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Legends of Lotus Island #2
Into the Shadow Mist
From two-time Newbery honor recipient Christina Soontornvat comes a compelling new young middle grade fantasy series for readers who love stories about animals, magic, and kids like them embracing their power to change the world.
Plum and her friends are traveling to the misty Bokati Island. There they will study with the mysterious Guardian Master Em, who is the keeper of the ancient forest there. The field trip comes just in time for Plum, who still can’t figure out why she’s so different from the other Novices on Lotus Island.
At first, Plum doesn’t know what to make of this quiet and sometimes gloomy place. But it doesn't take long to discover that Bokati is brimming with an incredible array of fascinating animals and plants.
When an unseen force begins to destroy the trees, putting the entire ecosystem at risk, Plum and her classmates must spring into action. Plum is determined to help, even though she's hiding secrets about her own Guardian powers from even her closest friends.
Plum and her friends are traveling to the misty Bokati Island. There they will study with the mysterious Guardian Master Em, who is the keeper of the ancient forest there. The field trip comes just in time for Plum, who still can’t figure out why she’s so different from the other Novices on Lotus Island.
At first, Plum doesn’t know what to make of this quiet and sometimes gloomy place. But it doesn't take long to discover that Bokati is brimming with an incredible array of fascinating animals and plants.
When an unseen force begins to destroy the trees, putting the entire ecosystem at risk, Plum and her classmates must spring into action. Plum is determined to help, even though she's hiding secrets about her own Guardian powers from even her closest friends.
160 pages, Hardcover
Published July 18, 2023
47 people are currently reading
1857 people want to read
About the author
Christina Soontornvat
41 books744 followersChristina Soontornvat grew up behind the counter of her parents’ Thai restaurant in a small Texas town with her nose stuck in a book. She is very proud of both her Thai and her Texan roots, and makes regular trips to both Weatherford and Bangkok to see her beloved family members (and eat lots and lots of Thai food!). Christina is the author of the fantasy middle grade series, The Changelings, and the early chapter book series, Diary of an Ice Princess. Her forthcoming books include the middle grade fantasy, A Wish in the Dark, and All Thirteen, a nonfiction account of the Thai Cave Rescue.
In addition to being an author, Christina holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s degree in Science Education. She spent a decade working in the science museum field, where she designed programs and exhibits to get kids excited about science. She is passionate about STEM (science, technology engineering, and math), and loves learning new things. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, two young children, and one old cat.
In addition to being an author, Christina holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s degree in Science Education. She spent a decade working in the science museum field, where she designed programs and exhibits to get kids excited about science. She is passionate about STEM (science, technology engineering, and math), and loves learning new things. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, two young children, and one old cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
November 2, 2025
Another great addition to the series. I can't wait to dive into the next installment.
March 22, 2024
A really solid lower MG series! I appreciated the focus on conservation and the connectedness of the ecosystem. Also, I don’t trust Lady Ubon.
July 1, 2025
Erneut konnte mich dieser Band voll und ganz überzeugen - und nicht nur mich, auch meine Tochter war wieder begeistert mit dabei! Sogar mit teilweise selbst lesen! :)
Die Schattennebel knüpft wunderbar an den ersten Band an, lässt uns sofort wieder in diese magische, spannende Welt eintauchen, und ist dabei genauso mitreißend wie einfühlsam erzählt. Der Schreibstil ist angenehm leicht, flüssig zu lesen und trotzdem voller Tiefe. Perfekt also auch für jüngere Leser*innen geeignet. Man merkt einfach, wie viel Herz hier in der Geschichte steckt.
Besonders schön fand ich diesmal, wie sensibel das Thema Natur eingebunden wurde. Ohne erhobenen Zeigefinger, dafür aber mit umso mehr Gefühl und Verständnis wird gezeigt, wie alles in unserer Umwelt zusammenhängt. Dass selbst das kleinste Teilchen im großen Ganzen seinen Platz hat und wie leicht das Gleichgewicht kippen kann, wenn etwas fehlt. Das wurde wirklich ganz wunderbar kindgerecht und gleichzeitig spannend umgesetzt.
Auch die Charaktere sind wieder ein Highlight. Es war toll zu sehen, wie die Freunde noch enger zusammengewachsen sind, wie sie sich gegenseitig unterstützen und mit Berrys Magie auch ein echtes Zeichen gesetzt wird: Dass man gemeinsam stärker ist, dass Freundschaft und Zusammenhalt unglaublich viel bewirken können.
Und dann gab es da noch den neuen Antagonisten, der uns bestimmt auch in kommenden Bänden noch beschäftigen wird… was die Spannung natürlich zusätzlich anheizt! Es bleibt also aufregend, und ich freue mich schon jetzt riesig auf das nächste Abenteuer mit dieser tollen Truppe.
Eine berührende, kluge und spannende Fortsetzung mit viel Herz, Umweltbewusstsein und magischem Charme – Die Schattennebel ist ein Kinderbuch, das nicht nur unterhält, sondern auch zum Nachdenken anregt. Von uns gibt’s eine klare Leseempfehlung dafür!
Die Schattennebel knüpft wunderbar an den ersten Band an, lässt uns sofort wieder in diese magische, spannende Welt eintauchen, und ist dabei genauso mitreißend wie einfühlsam erzählt. Der Schreibstil ist angenehm leicht, flüssig zu lesen und trotzdem voller Tiefe. Perfekt also auch für jüngere Leser*innen geeignet. Man merkt einfach, wie viel Herz hier in der Geschichte steckt.
Besonders schön fand ich diesmal, wie sensibel das Thema Natur eingebunden wurde. Ohne erhobenen Zeigefinger, dafür aber mit umso mehr Gefühl und Verständnis wird gezeigt, wie alles in unserer Umwelt zusammenhängt. Dass selbst das kleinste Teilchen im großen Ganzen seinen Platz hat und wie leicht das Gleichgewicht kippen kann, wenn etwas fehlt. Das wurde wirklich ganz wunderbar kindgerecht und gleichzeitig spannend umgesetzt.
Auch die Charaktere sind wieder ein Highlight. Es war toll zu sehen, wie die Freunde noch enger zusammengewachsen sind, wie sie sich gegenseitig unterstützen und mit Berrys Magie auch ein echtes Zeichen gesetzt wird: Dass man gemeinsam stärker ist, dass Freundschaft und Zusammenhalt unglaublich viel bewirken können.
Und dann gab es da noch den neuen Antagonisten, der uns bestimmt auch in kommenden Bänden noch beschäftigen wird… was die Spannung natürlich zusätzlich anheizt! Es bleibt also aufregend, und ich freue mich schon jetzt riesig auf das nächste Abenteuer mit dieser tollen Truppe.
Eine berührende, kluge und spannende Fortsetzung mit viel Herz, Umweltbewusstsein und magischem Charme – Die Schattennebel ist ein Kinderbuch, das nicht nur unterhält, sondern auch zum Nachdenken anregt. Von uns gibt’s eine klare Leseempfehlung dafür!
July 22, 2025
Amazing book! Super excited for book three!
December 31, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
After The Guardian Test, Plum and her friend Cherry and Sam are continuing their studies at the Guardian Academy on Lotus Island. Plum is still worried that she hasn't fully come into her powers, but she has noticed that she seems able to magnify the powers of others. She has, for example, helped Cherry turn into a much larger bear. When the students all get assignments to go to other locations and study under other masters for a brief time, Cherry, Plum, and Hetty are supposed to go to Glai Island and work with rare lavender fluff bunnies, but can't go there because a storm destroyed their dock. Instead, they join Salan, Sam, and Mikko on Bokari Island, learning from Master Em. It's cold and damp on Bokari, and the students soon learn that there are problems with knobble shrooms. They grow on Bokari trees, and are eaten by roll bugs, which burrow into the trees. This damages them, so the students think that getting rid of the shrooms will help. Upon further examination, however, they find that the entire ecosystem of the island is tied to the shrooms and the Bokari trees, so both must be kept healthy. This is a problem when they find several trees cut in half! This is alarming, and Master Em puts them on the case. It isn't a huge surprise to anyone to find out that Sam's mother, Lady Ubon, as well as Rella, who was kicked out of the academy, have something to do with the damage.
