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The Pumpkin Princess #2
The Pumpkin Princess and the Buried Castle
Return to the spooky and sweet land of Hallowell, where a new dark force embroils Eve and her friends in another adventure, perfect for fans of Wednesday and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
It’s been nearly a year since Eve became the only living child to call the land of the undead her home and the Pumpkin King her father—except, Eve was no longer sure just how “living” she actually was, not after what transpired during the Forever Night.
Now, peculiar and magical things are starting to happen to Eve, and she suddenly finds herself slipping through objects like a ghost, or even able to light torches with a mere breath. Stranger still, she’s beginning to see a mysterious green-eyed shadow that no one else can. And when the shadow offers Eve a deal that would give someone closest to her the thing they always wanted, Eve is forced into a decision she never wished to make. Torn between friendship and responsibility, where either path could lead to disaster, Eve must make a choice.
One there is no going back from….
It’s been nearly a year since Eve became the only living child to call the land of the undead her home and the Pumpkin King her father—except, Eve was no longer sure just how “living” she actually was, not after what transpired during the Forever Night.
Now, peculiar and magical things are starting to happen to Eve, and she suddenly finds herself slipping through objects like a ghost, or even able to light torches with a mere breath. Stranger still, she’s beginning to see a mysterious green-eyed shadow that no one else can. And when the shadow offers Eve a deal that would give someone closest to her the thing they always wanted, Eve is forced into a decision she never wished to make. Torn between friendship and responsibility, where either path could lead to disaster, Eve must make a choice.
One there is no going back from….
400 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2025
17 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
About the author
Steven Banbury
2 books53 followersSteven Banbury grew up surrounded by farmland before eventually moving to a part of California with notably fewer cows. Somewhere along the way he married his legend of a wife, adopted their annoyingly cute dog, and developed a penchant for writing he hasn’t seemed to shake. The Pumpkin Princess and the Forever Night is his debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
September 7, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the advanced copy. And yes, I saved this for book 100 - meeting my reading goal with a 5 star read!!
I absolutely loved this, another 5 star read from Steven Banbury. I'll say I still like the first book most but that's because it's your introduction to the wonderful world of Hallowell, and there's a certain magic to that introduction that is hard to replicate I think.
But Banbury has succeeded in writing another fun and adorable adventure for Eve, and her BFFs Lyla and Vlad, to experience once more. Banbury has a way of writing that really brings the magic in the book to life, and while I read this with my eyeballs, I'd love to experience it as an audiobook!
I appreciate we get to know more about Eve following the end of the last book as well, with a few revelations about her drip fed to us throughout the book, with a major one saved for the end that I didn't even predict. Actually, there were two twists I didn't predict.
There's clearly more stories left to tell of Hallowell and its stewards, and I personally cannot wait to read more in the future. I also can't wait to add this to my shelves and share it with my niblings, who also loved the first book.
This is likely to be one of my favorite reads this year. So, so enjoyable that I didn't want it to end!
For fans of: all things cozily autumn and Halloweeny in a light spooks kind of way
If you're also a Sims 4 player, last year after reading the first book I built the Pumpkin King's farm and posted it to the gallery with the hashtag #thepumpkinprincess :)
I absolutely loved this, another 5 star read from Steven Banbury. I'll say I still like the first book most but that's because it's your introduction to the wonderful world of Hallowell, and there's a certain magic to that introduction that is hard to replicate I think.
But Banbury has succeeded in writing another fun and adorable adventure for Eve, and her BFFs Lyla and Vlad, to experience once more. Banbury has a way of writing that really brings the magic in the book to life, and while I read this with my eyeballs, I'd love to experience it as an audiobook!
I appreciate we get to know more about Eve following the end of the last book as well, with a few revelations about her drip fed to us throughout the book, with a major one saved for the end that I didn't even predict. Actually, there were two twists I didn't predict.
