Breadcrumb Trail

The Yellow Hoods #2

by Adam Dreece

In an act of desperation, inventor Maxwell Watt entrusts his son to secretly deliver plans for his completed steam engine to Nikolas Klaus, a master inventor in another kingdom. When the Fare, the nefarious secret society, learns the game-changing invention’s plans are en route, they accelerate their own scheme to neutralize Klaus on their path to reclaiming long-lost control over kingdoms.

Meanwhile, after a decade of relative tranquility in Mineau, local children have started to go missing—again. Captain Archambault suspects the return of the disturbing and depraved Ginger Lady. With the help of Tee, Elly, and Richy—the Yellow Hoods—the search is on to find the missing children before it is too late.

What is the secret that ties one of the Yellow Hoods to the Ginger Lady?

Who are the Red Hoods?

Enjoy this darker, edgier instalment in the exciting emergent steampunk adventure series.

Called "The Harry Potter of technology" and "A cross between Hunger Games and the Kingkiller Chronicles,” the best selling series, The Yellow Hoods, is a gripping, whimsical adventure that’s layered for the young and mature adult, making it great for ages 9 to 90.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Steampunk, Canada, Magic, Fiction, Childrens

335 pages, Paperback

First published August 21, 2014

About the author

In 2014, I stopped my "hopefully one day" dream of becoming an author, stopped doing nothing with my writing, and kicked off my indie author life. Twenty-five years of doing nothing with my writing was enough, and after two medical events, I was filled with drive to change my life.

I've written the much loved young adult series, The Yellow Hoods, a world where steampunk and fairy tale meet.

In 2016, I showed two other sides of myself as an author, The Wizard Killer - Season One which is post-apocalyptic fantasy written in an episodic style, and the upcoming science fiction book, The Man of Cloud 9, which is infused with some of my high tech life from before I was an author.

I'm a frequent public speaker at schools and conventions, a dyslexic with some motivational chronic issues, and live in Calgary, Alberta with my wife and kids.

Reviews

[Rae King · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Breadcrumb trail, the second book in the yellow hoods series brought in intriguing new characters, a wider setting, and a juicier plot. As with the first book, this novel incorporates many important themes for children and adults alike. Adam Dreece's fantastic, clever writing continues to draw me in, and the many subplots woven together kept the suspense and intrigue high.

This novel picks up a few months after the first, and the Yellow Hoods show subtle, natural character development. I was beyond thrilled that there was more of a focus on Richie in this book. His storyline was surprising to say the least! Tee is continuing to come into her own as the leader of their group. The Yellow Hoods set a great example for kids about character and compassion.

Nikolas Klaus is just as spectacular as he was in the first book! The new characters were so exciting, and I absolutely loved Mounira, a strong little girl who stole my heart. Another character, Franklin, was very interesting to me and had me hoping that him and Tee will become closer. The twists on fairy tails are wonderful in this novel. The story of the Ginger Lady was compelling and disturbing. This whole book had such great build up towards an action packed confrontation near the end.

All the different storylines tied together very nicely. This novel took me deeper into the characters back stories, and I felt even more connected to them and their world. This series is full of exciting adventure and passionate characters.

Adam Dreece wrote an enticingly evil ending that might have made my jaw hit the floor!

[Niko Staten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book one of the Yellow Hoods series was fun and light with a few dark touches sprinkled in for good measure. It was brilliant, an excellent introduction to the emergent-steampunk world that Tee and her friends inhabit.

Breadcrumb Trail, the second book in the series, is a fast-paced roller-coaster of fun and feels.

Not only was this story immensely clever, fun, and adventurous, but there were also deeply emotional elements that tugged tightly at my ever-thinning heart-strings.

Author Adam Dreece has once again displayed his great ability to capture every essence of human sensitivities while simultaneously creating a fascinating new world.

Plus, it's punny.

I love this book.

You will, too.

Get it.

[Angela Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Adam Dreece, for sharing your stories with the world. In book two The Yellow Hoods are no longer kids in the wrong place. They are kids in the middle of a dangerous war between inventors. Adam twists familiar fairy tales together with metal gears and tops it off with steam. This is a series readers will stick with and beg for more. When you finish book two you're going to want to go back and read it again.

[Abrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in this series from Adam! Once again, I enjoyed the Yellow Hoods and the other characters who were in the first book. The new characters added a lot and I loved the new villains. The new inventions were great fun, as well, and there were some great and unexpected plot twists. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book.

