen next in the third book!
Mind blowing, insane plot reveals and astonishigly deep, I literally can't expect what might happen next in the third book!
September 3, 2024
I loved this book, even more so than the first one! I loved how it progressed, learning more about the characters, their history and the history of Arkspire. How do I wait for book 3?
February 15, 2025
Love this series & glad I only have to wait a couple months for the next one!
March 25, 2025
4.5 stars
I laughed, I gasped, I paced around my room with the book in hand because I couldn't sit still.
This was a wild ride in the best way.
This book might be the most serious and suspenseful of this author. Book 1 had possible execution on charges of treason, this one has mechanical blade-wielding saw traps and multiple deaths happening in front of the protagonists eyes. I thought it was fitting, but maybe it’s not for the squeamish middle grade reader?
The plot was good. Like its predecessor it involved lots of trickery, lying and cheating. Arkspire as a city is a highly original setting that created lots of opportunities for high-stakes adventures. The twists were a bit more predictable than in Frostheart, but maybe that has to do with the fact that there is far more foreshadowing in Arkspire. They still had me on the edge of my seat, so I’m not complaining in the slightest.
I loved Cinder as the manifestation of Juniper’s own feelings. She feels unimportant and overlooked and wants to be acknowledged. She sees herself in Cinder and whatever magical bind they share lets Cinder influence her as well.
The push and pull between Juniper’s desire to do no harm and the feelings of hopelessness that warrant desperate (and deadly) measures was fascinating.
I loved her complex feelings towards her sister as well. She resents Elodie. She wants to be Elodie. She is tired of being a shadow, but doesn’t see that she makes Thea her shadow.
Thea has grown from the sidekick from book 1 into a character wholly her own, the prodigal sidekick is no longer supporting Juniper, she has a mind of her own.
Both of these other girls highlight Junipers own flaws perfectly. And Juniper is flawed, moreso than Ash. She can be egocentric, angry and brazen. It’s both her strength and what leads to her downfall.
And lastly, every single thing Juniper does comes back to haunt her. Every decision makes sense when she makes it, but in the end, all the threads she left hanging get twined together into a noose she cannot escape. That’s masterful plotting and great writing at its finest.
I cannot wait for book 3.
I laughed, I gasped, I paced around my room with the book in hand because I couldn't sit still.
This was a wild ride in the best way.
This book might be the most serious and suspenseful of this author. Book 1 had possible execution on charges of treason, this one has mechanical blade-wielding saw traps and multiple deaths happening in front of the protagonists eyes. I thought it was fitting, but maybe it’s not for the squeamish middle grade reader?
The plot was good. Like its predecessor it involved lots of trickery, lying and cheating. Arkspire as a city is a highly original setting that created lots of opportunities for high-stakes adventures. The twists were a bit more predictable than in Frostheart, but maybe that has to do with the fact that there is far more foreshadowing in Arkspire. They still had me on the edge of my seat, so I’m not complaining in the slightest.
I loved Cinder as the manifestation of Juniper’s own feelings. She feels unimportant and overlooked and wants to be acknowledged. She sees herself in Cinder and whatever magical bind they share lets Cinder influence her as well.
The push and pull between Juniper’s desire to do no harm and the feelings of hopelessness that warrant desperate (and deadly) measures was fascinating.
I loved her complex feelings towards her sister as well. She resents Elodie. She wants to be Elodie. She is tired of being a shadow, but doesn’t see that she makes Thea her shadow.
Thea has grown from the sidekick from book 1 into a character wholly her own, the prodigal sidekick is no longer supporting Juniper, she has a mind of her own.
Both of these other girls highlight Junipers own flaws perfectly. And Juniper is flawed, moreso than Ash. She can be egocentric, angry and brazen. It’s both her strength and what leads to her downfall.
And lastly, every single thing Juniper does comes back to haunt her. Every decision makes sense when she makes it, but in the end, all the threads she left hanging get twined together into a noose she cannot escape. That’s masterful plotting and great writing at its finest.
I cannot wait for book 3.
October 14, 2024
Yet another disappointing second book after an amazing first. I’ve found with some authors they are able to start a series in the most amazing way, yet struggle to follow it up in the following books.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews