A Vanishing of Griffins

Songs of Magic #2

by S.A. Patrick

Join the brave friends Patch, Wren and Barver for another adventure of magic and music! Thrill as they meet the Pirates of the Eastern Seas! Marvel as they venture to the only city where dragons and humans live side by side! Gasp as they journey high into the snowy peaks, where the greatest secret of the griffins lies hidden! And tremble as they come face to face once more with the increasingly powerful and evil Hamelyn Piper...

The second book in the Songs of Magic series, the adventure continues in this highly-anticipated sequel to award-nominated and former Waterstones Children's Book of the Month, A Darkness of Dragons.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Adventure, Dragons, Fiction, Magic, Audiobook

381 pages, Paperback

First published January 7, 2021

About the author

S.A. Patrick was born in Northern Ireland. An Oxford mathematics graduate, he spent thirteen years working as a games programmer on the award-winning Total War series before becoming a full-time author. He lives in Cornwall with his wife and two young children. He is the author of A Darkness of Dragons, and (as Seth Patrick) the horror-thriller Reviver trilogy.

Reviews

[Belles Middle Grade Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! My husband tried to make me put this down last night & eat! But I wouldn’t! I couldn’t! To much was happening, & at stake-I had to know what happened. I absolutely loved the 1st book, & didn’t think it possible to love this 1 more-but I think I do. It was so good! I loved continuing w/Patch, Barver, & Wren on another magical adventure. They are such a big reason for the love I have for these books. Such amazing characters-& even all the side characters!-AMAZING! But also the storyline & the writing is just incredible! We see a lot more of this world, & it was all still just as fascinating! We learned a lot too, & there were some twists I didn’t see coming! Loved it. So much action, suspense, & danger made it such a fast-paced read. Barver still has my heart, & he seemed to have a bigger role in this book, so I absolutely loved that of course. This is 1 of the 1st books I posted on here, & I’m so happy I’ve finally read it-but I’m happy I waited until I had the sequel lol Can’t wait for the last book(sad it’s the last though!) next year! I highly recommend these. The author even put a recap in the front of this book in case you needed a refresher of book 1! Another beautiful cover by the amazing George Ermos too!💜

[Bianca Breen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am so let down by the this book! I enjoyed it, but I had massively high expectations because I loved the first one so much, and they just weren't met. A lot of the magic and wonder I loved about A Dance of Dragons just wasn't there, and I found myself just going through the motions without really caring about many of the characters, and they just didn't quite stand out to me. Patch barely had a role, let alone the wonderful Piping. I'll be reading the third book, but I'll keep my expectations low. Brb crying.

[Spens (Sphynx Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.5

This was quite a letdown of a sequel and I would've rated it lower if it weren't for the really intriguing ending. This is just as dark as the first book but leaned more into the politics of the world instead of the whimsy of Piping magic, which made this story difficult to pick back up. I still love the characters though and am looking forward to the finale.

[William Stafford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it’s as beautifully written as the first book, this one definitely has Middle Book syndrome. It feels like an episode rather than a book in its own right. Imaginative, emotional and not shy of a touch of horror. It’s great to spend time in this world with these characters again.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book.
A treat to visit old friends.

[A Severs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a habit of reading several books at the same time. Each of the books that I'm reading simultaneously are of a different genre so there is no confusing of plots - in fact, most of the time I only have one fiction book on the go. I think it is a very good habit. It allows me to pick and choose a book that suits my mood and, more importantly the time time of day: if I read heavy non-fiction before bed then my sleep is very disrupted, for example.
Whilst reading 'A Vanishing of Griffins' I was also reading 'Prisoners of Geography' by Tim Marshall and here's where there are further benefits of reading multiple books concurrently: Tim Marshall's book had caused my mind to think geopolitically, and so, when I picked up a children's magical fantasy book which is ostensibly rooted in a fairy tale, I saw things I wouldn't have otherwise seen.

Indeed, I noticed things about the whole fantasy genre which I'd not really stopped to consider before. Despite knowing, for example, that JRR Tolkien based much of his Middle Earth on Anglo-Saxon Britain (a time when geopolitics were surely everything, that and religiopolitics of course) I hadn't really considered how the wider genre might also represent other examples of geopolitical stories.