There's clearly more stories left to tell of Hallowell and its stewards, and I personally cannot wait to read more in the future. I also can't wait to add this to my shelves and share it with my niblings, who also loved the first book.
This is likely to be one of my favorite reads this year. So, so enjoyable that I didn't want it to end!
For fans of: all things cozily autumn and Halloweeny in a light spooks kind of way
If you're also a Sims 4 player, last year after reading the first book I built the Pumpkin King's farm and posted it to the gallery with the hashtag #thepumpkinprincess :)
August 6, 2025
I received a free copy of, The Pumpkin Princess and the Buried Castle, by Steven Banbury, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book two in The Pumpkin Princess series. Eve is the only one of her kind in the undead, she is still alive. This story ha d a lot of suspense in it, I really enjoyed reading about Eve and Lyla.
August 25, 2025
Okay, STEVEN
October 6, 2025
oh, I loved this book just as much as the first one:-) Another 5-star read from Steven Banbury! ... This is the sequel that continues the charming Halloween-themed adventures of Eve in the land of Hallowell. This time Eve (daughter of the Pumpkin King) faces a new challenge from a green-eyed shadow offering a dangerous deal, forcing her to choose between friendship and responsibility.
This is one of the most autumnal, cozy, Halloween-y themed books I've ever read. It felt like the magical storytelling of the Nevermoor series by Jessica Townsend and also had vibes of those Halloweentown movies. I highly recommend this fun, spooky-sweet adventure story. Of course it's the perfect Fall read, but I think I would've loved it regardless of when I read it. I really hope this series continues.
This is one of the most autumnal, cozy, Halloween-y themed books I've ever read. It felt like the magical storytelling of the Nevermoor series by Jessica Townsend and also had vibes of those Halloweentown movies. I highly recommend this fun, spooky-sweet adventure story. Of course it's the perfect Fall read, but I think I would've loved it regardless of when I read it. I really hope this series continues.
August 10, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher!
I thought nothing could top the first installment of this series, but I loved the second installment even more. The Pumpkin Princess series follows Eve, the daughter of the Pumpkin King, and takes place in a Halloween-themed world called Hallowell.
This installment of the series was such a page turner, heartwarming, cozy, and atmospheric. It touches on themes of belonging, accepting who you truly are, friendship, and trusting yourself. The story was imbued with magic at all turns, winding lanes of magical shops on cobblestone streets, and a magical farm with sentient scarecrows.
I loved returning to this world and I really hope the series continues!
I thought nothing could top the first installment of this series, but I loved the second installment even more. The Pumpkin Princess series follows Eve, the daughter of the Pumpkin King, and takes place in a Halloween-themed world called Hallowell.
This installment of the series was such a page turner, heartwarming, cozy, and atmospheric. It touches on themes of belonging, accepting who you truly are, friendship, and trusting yourself. The story was imbued with magic at all turns, winding lanes of magical shops on cobblestone streets, and a magical farm with sentient scarecrows.
I loved returning to this world and I really hope the series continues!
October 9, 2025
I adore this series and hope there is more to come. I’ve gotten teary eyed at the end of each one. So sweet. So special.
September 12, 2025
Delightful. Loved the addition of Parsnip!
September 13, 2025
Having loved the first book of the Pumpkin Princess series, I had been looking forward to this second book and was hoping it could live up to the first one. I'm quite happy to find out that it most certainly did.
The book catches us up with the daily lives of Eve, the Pumpkin King, Scrags, and Eve's friends, all of whom remain as fun and engaging as they were in the first book. As we already got to know the town and many of its inhabitants in the first book and see how life at the Pumpkin King's home is like on a daily basis, this book wastes no time in introducing us to new stuff, namely how Eve has been changing ever since the events of the last book. This new development with her was quite intriguing and I enjoyed watching it unfold throughout the book. Another thing we get is that the main conflict and villain are introduced earlier in this book than it did in the first book, so we get that anticipation as things build up, especially as it's a menacing and well written villain.
