Jalina Jons and the Rescue Team: A Magical Fantasy Adventure perfect for ages 9-14, Grades 4-8

by M.K. McDaniel

The adventure continues with fairies, scary creatures, an evil villain, and a ghostly pirate named Captain Black Sam...equaling another page-turning adventure!

Jalina (Nina) Jons and her brother Jake return for their second year at Fort Fernbottom, where life among the enchanted treehouses is anything but ordinary. Between spellbinding classes and mastering their powers, the siblings are thriving...until a familiar enemy from the past unexpectedly arrives in the magical Area. Determined not to let old wounds derail her progress, Nina braces herself for the challenge. But the peace doesn’t last. When a sinister villain breaches the Fort’s defenses, children vanish without a trace. With danger closing in, Nina forms a Rescue Team and sets out on a perilous mission that could unravel everything. As the stakes rise and the mystery deepens, only courage, magic, and unity can save the orphans and Fort Fernbottom from disaster. Will Nina and the Rescue Team be able to save the orphans in time?

This seven-book series offers an epic adventure in every installment, packed with fast-paced action and whimsical magic. It takes readers to the edge of disaster and back, immersing them in a world they’ll never want to leave. Full of mystery, villains, mythical creatures, friendships, and team-building missions. Perfect as a family read-aloud or an independent middle-grade fantasy escape. Ideal for readers aged 9-14 and students in Grades 4-8, but other older adventure seekers will enjoy it too. Jalina Jons Adventure Series books coming throughout 2026!

220 pages, Hardcover

Published December 15, 2025

About the author

M. K. McDaniel is an award-winning author who lives in a small rural town in the mountains of Nevada with her husband, one Corgi, a tabby cat, and a Border Collie. Her writing career began early when she daydreamed stories as a child. In the second grade, after mastering the art of print, she began putting those stories on paper. Her writings include published college papers, stories, and poems. In 2011, she published her first middle-grade fantasy adventure, "Nina Beana and the Owenroake Treasure Hunters." The second edition has now been released as Jalina Jons and the Owenroake Treasure Hunters, part of a seven-book series. Her love for writing has continued throughout her life and will continue in the Jalina Jons Adventure Series.

Reviews

[Tanmay Mehta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book continues the magical journey of Jalina, also called Nina, and her brother Jake as they return to Fort Fernbottom for another year. Life at the enchanted treehouse school is full of spellcasting lessons, strange creatures, and growing magical abilities. However, things quickly turn dangerous when an old enemy reappears and a new villain breaks through the Fort’s defenses. Children begin to disappear, and Nina must form a Rescue Team to uncover the mystery. With the help of friends, fairies, and even a ghostly pirate named Captain Black Sam, the story builds into a high stakes adventure centered on courage, teamwork, and protecting the innocent.

What stands out most is the fast paced storytelling and the vivid magical world. The enchanted treehouses, mythical creatures, and eerie villains keep the story exciting from start to finish. Nina is a strong and relatable protagonist who faces fear without giving up, which makes her easy to root for. I also enjoyed the focus on friendship and teamwork, as the Rescue Team shows how cooperation and trust can overcome even the darkest threats. The mix of mystery, adventure, and lighthearted magic makes the book very engaging.

I recommend this book because it is an entertaining and imaginative read that appeals especially to middle grade readers. It works well both as an independent read and as a family read aloud. The story balances action with emotional growth, making it more than just a fantasy adventure. Readers who enjoy magical schools, brave heroes, and thrilling rescue missions will find this book hard to put down. It also sets the stage beautifully for the rest of the series, leaving readers eager for what comes next.

[Ultimate World · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Book Review: *Jalina Jons and the Rescue Team* by M. K. McDaniel**

*Jalina Jons and the Rescue Team* is a thrilling and magical continuation of the Jalina Jons Adventure Series that raises the stakes while deepening the heart of its enchanted world. Perfect for middle-grade readers, this second installment delivers fast-paced action, rich imagination, and powerful themes of courage, teamwork, and resilience.

Returning to Fort Fernbottom for their second year, Jalina (Nina) and her brother Jake feel more confident in their abilities, but peace is short-lived. The arrival of a familiar enemy and the emergence of a dangerous new villain quickly turn the magical school into a place of real peril. When children begin to vanish, the story takes on a darker, more urgent tone—one that keeps pages turning and readers fully invested.

What truly shines in this book is Nina’s growth. Rather than retreating from past trauma, she confronts it head-on, forming a Rescue Team that highlights the importance of unity, leadership, and trust. The inclusion of fairies, frightening creatures, and the unforgettable ghostly pirate Captain Black Sam adds layers of excitement and wonder, making the adventure feel fresh and unpredictable.

McDaniel strikes a strong balance between suspense and accessibility, making the story engaging for independent readers while still ideal for family read-alouds. The friendships, magical training, and high-stakes missions reinforce positive messages about collaboration and standing up for others—even when fear is close at hand.

*Jalina Jons and the Rescue Team* expands the magical universe in meaningful ways while delivering another action-packed adventure. It’s a must-read for fans of middle-grade fantasy who love mystery, magical schools, brave heroes, and worlds they can’t wait to return to. With more books on the way, this series is shaping up to be an epic journey worth following.

[Nikita Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jalina Jons and the Rescue Team by M. K. McDaniel is a magical and fast-paced fantasy that brings readers back to the enchanting world of Fort Fernbottom . Life in the treehouse school is filled with spells, lessons, and growing powers, making every page feel lively and fun. This adventure is perfectly suited for readers aged 9–14 who love magic and mystery.


Nina and her brother Jake return for their second year feeling stronger and more confident. But when a familiar enemy from the past appears, old fears resurface and new challenges begin. Nina’s determination to stay brave and focused shows her growth and makes her a relatable and inspiring hero.


The story quickly turns intense when a dangerous villain breaks into the Fort and children start disappearing . With scary creatures, fairies, and the ghostly pirate Captain Black Sam, the tension keeps building. Each chapter adds excitement and suspense, making it hard to stop reading.


What truly stands out is the strong message of teamwork and friendship . Nina and Benter, Ariana, Jess, Drake, Sarah, Jake, and Bartie Rescue Team prove that courage and unity can overcome even the darkest threats. This thrilling sequel is packed with action, heart, and magic, leaving readers eager for the next adventure.

[Jessahme Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Returning to Fort Fernbottom feels like stepping back into a world that is both whimsical and quietly brave. Nina and Jake’s second year at the enchanted treehouse school quickly turns dangerous when an old enemy resurfaces, a new villain breaks through the Fort’s defenses, and children begin disappearing. What follows is a fast-paced rescue mission rooted in courage, loyalty, and teamwork.

I especially appreciated the balance in the magic system and lore. It’s imaginative and layered, yet never so complex that young readers feel overwhelmed. The world feels expansive without being confusing...a rare and thoughtful achievement in middle grade fantasy. And learning that delightful detail about Bartie and his gifts (no spoilers) added such warmth and heart to the story.

Nina remains a relatable and steady heroine, choosing courage even when she’s afraid. With its vivid setting, strong friendships, and high-stakes adventure, this is an engaging read for middle grade readers or adventure lovers of all ages.

[Miranda Summerset · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 STARS! This is a fantastic & fun fantasy adventure read for middle aged kids. It’s entertaining and action packed from start to finish. I loved all of the different creatures mentioned & the happy ending. This is definitely a series worth checking out.