[Bill Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Night and day difference between book 1 & 2. Two has more twists and turns that an alpine road (that means a lot of switchback). This has become one great exciting series. Can't wait to start on the next one.

[Rachel (TheShadesofOrange) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series Video Review: https://youtu.be/WIhk4Z0TUFw

The Yellow Hoods is a rare example of a series where the second book is somehow even better than the first. I really enjoyed Along Came a Wolf, so I was delighted to find that I loved the sequel even more! The first book lay the necessary foundation for this series, introducing readers to the characters and establishing the steampunk fantasy world. With these elements setup in book one, the story was free to take off in full force in this exciting follow up novel.

The scope of the story really expands in the second book with the introduction and development of plotlines that will span the rest of the series. The chapters rotate perspectives among the characters, weaving together multiple narratives within the expanding world. Compared to the first book, the narrative is considerably darker in tone, which will appeal to the adult readers like myself.

The Breadcrumb Trail involves significant character development, both introducing new characters and fleshing out the backstories of old favourites. I particularly love the focus on Richy which was particularly emotional and poignant. This book focuses heavily on relationships, including not only traditional family ties, but also friendships and found-families. Furthermore, the cast of characters in this story is becoming increasingly diverse, now including persons with disabilities, varying ethnic backgrounds and sexual orientations. I appreciate that these elements were written in a natural, inclusive manner.

Without giving away too much, the book ends with some major unresolved events that will need to be addressed in the third book, All the King's Men. Needless to say, I will be picking up the next very soon because I need to know what happens next!

If you have only read the first book, Along Came a Wolf, I highly recommend you remedy that situation and pick up this second book as soon as possible.

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. As always, my opinions are my own.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is going places.

There are plenty of writers out there who take familiar concepts and twist them around with lots of imagination and make them into something new. Sometimes those books turn out to be a hot mess. This is not one of those series.

I liked the first book of The Yellow Hoods quite a bit, but this second novel takes things in an interesting direction. It suffers from none of the same maladies that often afflict the second books in a series. The story is cohesive within the narrative established by the first book, the characters develop and grow, and the book matures alongside the young protagonists. It serves as more than just filler to establish things for the rest if the series; it advances the storyline meaningfully. The subject matter is more serious in places, but Adam approaches really tough problems with a judicious hand, so the book still maintains its sense of whimsy rather than being bogged down with Serious Issues.

In keeping with the first book, the elements of the story that center around steampunkishness are not so pronounced that someone who is not a fan of the genre will be put off by it. The characters innovate and sometimes discuss their technology, but not ad nauseam.

The writing has improved from the first installment in the series. It is much more polished, while still maintaining a very tight and concise mode of expression. The action is never stopped up by excessive wordiness, but where it is called for his descriptions are both spare and lovely.

There are new entrants to the primary character's cadre, and the reader is given ample opportunity to get to know them as individuals. I might have wanted some more opportunities to see them all interact together as well as in dyads, but my full wish list would have lengthened the book by 30% and not added to the core plot, so it's just fine without.

All in all, I think this series is taking off in an interesting direction. I'm very much looking forward to the next two installments, as well as all the other wacky ideas I'm sure Adam has up his sleeve.



[Full disclosure: I did provide feedback for the final version of the book, and received the final version for review purposes.]

[Rachel Speakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in Adam Drecce’s The Yellow Hoods series. You can read my review of the first book, Along Came A Wolf here. After the adventures of the first book Richy, Tee, and Elly have continued their adventures as the Yellow Hoods, and have grown a lot in the process. When kids go missing in the woods, the Yellow Hoods join to help find them, but they find more during their search than just children. What they don’t know is that one of Nikolas’ friends, another inventor, has sent his son on an urgent mission to deliver something of great importance to Nikolas, an item some do not want delivered.

I absolutely loved this book! Breadcrumb Trail is a complex, yet accessible adventure with a clever plot that constantly urges the reader to turn another page. There were many different story lines and characters – all of which are highly enjoyable. Side characters from one plot line would become main characters in their own plot, and the more you read, the more their backstories are revealed. Also, Dreece’s attention to character development continues in this book and undoubtedly readers will grow even more attached to Richy, Elly and especially to Tee.

I also enjoyed the fact that Richy was more involved in this book. In this one he got a story line of his own and it was fun to both read and learn more about him.

