The Crystal Caverns

The Last Firehawk #2

by Katrina Charman, Jeremy Norton (Illustrator)

Tag, Skyla, and Blaze travel to the Crystal Caverns to find the next piece of the Ember Stone in this fast-paced fantasy adventure!

In the second book in this page-turning series, Tag, Skyla, and Blaze journey to the Crystal Caverns. They are searching for a piece of the magical Ember Stone. But they do not know exactly where it is, and they are not the only ones searching for it . . . The powerful vulture Thorn is also after the stone -- and after Blaze! Thorn's dark magic is quickly spreading across Perodia, so the friends must move fast to reach the stone! This action-packed series makes a great introduction to fantasy and quest stories for newly independent readers. Realistic black-and-white artwork appears on every page!

Genres: Fantasy, Childrens, Chapter Books, Fiction, Middle Grade, Adventure, 2nd Grade

90 pages, Paperback

First published November 28, 2017

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not like this book because I did not like the part when they got lost in the crystal caverns. I enjoyed this book because I liked the part when Coralie led them to a secret cave that had the second piece of the ember stone.

[Megan Hallett · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 6 year old has been super excited to read these books and is always trying to predict what will happen next.

He tells me it's a definite 5 star and can't wait to start the next book in the series.

[Ro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Early readers will enjoy all the fast-paced action in this book featuring three animal friends on a quest. Tag, Skyla, and Blaze all have strengths that enable them to help each other as they seek a piece of the Ember Stone. But Blaze is still learning how to control her own talents, which might cause problems if she cannot harness them. It was exciting to follow the friends into the icy caverns where they encountered ice leopards and found a new friend. The story gets right down to action immediately, and there is hardly a let-up.

[Jovan Cianci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it so much.

[Ann Warren · Rating 3 out of 5]

My 8 year old and I are loving this series - perfect easy level for him and the characters are cute! Also - my big hearted guy shed tears at one part while reading when there was a lost baby animal that got found. It was so sweet 💜

[Pink Seal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked it when they went into a big cavern that had a maze with a lost young seal who no one had seen since she got lost in the maze. They saved the seal and the seal broke through the ice and took them to the area that had the second ember stone.

[Eloise Clay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book more than Mommy. -Eloise, 4

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favourite part of this book is listening to my son read to me.

[Lorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the second book of the Last Firehawk series, friends Tag the owl, Sklya the squirrel, and Blaze the firehawk are off to find the second piece of the Ember Stone at the icy Crystal Caverns. Blaze is starting to develop more of her Firehawk powers and still struggles with using them accurately. With the help of a new friend, the three will face more evil creatures sent by Thorn to take the stone.

This illustrated beginning chapter book from Scholastic’s Branches line will appeal to newly proficient readers on a second grade reading level who are looking to read adventure stories like the older kids are reading. Book extras include a question and answer activity page for children to practice their comprehension skills. I would recommend this series for purchase by any school or public library.

This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.

[Crew Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is the book about? You don't need to tell the whole story over — just give an idea of what it's about. It Is about three friends trying to get the second piece of the ember stone to save the forest.

Do you think other people would like it? If they like fiction and fantasy they would.

What emotions did you feel while reading the book (sad, funny…)? I felt happy because I like the characters.

Did you learn something from the book? I found out that there were spies that try to stop three friends from getting the ember stone.

Did you think it was interesting? I do think it was interesting because the spies made it fun.

Would you want to read it again? I would want to read it again because it was fun.

Would you want to read other books by the same author or about the same subject? I would want to read it again.
What was your favorite part? When they went on a turtle.

[zapkode · Rating 5 out of 5]

{My thoughts} – Tag, Skyla and Blaze continue on right where they had left off in the previous book. They continue on with the adventure of collecting all the Ember Stone pieces that they need in order to help defeat the Vulture Thorn.

They end up going into the caverns and rescuing a lost seal as well as finding another piece to the stone. While in the cavern they have a run in with some of Thorn’s spies.

