The Impossible Trials of Benjamiah Creek

The Whisperwicks #2

by Jordan Lees, Vivienne To (Illustrator)

‘Magic forged at Midsommer is the strongest and truest of all magic – both fair and foul.’

Ever since Benjamiah returned from his spectacular adventure in Wreathenwold, he’s been desperate to go back. When he discovers a strange fragment of witchstone, he is transported back to the labyrinthine streets of Wreathenwold and soon finds himself on another dangerous quest involving a strange collection of fairytales – The Book of Barely Believable Stories.

Reunited with Elizabella Cotton and helped by two new friends – Mea and Silas the mapmaker – the gang undertake a series of magical trials to save the missing children of Wreathenwold before Midsommer ends and they are lost forever . . .

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Fiction, Adventure, Childrens, Mystery, Family

436 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2025

Reviews

[Maeghan 🦋 semi-hiatus · Rating 5 out of 5]

« Benjamiah thought that there was no way the world was fundamentally bad, neither this one nor any other. There were good people everywhere enjoying good things. Maybe those things just seemed smaller and quieter than the terrible things people did. »

Again, just like the first book… I’m at a loss for words. Just thinking about those two books gives me chills. This author’s writing is spectacular and gets me in my feelings. I will read everything he writes. This series has placed itself as my all time favourite middle grade series.

« The true wonder of life is precisely because of its briefness ; to be a momentary spark in an otherwise eternal oblivion, a spark that dances, laughs, loves in defiance of that endless gloom. To live forever is not to live at all. »

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

If any middle grade fantasy could be more perfectly written and constructed than Whisperwicks 2, I haven't seen it. This is a stunningly beautiful novel with the best world building I've read in a children's book for over a decade. It's fun, poignant and meaningful without seemingly preaching, diverse, positive, addictive and compelling. A must read for any age group!

[Anastasiia Sh. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Яка ж хороша книжка 🩷
Що перша, що друга частини просто прекрасні. Дуже моя історія!

[Ola w Krainie Książek · Rating 4 out of 5]

co prawda nie tak genialna jak pierwszy tom, ale nadal bardzo, bardzo dobra, cudownie się to czytało 🩷

[Alexia · Rating 5 out of 5]

j'ai hâte au tome 3 🥺 mais avec la qualité dans chacun de ces livres, ça ne me dérange pas d'attendre !

[Las Bookowy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ta seria jest cudownie magiczna. Gdy tylko zobaczyłam ją w zapowiedziach, wiedziałam, że muszę po nią sięgnąć. Ben odnajduje tajemniczą maskę. Zakłada ją i ponownie trafia do świata magii oraz zagadek. Jedynym problemem jest to, że nie może jej zdjąć. Elizabella zaginęła, podobnie jak inne dzieci. Coś czai się w cieniu, a czas nieubłaganie ucieka. Wraz z nowymi sprzymierzeńcami Ben musi przejść przez niebezpieczne próby, by odkryć prawdę, uratować Wreathenwold i uwolnić się od maski, zanim zakończy się Przesilato.

Ta seria to moje prawdziwe odkrycie. Idealnie się w niej odnalazłam. Ben bardzo tęskni za Wreathenwold, a jedyną osobą, z którą może o tym porozmawiać, jest jego mama, która ostatnio coraz częściej go zbywa. Chłopiec jednak znajduje sposób, by ponownie dostać się do tamtego świata. Wtedy wszystko nabiera tempa. Ben zostaje wciągnięty w wir wydarzeń, a na jego barkach spoczywa los zaginionych dzieci.

Wątek pięciu prób został poprowadzony znakomicie, a ja uwielbiam taki motyw w książkach. Fabuła jest spójna i przemyślana, nie ma w niej chaosu ani zagubienia. Pojawia się wiele zwrotów akcji, które nadają historii dynamiki. Poznajemy też nowych bohaterów, świetnie wykreowanych, choć z nutą niepewności co do ich prawdziwych intencji.