The only small complaint I had regarding book one, Along Came a Wolf, as I mentioned in my review, was that the main character acted a lot younger than she was, but that was not a problem in this book.

Again, I loved this book and I have no complaints about it. I am so excited to read the third one and see where the story continues, especially with how this one left off.

My favorite character in this book was still Bakon even though he was not in this book as much as the first one.

This book had no swearing, no romance, and mild violence.

[C.L. Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! I thoroughly enjoyed book 1 of The Yellow Hoods, but book 2 is even better. The author has intensified every aspect of this captivating series, taking it down a darker tension-filled path whose conclusion leaves the lives of more than one character irrevocably changed. There is plenty of action and intrigue as Tee, Elly, Richy and the gang, grow and mature, dealing with a greater sense of danger and tragedy than ever before. Yet, despite the threatening situations the characters find themselves in, the storyline is often humorous and whimsical, and on a purely creative level, is a joy to read.

As in book 1, Dreece continues to take the familiar fairy tales we all know and love and twist them in exciting and original directions that are not only impressive, but addicting. The same fun and charm permeates throughout, as does the recurring theme of family, friendship, and loyalty. More endearing characters are introduced and we gain insight into both The Tub and The Fare. The thickening plot leaves you curious as to where it’s going next.

The Yellow Hoods is a series I would recommend to younger readers (middle school and up). Yet, I love how it doesn’t stay stagnant, but instead grows with its readers as (in this sequel) the plot definitely becomes more elaborate and takes a more sinister turn; allowing the series to be enjoyed by all ages.

If you love steampunk, fairy tales, action, and spunky YA main characters, this is definitely the series for you!

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is where things start to really pick up. Tee, Elly, and Richy are joined by a steadily increasing number of characters as Dreece weaves several parallel plot lines; chapters on missing children in the previously peaceful town of Mineau tag team with secret societies plotting to steal steam engine plans in a universe where inventing has been outlawed. If you had a tough time putting down Along Came a Wolf, clear your calendar when you start Breadcrumb Trail. You can put it down if you really have to, but there aren't exactly breathers built into the plot. It'll be a struggle. This was also the book with the strongest fairy tale influences, thanks to the plot line with the disturbing “Ginger Lady.” The fairy tale influences in the first book seemed to revolve around names and titles rather than having those old stories come to life, or be rewritten in a novel way. Compared to the first book, this one has more violence. Actual bloodshed, gun shots, deaths. No racism or sexism. Child abuse and kidnapping are present in this installment, however. Only hinted at, but they are there. Having finished the series, I can say the child abuse is only mentioned in Breadcrumb Trail and the kidnapping shows up in just one other book. Dreece writes a good story without resorting to sensationalism, and his non-stop plots make for a quick read.

[Chris W. Rea · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Disclosure: I'm one of the editors of this book.) Breadcrumb Trail is even more action-packed than book 1, and the characters we know and love are all back. We learn more about their past, which I especially enjoyed. There are also new characters to like, and a few to dislike. While reading their stories, I experienced a gamut of emotions including sorrow, amazement, shock, relief, and disgust. Once, I was so annoyed by a character's behavior that I wanted to reach into the book and yell some sense into him! So much happens in this book, but I don't want to spoil it for you. Notwithstanding, by the end I was left with an "Empire Strikes Back" kind of feeling: The bad guys have stepped up their game and have made measurable progress, while our heroes find themselves licking wounds and figuring out the way forward. I'm anxious to read what comes next!

[Ruby Mellinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in The Yellow Hood series is every bit as fun as the first.

In Breadcrumb Trial we get to meet a host of new and fantastic characters as well as learn some interesting (and delightfully surprising) facts about some old characters. All the while, this world of progressive inventors marches onward.

I highly recommend this book because of Adam Dreece's brilliant ability to combine whimsy and serious social themes in a fascinating world – but, obviously, read Along Came A Wolf first.

[Shawn Bird · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun continuation of the Yellow Hoods series.

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

This actually has 4 1/2 stars. The first half was a little disjointed and slow but the second half MORE than made up for it.

The Red Hoods were interesting. And I'm still curious about the hood maker (who wears a beige hood). But All the characters, including the new ones were very interesting.