It's difficult to discuss the book without spoilers, as so much stuff happens. The villain of the book is properly intimidating and menacing. Most of the main cast are explored in new ways that help in their development and better endears them to the reader. Things we thought we knew suddenly get turned over and around, as we get some surprises and some shocking revelations. This plus new concepts and new characters, all while still watching important events like the annual festivals, including finally getting to see how the town celebrates Halloween (which, of course, is a lot of fun). There's a lot that happens in this book, but it never feels overwhelming, it's all balanced really well. We get down-to-earth and cozy moments, we get thrilling bits of action, we get adventurous exploration of new places, and we also get heart-breaking moments and heart-warming moments too.
As the book started, I was enveloped in that warm, comforting, familiar feel of Hallowell Station that I was utterly charmed by in the first book; and as the book ended, my jaw was on the floor but my love for this setting and its characters had grown even more. This is the ideal example of having a sequel that matches the standards of its great first installment by giving us a good balance of the things that worked in the first book and new things to expand the lore and characters. Suffice it to say, I loved this book as much as I loved the first one. This series is two for two now, an absolute winner, and I eagerly look forward to the next one.
The book catches us up with the daily lives of Eve, the Pumpkin King, Scrags, and Eve's friends, all of whom remain as fun and engaging as they were in the first book. As we already got to know the town and many of its inhabitants in the first book and see how life at the Pumpkin King's home is like on a daily basis, this book wastes no time in introducing us to new stuff, namely how Eve has been changing ever since the events of the last book. This new development with her was quite intriguing and I enjoyed watching it unfold throughout the book. Another thing we get is that the main conflict and villain are introduced earlier in this book than it did in the first book, so we get that anticipation as things build up, especially as it's a menacing and well written villain.
It's difficult to discuss the book without spoilers, as so much stuff happens. The villain of the book is properly intimidating and menacing. Most of the main cast are explored in new ways that help in their development and better endears them to the reader. Things we thought we knew suddenly get turned over and around, as we get some surprises and some shocking revelations. This plus new concepts and new characters, all while still watching important events like the annual festivals, including finally getting to see how the town celebrates Halloween (which, of course, is a lot of fun). There's a lot that happens in this book, but it never feels overwhelming, it's all balanced really well. We get down-to-earth and cozy moments, we get thrilling bits of action, we get adventurous exploration of new places, and we also get heart-breaking moments and heart-warming moments too.
As the book started, I was enveloped in that warm, comforting, familiar feel of Hallowell Station that I was utterly charmed by in the first book; and as the book ended, my jaw was on the floor but my love for this setting and its characters had grown even more. This is the ideal example of having a sequel that matches the standards of its great first installment by giving us a good balance of the things that worked in the first book and new things to expand the lore and characters. Suffice it to say, I loved this book as much as I loved the first one. This series is two for two now, an absolute winner, and I eagerly look forward to the next one.
September 1, 2025
Book two of the series was as magical and perfect as book one! I hope there are more!!
The residents of Hallowell have moved on from the events of book one. Eve is starting to feel some ramifications from what happened to her. She starts to manifest some very nonhuman qualities that require some adjustments and tutoring
Richly drawn setting full of magic. Hallowell is very much a fall setting. While parts of this book occur at times other than the fall, this book and it's predecessor should absolutely be picked up if you are looking for a fall themed book. I love when a book is set in a world very different than mine but still has characters dealing with the same human issues and questions that I do. How do I fit into the world, what is my value, etc? Eve is still trying to figure out her role in Hallowell and in her small family. If she is the Pumpkin Princess, why is she struggling with tasks the Pumpkin King can do?
I think this book will be very relatable for young readers. It is entertaining, with wonderful characters and a delightful setting.
Back in book two are Scrags, Vlad and Lyla. In this book, Vlad is very much still missing his parents. When an opportunity arises to get answers, the trio works together again. They don't bargain for the danger they get themselves into. This adventure sees the group gathering supplies for a tricky spell, facing off with a scary entity and learning about a lot of Hallowell history including the buried castle.