Świat alternatywny, który stworzył autor, jest niezwykle barwny i dopracowany. Nie mogę wyjść z podziwu, jak cudowną krainę oddał w nasze ręce. Książka oprócz wartkiej akcji i interesującej fabuły porusza też trudne tematy, które mogą dotyczyć każdego z nas. Jednym z nich jest wątek separacji, mogący być trudny dla młodszych czytelników, ale jednocześnie stanowiący doskonały punkt wyjścia do rozmowy o emocjach i rodzinie.

Zakończenie było bardzo intensywne. Wiele się działo, a ja nie mogłam oderwać się od lektury.

Ta książka przeznaczona jest dla młodszych czytelników, ale ja całkowicie przepadłam w tej serii. Bawiłam się wyśmienicie podczas czytania i aż trudno mi sobie wyobrazić, jaką radość musi dawać młodszym odbiorcom.

[Kim Coenen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Benjamiah is nog maar net terug uit Slingerwald, of hij verlangt alweer naar één ding: teruggaan. Terug naar de magie, de geheimen… en het avontuur. Wanneer hij opnieuw in de kronkelende straten en verborgen steegjes van de mysterieuze stad belandt, ontdekt hij dat er iets helemaal mis is. Kinderen zijn spoorloos verdwenen.
Samen met zijn vriendin Elizabella en twee onverwachte bondgenoten moet Benjamiah een reeks gevaarlijke, magische uitdagingen aangaan. Elke keuze brengt hen dieper de doolhofstad in en dichter bij een geheim dat liever verborgen was gebleven.
De tijd dringt. De stad fluistert. Durft Benjamiah te luisteren… voordat het te laat is?
De Fluistervlammen: Het geheim van de doolhofstad is een betoverend en spannend vervolg, boordevol magie, vriendschap en mysterie. Voor lezers vanaf 9 jaar, met sfeervolle zwart-witillustraties van Vivienne To.

Mijn ervaring:
Wat een heerlijk, spannend en betoverend avontuur. Ook in dit tweede deel duiken we samen met Benjamiah opnieuw de magische wereld van Slingerwald in. Jordan Lees hanteert een levendige, beeldende en vlotte schrijfstijl, waarbij hij duidelijk rekening houdt met zijn jeugdige lezers. De toegankelijke woordkeuze en korte zinnen zorgen ervoor dat het verhaal soepel leest en je moeiteloos volledig wordt meegezogen in het avontuur.

Opnieuw volgen we Benjamiah op zijn reis, een personage dat in het eerste deel al met finesse, realistisch en diepgang werd neergezet. In dit tweede deel laat Jordan Lees hem een prachtige ontwikkeling doormaken. Benjamiahs twijfels en fouten maken hem menselijk en herkenbaar, waardoor het gemakkelijk is om met hem mee te leven. Elizabella blijft een krachtig en slim personage, en de vrienden die zij onderweg ontmoeten voegen elk hun eigen dynamiek toe. Op een subtiele en doordachte manier laat Jordan Lees zien hoe onderlinge relaties groeien en hoe belangrijk vertrouwen, samenwerking en vriendschap zijn. Moeilijke emoties en thema’s worden niet geschuwd, maar warm en begrijpelijk gebracht. Ondanks alle magie voelt het verhaal daardoor opvallend menselijk en herkenbaar.

De verhaallijn is zorgvuldig opgebouwd en zit vol verrassende wendingen en spannende gebeurtenissen. Er is een fijne balans tussen actie en rust, waardoor de spanning constant voelbaar blijft zonder te overweldigen. De magische beproevingen zijn goed doordacht en volgen elkaar in een prettig tempo op. Hierin verweeft Jordan Lees op mooie wijze thema’s als moed, verantwoordelijkheid, het overwinnen van angst en het maken van moeilijke keuzes. De innerlijke worstelingen van Benjamiah lopen hier naadloos in mee, wat het verhaal ook emotioneel sterk maakt.