[D. Emery Bunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two months ago, I read (and reviewed) Adam Dreece's first Yellow Hoods book, Along Came a Wolf. Given my opinion of the series' beginning, I'm going to frame this review in terms of what it did better or worse than its predecessor. Especially since while the book can be jumped into with zero previous knowledge, I don't suggest it. It's worth reading both.

Characters

The titular Yellow Hoods get fantastic development, both filling in the gap between the two books and building them up in unique ways. Richy goes from a daredevil Necessary Male Component to a nuanced and deep character with equal doses of conflict and hope threaded through him.

Elly goes from Interchangeable With Tee to the logical brain behind the group. While it's not as much development as Richy got, developing all of them to that level would have detracted from the story and the impact of Richy's development.

Tee herself does a lot of growing up, taking on the role of the group's heart and soul, the source of their bravery and will to keep at it. I'd say more, but that'd be a spoiler.

A happy change from the previous book is the depth of development for all the new characters and several of the returning ones.

The Hoods' parents are still effectively bystanders (except Richy's, for reasons I won't spoil), but I barely noticed with a rich cast taking their place and pushing the plot forward. Likely they don't have much to add to the plot right now, and shoving them in where they don't belong wouldn't help.

Plot

Here's where Breadcrumb Trail let me down. In the name of building out the overall arc and conflict for the rest of the series, there was a metric ton of build-up to a massive conflict as titanic forces long dormant awaken once more.

And all I got at the end was a really quick fight that the first scene of the book gave part of to serve as a hook. The framework was built for a massive skyscraper, but only the first two floors got completed.

I wouldn't fault the book for this, except that a good 60-70% of the book is dedicated toward building out that greater conflict, and not amping up the tension that gets resolved at the conclusion of the book. While some scenes serve dual purpose, a lot of them do not.

And it's a subtle let-down, because most scenes would seem to be building toward the end...up until one gets there. There's tons of character introductions, mentions of the lands beyond, and even views of things from the villain point of view.

Each of them seems to point to a major conflict with all of them at the end of the book, and it's not there. That major conflict is delayed until another book. It's almost a sequel anti-hook to me.

Setting

While the first book did a lot of fleshing out Minette and the barest outline of the world beyond, Breadcrumb Trail goes whole hog on letting you know the size of the world and the fact that things are starting to escalate in tons of large, dangerous ways.

Except where this ties in with my issues with the plot arc, I love the level of detail. There's tons of thought that has gone into the world, and it's evident only shown a fraction of it is present in the text thus far. Unmentioned history, lands farflung, developments both positive and negative, the works. It's a worldbuilding lover's paradise in this book.

The Verdict

4/5 Stars

The setting is great, the characters are greater, and while I thought the plot arc a slight letdown the overall action was still solid.

[Maria Carvalho · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a rare thing to find a book that is unlike anything I’ve ever read before, and rarer yet to find a book that both I and my 10-year old son can both enjoy immensely. Adam Dreece’s ‘Breadcrumb Trail’ is just such a book, and is an extraordinarily surprising treat. I was drawn right into this story from the first page. The story is set in the distant past, where kingdoms are in a state of upheaval as two rival secret societies with differing visions for the future plot against each other. Intriguing characters abound on both sides, including brilliant inventors from the older generation whose creations are changing the landscape of their world. The young members of each side - The Yellow Hoods and The Red Hoods – are also starting to play a major role in the battle, albeit unwittingly at times. Woven throughout this backdrop are elements of classic fairy tales, such as Hansel and Gretel, as well as an endearing character who plays like a combination of Kris Kringle and Thomas Edison. Dreece does an impressive job of making these distinctive elements work together in a way that is extremely engaging, unique, and downright cool. He has created a world filled with highly creative inventions that ignite the reader’s imagination. The tale is complex enough to make it interesting to the adult reader, yet not so complicated as to put off younger readers. (Due to some darker elements that may be disturbing to younger readers, I think the book may be most appropriate for children who are at least around ten.) There are many clever touches - such as a subtle send-up of the classic ‘Who’s on First’ routine - some of which may sail over younger readers’ heads but will be appreciated by more mature readers. And while there is an abundance of exciting action, the plot does not skimp on character development; the characters are well-drawn and have wonderful dynamics with one another, resulting in scenes that are by turns funny, touching, and sometimes a combination of both. The character of Mounira (one of a number of strong female characters in the tale), a young girl who has faced tremendous adversity but has a remarkably strong spirit, is particularly engaging - Dreece makes the reader care about her immensely through his touching rendering of her story. This is one of the strengths of the book: the author's ability to deliver writing that is genuinely touching and moving, without being cloying or maudlin. Both the action scenes and the emotional scenes are written in a vivid and compelling manner that draw the reader in. My only complaint is that there were some moments when the writing felt a bit choppy/unpolished, but this was far outweighed by the book’s many positives.