Strengths: Plum's concerns about discovering and honing her skills are well described, and the fact that she keeps these concerns to herself is very much in character with young middle grade readers. She does tell Cherry, her best friend, and eventually confides in Master Em, who is able to reassure her. The Guardian Academy is a fun place to be, and the students have a lot of agency in solving problems and in mounting quests. While the problems the students face are serious, they are never scary, and there is a positive and upbeat feel to the whole book. This would be a MUCH better fantasy series to read aloud to first and second graders-- I've never understood reading Harry Potter aloud with the very young. If anyone is still promoting that series because they grew up with it, I still think it is best read independently by students in the sixth grade and up. Soontornvat has such a variety of titles that readers who enjoy her work can be encouraged to explore her other works like All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team, The Tryout: A Graphic Novel, The Last Mapmaker, her Diary of an Ice Princess series, or the next installment in Mlynowski's cooperative Best Wishes fantasy series, Time After Time (November 7, 2023).
Weaknesses: As someone whose formative years were spent eagerly awaiting the yearly airing of Dr. Seuss' The Lorax (RIP, Eddie Albert) this did have a bit of a Truffala tree vibe to it. Since young readers are not consuming as much Seuss as my generation did, this will seem new to them.
What I really think: It is hard to find fantasy books that aren't 400 pages long, so I have decided to purchase these. One of our teachers challenges her students to read 25 books a year, and I think this would go over well with my fans of Chew's Everyday Magic books, Patton's Battle Bug series, or Rodda's Deltora Quest.
After The Guardian Test, Plum and her friend Cherry and Sam are continuing their studies at the Guardian Academy on Lotus Island. Plum is still worried that she hasn't fully come into her powers, but she has noticed that she seems able to magnify the powers of others. She has, for example, helped Cherry turn into a much larger bear. When the students all get assignments to go to other locations and study under other masters for a brief time, Cherry, Plum, and Hetty are supposed to go to Glai Island and work with rare lavender fluff bunnies, but can't go there because a storm destroyed their dock. Instead, they join Salan, Sam, and Mikko on Bokari Island, learning from Master Em. It's cold and damp on Bokari, and the students soon learn that there are problems with knobble shrooms. They grow on Bokari trees, and are eaten by roll bugs, which burrow into the trees. This damages them, so the students think that getting rid of the shrooms will help. Upon further examination, however, they find that the entire ecosystem of the island is tied to the shrooms and the Bokari trees, so both must be kept healthy. This is a problem when they find several trees cut in half! This is alarming, and Master Em puts them on the case. It isn't a huge surprise to anyone to find out that Sam's mother, Lady Ubon, as well as Rella, who was kicked out of the academy, have something to do with the damage.
Strengths: Plum's concerns about discovering and honing her skills are well described, and the fact that she keeps these concerns to herself is very much in character with young middle grade readers. She does tell Cherry, her best friend, and eventually confides in Master Em, who is able to reassure her. The Guardian Academy is a fun place to be, and the students have a lot of agency in solving problems and in mounting quests. While the problems the students face are serious, they are never scary, and there is a positive and upbeat feel to the whole book. This would be a MUCH better fantasy series to read aloud to first and second graders-- I've never understood reading Harry Potter aloud with the very young. If anyone is still promoting that series because they grew up with it, I still think it is best read independently by students in the sixth grade and up. Soontornvat has such a variety of titles that readers who enjoy her work can be encouraged to explore her other works like All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team, The Tryout: A Graphic Novel, The Last Mapmaker, her Diary of an Ice Princess series, or the next installment in Mlynowski's cooperative Best Wishes fantasy series, Time After Time (November 7, 2023).
Weaknesses: As someone whose formative years were spent eagerly awaiting the yearly airing of Dr. Seuss' The Lorax (RIP, Eddie Albert) this did have a bit of a Truffala tree vibe to it. Since young readers are not consuming as much Seuss as my generation did, this will seem new to them.
What I really think: It is hard to find fantasy books that aren't 400 pages long, so I have decided to purchase these. One of our teachers challenges her students to read 25 books a year, and I think this would go over well with my fans of Chew's Everyday Magic books, Patton's Battle Bug series, or Rodda's Deltora Quest.
August 2, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and already can't wait to read more of Plum's story! Highly recommend this adorable/fun fantasy series for budding young readers.
January 9, 2025
What an adventure! This is the second book in the series and picks right up after the first book. Sometimes you have to relearn characters but in this case it's brief and then we are off to Bokati island! And before considering it, I'd recommend reading the first book. It's important to not go out of order for a book such as this with a lot of world building and character development.