More background about Eve's birth and the Pumkin King's past are also revealed. Both of these things are important to saving the town from the danger that the trio unleash.
Even if the kids didn't create problems or a need for an adventure, reading about this town would be delightful. I enjoyed the scenes in the magical village. The fall events including Harvest festival and Halloween events were charming. I loved the descriptions of the different tricks and treats. Most kids would want to partake in that version of trick or treating.
Eve's relationship with the Pumpkin King grew as did her role with her friends and village. Cozy fall book with heart and found family.
I loved this! Highly recommend!
Thank you to Net Galley and Little Brown Books for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The residents of Hallowell have moved on from the events of book one. Eve is starting to feel some ramifications from what happened to her. She starts to manifest some very nonhuman qualities that require some adjustments and tutoring
Richly drawn setting full of magic. Hallowell is very much a fall setting. While parts of this book occur at times other than the fall, this book and it's predecessor should absolutely be picked up if you are looking for a fall themed book. I love when a book is set in a world very different than mine but still has characters dealing with the same human issues and questions that I do. How do I fit into the world, what is my value, etc? Eve is still trying to figure out her role in Hallowell and in her small family. If she is the Pumpkin Princess, why is she struggling with tasks the Pumpkin King can do?
I think this book will be very relatable for young readers. It is entertaining, with wonderful characters and a delightful setting.
Back in book two are Scrags, Vlad and Lyla. In this book, Vlad is very much still missing his parents. When an opportunity arises to get answers, the trio works together again. They don't bargain for the danger they get themselves into. This adventure sees the group gathering supplies for a tricky spell, facing off with a scary entity and learning about a lot of Hallowell history including the buried castle.
More background about Eve's birth and the Pumkin King's past are also revealed. Both of these things are important to saving the town from the danger that the trio unleash.
Even if the kids didn't create problems or a need for an adventure, reading about this town would be delightful. I enjoyed the scenes in the magical village. The fall events including Harvest festival and Halloween events were charming. I loved the descriptions of the different tricks and treats. Most kids would want to partake in that version of trick or treating.
Eve's relationship with the Pumpkin King grew as did her role with her friends and village. Cozy fall book with heart and found family.
I loved this! Highly recommend!
Thank you to Net Galley and Little Brown Books for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2025
This was such a great sequel to the first one! I love the dynamic between Eve and the Pumpkin King, think it's so funny to see him as a single dad. I love the universe that the author came up with, definitely reminds me of a different version of Halloweentown. Plus, there were so many twists in this one. Can't wait for the next one in the series. And this cover is so cute!!
September 6, 2025
absolutely delightful! Loved being back in Hallowell with Eve, Lyla, and Vlad! Perfect nostalgia for people who grew up with Disney's Halloweentown!
September 8, 2025
This book is fairly dark and involved for a kid's book but I still really enjoyed it. There are a lot of references to rather scary things, including evil zombies and the Nightmare Realm that might be too much for young readers.
Eve, the Pumpkin Princess, is very excited to spend her first ever All Hallow's Eve in Hallowell, where she came to live just one year prior (the day after the festivities). She is looking forward to doing all the Hallowell activities with her two BFFs, Vlad Dracula (the 12th Jr Jr) and Lyla, the witch having trouble controlling her magic. Unfortunately, Eve is haunted by a specter with glowing green eyes who promises to deliver Vlad's long-lost parents if she can summon his spirit. When her father, the Pumpkin King, learns of this green-eyed monster, his concern for both his daughter and his village rises considerably. Eve, an orphan, is more focused on the chance to give her friend back his parents, something she longed for until the Pumpkin King adopted her.
Oh, and it turns out she is part ghost, candle and witch and is having trouble controlling all manifestations of such while trying to save her village and Vlad's parents.