Fluistervlammen 2 – De onmogelijke beproevingen is een spannend, avontuurlijk en meeslepend vervolg. Het boek is vlot, levendig en beeldend geschreven, met personages die realistisch en diepgaand zijn uitgewerkt. Op een natuurlijke en magische manier weet Jordan Lees waardevolle levenslessen in het verhaal te verweven, wat resulteert in een krachtig en prachtig jeugdboek.

[Morgane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Qu'est ce que j'aime la littérature jeunesse ❤️

[Grégoire Duez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bon roman jeunesse, dans la lignée du premier tome, avec une maturité supplémentaire appréciable.
Les personnages gagnent en profondeur à mesure qu’ils grandissent, tandis que l’univers fantastique s’assombrit subtilement. La lecture est prenante, sans aucun temps mort.
« Les Whisperwicks », c’est un peu comme une petite pâtisserie de Noël dégustée au coin du feu : ce n’est pas de la grande pâtisserie, mais c’est extrêmement agréable. Une grande aventure portée par une jolie morale, certes simple et destinée à un jeune public, mais non moins réjouissante.✨✨✨

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super cute second installment. I loved the "fairytale" references throughout the book and how they linked to the riddles/trials that Benjamiah had to face. This book was all about friendship and doing what is right. Can't wait for the next book.

[Shanon · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Such a fun series!! We can’t wait for book #3.

[Tayte Cumberland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Free from the shackles of grad school and I finally got to finish this book. So so good so lovely I want a million more in this series

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite as good as the first, but still very engaging and full of magic. I'm waiting anxiously for the third!

[Ceyda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best book I've ever read.I strongly recommend it.Read it and come again!!!

[Harper Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the first book, but I really enjoyed it!

[Bethany Mock (bethanyburiedinbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve been following me for a while, you already know I’m a total sucker for middle grade fantasy reads. Last year, my book bestie Jessica and I buddy read The Whisperwicks and instantly fell in love with it. And because Jessica is basically the sweetest human on the planet, she surprised me with this STUNNING UK edition of The Impossible Trials of Benjamin Creek. (Seriously, it’s so purty she couldn’t resist — and honestly, same.)

And you guys… the inside is just as magical as the outside.In fact… dare I say it? I loved this one even more. Yep, it’s true!

I adored the dynamic duo at the heart of this story. Their bond is so special — one of those ride-or-die, face-the-impossible kind of friendships I just eat up in middle grade adventures. The new characters introduced in this one were equally fabulous, and Jordan’s imagination is off the charts. The world is whimsical, dangerous, and completely enchanting.

I’m always here for found family, fierce friendships, and just the right dash of danger. And that ending?! I’m already itching for the next one. Jordan knocked this out of the park. I seriously can’t wait to see where this adventure goes next.

If you love middle grade magic, imaginative worlds, and characters you’ll want to adopt as your own — add this to your shelf ASAP. And if you can get your hands on that UK edition… trust me, you’ll want to.

[Mafas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book so much and I'm so excited for the next one, there's so much to happen and I'm curious!!!
It has a lot of descriptions of things, which makes it a bit boring.
But yeah it was so good!!!

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant sequel to the first book. Slightly too slow a start for me, but once you’re in, it just goes from strength to strength, you see a new side to the world, yet still the familiarity of the previous books is not forgotten. The adventure is exciting, sad, tense, and not too outlandish, it works well and keeps you wanting to find out what will happen next.

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Whisperwicks: The Impossible Trials opens as darkly as the first book. It’s the Festival of Midsommer and everyone should be enjoying the fun and frivolities. But Claris Songwood has had a falling out with her brother and does not want to return indoors. If only she had returned indoors…

The pounding of the drums heralds in the Strange Parade, a Midsommer tradition that Claris had never witnessed. Each section of the parade represents a story from Wreathenwold folklore as retold in Mildred Fogge’s The Book of Barely Believable Stories. The first chapter functions like a preface introducing Mildred Fogge’s book, which is an anchoring structure for the rest of the book, and introducing a malevolent presence in Wreathenwold, threatening the child population.