Plum is our main character, joined by her 5 classmates on an assignment to study with a master on this new island, in order to pass the next course during her novice training to becoming a guardian. But something is happening on this island that has the master Em all worked up. A threat, and by who? It's got a good solid structure for a short adventure. You learn more about Plums new found powers after knowing what she turns into in the last book. And that her worries about not fitting in with the rest of the school, are both very realistic and also sad. Since she beats herself up a lot not knowing her gifts are special.
To add to what most other readers have said, I look forward to the next installment of the series. It's beautifully written for a fantasy novel with a unique premise. And there are some pictures drawn that show the characters and their guardian forms which helps when you don't know what a gillybear is supposed to look like.
Solid 4/5 rating. A must read for fans of the first book!
Plum is our main character, joined by her 5 classmates on an assignment to study with a master on this new island, in order to pass the next course during her novice training to becoming a guardian. But something is happening on this island that has the master Em all worked up. A threat, and by who? It's got a good solid structure for a short adventure. You learn more about Plums new found powers after knowing what she turns into in the last book. And that her worries about not fitting in with the rest of the school, are both very realistic and also sad. Since she beats herself up a lot not knowing her gifts are special.
To add to what most other readers have said, I look forward to the next installment of the series. It's beautifully written for a fantasy novel with a unique premise. And there are some pictures drawn that show the characters and their guardian forms which helps when you don't know what a gillybear is supposed to look like.
Solid 4/5 rating. A must read for fans of the first book!
August 5, 2024
3.5 rounded up to 4
April 4, 2025
My son (4 1/2 years old) is really enjoying this book. We read a few chapters every night and his insistence for pictures has now been replaced with questions about specific words and also inquiring about situations Plum and her friends find themselves in. It is really fun to watch him process the story and talk about it.
Great book for early readers. Kid appropriate content. Parent approved!
Great book for early readers. Kid appropriate content. Parent approved!
August 24, 2023
I adore this series of books. The story is short but compelling and also adorable and heartwarming. The illustrations are beautiful and really bring the story to life.
This second book picks up right after the events of the first with Plum and her friends having just passed the Guardian Test and now they are furthering their training in their respective areas of specialty. Plum, poor thing, is still having trouble believing she should be there and struggles more once she discovers she may have a new power that she doesn’t understand and is too scared to tell anyone about in case it would mean she would be expelled. She later learns that her new power is just what they need to protect the ancient Bokati trees on Bokati island from an unseen threat.
The story has a strong but not preachy message about the importance of nature and interconnectedness of all living things even poop which is sure to get a giggle from some readers.
I’m excited to see what comes next for Plum and all of her friends in the next book!
This second book picks up right after the events of the first with Plum and her friends having just passed the Guardian Test and now they are furthering their training in their respective areas of specialty. Plum, poor thing, is still having trouble believing she should be there and struggles more once she discovers she may have a new power that she doesn’t understand and is too scared to tell anyone about in case it would mean she would be expelled. She later learns that her new power is just what they need to protect the ancient Bokati trees on Bokati island from an unseen threat.
The story has a strong but not preachy message about the importance of nature and interconnectedness of all living things even poop which is sure to get a giggle from some readers.
I’m excited to see what comes next for Plum and all of her friends in the next book!
April 17, 2024
My kid is chomping at the bit for the next book in the series.
I saw the "twist" from a mile away, but I'm not the intended audience.
I think the author is good at world building.
I saw the "twist" from a mile away, but I'm not the intended audience.
I think the author is good at world building.
March 22, 2025
Quick synopsis
: Set in what at first seems like a magical fantasy world, a young girl (Plum) has been accepted to an elite magical school that trains Guardians -- people who protect the natural world.
Brief opinion : I love this author so much! These books are meant for younger readers (they're Middle Grade books), but other than how short they are, I enjoyed them from start to finish.
Plot : Having passed the test in book 1, Plum and her friends are sent to another island for sort of an "intern" training stage. Something is destroying the trees there, but what could it be? Could it have anything to do with the largest island's overpopulation issues?
Writing/editing : As close to perfect as you can get! I spotted one minor editing issue in all four books -- three had no issues at all, the last one had the minor one (missing punctuation at the end of a line).
What I Liked/What I Didn’t Like : Getting my minor (and unfair) dislike out of the way first: By book 4, I was tired of the strong pro-environment message, but that was the entire theme of the series. The Guardians are charged with the mission of preventing what happened in our current world to happen in their new world, so of course the environmental message would be a major part of the story. Of course I'm pro-environment, but four books in a row of it being the central message got to be a lot.
