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Menagerie #2
Dragon on Trial
From the New York Times bestselling author of the Wings of Fire series, Tui T. Sutherland, and her sister, Kari Sutherland, comes the second exciting adventure in the Menagerie trilogy! Combining the magic of Brandon Mull's Fablehaven series and the charm and humor of Carl Hiaasen, The Menagerie #2: Dragon on Trial is perfect for young readers who love myths, fairy tales, and fantastic creatures. Someone or something has murdered the goose who laid the golden eggs, and the evidence points to a dragon named Scratch. Zoe and Logan are back on the case—but this mystery won't be that easy to solve….
288 pages, Unknown Binding
First published March 11, 2014
333 people are currently reading
1500 people want to read
About the author
Tui T. Sutherland
202 books6,305 followersOkay, I know what you’re thinking. Tui? What kind of name is that? Is it short for something?
Nope. Among the many great things to come out of New Zealand (the Lord of the Rings movies, cats that paint, my mom) is a bird called the tui—not as well known as the kiwi, but a heck of a lot noisier!
I was born July 31 (same birthday as Harry Potter!) in Caracas, Venezuela, and lived in Asuncion, Paraguay; Miami, Florida; and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, before moving to New Jersey in high school, where I started doing theatre—mostly backstage work, because (a) it was fun, and (b) you got to hang out in the dark with cute boys. (Er, I mean . . . because it was artistically fulfilling, yes.)
I graduated from Williams College in ’98 and I currently live in Boston with my husband, my perfect new baby, and my adorable yoodle Sunshine (what’s a yoodle? A puppy that’s three-quarters poodle and one-quarter Yorkshire terrier, of course!).
Much to my parents’ relief, I abandoned my theatrical aspirations after college for the far more stable and lucrative career of fiction writing.
My first two official books were beginning readers, part of Grosset & Dunlap’s “First Friends” series for kids learning to read. MEET MO AND ELLA is tough to find now, but FUN WITH MO AND ELLA should still be out there somewhere.
My first novel for teenagers was THIS MUST BE LOVE, which retells Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream in a modern-day high school, from the POV of the two heroines, Hermia and Helena.
And now I'm writing in a new project called SEEKERS! It's a children's book series that I'm writing with Erin Hunter. Check out my blog to find out more!
Nope. Among the many great things to come out of New Zealand (the Lord of the Rings movies, cats that paint, my mom) is a bird called the tui—not as well known as the kiwi, but a heck of a lot noisier!
I was born July 31 (same birthday as Harry Potter!) in Caracas, Venezuela, and lived in Asuncion, Paraguay; Miami, Florida; and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, before moving to New Jersey in high school, where I started doing theatre—mostly backstage work, because (a) it was fun, and (b) you got to hang out in the dark with cute boys. (Er, I mean . . . because it was artistically fulfilling, yes.)
I graduated from Williams College in ’98 and I currently live in Boston with my husband, my perfect new baby, and my adorable yoodle Sunshine (what’s a yoodle? A puppy that’s three-quarters poodle and one-quarter Yorkshire terrier, of course!).
Much to my parents’ relief, I abandoned my theatrical aspirations after college for the far more stable and lucrative career of fiction writing.
My first two official books were beginning readers, part of Grosset & Dunlap’s “First Friends” series for kids learning to read. MEET MO AND ELLA is tough to find now, but FUN WITH MO AND ELLA should still be out there somewhere.
My first novel for teenagers was THIS MUST BE LOVE, which retells Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream in a modern-day high school, from the POV of the two heroines, Hermia and Helena.
And now I'm writing in a new project called SEEKERS! It's a children's book series that I'm writing with Erin Hunter. Check out my blog to find out more!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
July 11, 2019
4.5 stars
I don't know what it is about these books that I love so much, but I do. They are a pleasure to read and just pure unadulterated fun. And sometimesI really need that everyone really needs that.
When the last book ended, it looked as though Pelly the golden goose had met an untimely end. Based on the evidence, it looks as though Scratch the dragon is responsible. No one wants to believe he would do such a thing, but it doesn't look good. He swears he's innocent and Logan, Blue, and Zoe believe him so they set out to prove it before he goes on trial. They only have a week and if he's found guilty, it's Scratch who is going to meet an untimely end. So they set out to investigate. This leads to all sorts of adventures and eventually leads to my favorite part of the book, the introduction of a family of various...were-people? were-animals? I don't know what you'd call them. Shifters? The term "shifters" is never used, but that's what I'd call it. Basically, an entire family who each shift into different animals, not just the conventional werewolf but a wererooster. Or a werebear. My favorite, of course, being the wererooster.