Back at home in Wyvern-on the-Water, there’s tension between Benjamiah and his mum over his desire to return to Wreathenwold. If the opportunity presents itself again, will he be able to resist?

I really enjoyed The Impossible Trials. I’d say the novel on the whole is a bit more familiar middle grade territory than The Labyrinth of Lost and Found. But there are still lots of dangers lurking in the shadows. And, lots of shadows. It is structured around an episodic quest, or trials, rooted in a beloved book of fairytales, which present multi-faceted challenges for the young heroes. I kept thinking how it would make a great read-aloud.

One of the villains of this piece, Bo, an underling in the bigger picture, is one of the most sinisterly designed baddies I’ve encountered in a children’s book in while. His backstory is brilliant and his realisation, as creepy as can be. And, all of the time there is the promise of a much bigger showdown to come with much more powerful ememies.

It’s dark, tense and twisting. With traditions and interesting characters drawn from folklore, grounding Wreathenwold in more of its own past. A great sequel and a treat for fans of a darker fantasy adventure.

[Jen De Andres · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★ – Magique, touchant et encore meilleur que le premier !

Ce deuxième tome de The Whisperwicks est une vraie pépite. J’avais aimé le premier, mais celui-ci m’a totalement captivée. L’univers devient encore plus riche, plus inventif, avec des rebondissements bien dosés et une vraie montée en puissance dans l’histoire.

Les personnages sont toujours aussi attachants, mais on sent qu’ils grandissent, qu’ils sont confrontés à des dilemmes plus profonds. L’émotion est là, l’humour aussi, et l’écriture garde cette touche de poésie et de malice qui rend la série si unique.

C’est un de ces livres où on tourne les pages sans s’en rendre compte, à la fois émerveillée et totalement prise par l’intrigue. Un vrai coup de cœur.

[Caroline Gauvin-Dubé · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Il est, à mon avis, meilleur que le premier! Le monde magique de Dedaleum se déploie, les personnages se définissent et les fables et légendes de Mildred Fogge articulent magnifiquement l’histoire tout en enrichissant l’imaginaire des lieux.

Vivement la suite :)

[Daniela Anders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Das magische Abenteuer in Winkelwald geht weiter

**Inhaltsangabe Verlag:**
Zu Mittsommer wird die mächtigste und wahrhaftigste Magie gewebt …
Es ist Mittsommer in Winkelwald, die magischste Zeit des Jahres. Alle Märchen und Sagen erwachen zum Leben, als Benjamiah gegen den Willen seiner Mutter zurückkehrt. Er erfährt, dass er die fünf Prüfungen der Hexe Agatha Drake bestehen muss, um den Hexenstein, der sich vor sein Auge gelegt hat, zu lösen. Gemeinsam mit seiner Freundin Elizabella und dem Kartografen Silas begibt er sich auf eine abenteuerliche Reise durch das geheimnisvolle Labyrinth, um Freundlichkeit, Mut, Neugier, Klugheit und Treue unter Beweis zu stellen. Gleichzeitig müssen sie das Rätsel der vielen spurlos verschwundenen Kinder, der Entrissenen, lösen. Werden sie es schaffen, die Kinder zu finden und zu befreien, bevor Mittsommer zu Ende geht?