'A Vanishing of Griffins' is the second in the Songs of Magic series, the first being 'A Darkness of Dragons'. S.A. Patrick's latest book picks up where the story left off, and thankfully it features a recap of what has happened so far. Patch (a piper who can play magical songs), Barver (a dracogriff) and Wren (a girl cursed into the form of a rat) are in pursuit of the terrible Piper of Hamelyn who is bent on world domination, and will go to any lengths to get it. But the plot, unlike some stories aimed at the Middle Grade age group, is a little more complicated than that.

In fact, there are sub-plots a-plenty, ones which mainly revolve around mysteries that must be solved, people that must be helped and things that must be found in order for the Piper of Hamelyn to finally be found and vanquished. Reminiscent of classics of the genre - The Wizard of Earthsea, Eragon - this is an adventure quest where solutions do not come easily to the protagonists. In fact, they come up against bureaucracy and red tape as often as real-life peace-keeping missions probably do. As they travel through a world caught in the constant flux of war and peace, where power struggles are rife and political and military allegiances can change with the wind, their good vs. evil quest is a perilous and arduous one.

Whilst the backdrop may be political, the strongest theme is true friendship: the sacrifice, the willingness to go to great lengths to help loved ones, the kindness and commitment to anyone who finds themselves in need, particularly the oppressed. Wrapped up in a world of dragons, pirates and magic is an example to all children who, in reality, are growing up in a world just like the one portrayed in 'A Vanishing of Griffins'. Sure, they might not be able to call on magic to save the day, but they should be able to call on friendship.

If you are up for joining the gang on a journey that takes in being fed to a monster by a pirate king, discovering magical texts in a secret underground vault, rescuing the inhabitants of a town under fire, discovering lost relatives and fighting battles against dark forces, then this book is for you. Although, I would strongly recommend that you get hold of book 1 first to really benefit from the whole story (it can be found on my Children's Fiction - Fantasy & Magic list on bookshop.org: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/childre...).

A Vanishing of Griffins by S.A. Patrick is available on bookshop.org and features on my MG Fiction Books January 2021 list: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/mg-fict...

[Nicke Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

That ending!!!! Why? Why do you do this to me??? Now I have to wait until next year to find out what happens next!!!!! Full of laughter, I outwardly chuckled! Full of heartfelt friendships and full of action and drama!!!! Loved it!!! So much! X

[Karen B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 I did quite like this one. I still feel it’s a little dark, but I did enjoy the characters.

[Jurgita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the first one and there were moments when it felt way too long.

[Katrenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still loving this series, the characters, and the world in which they live and discover. But what a cliff hangar!

[Mystic DreamClouds · Rating 3 out of 5]

This installment begins with a summary recapping the events that took place in the first book. I enjoyed this approach because it wasn’t like an information dump but more like a story told over a winter night near a warm fireplace with some hot chocolate. It was a good surprise and honestly I would love it if more books had this type of recapping, especially if they are in a series and published years apart.

As the story picks up from where book one ends, there is a lot of energy in the first half. Trying to find answers on the Hamelin Piper, his motive and next step. But that’s not all. This book expertly weaves into Wren’s curse with Underath, leading to the introductions of Griffins and Barver’s connection to them. In hindsight, there is a lot happening and many unknown are unfolding while new ones are being created.

This book was fun and I enjoyed seeing Wren and Barver finding a place they could call home. Wren is a smart girl, and as Alia’s prospect apprentice it was no surprise she would be the highlight of this book. Wren’s use of magic and her confidence were commendable and often pulled the friends out when they were in a bind. Barver, the very polite dracogriff was also shining with his Griffin background and fearless decisions in the last quarter of the book. Barver is like the glue that keeps them together and out of harm’s way. I was also happy that he found a place amongst Griffins without having to choose or bargain himself.

But I felt bad for Patch throughout this entire book. Patch did something bad in book one, although a mistake he made the decision under the influence of his unsteady emotions. Patch was regretful throughout this whole book and it was sad to see him not lean on anyone. Where Wren had Alia and Barber had his new Griffin friends, I felt like Patch had no one. He didn’t even speak to them about how upset he felt and that was heartbreaking. It was also sad to see Patch not using his pipe; it was rarely used.