Because no one can deny the majesty and fierceness of the all-mighty rooster.
These books are just so adorable and funny.
So Logan, Blue, Zoe, and their new shifter friends work against the clock to prove Scratch the dragon's innocence.
And speaking of Scratch...He was absolutely hilarious. He was a giant fire breathing dragon who happened to be shy and spoke like Yoda. I wish he actually existed.
I'm pretty sure he was supposed to look ferocious but all I could picture was something like this:
"Oh, no, Zoe said. "Scratch! You really ate those sheep?"
He clawed the ground and looked pathetic. "Came back to cave, did not Scratch? Fat the empty head of fluff on legs overtaking planet. Asking to be eaten was the fluff on legs. Hardly to miss among the horde. Plus also and plus hungry was Scratch."
I think I'm going to refer to sheep as "fluff on legs" from now on.
I really have nothing to complain about with these books. I think they're fun and well written. I love the variety of mythical creatures, many I've never even heard of (which of course led me to google them and I ended up going down a mini rabbit hole of mythology) and the unique personalities of each individual creature. I think what really impressed me was the way subjects like divorce, betrayal, and what abandonment can do to a child (or anyone) are woven in between the humor and silliness. Logan's loneliness and yearning for friendship broke my heart.
...he couldn't help stopping for a moment as they walked through the school doors to think, hey, I just walked to school with people. I have someone to sit with at lunch. I have friends. Logan half expected someone to come up and say, 'Oh, there's been a mistake. These friends aren't for you,' and take them all away."
PULL ON MY HEARTSTRINGS WHY DON'T YOU.
Simply put, this book has a little of everything. It's fairly short and it's a delightful middle-grade read.
I don't know what it is about these books that I love so much, but I do. They are a pleasure to read and just pure unadulterated fun. And sometimes
When the last book ended, it looked as though Pelly the golden goose had met an untimely end. Based on the evidence, it looks as though Scratch the dragon is responsible. No one wants to believe he would do such a thing, but it doesn't look good. He swears he's innocent and Logan, Blue, and Zoe believe him so they set out to prove it before he goes on trial. They only have a week and if he's found guilty, it's Scratch who is going to meet an untimely end. So they set out to investigate. This leads to all sorts of adventures and eventually leads to my favorite part of the book, the introduction of a family of various...were-people? were-animals? I don't know what you'd call them. Shifters? The term "shifters" is never used, but that's what I'd call it. Basically, an entire family who each shift into different animals, not just the conventional werewolf but a wererooster. Or a werebear. My favorite, of course, being the wererooster.
Because no one can deny the majesty and fierceness of the all-mighty rooster.
These books are just so adorable and funny.
So Logan, Blue, Zoe, and their new shifter friends work against the clock to prove Scratch the dragon's innocence.
And speaking of Scratch...He was absolutely hilarious. He was a giant fire breathing dragon who happened to be shy and spoke like Yoda. I wish he actually existed.
I'm pretty sure he was supposed to look ferocious but all I could picture was something like this:
"Oh, no, Zoe said. "Scratch! You really ate those sheep?"
He clawed the ground and looked pathetic. "Came back to cave, did not Scratch? Fat the empty head of fluff on legs overtaking planet. Asking to be eaten was the fluff on legs. Hardly to miss among the horde. Plus also and plus hungry was Scratch."
I think I'm going to refer to sheep as "fluff on legs" from now on.
I really have nothing to complain about with these books. I think they're fun and well written. I love the variety of mythical creatures, many I've never even heard of (which of course led me to google them and I ended up going down a mini rabbit hole of mythology) and the unique personalities of each individual creature. I think what really impressed me was the way subjects like divorce, betrayal, and what abandonment can do to a child (or anyone) are woven in between the humor and silliness. Logan's loneliness and yearning for friendship broke my heart.
...he couldn't help stopping for a moment as they walked through the school doors to think, hey, I just walked to school with people. I have someone to sit with at lunch. I have friends. Logan half expected someone to come up and say, 'Oh, there's been a mistake. These friends aren't for you,' and take them all away."