Other minor dislike: The books were way too short! About half as long as a Middle Grade book usually is, which already would be short. These four books together made up about one YA book.
Things I like would be a list so long I'd run out of space in this post. I LOVED the worldbuilding so much! That it seemed like real magic to the characters but adult readers could spot what the truth behind the "magic" must have been.
I loved getting hints about the "Old World" (our current modern Earth).
I don't usually care about or want illustrations in my story, but I really loved the style of these!
Related to the illustrations, race was never mentioned in the story (the characters seemed "colorblind" and saw only people), but in the pictures we could spot that the richest people, the ones in power, were all darker skinned. That was nice and subtle!
I enjoyed that there were elements from our world in the story's world, like bowing to elders and out of respect.
Rating: 1-Hated / 2-Disliked / 3-Okay / 4-Liked / 5-Loved : Each of the four books gets the same rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Loved. I really hope there are going to be more books set in this world!
Brief opinion : I love this author so much! These books are meant for younger readers (they're Middle Grade books), but other than how short they are, I enjoyed them from start to finish.
Plot : Having passed the test in book 1, Plum and her friends are sent to another island for sort of an "intern" training stage. Something is destroying the trees there, but what could it be? Could it have anything to do with the largest island's overpopulation issues?
Writing/editing : As close to perfect as you can get! I spotted one minor editing issue in all four books -- three had no issues at all, the last one had the minor one (missing punctuation at the end of a line).
What I Liked/What I Didn’t Like : Getting my minor (and unfair) dislike out of the way first: By book 4, I was tired of the strong pro-environment message, but that was the entire theme of the series. The Guardians are charged with the mission of preventing what happened in our current world to happen in their new world, so of course the environmental message would be a major part of the story. Of course I'm pro-environment, but four books in a row of it being the central message got to be a lot.
Other minor dislike: The books were way too short! About half as long as a Middle Grade book usually is, which already would be short. These four books together made up about one YA book.
Things I like would be a list so long I'd run out of space in this post. I LOVED the worldbuilding so much! That it seemed like real magic to the characters but adult readers could spot what the truth behind the "magic" must have been.
I loved getting hints about the "Old World" (our current modern Earth).
I don't usually care about or want illustrations in my story, but I really loved the style of these!
Related to the illustrations, race was never mentioned in the story (the characters seemed "colorblind" and saw only people), but in the pictures we could spot that the richest people, the ones in power, were all darker skinned. That was nice and subtle!
I enjoyed that there were elements from our world in the story's world, like bowing to elders and out of respect.
Rating: 1-Hated / 2-Disliked / 3-Okay / 4-Liked / 5-Loved : Each of the four books gets the same rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Loved. I really hope there are going to be more books set in this world!
January 22, 2024
Rating: 5
Genre: Fantasy
Thank you Scholastic for providing a physical ARC through Youth Services Book Review.
Synopsis:
Welcome back to Lotus Island, where trainees learn how to become Guardians, the protectors of the natural world. Even though Plum was able to harness her new powers and transform into a graceful roan (a deerlike creature), her healing ability refuses to emerge. Instead, she has a never-seen-before power: Plum can amplify her fellow students, making them bigger, stronger, and better. Scared that she is a broken Guardian, Plum keeps this new talent a secret from her teachers and her classmates, worried it will get her banned from Lotus Island. This proves to be difficult when the teachers assign field studies as part of the students’ training. Plum and her closest friends travel to the secluded Bokai Island, where they will study with the enigmatic Guardian Master Em and learn about the ancient Bokati trees. Misty and dark, yet brimming with life, the students discover the island’s connected ecosystem and, much to their horror, that something is destroying it. Something, or someone, is cutting down the Bokai trees, and Plum, her classmates, and Master Em must stop it before the island is doomed. But can Plum keep her unusual ability a secret at the same time?
What I Liked:
Into the Shadow Mist is the sequel to The Guardian Test in the Legend of Lotus Island series by Christina Soontornvat. The books are short adventures with cute illustrations by Kevin Hong sprinkled throughout, geared toward early chapter book readers transitioning to regular fiction. The simple plot promotes a strong environmental message, and all the characters are fun, charming, and positive. Plum has faults (a lack of self-confidence and being a worrywart) yet knows when to do the right thing. The setting is unique as well, based in a Thai-inspired island-based world. It’s fun to see all the kids in their guardian forms work together and use their specific powers for the good of all. Overall, the sequel is a well-done, feel-good fantasy that kids will enjoy.