The story is well written and I like how easily it reads. However the story is told in multiple perspectives which can be sometimes confusing even when the change makes sense. Regardless, the plot is interesting and it’s always progressing at a steady pace. There aren’t many twists or turns but there are some surprises and I felt like that works best for this story.

Overall, I enjoyed this story but Patch’s remorse made me feel bad. I wish I could give him a hug and Erner too. Both have been through a lot and I hope they can become closer again in book three. I’m looking forward to the next book and hoping it’s a thrilling conclusion to the series.

Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf

[Anjana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the first book of the series and the magic in the world described here. The second picks up exactly where the last left off and ends in a similar cliffhanger fashion.
We have a trio of children/young adults, and a dracogriff began their plan to unmask(almost literally) a notorious criminal who was supposedly under lock and key since the last time he was captured. When Patch ends up in the same prison, a chain of events starts and continues to cause things to change over the course of the first adventure. This time around, the world has fractured socially, with everyone under attack in some form or fashion, and most creatures respond differently. As with real life, the various beings close ranks, leaving those who straddle life between two (or multiple) lifestyles outside without much support.
Patch is a good character without being portrayed as a chosen one or a hero. He takes help as and when required, consults his team and makes mistakes that he continues to repent (and feel guilty) for.
A lot is revealed in this book about the state of affairs and how things were done. Some in power prey on the insecurities of the ones who make decisions and push for more radical solutions. All of this happens after a reader (old or young) is invested emotionally with the outcome for the creatures introduced to us, making it an apt tool for discussions to be had at a later stage as to the real-life implications of such situations.
Even without the heavy contemplations, there is a lot of adventure packed into this volume. Magic and the effort it requires are in focus, as are the unknown facts that may or may not help a final battle.
I think this is a solid middle book for a book of this ilk and works well for children as well as adults. The teenagers in this book are a serious lot, and there have been no romantic allusions thus far, making it a welcome change.
All three books of the series are already out, and I almost purchased it for my eleven-year-old niece's birthday, but I finally went for another series with more books just because of the sheer volume.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Vanishing of Griffins picks up right after the events in the first book. S.A. Patrick does a wonderful job of reintroducing the characters and provides a lovely recap. So far, the plot involves Patch Brightwater (a disgraced 13-year-old Piper in training), Wren (a girl who has been cursed into the shape of a rat), and Barver (a dracogriff), foiling the plans of the Pied Piper and preventing him from building his mind controlling device. The Pied Piper is then locked up deep in the dungeons of Tiviscan Castle, only to later not only escape death, but to be alive and plotting his revenge. From there the plot branches off into mini subplots involving investigating a murder, tracking down the Pied Piper's next moves, trying to locate the Sorcerer who cursed Wren and complete his wishes in order to lift Wren's curse, rescuing Erner from mercenary pirates, and finally understanding a prophecy that involves a betrayal of trust. I would highly recommend starting with the first book in the series, even though I found the recap to be very helpful.

There are a lot of subplots going on at once that take the story in many different directions. Some, like searching for a rare and unusual book seemed to slow the story down. While others like the battles and rescues added lots of action. I felt like Patch's character was being fleshed out a little more in this book. He experiences a lot of guilt over the events in the first book, no spoilers from me, and tries to make amends. I also enjoyed that there is a resolution to Wren's curse and how they are all reunited with Erner. The friendship between these characters is what really comes through when reading. How they will endure most any hardship in order to help one another out. One even willing to sacrifice themselves in order to save the rest. But that ending, why? Why another cliffhanger? Although, it does now have me eager for the release of A Thunder of Monsters.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided an early copy of this book from Netgalley but this review is all my own.

I enjoyed the first book in this series, A Darkening of Dragons, but I enjoyed the sequel even more. I found myself sneaking off to keep reading as the action was full on throughout. I loved that the book included a recap from the last book and think all series should have these since sometimes it’s been awhile since you’ve read the last.