PULL ON MY HEARTSTRINGS WHY DON'T YOU.
Simply put, this book has a little of everything. It's fairly short and it's a delightful middle-grade read.
March 22, 2022
cute cute cute. it felt slightly inconsistent which i guess is because of the two authors. still, cute
September 20, 2023
This was a page-turner, and kept me guessing at what was going to happen, but was also really similar to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban since they are trying to prove Scratch innocent, just like Harry, Hermione, and Ron do with Buckbeak. At first, I thought that Scratch actually was guilty, but then they figured out that Pelly was actually stolen. My favorite part is when they prove Scratch innocent, and my favorite character is Zoe, but Keiko is cool; I like that she is a kitsune.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2018
totally loved this follow up to 'The Menagerie'... all the YAs are interesting people but there's not much time wasted on romance-y shite or stereotypical gender-y crap, and the adults are mostly background material, just filled out enough to matter but not taking center stage over the YAs... there are plenty of mysterious/nefarious characters, with enough menace to be creepy but not so much to be evil or nasty... the mix of beasties is fun and funny (Marco and his family are the best!) and the story just flies along, like time and geography have shrunk to fit the tale... interested to find out what the deal is with Logan's parents, which better get resolved in 'Krakens and Lies'...
April 13, 2020
This is the further adventures of Logan and friends who are trying to stop the murder trial of a Dragon who is being blamed for the death of a Golden Goose.
As they try to piece things together, navigate school and also do their best to hopefully help save the Menagerie, they all have quite a bit to keep track of. Just when things appear to be going downhill swiftly, they find unlikely help in the form of a fellow classmate who also happens to be a wererooster and whose family also is various forms of werecreatures.
Soon it's a race against the clock to find out what's really going on and hopefully reveal the truth before the Dragon is found guilty and the Menagerie is closed down.
This book was full of adventure, the wonders of many mythical creatures, humor, the power of friendship, surprises and it was all around a really fun read to get lost in. I can't wait to read the next book in the series though I am sad that this series is only a trilogy. Highly recommend this series especially if you've ever wondered what it would be like to work at a place where so many mythical creatures are to be found!
As they try to piece things together, navigate school and also do their best to hopefully help save the Menagerie, they all have quite a bit to keep track of. Just when things appear to be going downhill swiftly, they find unlikely help in the form of a fellow classmate who also happens to be a wererooster and whose family also is various forms of werecreatures.
Soon it's a race against the clock to find out what's really going on and hopefully reveal the truth before the Dragon is found guilty and the Menagerie is closed down.
This book was full of adventure, the wonders of many mythical creatures, humor, the power of friendship, surprises and it was all around a really fun read to get lost in. I can't wait to read the next book in the series though I am sad that this series is only a trilogy. Highly recommend this series especially if you've ever wondered what it would be like to work at a place where so many mythical creatures are to be found!
July 24, 2020
Un deuxième tome rempli d'action, autant que le premier! L'intrigue se complexifie, on ajoute des personnages intéressants et des twists inattendus.
June 9, 2022
I keep wondering if Logan's dad had something to do with all the sabotage attempts at the menagerie, hope not? But otherwise, this book is really cute. I especially like Marcos, the were-rooster. All the other drama queen animals deserve a mention too.
May 8, 2019
read it. These are cute books and I'm glad I'm reading them with my daughter as she is really enjoying them.
October 12, 2014
After rescuing a griffin in the first book, ”The Menagerie”, Logan is officially accepted as a member of the secret menagerie that cares for mythical creatures. This time the crisis involves the disappearance and presumed murder of Pelly, the goose who lays the golden eggs. Snatch, a dragon in the menagerie, is blamed, but Logan and his friend Zoe are sure that he's being framed, and that the goose, crucial to the Menagerie’s income, may still be alive. While an enjoyable fantasy read for tweens, it is not quite as good as the first book in the series.
Sharyn H. / Marathon County Public Library
Find this book in our library catalog.