Ein neues spannendes Abenteuer voller Mittsommer-Magie, in dem die Freundschaft die stärkste Kraft ist

**Meine Inhaltsangabe:**
Benjamiah vermisst Winkelwald und hat deswegen Ärger mit seiner Mutter. Die verheimlicht ihm etwas und verbirgt vor ihm einen seltsamen Gegenstand. Als er sich diesen heimlich holt, setzt sich dieser Hexenstein um sein Auge fest und Benjamiah wird nach Winkelwald gelockt, um einige magische Prüfungen zu bestehen. Nur, wenn er diese meistert, wird er den Hexenstein wieder los. Versagt er, muss er für immer als Entrissener in Winkelwald bleiben. Zum Glück hat er Hilfe von Elizabella und dem Kartografen Silas, sowie natürlich von ihren Seelenpuppen und dem roten Faden Ariadne. Doch die Zeit drängt, denn die Prüfungen müssen vor Ablauf von Mitsommer absolviert werden. Mächtige Feinde stellen sich ihnen in den Weg und auch die Prüfungen verlangen von den Freunden alles ab. Nun ist Freundschaft mehr wert, als alles andere. Und dann ist da auch noch das Rätsel der verschwundenen Kinder, das gelöst werden will.

Erster Satz: »Das Fest zu Mitsommer wird in Winkelwald auf ewig die fröhlichste und magischste Zeit des Jahres sein, eine Zeit, in der die unzähligen und unerklärlichen Märchen und Sagen unserer Welt gefeiert werden.«

**Mein Eindruck:**
Was habe ich mich auf diese Fortsetzung gefreut. Band 1 hat mich mit seiner großartigen, fantasievollen Parallelwelt, den wundervollen Figuren und der mehr als spannenden Story schon überzeugt. Dieser 2. Band ist mindestens genauso genial! Ich bin also wieder in Winkelwald und allein die Seelenpuppen und das Fädchen Ariadne wieder zu treffen, ist das Lesen wert! Doch natürlich erwartet mich auch jetzt wieder eine Geschichte, die vor fantasievollen Einfällen, einem wundervollen Setting und vielschichtigen Figuren nur so strotzt. Hier kann man mitfiebern und mitleiden (an der einen oder anderen Stelle hatte ich Klöße im Hals und Tränen in den Augen), mitjubeln und mitlachen. Die Prüfungen sind perfekt ausgedacht und sorgen für massenhaft Spannung. Doch neben all der Action, dem Humor und dem überaus lohnenswerten Kopfkino steht eins immer absolut im Vordergrund: Freundschaft! Und das mitzuerleben ist berührend und so schön! Gerne wäre ich in die Geschichte gesprungen und wäre ein Teil davon geworden. Allerdings geht es auch manchmal recht gruselig zu, was für den einen oder anderen Schauer sorgt. Jedes Kapitel beginnt mit einem kurzen Auszug aus dem »Gesamtwerk grenzwertig glaubhafter Geschichten von Mildred Fogge« und wird von einer zum Kapitelinhalt passenden Illustration angeführt. Zudem gibt es einige ganzseitige und sehr schöne s/w-Illustrationen, die anschaulich Szenen aus dem Buch zeigen. Wer gern tief in mitreißende Geschichten abtaucht, die einen tatsächlich komplett aus der Realität rausziehen und in die Fantasiewelt hineinkatapultieren, der sollte hier zugreifen. Bitte unbedingt mit Band 1 anfangen! 5/5 Sterne und schon jetzt eine große Vorfreude auf eine hoffentlich erscheinende Fortsetzung! Einfach gut!

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Whisperwicks series by Jordan Lees, while meant for children, is a series I’m very pleased to have found and look forward to future installments. Having read the first book back in August of last year I was quickly drawn into the world that Lees had created. A magical world trapped within a labyrinth where you take one too many turns and you're lost forever, never to find your way back home. Playing cards used for currency and the only coin any one person possesses are the physical embodiments of promises.

All of this paired with a magic system that is not only easy to understand but also something a child could easily fall in love with and use to play pretend with their friends. It’s a charming and amazing creation that Lees should be proud of.