'Breadcrumb Trail' makes for a remarkably entertaining and satisfying reading experience. Although I had not yet read the first book in the series ('Along Came a Wolf'), enough explanation was provided to allow me to follow and enjoy the story. Based on the strength of this second book, I will most certainly read the first. 'Breadcrumb Trail' is an adventure tale with surprising depth, offering a winning combination of rollicking action, suspense, and heart. It’s the perfect book for parents and their children to enjoy together. I highly recommend this book and will eagerly anticipate the next installment of The Yellow Hoods!

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Yellow Hoods - Books 1-5

This clever mix of fairytales and steampunk is a wonderful and original, fast-paced series. Delightful for young(ish) readers and adults, albeit on different levels.

I spent the best part of two weeks in the company of Tee, her friends and family, and their rivals, and enjoyed every minute of it.

The plot and the sub-plots weave back and forth seamlessly, making an entertaining and riveting read that’s hard to put down. (How the author kept everything straight while writing the series is beyond me, but he did it well.)

There are more twists and turns than a roller-coaster ride, some danger and tragedy, plenty of wit and humour, and lots of action and adventure. A general theme of growing up.. .family, friendship, confidence, loyalty and more, runs smoothly within the story.

The author brings the large and diverse cast of characters to life, and as they continue to develop and change throughout the series, we learn more of their hidden depths… and flaws. At the same time, he paints a detailed picture of the world they inhabit, starting with the small village in book one to a much larger expanse by book five, as our heroes (and villains) travel further away from their homes.

I liked the names of the characters, many of them plucked from fairytales and myths and given a twist… my favourite, being Ron-Paul Silskin!

[EJ Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of Adam Dreece’s The Yellow Hoods series. One thing to note about this series is they must be read in order. None of these can stand alone or you will find yourself confused by the characters that populate this fun series.

The fairy tales continue to come to life in this wonderfully crafted tale. This book is longer than Along Came a Wolf, but it needed it. Not only are the original cast of characters present, but we’re introduced to a whole slew of new people. As a matter of fact, we’re introduced to so many, it could be overwhelming to some to keep track of them all. The book starts off in the middle of an intense action scene. When you turn the page, you’re immediately sent back in time by 4 months. While this definitely catches your attention and makes you want to read to find out how Tee came to be in such a position, it might irritate some. However, we’re taken back to a wonderful scene in December, and Nikolas Klaus, along with his helpers, are loading a sleigh with toys to take to the nearby town of Mineau for the Winter Solstice celebration.

Continuing along, we meet our first new characters, Maxwell and Franklin Watt. Maxwell is the inventor of the steam engine that Simon St. Malo desperately wanted. Nikolas warned him about what happened and Maxwell sent his son off to Nikolas carrying the plans for the steam engine. While Maxwell only made this brief appearance in the book, I’m fairly certain he’ll make more appearances in future books. Back in Mineau, we meet Pierre de Montagne, someone the Yellow Hoods had saved earlier in the year. He was a hermit who lived in the mountains, but with their intervention that saved his life, he decided to become more social before his life was over. After awhile, we get to meet Anna, the head of the Tub. She immediately strikes me as “not a nice person.” When you read it, you will see what I mean by that. There are a lot more characters who make an appearance in this book, but you will have to read it to meet all of them.

All in all, it was brilliantly written and walks you right back to the starting point without a hitch. You get to watch how it all unfolded and how Tee managed to find herself hanging by the handle of her slingshot from the edge of a crumbling wall. I definitely would recommend this series to anyone and I can’t wait for the third book in the series to be released.

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not kindle unlimited, got the trilogy {plus} set by whining at the writer that he wasn't on ku, sometimes that works, but only bother to do it if really want to read the book{s}.

Do you remember any of the fairy tales or nursery rhymes you heard when you were little? How about Rub-a-dub-dub, Simple Simon, Chicken Little, Humpty Dumpty, or Santa Clause, Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs, Rumpelstiltskin, Beauty and the Beast, or Alice in Wonderland? Want or need your memory jogged? This is, but isn't, those stories.