May 16, 2015
It's continues write were the first book left off. I doesn't stop at the end of this one either, so I'm headed onto number three. I kept thinking well your parents are right there why are they not helping, oh yea, it's a preteen book. I keep reminding myself. Unlike the fablehaven which explains right from the start that their parents are not around. They have to fend basically for themselves. This book I have to keep reminding myself because the parents are right there, except for one kid the main kid. Still. I really hope this one kind of explains this finally or does finishes it in a way, for me, to bring it all together. It's a great story, fun, exciting and adventurous. Kids will eat it up.
August 14, 2015
*2.5 stars* I honestly think half of middle grade reading should be categorized as "Early Elementary". While this book is written at the skill level of middle grade kids, the story itself was just too silly for me. The action and dialogue was more at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade level than the 4th, 5th, and 6th. I also don't really like series that all take place in only a few short days. I think only a week passes from the beginning of the 1st book to the end of the 2nd book. I prefer to see more plot and character development than can really be achieved in that kind of time period. I don't think I'll continue with this series, though I would whole heartedly recommend it to budding readers who like fantasy and adventure.
December 17, 2015
The Menagerie
Tui T. Sutherland
The second book in the Menagerie series takes place not long after the first. When Scratch the dragon is accused of murder Logan, Blue, and Zoe have to figure out who really killed Pelly. While hunting werewolves they must also deal with a certain person who might know too much.
I liked this book better than the first because it was much funnier. I gave it five stars do to its many surprises and misleading ideas. Marko (the were-rooster) was probably my favorite character because he added allot of comic relief. An example of the humor is when Marco turned into a rooster to distract the librarian. I recommend this book to younger middle schoolers or people who love mythical creatures, because there are many interesting beasts in this book
Tui T. Sutherland
The second book in the Menagerie series takes place not long after the first. When Scratch the dragon is accused of murder Logan, Blue, and Zoe have to figure out who really killed Pelly. While hunting werewolves they must also deal with a certain person who might know too much.
I liked this book better than the first because it was much funnier. I gave it five stars do to its many surprises and misleading ideas. Marko (the were-rooster) was probably my favorite character because he added allot of comic relief. An example of the humor is when Marco turned into a rooster to distract the librarian. I recommend this book to younger middle schoolers or people who love mythical creatures, because there are many interesting beasts in this book
September 24, 2015
This book was co written by two children? Man do I feel extremely unaccomplished.
So This book was cute, I especially loved the addition of Marco as he was hilarious. I knew there was something going on with Matthew I'm just glad he wasn't in on it. And I totally called the Stirlings still knowing about the Menagerie and planning something evil. I'm pretty sure Logan's dad is in on it too.
Anyway, the book was a quick and easy read, and I hope to find out where Logan's mom is in the next book. She better show up, seriously. The book's pretty funny too, I mean rainbow poop? That was just spectacular!
So This book was cute, I especially loved the addition of Marco as he was hilarious. I knew there was something going on with Matthew I'm just glad he wasn't in on it. And I totally called the Stirlings still knowing about the Menagerie and planning something evil. I'm pretty sure Logan's dad is in on it too.
Anyway, the book was a quick and easy read, and I hope to find out where Logan's mom is in the next book. She better show up, seriously. The book's pretty funny too, I mean rainbow poop? That was just spectacular!
June 8, 2017
A really solid second book in this trilogy. My kids still love all the characters & have been diligently trying to figure-out who the saboteur might be. My kids are in 1st and 2nd grade, and the plot is suitable for them to follow. I think my 2nd grader could read the book for himself, but I think it would be a bit challenging for my 1st grader. We started the 3rd book the very next day & I have no idea how I'm going to top this and the VNHLP series for our next reading project.
April 28, 2014
Absolutely love the "Menagerie" series for kids about a zoo for mythical animals. Both books one and two were great. I highly suggest this series for anyone, child to adult who likes mythological creatures. A good time!
November 7, 2021
This review will be for the 3 book series as a whole because each book was just as good as the last. I listened to this audiobook with my husband and 11 year old daughter each night before bed and here I'll report what each family member's opinion was.
My 11yo: "I really liked this series. I loved that everyone had their own personalities, making it easy to tell who was who. The cliffhangers were a little anticlimactic. I also didn't like how Jasmine was made out to look like a rude, selfish, brat when she was actually really nice. I enjoyed the writing, it was so good that the author was able to make me hate certain characters with all my heart... that's talent. I wanted more time with the creatures individually. The mythical members of the story deserved more page time especially when they were interacting with Logan who also was an awesome creature whisperer."