The characters are likeable and while there are moments that I find certain characteristics of Elizabella frustrating that doesn’t make me like her any less as she is a child reacting as a child should in the situations she finds herself in. Same with Benjamiah, our protagonist and the main lens from which we see the world of Wreathenwold through. He’s an outsider like us, someone just as curious and enraptured by all the mystery and whimsy of this other world.

I won’t speak on the first book and instead focus my thoughts only on this second installment and I must say I’m happy with how it began. It doesn’t gloss over any of what Benjamiah is feeling after his adventures in Wrethenwold. He still struggles to find his place, still trying to process how to navigate his new family situation. He’s surrounded by people who love him but feels so detached from others because he’s drawn to a world he can’t return to.

Benjamiah is a child and he acts like it. He’s not a powerful chosen one that knows what needs to be done. He makes mistakes, he acts on impulse, and sometimes he lets his emotions get the better of him. All things children experience and might struggle with and we get to see how he overcomes those obstacles and come out on the other side.

I also greatly enjoy how Lees pulled characters from the previous book into this new addition. The Viper continues to be a thorn in their side working to make their lives difficult for the slight done to her daughter. The main villain of the series is shown to be not only charismatic to the people of Wrethenwold but also cunning in how he seeks to accomplish his goals.

I personally cannot wait for the next installment to learn not only more about Wrethenwold but to see just how much further our antagonist’s plans will go. Already he has gotten quite far in his plans and I cannot wait to see if the third book with wrap this story up in a neat bow or if we’ll get maybe a fourth. I have faith in Lees to write this story with a satisfying ending as already he’s doing an amazing job of keeping me engaged in it.

If you like fantasy or have a child of middle school age who enjoys fantasy I highly recommend this book. Go show Joran Lees some love for the care he put into this story it’s was greatly deserved.

[Diana]

~współpraca reklamowa wydawnictwozygzaki~
Każdy z Was kto tęskni za Narnią i chciałby się przenieść do nowego świata na całkiem podobnych warunkach powinien rozważyć przeczytanie Świecogłosy. Pierwszy tom mimo wielu przygód skupia się na pożegnaniu ukochanych osób w swoim życiu i powiedzeniu głośno czegoś co okazuje się finalne. Natomiast drugi tom to powrót do dobrze znanego świata w całkiem nowej odsłonie. A przy tym powrót do starych bohaterów jak i poznaniu nowych.

Co znajdziecie w środku;
❁ narrację trzecioosobową z różnych perspektyw;
↪︎ Ilustracje Vivienne Lees które wprost zabierają nas do magicznego świata;
❁ spis treści oraz mapę, a przed każdym rozdziałem wzmiankę z księgi historii ledwie wiarygodnych;
↪︎ nowych bohaterów którzy urozmaicą przygody wcześniejszych bohaterów czyli Benjamiaha i Elizabelli;
❁ przyjaźń wystawioną na próbę oraz próby odwrócenia się od kogoś kto ma na nas zbyt duży wpływ;
↪︎ jeszcze więcej przygód.

"Przynależność to dobre samopoczucie, wolność. Nie chodzi w niej o miejsce, jedno czy drugie, bycie z jakąś osobą, tą czy inną, a nawet ten czy tamten świat. To poczucie bezpieczeństwa w byciu sobą, bezpieczne wyrażanie swoich potrzeb i bycie potrzebnym".
Tym razem autor ponownie wpłata trudne tematy do książki dla trochę młodszych, nie zapominając o tych starszych. Z historii można wyciągnąć wiele, a przy tym zdać sobie sprawę jak wiele razy byliśmy w podobnej sytuacji. To trochę taka refleksja, a przy tym wykreowany świat sprawia że łatwiej nam to wszystko przyswoić. Tym razem przygody z jakimi zmierzą się bohaterowie i wyzwania jakie zostały im postawione stawiają na ich drodze nie tylko przyjaciół, ale również zwątpienie czy strach. Taka mieszanka może okazać się wybuchowa tu jednak jest zupełnie inaczej.
Świecogłosy. Pięć niemożliwych prób - skupia się bardziej na dobrych uczynkach i morału jaki płynie z każdego wyzwania niż wytykaniu błędów poprzedników. Powrót do tego świata jest magicznym przeżyciem, które każdego czytelnika zachwyci i chwyci za serce.