In the first book when Steampunk meets fairy tale, inventions and inventors, fairy tales are real, and a secret society named Tub is led by a butcher, a baker, and a candlestick maker, and are caught in someone else's plot to steal the first steam engine plans. Want to picture the lands, just look at the first page illustration. Want to more about everything that happened?

In this the second {and third} books, another secret society called the Fare starts real trouble.

Along Came a Wolf (The Yellow Hoods #1)
Breadcrumb Trail (The Yellow Hoods, #2)
All the King's-Men (The Yellow Hoods, #3)
The Yellow Hoods Boxset (Books 1-3) {includes mini-book 2.5: Snappy & Dashing

Beauties of the Beast (The Yellow Hoods, #4)
The Day the Sky Fell (The Yellow Hoods #5)

Snappy & Dashing: A Yellow Hoods Companion Tale #1 (The Yellow Hoods) {2.5} {this is standalone but best read if you can at the end of 2 before 3} This has a serial story type feeling to it, which is not necessarily a bad thing, and seems longer than the usual serial, just noting it. This was more the type of fairy tale would have read when younger Hated the ones read to me, why I started reading by myself at age 4} and fits in nicely with the reworked fairy tales getting more predominate lately. This one came in the 3+ box set.

[Jessica Alter · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this second installment of the Yellow Hoods series by author Adam Dreece, Breadcrumb Trail expands Dreece’s emergent steampunk world in extraordinary ways. While Breadcrumb Trail is a grittier tale than Along Came a Wolf, all of the elements in the Yellow Hoods series mature with its readership. The stakes rise for Tee and her friends and family, the plot is more intense, and Dreece’s storycraft keeps up with it all.

As a sequel, Breadcrumb Trail is a powerhouse of young adult fiction, with Along Came a Wolf as its introduction to author Adam Dreece’s wonderfully immersive fictional world. Multiple story lines are woven together masterfully in Breadcrumb Trail. As the tension builds, the story draws the reader along to the novel’s climax.

This sequel is not as light an adventure as Along Came a Wolf, which I considered was a read for eight-to-twelve-year-olds. The series’s steampunk roots show, and it adopts a darker, classic Brothers Grimm quality in its second book. I consider Breadcrumb Trail’s target audience to be eleven-to-adult, still equally smart. Though Breadcrumb Trail stands on its own, I recommend reading Along Came a Wolf as an introduction to the world of Eorthe and its core characters.

Adam Dreece has found his singular, narrative voice in Breadcrumb Trail. Dreece does not miss a beat in Breadcrumb Trail. This is a novel to be savored.

[M.W. Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Legend Continues

Here is the riveting follow up to Adam Dreece's captivating fantasy adventure, Along Came A Wolf. Join Tee and the rest of The Yellow Hoods as they struggle to overcome new adversaries, and come face to face with an old evil known as The Fare.
The stakes have never been higher for The Yellow Hoods, and it will take more than a few lala moments to untangle the forces lining against them.
Adam Dreece pulls you into a story filled with intrigue and action, while still maintaining the childlike sense of wonder from the first book. Dreece's world building expanded the lands introduced in Along Came A Wolf with a rich history wrought with political struggles and tainted by myth. Whether you find yourself caught up in the emerging steampunk technology,touched by the importance of family and friends, or hanging onto the edge of your seat from the tense action, Breadcrumb Trail is sure to leave you breathless.

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every so often (actually, very, very rarely) I feel the need to put aside my standard reading fare and pick something else up. Adam Dreece's The Yellow Hoods was just such thing.

I wish I could say something profound about the book that hasn't already been said (and in such a way that it was even a 10th as well-written).

This is a damned fine story. The way that Adam has incorporated the fairy tales we grew up with into "real life" is just amazing. And not just fairy tales this time, but some others from well-known cultural entertainment. Bringing those characters to life.... simply awesome.

I felt the story was a bit darker than the first. Plenty of times throughout the book, I found myself looking away from the page and thinking "Holy crap!".

Lots of action in this one. It really is a "roller coaster ride".... or rather it's a rocket-cart ride (read the book - that'll totally make sense).

It's a great continuation into the universe of the Yellow Hoods!