If you’d like to know what happens you will need to read the book. I think that any child that enjoys reading about animals and adventures will enjoy reading this book as well.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son (Dexter, 6)brought this chapter book home from his school library and I was skeptical that it'd hold his interest. I was wrong! It not only held his interest, but he would look at me and ask "one more chapter?" night after night until we finished it, in three days! I rather enjoyed the book as well, it was full of action, thought process, and teamwork. Not only was it entertaining but it depicts the characters supporting one another with positive suggestion, praise, and empathy. I love this for my son and I'm really excited that it's a series! As is Dexter. :)

[David H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sadly, this is probably the last book I'll read in the series for now, as my son is no longer interested in the book. He had so much fun with the first book, but he just kept ignoring this book around the house until he finally said that I could read it if I wanted.

Anyway, Tag, Skyla, and Blaze make it to the Crystal Caverns to look for the next piece of the Ember Stone, while making a new friend along the way. I think the absolutely funniest element in this book was having seals who live high up in the mountains.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Branches Book from Scholastic aimed at newly independent readers. This is a series of friends, owls and squirrels, fighting Thorn, the vulture for a variety of prizes. In this book they are looking for the Ember Stone. The drawings on the pages are really nicely done. Having read another of the stories in this series, the language and situations are similar so will be familiar to emerging readers.

[Betsy Ellor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good adventure story for readers who are starting out in the chapter book world. Tag, Skyla and Blaze are on a quest to save their world. The story is very much in the vein of The Hobbit but for a much younger audience.

I thought the story was imaginative and moved right along, but my son and I didn't connect as well with these characters as in some of the other series in the Branches collection.

[Maximilian Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kind of liked this book because the story was very exciting and fun, but the writing style was kind of "simple". I this book was better than the first. The story is about an owl, a squirrel, and a firehawk. Firehawks are rare birds that have the power of fire. In this book, the characters find the second piece of the ember stone. The ember stone is a stone with great power.

[Kirsten Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

MR7 and I were so excited to get our hands on book 2 of this fantastic series and find out what happens next. We were hooked from the word go and couldn't put it down until we finished. An action packed adventure with just enough 'fear' factor to keep us on tender hooks. A great book for your emergent reader, and for you.

[Villain E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tag, Skyla and Blaze head to the frozen North to find the next segment of the Ember Stone. They encounter friendly seals, an ice maze, and ice leopords.

This one is a lot less random and arbitrary than the first book. The characters make plans, and when those plans don't work, they think through solutions.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Solid fantasy/adventure story. The melting ice got a bit repetitive, but the plot got moved along. Definitely a series to read in order. The adventure continues, but no cliffhanger, which is good. Also the illustrations are good, particularly the adorable seals!

[Sarahs Reads ToKids · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Firehawk books are a wonderful series for both boys and girls that enjoy animals, magic, mystery, and adventure. This a classic tale of two friends who go on a journey to help defeat evil, save their home and protect the last firehawk.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was better than the first. It was less scary for my kid but I also liked the story better. He was given the choice to keep going with book 3 or switch back to Galaxy Zack and he wanted to stick with this.

[Jessica F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tag the barn owl and his companions (Skyla the Squirrel and Blaze the last firehawk) set off on their quest to retrieve the broken pieces of the Ember Stone. Their first stop? Some seriously spooky Crystal Caverns - where no seal has dared to go ever since one of their own went missing...

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 of the series picks up where book 1 left off with 3 animal friends searching for another piece of the magical Ember stone. This journey takes them to the Crystal Caverns where they fight ice tigers and find the lost seal, Coralie. The Next adventure awaits. Looking forward to reading it.

[Christie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is actually book #2 in the series, but it is an exciting epic fantasy series for new readers.

[Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really different from other books. It had a lot of magic and surprises throughout the book. I can't wait to read the others in the series!

[Gavin Swift · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the book you would like to read
if you want to read a book this is your book

[Nathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple adventure book. Excellent series for bedtime.

[Danielle Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute adventure for Tag, Skyla, and Blaze! The Crystal Caverns were neat and my daughter and I loved the seals!

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best bit: Escaping the crystal caverns