★★★★★ "Fantastic! Zorro and Harry Potter meet for a thrilling adventure!" ★★★★★ "ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!" Summer has come to an end, and so have Peter Constantine’s carefree days. With the tourists finally gone, Peter hopes to muster enough courage to chase his destiny—the fabled prophecy about the Phantom’s return. Trouble is, fate can be terrifying… The infamous Circus of Doom is coming to town, bringing new allies and old enemies. Peter hasn’t forgotten the Red Masque’s promise to return and steal the Crown’s treasures. Is it Peter’s imagination, or could the evil syndicate be posing as performers, hidden within the circus? And what on earth has gotten into his pet mouse? Rejoin the adventure, with The Sword and the Circus, volume two of the Phantom of New York series!
This book was super exciting! I read it before bed with my 7, 9, and 11-year-old girls. They love Peter and his friendships. The last few chapters are incredibly exciting. Already looking forward to the 3rd book.
Given that I was attracted to this series at first thinking it was Phanfic, I was delighted to see references to The Phantom of the Opera, as well as a number of other well known works of literature.
Continuing in the style of the first book, this is an equally fun read requiring a bit more suspension of disbelief - easy enough to do with the quality and pace of the writing. A host of new characters were added, both good and bad, and blend in nicely.
There are still a few small typos, but overall a beautifully done book. I look forward to more. An example:
“Don’t you feel it, Peter? Each little boy is born with the belief that he’s destined for greatness, that life is an adventure and he’s the hero. It’s not fair that your adventure is so perilous, but that’s the story you’re in. You’re the hero and our need is great and so is the danger. I know you believe you’re not worthy of the task, that someone HAS to be better equipped. But we desperately need you, Peter. I need you to believe me. …Okay? …Peter?”
A special note to the author: write faster; these books are great fun.
Back at the Crown Plaza, summer is over and Peter and his friends get back to school work. However the circus is coming to town and the performers are staying at the Crown. Peter should be very excited, but he feels a shadow hovering over him.
The saga of the Phantom of the Crown, oops sorry, of New York carries on with new developments. It's interesting to see the way Peter grows and his character becomes who he really is. Janney does an excellent job of leading the reader through Peter's journey.
So many great twists and turns!! This book is clever, witty, and inspiring. While Janney aimed for entertaining a younger audience, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Looking forward to reading to my tweens over Christmas.
Just the right amount of supernatural, vigilantism and action! Sure to keep even reluctant middle school kids reading to the end. Even as an adult I am thoroughly enjoying the series. Loved the mouse!
Can’t wait for Volume III! You learn the true identity of the Phantom in this volume but the end is a cliffhanger and the story of the Phantom continues to captivate my kids. Highly recommend!
My son really enjoyed this series so far! It is a classic adventure story with a magical twist! Good characters and good positive story for young readers!
The adventure continues in the second book of The Phantom of New York series. Peter and his friends are excited to find out the Circus is coming to The Crown, but at the same time Peter senses danger is close at hand. A.L. Janney continues the mystery of the Phantom with noble characters, teens who are respectful, believe in honor, courage, and loyalty.