[Victoria Simcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

The despicable, secret society, the Fare, have word chief inventor Nikolas Klaus’s exclusive innovations are on course to succeed. Maxwell Watt is worried, and so delegates his son to smuggle the finished steam engine to Klaus. The society has caught on, and they hurry with their plot to counteract and regain power of the kingdoms. There are more sinister situations at hand. Children have disappeared. Can Richy, Tee, Elly, known as the Yellow Hoods, find them before something terrible happens? This is book 2 in The Yellow Hoods series. There is more turmoil and danger then in the first book…which means the series gets more exiting as you progress. The story continues the escapades of Ellie, Richie and Tee, who get into an encounter with two stealthy circles of discoverers controlling proceedings under cover. Breadcrumb Trail is a multifaceted, adventure with a crafty conspiracy, persistently leading the reader on.

[Joseph Jeffery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoilers for Book 1 of the Yellow Hoods: Along Came a Wolf
Significantly darker than the first Yellow Hoods book (think Empire Strikes back vs New Hope) the plot of this book is at once more global and yet never loses its focus on the small town band of heroes.
The twists on fairy tales become more elaborate as well. In the first book the overall plot hewed close to a Little Red Riding Hood / Three Little Pigs mash up. This time Adam Dreece seems more willing to play with the formula. As a result the plot is cleverer and slightly more unexpected in places than it would have been if it had been a retelling similar to the first book.

I look forward to seeing where things go in the next book, and if things are any indication the improvement in writing style that seems to accompany each release.

[Cleo deLancey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: YA Steampunk
This is book 2, Breadcrumb Trail, and is more packed with action than the first. It follows the continuing adventures of Tee, Ellie and Richie. We learn much more of Richie’s background and see all three growing bolder and more knowledgeable. We are introduced to some new characters and more fleshed out older ones.
Plans for the steam engine and other inventions either falls prey to the wrong hands or are in a tight battle to keep them safe. Good guys and Bad guys aplenty and sometimes, Dreece, keeps us guessing as to what side some characters are on.
I highly recommend this wonderful steampunk series.
I can’t wait to read book 3, “All the King’s Men” (PS, I hear book 4 is in the works)

[Dawn Hebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about Breadcrumb Trail? I have read 4 out of 5 of his works so far, and this one is my favorite.
It brings all my childhood nursery rhymes and fairy tails, to a whole new light.
The darker side of the story from book 1, Breadcrumb Trail definitely had people on city transit staring at me, as I laughed, swore, and cried my way through this book.

While his books aren't lengthy, and are quick reads, I found myself attached the characters far faster than any book I have read. My mom and grandma always told me that a good book, was one you dropped because you were so stunned at something that came to light. This book definitely ended on my lap, couch and the floor multiple times.

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

And so the plot thickens!
Dreece has once again pulled the reader into a world full of characters worth remembering and inventions worth discovering. New and old characters, perfectly balanced, build a fantastical tale that both children and adults will find room in their hearts to adore. Folktales are woven and spun into an artful tapestry that leave the reader desperate for the third book. Let the plot sweep over you once again as the Breadcrumb Trail leads you into the heart of the forest...but beware, you might not want to find your way out...
There is a reason this series is rising on the best selling charts.

[Kate Savage · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Yellow Hoods is a great read. the characters are wonderfully endearing and I love all the science. The whole series is a charming hodge podge of classical and mechanical, although I must say that I was very relieved to find out there would be a fourth book (Beauties of the Beast) because All the King's-Men was confusing as heck. I mean I loved it, it was an engaging read with magnificent characters and lovely moments, and all the individual scenes made sense, but I have no idea what was going on. Really great though - I really liked the feel of the stories - the way they gently pull you in.

[Brena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked where he was going with this. I just had to keep reminding myself that some of the jokes were geared towards a much younger audience, as this is very much on the juvenile side of YA - definitely no Hunger Games! But I constantly kept exclaiming "I can't wait to have kids because I think my 7 year old will love this!", which must mean good things. It was also like a junior version of The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series, which is one of my favourites , so bravo! Well done. Would recommend to families, though I probably wont read it again myself without a small child on my lap.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sequel to the Yellow Hoods first book, Along Came A Wolf, was both fast paced and incredibly emotional. As with the first book, it utilizes quite a few classic fairytales to spin a much larger, steampunk-esque adventure tale in a league of its own. If you like well rounded characters that you can identify with and a colorful world that grabs hold of you from the beginning, then Dreece's books are most definitely for you- no matter your age.