Overall:
"It's no Harry Potter (though who besides the original can be?) but it was a decent book series.
All in all I rate it a 4 out of 5 stars."
My 38 year old Husband: "this was a cute series. I personally wouldn't have picked it to read on my own but it held my interest even when it was a touch trite. The mythical creatures were the best part of the book.
Overall: it was interesting enough and everyone in the family enjoyed it. I rate it 3.5 stars."
Me: this Middle Grade book was a fun way to spend some time, listening, with the family! I won't recap the synopsis but I will say that I loved how vivid it was while still staying within the parameters of a Middle Grade read. The writing was solid and, apart from trying to figure out who was causing all the ruckus and why, I really enjoyed meeting the bevy of mythical creatures! There were the usual suspects... mermaids... gryphons... dragons... a basilisk... a kraken... a variety of were-creatures and more. The vast array of characters were introduced in a succinct/seamless manor. We, the reader/listener, were never bogged down and burried underneath a huge cast where it feels like homework trying to keep everyone straight. The characters were strong and well rounded yet they all brought something unique to the group. I adored the way the protagonists slowly learned to rely on one another and work together in a cohesive group in order to achieve success in whatever the current problem was. The pace was never stagnant (in any of the books) and it kept us guessing (almost) straight through. The ending tied things up neatly with a tidy wrapping and a pretty were-bow on top... not normally how I like my endings BUT in this Middle Grade book it worked out well.
Overall:
The Menagerie was a well written Middle Grade read with a bunch of mysteries to solve and great characters created to achieve that goal. The magic was entertaining and the backdrop just as good but the characters and fantastical creatures were the stars of this show. This is good, clean fun for the whole family and I give it a solid 4 stars.
My 11yo: "I really liked this series. I loved that everyone had their own personalities, making it easy to tell who was who. The cliffhangers were a little anticlimactic. I also didn't like how Jasmine was made out to look like a rude, selfish, brat when she was actually really nice. I enjoyed the writing, it was so good that the author was able to make me hate certain characters with all my heart... that's talent. I wanted more time with the creatures individually. The mythical members of the story deserved more page time especially when they were interacting with Logan who also was an awesome creature whisperer."
Overall:
"It's no Harry Potter (though who besides the original can be?) but it was a decent book series.
All in all I rate it a 4 out of 5 stars."
My 38 year old Husband: "this was a cute series. I personally wouldn't have picked it to read on my own but it held my interest even when it was a touch trite. The mythical creatures were the best part of the book.
Overall: it was interesting enough and everyone in the family enjoyed it. I rate it 3.5 stars."
Me: this Middle Grade book was a fun way to spend some time, listening, with the family! I won't recap the synopsis but I will say that I loved how vivid it was while still staying within the parameters of a Middle Grade read. The writing was solid and, apart from trying to figure out who was causing all the ruckus and why, I really enjoyed meeting the bevy of mythical creatures! There were the usual suspects... mermaids... gryphons... dragons... a basilisk... a kraken... a variety of were-creatures and more. The vast array of characters were introduced in a succinct/seamless manor. We, the reader/listener, were never bogged down and burried underneath a huge cast where it feels like homework trying to keep everyone straight. The characters were strong and well rounded yet they all brought something unique to the group. I adored the way the protagonists slowly learned to rely on one another and work together in a cohesive group in order to achieve success in whatever the current problem was. The pace was never stagnant (in any of the books) and it kept us guessing (almost) straight through. The ending tied things up neatly with a tidy wrapping and a pretty were-bow on top... not normally how I like my endings BUT in this Middle Grade book it worked out well.
Overall:
The Menagerie was a well written Middle Grade read with a bunch of mysteries to solve and great characters created to achieve that goal. The magic was entertaining and the backdrop just as good but the characters and fantastical creatures were the stars of this show. This is good, clean fun for the whole family and I give it a solid 4 stars.
September 24, 2023
This book went from silly fun to more serious. While book one mentioned the passing idea that the Griffin cubs could be exterminated, in a worst-case scenario, in this book the potential of a magical creature being killed is very real as (spoiler from the title) a dragon is on trial, and the penalty for a guilty verdict is death.