The story picks up right where the last ended and we quickly find out what happened to Erner and get right to saving him. The story weaves through different side quests I guess you could call them by travelling to different locations where you meet all kinds of interesting characters but it all centres around the plans of the Hamelyn Piper to use obsidiac to control and rule the world. While there is a lot of hopping around, I felt like it was really well done and the entire world became more developed from the first book.

There’s magic, mysteries, secret passages, shape-shifting, griffins, dragons and battles. It feels so full you have no clue how it will be wrapped up by the end and yet it is and then again isn’t as you are left with a cliffhanger into the next book in the Songs of Magic series, A Thundering of Monsters! I am definitely attached to Patch, Wren and Barven especially the friendship and bond they have quickly formed. I desperately want to know how it will all work out from the precarious situations they have found themselves in. I’m glad to have found this series, credit to the cover artist, George Ermos, for pulling me in when I spotted the first book online.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First sentence: Erner woke, as he did every morning, from a nightmare: being pushed off the back of a dracogriff, into a cold lake far below.

Premise/plot: A Vanishing of Griffins is the second book in a trilogy of MG fantasy inspired by the Piper of Hamelyn. (Darkening of Dragons was the first book in this trilogy.) The first third of this one wraps up some of the drama from book one. (Erner is reunited with his former friends/companions. Wren is no longer cursed. One of the leaders (I forgot his name) has been healed.) The remainder of the book is essentially a new action-adventure fantasy story. New characters. New main story. Big battle. Huge battle. Way more action than character development. (They are facing off against the same villain.)

My thoughts: I really LOVED A Darkening of Dragons. Or at least I remember really, really liking it. I don't recall off hand if it was four stars or five stars.) I loved the storytelling, the characterization. Everything I loved about the first novel in the series seems to be absent in the second. It might be mostly me. It might not be either. I did read the first third of the book in one sitting. Took one day off of the book. Came back and discovered that there were a thousand and one new characters and a big shift in story. It might just be that I blanked out on the transition and some key moments where those new characters are introduced. This one has a LOT of action. At least twice the action. So for readers who enjoy action-packed fantasy, this one may appeal. I like a little more characterization. (Which I got for the first third.)

[Ayxan · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.5)

The thing about sequels is that, yes, we love to learn and read more about the world, live with the characters, experience both their happiness and sorrow, but often they disappoint. Not this book. It amazed me just as much as the first book, and I couldn’t put it aside.

It was playing with my emotions once again, but whereas the first one was mostly filled with frustration, this one was pretty emotional. A few times it left me feeling really sad and angry, unable to do anything. Helpless.

You think the finale Battle is what will wrench your emotions? Well, not this book here. The incident in the middle was the most hurtful, to be honest. Not saying the finale wasn’t, but the middle really left me crying dry tears.

What I didn’t really like that Erner was most of the time pretty much useless. Okay, not useless, but kinda invisible? He barely talked or whatever – he was just there. I get that he and patch (aka the protagonist) avoided each other, but we also got some chapters in the viewpoints of other background characters, soo... Erner was there at the beginning, but after they found him, he was just... there. Even Underath had perhaps more dialogue than him?
Well, I mainly hope that he gets more screentime in the 3rd book.

Speaking of, I’m really excited to read the 3rd book! Sadly it comes out in 2022, but I already pre-ordered it!! I don’t want to wait tho haha🥺

[Cassandra Hamm · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up.

I have similar feelings about this series as I did about the Glass Sentence series. Fascinating concepts, interesting happenings, but no real overarching plot. Halfway through A VANISHING OF GRIFFINS, we finally got a real overarching plot. If I’d read the description (not the one on here, the one on the audiobook case) before listening, I would’ve been so disappointed by this book, because just like the first one, the description says the premise is based on something that happens over halfway through the story. It was even worse with the first one.

So while I enjoyed this book, I did feel like it meandered. Especially in the beginning. The Erner plotline felt so pointless since he was barely in the book (though I am glad they rescued him). I liked the dragon-human city (the baby dragon depiction was fun and unusual—the flaming snot! The acidic poo!), and I will always love Wren, the girl-turned rat. I liked seeing more of the griffins in this one as well. Looking back, a lot of the elements from the earlier parts did play a part later on; I just wish the first half had more direction because despite the fun things happening, I was getting a bit bored.