While the creatures in the story are inherently dark, there is nothing much sinister about the village of Hallowell, other than being populated by beings undead. They, just like the living, revel in their celebrations and enjoy village camaraderie seen in small towns. The characters are fun and the story of Eve and her dad leaves me with warm fuzzies. I especially love the addition of a darling new character, which I will not spoil to hopefully delight other readers the same way it did me.
I highly recommend this fun Halloween tale and I hope for more adventures of the Pumpkin Princess.
My thanks to Little Brown Books for Young Readers and Netgalley for this ARC.
Eve, the Pumpkin Princess, is very excited to spend her first ever All Hallow's Eve in Hallowell, where she came to live just one year prior (the day after the festivities). She is looking forward to doing all the Hallowell activities with her two BFFs, Vlad Dracula (the 12th Jr Jr) and Lyla, the witch having trouble controlling her magic. Unfortunately, Eve is haunted by a specter with glowing green eyes who promises to deliver Vlad's long-lost parents if she can summon his spirit. When her father, the Pumpkin King, learns of this green-eyed monster, his concern for both his daughter and his village rises considerably. Eve, an orphan, is more focused on the chance to give her friend back his parents, something she longed for until the Pumpkin King adopted her.
Oh, and it turns out she is part ghost, candle and witch and is having trouble controlling all manifestations of such while trying to save her village and Vlad's parents.
While the creatures in the story are inherently dark, there is nothing much sinister about the village of Hallowell, other than being populated by beings undead. They, just like the living, revel in their celebrations and enjoy village camaraderie seen in small towns. The characters are fun and the story of Eve and her dad leaves me with warm fuzzies. I especially love the addition of a darling new character, which I will not spoil to hopefully delight other readers the same way it did me.
I highly recommend this fun Halloween tale and I hope for more adventures of the Pumpkin Princess.
My thanks to Little Brown Books for Young Readers and Netgalley for this ARC.
October 30, 2025
It’s not often that a sequel to literally anything manages to be just as good as the original, if not somehow better.
I was more than overjoyed when I first learned we’d be getting more adventures from the Pumpkin Princess. I loved the first book—a spooky, cozy tale of found family, Halloween fun, and a few twists that even my jaded, curmudgeonly butt didn’t see coming.
The Buried Castle was just as adventurous, mysterious, and cozy as the first installment. I don’t know if I’m just dumb, or if Banbury is an excellent author (trending towards the latter), but the twists once again smacked me repeatedly in the face like a wet fish. I can’t sum up my emotions well enough without swearing, which I’ll avoid doing in case impressionable children are reading this review. Let’s just say this book surprised me far beyond my expectations—and then it shocked me yet again.
This book was incredible. The characters are just as lovable as always—timid yet determined Vlad, blunt and fearless Lyla, and clever and warm-hearted Eve. I’ve never wanted more to go and visit (or possibly live in) Hallowell Valley.
(Also a shout-out to the way Banbury writes villains. I'm a sucker for a melodramatic jerk with a Disney-esque flair; something sorely lacking in the stories for older audiences.)
If you liked the first book, then you won’t be disappointed. These are some of my favorite stories of all time—and I dearly hope there are far more adventures to come.
I was more than overjoyed when I first learned we’d be getting more adventures from the Pumpkin Princess. I loved the first book—a spooky, cozy tale of found family, Halloween fun, and a few twists that even my jaded, curmudgeonly butt didn’t see coming.
The Buried Castle was just as adventurous, mysterious, and cozy as the first installment. I don’t know if I’m just dumb, or if Banbury is an excellent author (trending towards the latter), but the twists once again smacked me repeatedly in the face like a wet fish. I can’t sum up my emotions well enough without swearing, which I’ll avoid doing in case impressionable children are reading this review. Let’s just say this book surprised me far beyond my expectations—and then it shocked me yet again.
This book was incredible. The characters are just as lovable as always—timid yet determined Vlad, blunt and fearless Lyla, and clever and warm-hearted Eve. I’ve never wanted more to go and visit (or possibly live in) Hallowell Valley.