[Gem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely stunning: Lees has avoided the trap of his second novel not being as good as the first. Instead, he has only grown in his capabilities to entertain us and bring us into the heart of the story and he has gifted us with another mystifying tale in the land of Wreathenworld, another ode to the power of books, reading and the joys of bookshops.

A lot has changed since Benjamiah Creek returned from his adventures. His parents have separated, so he is splitting time between Mum's new flat and Dad's place above the bookshop, his poppet, Nuisance, hasn't transformed from her doll-form since they got back, but more than anything, he is missing his very best friend: Elizabella Cotton.

Sneaking into Mum's room, Benjamiah finds something out of place, something he knows is not from this world, which leads him straight back into the ever-changing labyrinth of Wreathenworld. Reunited with Elizabella and with an additional cast of new friends, Silas and Mea, the quartet and their poppets battle sea witches, Snatchlings and more in a series of trials to come face-to-face with Agatha Drake: a fabled magi with incomparable powers, who, if Benjamiah should succeed, will grant him a wish.

This series of books has so much heart and soul, and Lees is so unafraid to tackle some of the more difficult topics, which is so refreshing. Again, the themes of loss and grief are explored and talked through in such a useful and healthy way, these books should become a staple on all library shelves and bookshops.

Unrelated, but this is also the first book I have ever tabbed, because there were just so many quotable moments or important messages about family, friendship and growing up that I had to keep track!

As always, thank you so much to both Jordan Lees and the team at Puffin for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

[September · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good. I can't wait for book 3 and I'm so sad that it's only a trilogy. I want so much more. I read this pretty fast, but I think I like book one a lot more. Book one had a very visceral effect on me. Maybe it was because I was expecting all the horror this time that it didn't have such an effect. But I will say the hanged men are much more eerie than the lost children. And book one gives us much more of the hanged men. I missed them quote a lot in this one. For some reason I don't really like Elizabella. I also like the dolls more as dolls and the concept of them, than I do them changing into large beasts. That's too much for my taste. I'm a huge fan of the labyrinth world, and the upside down tower, and the like, but they weren't as much the focus in book two. I missed that. I wish book two would've emphasized those parts even more. Oh and I love the mapmakers and there futile yet passionate attempt at mapping the world. I think Silas ought to have an entirely different personality. One where it shows how confident he is in his job, that he really believes in the maps and doesn't care for other people dissuading him. Book one did a much better job at immersing you in the labyrinth and the creepiness of it. I like it much more right now.
The excerpts at the beginning of the chapters are absolutely incredible. Really loved those. So magical and so meaningful. The Book of Barley Believable Stories needs to be printed. I would read it.
Nonetheless these books are unique and above average of what most juvenile books are. And they're just as much for adults as for children. Please give me number 3 soon. xx

[watermelonreads · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nobody does creepy stories better than middle grade authors, and Jordan Lees and illustrator Vivienne To might just be one of the best author-illustrator duos working today.

In this sequel, Benjamiah is thrown back into the strange and enchanting world of Wreathenwold, where a mysterious witchstone fragment sends him on another high-stakes adventure. This time, the quest revolves around a collection of fairytales, missing children, and a race against time before Midsommer ends.

What I enjoyed most was how the story wove fairytale references into the plot. Benjamiah and his friends must complete a series of magical trials, each one more dangerous and unsettling than the last. The stakes feel real, the villains are genuinely creepy, and the sense of dread builds with every challenge they face. There were several moments that reminded me why middle grade authors are so good at writing stories that are both magical and slightly terrifying.