Now to see if I can find an audio version of book three… because I really do want to know what happens!

[Versui Songs of Magic · Rating 5 out of 5]

(For people who wish to be apart of the SOM Fandom: check out the #songs of magic series and/or #songs of magic tag on Tumblr! You can also DM me on Tumblr for the Fan Discord, 13+ only for both Discord and Tumblr's guidelines!)

A Vanishing of Griffins is an amazing mid-book of the trilogy, this time touching on the worldbuilding of the series in an utterly amazing way: Through a beach episode! (Not literally.) This book was incredibly fun to read, and the lead ups were done in a clear way without getting bored.

The expansion of Sorcerers, Griffins, and Dragon society was utterly delightful and made me far more invested in the story then ever! This book has so many of my favorite scenes compared to the other two, and I adored the small character-developing scenes between the trio and The Legendary Eight.

The Legendary Eight (Now four...) are wonderful characters that really made me think about what their adventures were like with how well they bounce off each other while still having separate personalities and character development. They really made me yearn for a book about their past adventures, simply from how interesting the characters are.

I also really enjoy the amount of thought that went into the names of the characters, each name means something. For example, Casimir means annoying, which references how the prime memory of him shared between the Eight was how annoying he was about Lar-Sennen. Which I think is an incredibly good and funny detail! Another nice thing about the names is that it shows that the character's actually have every diverse lineages which is very accurate to the time period. One name I really like is Tobias Palafox's name, it suggests both his Combat Piper background, and how he turned to becoming a monk, not liking the violence. As "Palafox" means tiny palace and Tobias is of biblical origin. While his last name suggests his Latin and/or Spanish heritage.

Overall, this book is a delight, the scenes in this book marks some of my favorites, and I love the amount of detail going all the way down to the character's names. Very neat, especially when you find out the reason behind Erner's and Patch's names!

[Lloyd Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully written story to the highly anticipated sequel!
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I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book to 2 of my boys each night, and will definitely be looking for the release date to the final one scheduled for 2022!!!
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The world S.A.Patrick has created brings me such joy and I genuinely get super excited and reading a chapter or 2 each night!! The book flowed really well and each page had me wanting to read another, with rarely a dull moment throughout. There were 0 stale chapters and every single one of them was a pleasure to read!
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I must admit that I really found myself resonating with Patch in “A Darkness of Dragons”, and was slightly saddened that he took somewhat of a backseat in “A Vanishing of Griffins”. I would say Barver definitely took the lead in this book, and it was really interesting to follow the trio in there recent endeavours and learn more history from the magical world!
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I am super excited for the setup of the 3rd book, I can’t wait to see how it concludes and I reckon it will be the best one yet!
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4.5 stars rounded up 😉 from me. Even though me and my boys loved it, I didn’t get that “Enveloped” feeling I got with “A Darkness Of Dragons” where I literally could not put the book down which is why I would have given that 10 stars if possible haha!

[Euan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Vanishing of Griffins

This book is the sequel to a Darkness of Dragons which I have reviewed previously. I had high hopes for this book and was delighted that it had the same main characters.

Patch, Wren and Barver embark on a quest to save the world from the Piper of Hamelyn yet again. They now know that there has been a huge injustice and a case of mistaken identity.

Patch, Wren and Barver accompanied by some of The Famous Eight need to stop the Piper from finishing his magical suit of armour which would give him and his pipe even more powers, becoming invincible.

The Griffins were in danger, there were only a few left and with the start of a war, they were at risk of extinction. The Griffins join up with the gang to stop the war.

My favourite bit of this book was when they discovered a teleporting machine - I wish I could teleport! I'd love to go to an Island where I could calm down and read books.

I recommend this book if you like adventure and suspense.

🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Alyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slightly disappointed by this book, having really enjoyed part one of the Songs of Magic, "A Darkness of Dragons".
Too much of the early chapters were spent explaining what had gone on in book one which meant the story took a while to get going. If each book is dependant on reading the one before I would much prefer one big tome. Then the last couple of chapters are deliberately setting up for book three so that is another wasted time.
The story itself rocks along at a ripping pace with hardly a down moment in the book. Each of the main characters, Patch, Wren and Barver play their part, but Patch appeared slightly forgotten in the melee and there are few references to the piping and the magical descriptions of what it did that made book one so good.
I'm sure most people who read will enjoy the continuation of the story, but for me book one, (as is often the case, Harry Potter,) was the better read.