Anything you didn’t like about it? No
To whom would you recommend this book?
Kids who like the first book The Guardian Test and want to read more, as well as kids who like short fantasy books that are lighthearted and fun. The Dragons in a Bag series by Zetta Elliot and Lightfall v.1-2 by T. Probert are good read-alikes.
Date of review: July 14, 2023
Genre: Fantasy
Thank you Scholastic for providing a physical ARC through Youth Services Book Review.
Synopsis:
Welcome back to Lotus Island, where trainees learn how to become Guardians, the protectors of the natural world. Even though Plum was able to harness her new powers and transform into a graceful roan (a deerlike creature), her healing ability refuses to emerge. Instead, she has a never-seen-before power: Plum can amplify her fellow students, making them bigger, stronger, and better. Scared that she is a broken Guardian, Plum keeps this new talent a secret from her teachers and her classmates, worried it will get her banned from Lotus Island. This proves to be difficult when the teachers assign field studies as part of the students’ training. Plum and her closest friends travel to the secluded Bokai Island, where they will study with the enigmatic Guardian Master Em and learn about the ancient Bokati trees. Misty and dark, yet brimming with life, the students discover the island’s connected ecosystem and, much to their horror, that something is destroying it. Something, or someone, is cutting down the Bokai trees, and Plum, her classmates, and Master Em must stop it before the island is doomed. But can Plum keep her unusual ability a secret at the same time?
What I Liked:
Into the Shadow Mist is the sequel to The Guardian Test in the Legend of Lotus Island series by Christina Soontornvat. The books are short adventures with cute illustrations by Kevin Hong sprinkled throughout, geared toward early chapter book readers transitioning to regular fiction. The simple plot promotes a strong environmental message, and all the characters are fun, charming, and positive. Plum has faults (a lack of self-confidence and being a worrywart) yet knows when to do the right thing. The setting is unique as well, based in a Thai-inspired island-based world. It’s fun to see all the kids in their guardian forms work together and use their specific powers for the good of all. Overall, the sequel is a well-done, feel-good fantasy that kids will enjoy.
Anything you didn’t like about it? No
To whom would you recommend this book?
Kids who like the first book The Guardian Test and want to read more, as well as kids who like short fantasy books that are lighthearted and fun. The Dragons in a Bag series by Zetta Elliot and Lightfall v.1-2 by T. Probert are good read-alikes.
Date of review: July 14, 2023
July 21, 2023
Into the Shadow Mist is the second book in the Legends of Lotus Island series, and it does need to be read in order. This series serves as an entry point into fantasy novels, and the books build upon each other.
Into the Shadow Mist takes place shortly after where The Guardian Test left off. Plum is now a Novice, but she’s still having trouble with her powers. Though she can hear animals and plants, she can’t seem to heal them. And she’s discovered a new “trick” that’s amazing, but has her worried.
At 160 pages, Into the Shadow Mist is a lot less daunting than some of its contemporary middle grade novels. It has short chapters and illustrations sprinkled throughout, making it accessible for readers who want a grand story but not the major commitment of more than 200 pages. And author Christina Soontornvat gives readers something more than cutesy characters. It’s a great book for transitioning out of beginning chapter books or for kids who just want a good story — my 9-year-old is in love with this series and is also reading 300+-page books, too.
Into the Shadow Mist features strong characters, interesting storylines, strong friendships and focuses on problem solving as a group. It’s an short, easy-to-read novel that fans of the first book will gobble up.
Into the Shadow Mist takes place shortly after where The Guardian Test left off. Plum is now a Novice, but she’s still having trouble with her powers. Though she can hear animals and plants, she can’t seem to heal them. And she’s discovered a new “trick” that’s amazing, but has her worried.
At 160 pages, Into the Shadow Mist is a lot less daunting than some of its contemporary middle grade novels. It has short chapters and illustrations sprinkled throughout, making it accessible for readers who want a grand story but not the major commitment of more than 200 pages. And author Christina Soontornvat gives readers something more than cutesy characters. It’s a great book for transitioning out of beginning chapter books or for kids who just want a good story — my 9-year-old is in love with this series and is also reading 300+-page books, too.