Unfortunately, the book started to feel a little too long for me. While I loved the atmosphere and the increasingly creepy trials, the pacing slowed down in the latter half and I found myself skimming some sections just to get to the conclusion.

Even so, this is a wonderfully imaginative adventure packed with dark fairytale vibes, memorable villains, and beautiful illustrations. If you enjoy middle grade fantasy with a creepy edge, Wreathenwold is a world worth getting lost in.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first Wreathenwold book was one of my top reads last year, so I went into this one with high expectations and it didn't disappoint.
While the first book had it's creepy moments, I felt it leaned more towards the fantastical side than this second installment. This book was much heavier on the creepy imagery, even managing to make me, an adult, feel unsettled at times. However, there were still plenty of fantastical and whimsical elements to keep me happy.
Once again, we're led on a journey through the winding, labyrinthine world of Wreathenwold, but with a couple new additions to the traveling party. These characters really helped flesh out the emotional journey for Benjamiah and Elizabella, and I hope we see more of them.
Just like the first book, you won't be let go until you've shed a few tears. These books are, more than anything, about Benjamiah's journey to emotional maturity despite all the setbacks in his home life. The lessons are poignant and mean just as much to me as I believe they would to the intended middle grade audience.
I think these books are great for anyone, but especially those kids who have a love of Tim Burton movies. The imagery would be right up their alley.
I can't wait to see what's next for Benjamiah and Elizabella.

Thank you to Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC.

[Kim Layman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second installment in The Whisperwicks series, and I enjoyed it as much as the first.

Benjamiah, who misses Wrethenwold-like a missing half, gets the chance to return when he gets ahold of a gem his mother possesses. It becomes a mask, and pulls him into a series of trials that he must solve, or the children who have gone missing will stay missing forever.

Along with Elizabella, who is thrilled to have her dear friend back, Benjamiah is joined by Silas, someone he met previously, and a new girl-Mea. She is one of the lost children, and doesn’t remember anything about herself. But she knows she wants to be free, and is willing to help in anyway she can.

This is another journey that is full of heart and courage. Against all odds, this rag tag team takes on every challenge, and Jordan has us rooting for them to succeed, and for Mea to find her worth, and believe she can be truly loved. The author also introduces us to a new villain, Bo, who stop at nothing to keep Benjamiah and his friends from completing the trials, and setting his prisoners free. It’s a story that defies the odds, and shows what it means to love and protect the people who surround you.

I’m looking forward to continuing my journey with this quartet in the future.

Thank you NetGalley and Puffin for my ARC. My opinion is my own.

[Halcyon · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

De spanning stijgt in dit tweede deel van De Fluistervlammen, wanneer Benjamiah iets doet wat hij eigenlijk niet had moeten doen... Het goede? Hij eindigt terug in Slingerwald. Het slechte? Hij kan zowaar zijn eigen zelf verliezen als hij niet slaagt voor de vijf bloedstollende proeven van de Heks van Midzommer, proeven die al veel kinderen hebben doen verdwijnen...

Gelukkig staat Benjamiah niet alleen voor deze zware taak, maar krijgt hij nu ook weer het gezelschap van zijn beste vriendin Elizabella en het draadje Ariadne, en komen er enkele nieuwe vrienden bij: Silas de Kaartenmaker en Ikka!

Tezamen reizen ze weer doorheen heel Slingerwald om aan de proeven deel te nemen, leren ze gaandeweg over de verdwijning van kinderen tijdens de Midzommermaand - het tijdstip in het jaar waarin de magie die opgeroepen wordt het sterkst en het puurst is, zowel de goede als de slechte - kennis die waarschijnlijk niet aan Manfred Tarr voorbij gegaan is. Hoe staat het met zijn zoektocht naar de Weduwe, zijn relatie met de Adder, en hoe gaat het met onze vriend de Minotaurus?

Een zeer leuk verhaal weer om te lezen, met een ietwat snel einde dat voor mij nog wat langer had mogen duren.

Veel leesgenot!