This book continues with the characters introduced in the first book, adding in plenty of intrigue, good natured teasing, suspense, and the main girl being weirdly suspicious of her brother. It was an enjoyable addition, and I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoyed children's fantasy. That is all for now ..off to book #3
p.s. I know that the main boy (sorry, blanking on his name) is supposed to be Black ..but only because it was mentioned in passing like three times in book 1. While I appreciate the diversity, I have noticed a big difference of POC writing POC than of white authors doing so. From what I have seen, POC authors tend to incorporate elements of microaggressions and discrimination into the experience of their characters (especially when the character makes a point of living in a mostly white, rural area in the US) (e.g bracing for discrimination, being treated with more suspicion, paying more attention to how they might be perceived in an effort to mitigate discrimination, etc), whereas white authors tend to describe skin color and that's it, no references to the reality of discrimination felt in our world.
I realize this is a story of magical creatures, but, as the context is the States, I felt it was valid. Not a bad story as it is, just something I noticed.
This book continues with the characters introduced in the first book, adding in plenty of intrigue, good natured teasing, suspense, and the main girl being weirdly suspicious of her brother. It was an enjoyable addition, and I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoyed children's fantasy. That is all for now ..off to book #3
p.s. I know that the main boy (sorry, blanking on his name) is supposed to be Black ..but only because it was mentioned in passing like three times in book 1. While I appreciate the diversity, I have noticed a big difference of POC writing POC than of white authors doing so. From what I have seen, POC authors tend to incorporate elements of microaggressions and discrimination into the experience of their characters (especially when the character makes a point of living in a mostly white, rural area in the US) (e.g bracing for discrimination, being treated with more suspicion, paying more attention to how they might be perceived in an effort to mitigate discrimination, etc), whereas white authors tend to describe skin color and that's it, no references to the reality of discrimination felt in our world.
I realize this is a story of magical creatures, but, as the context is the States, I felt it was valid. Not a bad story as it is, just something I noticed.
April 13, 2020
Yup, still loving these books! (Enough that I might even be convinced to eventually read the Wings of Fire books, even though I generally dislike "anthropomorphic animal" books--even when the talking animals are dragons.) The pacing in these is great; even when I look back and think, could all of this really have happened in three days?, I still think the authors do a decent job of trying to put in realistic pauses for things like eating and sleeping. Another thing that sets these books apart from many in the same genre is there is no tendency to "quest just for questing sake." The kids sometimes make the wrong call by going after a lead themselves, but it feels realistic--they have valid reasons to hesitate telling an adult and/or the adults in their lives encourage a high level of self-sufficiency. I stayed up way too late one night, because I couldn't put this book down! Seeing as I can't remember the last time that happened, I consider that pretty high praise.
June 22, 2022
Scratch, the dragon, is in trouble. He’s on trial for eating the Golden Goose. And while he’s quite happy she’s gone, he swears he didn’t do it. But all the signs point to him. Zoe doesn’t believe that Scratch would (or could) hurt the goose, so she rounds up Logan and Blue to prove he’s innocent.
Dragon on Trial was a delight. While I wish more of the clues had given me a chance to guess what happened before the kids did, I really enjoyed discovering right along with them. It’s quite a twisty journey, and they get to make a new and unexpected friend along the way.
Logan is starting to find his place in his small group of friends. And seeing him discover that feeling of belonging that he had been missing was more than just a little cool. Although I have no idea how they all manage to do “ALL THE THINGS” in the time span in the book. Time flies so fast and things just keep zipping right along.
Dragon on Trial was a delight. While I wish more of the clues had given me a chance to guess what happened before the kids did, I really enjoyed discovering right along with them. It’s quite a twisty journey, and they get to make a new and unexpected friend along the way.
Logan is starting to find his place in his small group of friends. And seeing him discover that feeling of belonging that he had been missing was more than just a little cool. Although I have no idea how they all manage to do “ALL THE THINGS” in the time span in the book. Time flies so fast and things just keep zipping right along.
July 5, 2018
Another volume that covers the events of only a few days - in this case, a period of six days. The action picks up almost exactly where the previous volume leaves off, save that the main characters are now standing outside the building. Some of the loose ends from the previous volume are addressed, but not completely. I suspect we'll hear more about that in the final volume. I felt the pacing in this volume wasn't quite as good as the first, but the characterization and plot development were definitely on target.