Into the Shadow Mist features strong characters, interesting storylines, strong friendships and focuses on problem solving as a group. It’s an short, easy-to-read novel that fans of the first book will gobble up.
May 12, 2025
*3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars*
I'm trying to read more middle grade books so that I can feel prepared to give book recommendations to younger kids. This book is a result of that!
In book 2 of the Legends of Lotus Island series, Plum and her classmates get sent on a special expedition to a new island. How exciting! Except, Plum gets sent to an island with a grumpy curmudgeon of an instructor and an island filled with gloomy mist. Not the expedition she was looking forward to... Things get more interesting when some of the beloved trees of the island become endangered and start getting cut down in the middle of the night. It is up to Plum and her classmates to figure out the culprit and bring a stop to it.
This book was cute, but perhaps a bit too similar to book 1, except for the setting, which is why it gets a 3.5 star instead of a 4. However, I still think it is an excellent book for kids to read with great examples of overcoming struggles, friendship, and excellent examples of communication.
I'm trying to read more middle grade books so that I can feel prepared to give book recommendations to younger kids. This book is a result of that!
In book 2 of the Legends of Lotus Island series, Plum and her classmates get sent on a special expedition to a new island. How exciting! Except, Plum gets sent to an island with a grumpy curmudgeon of an instructor and an island filled with gloomy mist. Not the expedition she was looking forward to... Things get more interesting when some of the beloved trees of the island become endangered and start getting cut down in the middle of the night. It is up to Plum and her classmates to figure out the culprit and bring a stop to it.
This book was cute, but perhaps a bit too similar to book 1, except for the setting, which is why it gets a 3.5 star instead of a 4. However, I still think it is an excellent book for kids to read with great examples of overcoming struggles, friendship, and excellent examples of communication.
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June 5, 2023This fantasy series is a special one! I love the way it is broken down into smaller chunks of adventures in more than one book of the series rather than one Giant saga. I love the characters and their discovery of their talents and powers via their trainings and challenges. I’m so excited to keep reading this series and find out more about Plum’s unique gift. This book was a fun, engaging and interesting 2nd story, which revealed more about the world and their characters, as well as piqued interest to find out more in the next book!
Other things to love:
- the emphasis on how all things are connected and harm to one can affect all
- the transformations into their Guardian forms and the things they can accomplish in those forms
- the Bokati trees and the hollowed out rooms inside them
- the friendships and teamwork
Other things to love:
- the emphasis on how all things are connected and harm to one can affect all
- the transformations into their Guardian forms and the things they can accomplish in those forms
- the Bokati trees and the hollowed out rooms inside them
- the friendships and teamwork
March 30, 2024
A worthy sequel to this fantastic series. Soontornvat does a lovely job of keeping the momentum without rushing. The characters pick up where the first book left off, so the series will work best read in order. And, the kids are definitely in the forefront of the books, with supportive adults as the secondary characters.
In this book, we see the young Novices learn that together, they are more powerful than any of them apart. The message is woven into the narrative - it doesn't feel preachy, but will give readers plenty to think about.
And I continue to love the reality-adjacent fantasy. The world feels familiar with just enough fantasy to feel different. Understandable but new. Just such a strong series - looking forward to the third one!
In this book, we see the young Novices learn that together, they are more powerful than any of them apart. The message is woven into the narrative - it doesn't feel preachy, but will give readers plenty to think about.
And I continue to love the reality-adjacent fantasy. The world feels familiar with just enough fantasy to feel different. Understandable but new. Just such a strong series - looking forward to the third one!
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July 21, 2023Book 2 of the LEGENDS OF LOTUS ISLAND series was just as delightful as book 1 - I will definitely keep reading and championing these illustrated chapter books 😍.
I've said it before, but it bears repeating. These books are:
- short! both around 150 pages
- good for 3rd & 4th graders who are below grade level
- good for 1st & 2nd graders who are on or above
- on the lighter side of fantasy - great for kids new to the genre
- a fun read-aloud for all ages!
If you've read this one already, come tell me what you think of Plum's new "trick" 👀. I love it! Also I wanna hug a Bokati tree 😩.