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an awesome fast-paced adventure with great characters. It continues the story from book one, but this volume helps us remember the highlights of the first volume as well, which is great because a lot happens in these books. Many readers are already focused on the quests, perils, war and adventure, twists and surprises. I want to speak of the humor infused along the story. Not only in the dialogue, and scenes but also in the naming of places. Everything with the grumpy pirate king was hilarious and that energizes us to read a story well balanced. Once we pick up the pace it is a nonstop adventure. 

I love the magic system of this well-built world. 

[Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute. I love these characters so much. Patch ever the sweetheart, Wren the fierce and brave girl, and Barver the loyal and determined Dracogriff. The stakes in this next book have been raised as the dragons are behaving in strange ways and there is a mysterious ghost army attacking people in the woods. It is no longer just Patch, Wren, and Barver but it is also Alia and Tobias, as well as Erner and his master now in this fight because things are bigger than just the trio now. It's very intriguing and entertaining. And now as of the end of this book the characters have found themselves in quite the pickle so I'm interested to see where things go from here!

[Ms Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fantasy series starts a little slowly but very quickly picks up the pace and becomes very exciting as we follow the main characters (one of whom is turned into a mouse!) through their many adventures. This is based on the Pied Piper story and he is the main villain who is trying to control the world. It is a story full of dragons, griffins and human beings all trying to get along together - or not!
I enjoyed book one "A Darkness of Dragons" a while ago and was excited to see this second book come out.
It is suitable for KS3/4/5 and anyone who enjoys fantasy/ dragon adventures.

[Sharlene Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was considering a three star review but I don’t know. I listened to the first book and followed along but it just felt as if as the story was being told, a more fanciful direction was imagined and with seemingly forced connection, the story takes on a different direction or new subplot.

I enjoyed the sub-story of Barver however and see his story connecting with children who share a split cultural background, facing the question of where do I belong and who am I amongst these strong cultural heritages. Really beautiful model to show strength.

[Gabz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good follow-up to the first book, with some interesting elements to think about referring to populism, or in this case specism.

I enjoyed returning to Patch's world to see him deal with the trauma of having pushed Erner off the dracogriff, to have Barver's history and culture looked into more (some nice themes there about multi-culturalism, too) and to have Wren finally free to pursue her interests in a human form.

A bit slow in places, but overall a good paced book, and leaving a good setup for the third book of the series.

[Mary Pimbblet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't as strong as the first of the series, something felt a bit off with the pacing at times. It's still a really decent children's book though, there's plenty of adventure and it never shies away from including dark themes, or patronises its readers. Some of the plot seems to be resolved far too easily, but it is a children's book, so it doesn't feel inappropriate.
It really does leave the plot on a cliff hanger ready for the next book though. It's difficult not to rush straight into the the last book of the series, and I'm sure I'll read it as soon as I get my hands on a copy.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second book syndrome hits again, unfortunately. The title has nothing to do with the plot of the book. I kept waiting for things to happen related to it and they didn't until the last 10 pages. The betrayal from the first book is very quickly resolved (the lack of Erner in this is criminal). The final battle was very lackluster, Hamelyn Piper has no depth, he's just evil because he is. Disappointing. Wren was also so annoying and selfish (yes, even the end). I did not need to know so much about dragon babies and their poo...

[Dreximgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took far too long for me to read this book because of review books and book club books having to take priority and interupting my reading of it. However I did enjoy it, not quite as much as the first book though. I felt there was a lot of build up and not as much pay off. The last few chapters really picked up the pace but it wasn't as strong as the first book.

I am looking forward to the final book which is due out next year.

[Mike Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored the first book and I loved the second!
We follow our heroes as they try to defeat the Hamelin Piper and his dastardly plot… as they make discoveries about themselves and each other and have to make difficult and dangerous choices which change everything…
I won’t plot spoil… read A Darkness of Dragons and get onto this quickly if you are a lover of magical adventures in fantasy lands.
SA Patrick is a wordsmith!