February 3, 2020
Have you ever wondered if mythical creatures, like dragons and mermaids, exist? In the second book of the Menagerie series, a dragon is on trial for killing the goose that laid the golden egg (literally). The problem is, there is enough evidence to kill him. And if he is found guilty, the menagerie will be shut down. Zoe and Logan now must find evidence that the dragon is innocent. Personally, I liked the mystery, and the detective-like story. I think this is for anyone who likes mysteries or mythical animals.
July 17, 2020
This book picks up right off the last one. Another great read. More cool creatures and problems for the Menagerie. A couple things get answered then another cliff hanger! You really need all three books at once because they just hit back to back in a continuous story that takes place in about a week's time. The biggest questions are left for the last book. Loved the introduction of the were family and Marco is a hoot. Blue's reluctance with Jasmin is funny, but not mean which is really nice. Getting a good gang vibe for the kids which is fun. Good book!
August 22, 2022
I read the full trilogy over the weekend and would recommend reading them close together as I would not classify the first two as good stand alone books, but more cliffhanger endings, and that all three books blend together. This would be a fun series for 3rd, 4th, or 5th graders. Similar to Fablehaven, but less complex. I felt there was something more to Logan that was never fully explained. Would love to see another trilogy following him on his next adventure! Loved the fun mythical creatures found here!
July 7, 2023
I have read books by Tui T. Sutherland before and she's great! This was written by her and her sister and it was also really, really good! But there was one think that annoyed me. The authors would always say, blabla points at blabla. "Not cool" They say that at least 2 to 3 times a book. But besides that, I love the book! I like how it tells all about the mythical creatures at the end, ducribing them and showing pictures. But something I don't like that Tui T. Sutherland and her sister constantly have a Charector point at another Charector and say, "not cool."
August 23, 2025
Direct sequel that only has a mild issue with flow. My kids enjoyed the story, and over all it was a decent continuation.
For a book directed towards 10-15 year olds it’s not bad, and while it has logic inconsistency they all fall within the “yeah, I can see a youth missing that bit of info” or “that’s not a logical argument, but at the same time it’s not an awful thing”.
My biggest gripe is that when the characters are annoying it’s nails on a chalk board levels of annoying. Not hitting the skip button was a triumph of my patience.
For a book directed towards 10-15 year olds it’s not bad, and while it has logic inconsistency they all fall within the “yeah, I can see a youth missing that bit of info” or “that’s not a logical argument, but at the same time it’s not an awful thing”.
My biggest gripe is that when the characters are annoying it’s nails on a chalk board levels of annoying. Not hitting the skip button was a triumph of my patience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2021
Fun, kids book. I've been listening to the full series with my 8-year old son. He is getting a kick out of it and it held his interest well on a 3 hour car ride. It's interesting to see how he processes the books. As an adult, the foreshadowing makes a lot of things really obvious, although the author does lay down a number of false leads. Those same obvious foreshadowing for an adult are often missed by my son.
August 3, 2021
4.8 stars
I really enjoyed this book!
A great sequel to a great story. Like the first book, this book is exciting, fun, nail-biting, and suspenseful. An overall great book.
It's one of the best storylines I've read, has some exciting scenes, and a lot of surprises.
Sometimes, however, it feels tough to know what's going on in the book, at least for me. I have to reread a line multiple times to actually understand what happens next, but great book other than that!
I really enjoyed this book!
A great sequel to a great story. Like the first book, this book is exciting, fun, nail-biting, and suspenseful. An overall great book.
It's one of the best storylines I've read, has some exciting scenes, and a lot of surprises.
Sometimes, however, it feels tough to know what's going on in the book, at least for me. I have to reread a line multiple times to actually understand what happens next, but great book other than that!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2017
This book is amazing! It’s not your typical sequel- another story completely unrelated to the last one. It’s actually the same book, but just a continuation, which is great, because there is always a cliff hanger at the end. Of course, all the characters stay the same and some new ones get introduced as well!
April 26, 2018
Well after an amazing start of the series this was a bit of a letdown. Don't get me wrong it was still enjoyable but predictable the twist were not so twisty and pretty straight forward not many turns . A few new characters ans some explanations about Mathew. but nothing earth shattering . I will finish the series but going to take a break before reading book 3.
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