(Also a shout-out to the way Banbury writes villains. I'm a sucker for a melodramatic jerk with a Disney-esque flair; something sorely lacking in the stories for older audiences.)
If you liked the first book, then you won’t be disappointed. These are some of my favorite stories of all time—and I dearly hope there are far more adventures to come.
December 19, 2025
I had hoped to get to the sequel during spooky season but it just wasn't in the cards. Other then that I had this on the to be read before the end of the year list and made it with some time to spare. I have a hard time believing that this book is over 300+ pages as it just didn't seem like that long of a story. It also helps quite a bit when you've had a really good time with a book and I did. I enjoyed the first book and had hopes that a sequel wasn't too many years away from being published. Eve is much the same as the last time we'd met, but she's a lot more confident and less afraid then when we first met her, and she and the Pumpkin King have a fairly solid relationship. That being said she's getting older and the author lets her grow and make mistakes that do have some not so great consequences. A lot of times in middle grade books authors forget that the characters have to grow up at some point and try to keep things the same, so I'm glad that wasn't the case here. Its hard to write about a sequel without potentially spoiling anything no matter how vague so I'm just going to leave things here. I don't know if there will be a third book I sort of hope so but at the same time this feels like a good place to end things so I've got a bit of mixed feelings about the whole thing. Either way this was a really solid sequel and would recommend both Pumpkin Princess books.
June 21, 2025
I adored the first book in the series and I was so, so excited to get my hands on the second book. This story picks up with Eve who is living life as the Pumpkin Princess with her adoptive father the Pumpkin King in Hallowell, the land of the undead. Since the events of the last book, Eve has discovered that there has been some effects of her transfusion giving her strange new powers. While trying to master these new powers, Eve and her friends Lyla and Vlad must deal with a new enemy that threatens all of the residents of Hallowell.
While this one has a bit of a slow start, the second half of the book totally delivered and I loved being back in the world of Eve and her Pumpkin King dad along with the adorable scarecrows. It has all of the magic, charm, and found family that I loved from the first book. The higher stakes added a new dimension to the story with a big reveal I did not see coming. I can’t wait for the next book in this delightful series! Recommend if you love Halloweentown, charming middle grade, and stories of found family.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this early arc! All opinions are my own.
While this one has a bit of a slow start, the second half of the book totally delivered and I loved being back in the world of Eve and her Pumpkin King dad along with the adorable scarecrows. It has all of the magic, charm, and found family that I loved from the first book. The higher stakes added a new dimension to the story with a big reveal I did not see coming. I can’t wait for the next book in this delightful series! Recommend if you love Halloweentown, charming middle grade, and stories of found family.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this early arc! All opinions are my own.
November 10, 2025
Eve has been living in Hallowell for a year now, and after the magical interventions that kept her alive in book 1, she's noticed her body doing some peculiar supernatural things. Meanwhile, an alarming shadowy being seems to be trailing her, one that her father assures her can't possibly be dangerous, but Eve decides she needs to get to the bottom of it along with her best friends.
Here we see some examples of bad parenting, but the parents do realize their errors by the end, so that's okay. This book relies heavily on book 1, almost like the author realized there were way too many loose ends in that volume and decided to try to resolve them all here. Which isn't a bad idea but left this book feeling a bit repetitive. I had a good time with this one, of course, but it didn't have the same "come as you are" vibes book 1 had. What can I say? It's a hard one to follow.
Here we see some examples of bad parenting, but the parents do realize their errors by the end, so that's okay. This book relies heavily on book 1, almost like the author realized there were way too many loose ends in that volume and decided to try to resolve them all here. Which isn't a bad idea but left this book feeling a bit repetitive. I had a good time with this one, of course, but it didn't have the same "come as you are" vibes book 1 had. What can I say? It's a hard one to follow.
September 23, 2025
Visiting Hallowell again was fun. I liked seeing how the characters develop and change. Eve, Lyla, and Vlad all have hard things to deal with in this one. I did wish there was more of the Buried Castle. It is an important part of the story, but there are only a few scenes that take place there.
There is so much that goes on, mistakes made, and secrets revealed. And there are people willing to take responsibility, for the most part. It is good to see so many people trying to fight for the good and right thing.
I hesitate to say anything specific because I don’t want to give away any spoilers. If you like the idea of an undead world, secrets, and characters trying to do better, then pick this up. You won’t regret it.
There is so much that goes on, mistakes made, and secrets revealed. And there are people willing to take responsibility, for the most part. It is good to see so many people trying to fight for the good and right thing.
I hesitate to say anything specific because I don’t want to give away any spoilers. If you like the idea of an undead world, secrets, and characters trying to do better, then pick this up. You won’t regret it.
December 14, 2025
Eve is recovering and learning more about her new found powers, when an old foe of the Pumpkin King and an opportunity to rescue Vlad’s parents arises.
Why I started this book: Loved the first The Pumpkin Princess and the Forever Night and was ready to continue the adventure.
Why I finished it: This book was just as charming as the first, but my life sped-up to warp speed levels and it took a while for me to find my balance and return to this story. Good themes of found family, loyalty to friends, and fixing your mistakes.
Why I started this book: Loved the first The Pumpkin Princess and the Forever Night and was ready to continue the adventure.
Why I finished it: This book was just as charming as the first, but my life sped-up to warp speed levels and it took a while for me to find my balance and return to this story. Good themes of found family, loyalty to friends, and fixing your mistakes.
September 30, 2025
Banbury takes us back to the world of Hallowell for another perfect autumn adventure! Hallowell is a secret community of all kinds of undead beings, and the Pumpkin Princess is heiress to steward of this spectacular land. Eve, the Pumpkin Princess, has made herself a home here with her adopted father, the Pumpkin King, their farm of living scarecrows and her two best friends, a vampire called Vlad and a witch named Lyla. In the first book Eve and her friends faced incredible danger, but now Eve encounters unthinkable new dangers. The story is the perfect read before Halloween with this amazing spooky scene and constant adventure and of course new undead horrors.
November 2, 2025
I HAVE NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE THIS BOOK IT IS JUST AMAZING. I loved it just as much as the first book though this one hurt me worse than the last. It is just as sweet and I love the characters even more now. It was so fun to read and kept me on the edge of my seat from the first paragraph to the last. I cannot get over how well written the characters of this book are. They are probably what make me love it so much. I'd give up almost anything to get to be the pumpkin princess and have her friends and family (no offense to my friends and family). HIGHLY recommend this book. If I don't see a third book in my near future...
November 6, 2025
I love this series so much and Banbury provided a wonderful follow up to the first book!
Coming back to Hallowell was like coming back home, familiar but with even more world building and further character development—all of which made me fall in love further with it.
And at the center, a beautiful relationship concerning a father and his daughter that only continues to flourish in heart tugging ways. But alongside that relationship is that of friendship and just how far we can and/or might go for those we care about.
With the ending, all the new twists, and possible hints of what's to come, I am so curious what will occur going forward!
Coming back to Hallowell was like coming back home, familiar but with even more world building and further character development—all of which made me fall in love further with it.
And at the center, a beautiful relationship concerning a father and his daughter that only continues to flourish in heart tugging ways. But alongside that relationship is that of friendship and just how far we can and/or might go for those we care about.
With the ending, all the new twists, and possible hints of what's to come, I am so curious what will occur going forward!
November 26, 2025
Delayed ARC Review via NetGalley and Little Brown Books.
Steven Banbury has a way of writing twisting and heart wrenching middle grade stories that leave your heart full yet yearning for more. This return to Hallowell is no different. Since this is a sequel I will not go into much detail, but I will say that I loved returning to these characters again. This is a series that will always be up at the time for me. Between the story telling, the characters I love, and the atmospheric setting of Hallowell, there isn’t much I would add or change. Banbury will forever be a go to author for me, and one I will share with future generations to come.
Steven Banbury has a way of writing twisting and heart wrenching middle grade stories that leave your heart full yet yearning for more. This return to Hallowell is no different. Since this is a sequel I will not go into much detail, but I will say that I loved returning to these characters again. This is a series that will always be up at the time for me. Between the story telling, the characters I love, and the atmospheric setting of Hallowell, there isn’t much I would add or change. Banbury will forever be a go to author for me, and one I will share with future generations to come.
September 18, 2025
Just as cozy and fall moody read as the previous one with more...oooh more spooky secrets revealed for Eve and her friends to investigate. In addition it is is nice and warm to see the Pumpkin King very much insist he is Eve's father, which is profane near the end after the adventure. I did like that, like in the previous book, this Halloween world still has its good sides that one would not expect from a horror looking world yet still very much has the nightmarish dangers present.
October 28, 2025
I so enjoy the Pumpkin Princess books! This one has all the excitement, suspense, and heartfelt love as the first book. It's not often that you find a well-written book with an exciting plot, and well-developed, complex, likeable characters (and some most definitely not likeable.) Many thanks to Steven Banbury! I look forward to the further adventures and character development of the Pumpkin Princess and her found family and friends!
October 31, 2025
Eve is content with her place as the Pumpkin Princess of Hallowell, even if she has suddenly begun to exhibit various unruly supernatural abilities - but when a dangerous foe from her father's past makes an offer she feels she can't refuse, the fallout could put her family - and all realms - at stake. Banbury delivers a delightfully eerie sequel as charming as its predecessor, a wonderful expansion of its hearty characters and spooky yet snug world.
November 9, 2025
The 🎃👸🏼 is a new classic! My daughter and I absolutely love this series and The Buried Castle is a great second book. It builds on all of the character relationships and explores some of their pasts while also building more details about Hallowell, Eve, and her role as the princess. Some middle grade books are not as enjoyable for me to read with my youngest child, but I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this book and series.
November 26, 2025
This series is really becoming one of my favorite middle grade ones. It's just so sweet and cute and magical. I like all of the characters and the setting is great. I know I would've devoured these books as a kid. This was a solid sequel and I liked it as much as the first one. The ending made me feel like there's a third one in the works. It'll definitely be on my radar if it is.
I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.
I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.
December 31, 2025
Absolutely Amazing
This sequel is just as (if not more) charming, cozy, adorable, clever, and wonderful as the first. The characters, world building, and plot are just perfect. The found family, friendships, and coming of age stories are realistic and inspiring. Of course the spooky, creepy, and scary are balanced just right. Cannot wait for more in this world!
No explicit language
PG Violence/Gore
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Absolutely love everything about this book!
This sequel is just as (if not more) charming, cozy, adorable, clever, and wonderful as the first. The characters, world building, and plot are just perfect. The found family, friendships, and coming of age stories are realistic and inspiring. Of course the spooky, creepy, and scary are balanced just right. Cannot wait for more in this world!
No explicit language
PG Violence/Gore
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Absolutely love everything about this book!
September 14, 2025
This book seamlessly picks up where The Pumpkin Princess and the Forever Night left off. It’s full of delightful characters (Scrags and Parsnip are among my personal favorites). It’s a captivating blend of adventure adventure, suspense, surprises, and heartwarming relationships. I’m sorry to see it end and hope there will be more Hallowell stories from Steven Bradbury!
September 27, 2025
My 6 year old and 4 year old have loved this second book of the series so far! While some of the thematic elements have scared them at times they adore the adventures of Eve, Vlad and Lyla. My 6 year olds favorite part was when Eve created her first scarecrow Parsnip and she said it was because Eve is just like her dad (just like she herself is like her dad).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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