I've said it before, but it bears repeating. These books are:
- short! both around 150 pages
- good for 3rd & 4th graders who are below grade level
- good for 1st & 2nd graders who are on or above
- on the lighter side of fantasy - great for kids new to the genre
- a fun read-aloud for all ages!
If you've read this one already, come tell me what you think of Plum's new "trick" 👀. I love it! Also I wanna hug a Bokati tree 😩.
December 17, 2023
Book 2 in the Legends of Lotus Island.
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Plum and her friends have been assigned to Bokati Island to study with Guardian Master Em as part of their training. Plum is struggling to come into her Guardian powers, but has discovered that she has the power to amplify others, but doesn’t want her teachers to know. When they get to the island they realize something has been destroying the trees. Who or what is causing this? Can Plum figure it out before they’re all gone?
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This was a great follow up to book 1 in the series and I can’t wait to see what happens in the third novel as Rella definitely needs her comeuppance as the story’s villain. Can she redeem herself?
🎋
Plum and her friends have been assigned to Bokati Island to study with Guardian Master Em as part of their training. Plum is struggling to come into her Guardian powers, but has discovered that she has the power to amplify others, but doesn’t want her teachers to know. When they get to the island they realize something has been destroying the trees. Who or what is causing this? Can Plum figure it out before they’re all gone?
🎋
This was a great follow up to book 1 in the series and I can’t wait to see what happens in the third novel as Rella definitely needs her comeuppance as the story’s villain. Can she redeem herself?
April 3, 2024
This series is getting better!! I liked Master Em. He was a wise old man, but he didn't have all the answers. I loved that. The thing with the Bokati trees was clearly part of Lady Ubon's plan, but maybe Plum, Cherry, and Sam will get closer to learning her plan over break.
Master Sunback is a fool for letting Rella go at the end of the first book. I'm not necessarily saying the kid should have continued to study as a Guardian, but she decoded a chant that no one could read in over a millennia. Who knows what else she can do!? Master Sunback should have kept her close to keep an eye on her.
Master Sunback is a fool for letting Rella go at the end of the first book. I'm not necessarily saying the kid should have continued to study as a Guardian, but she decoded a chant that no one could read in over a millennia. Who knows what else she can do!? Master Sunback should have kept her close to keep an eye on her.
March 25, 2023
Another fun read from Christina Soontornvat. This series will delight early readers who have "graduated" from Dragon Masters, but aren't ready yet for longer middle grade fantasy book. Here, Plum and her friends go to another (Bokati) island to learn from Guardian Master Em. While there, they learn how everything is connected but other forces may interfere with the natural order. I'm hooked on Plum's adventures and am really curious to see how her powers develop.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
May 26, 2024
I enjoyed this second in the Legends of Lotus Island series even more than the first, since there was less time spent in world building. Soontornvat does continue to build her fascinating world with its roots in Thai and Buddhist cultures, but what I like most are her characters. I want to read the next in the series which for me is a mark of quality as with so many MG books to preview, a series has to stand out to keep me reading. Shorter and more accessible than a lot of middle grade fantasy, it still has a lot of depth.
October 24, 2023
Having enjoyed the first Lotus Island installment, my daughter and I eagerly read the next book in the series and liked it even more than the first. While the first book is focused on Plum's development and self-confidence, this story has more adventure and intrigue, which made us want to read a little more each night and see the mystery solved. We are both looking forward to the next book in this series!
March 9, 2024
Plum and her classmates travel to an ancient forest and faces a threat to its ecosystem.
“This was not some simple assignment. This was real life.”
She begins to discover her parents’ legacy, even as she wonders why her powers are different from the rest.
I enjoyed these very much, and I think this’ll be a perfect companion for our 7+ readers just getting into slightly more complex but short reads, and a lushly built eco-fiction at that 💕
📚: @definitelybooks
“This was not some simple assignment. This was real life.”
She begins to discover her parents’ legacy, even as she wonders why her powers are different from the rest.
I enjoyed these very much, and I think this’ll be a perfect companion for our 7+ readers just getting into slightly more complex but short reads, and a lushly built eco-fiction at that 💕
📚: @definitelybooks
March 11, 2024
Plum still doesn’t know what her guardian powers are but she begins to find out in this exciting episode. The novices are packed off to different places for a week’s off campus (so to speak) learning. Will they be successful at their tasks? Will they remain loyal to the guardians? Read and find out!
I’m looking forward to the next book of this charming series that teaches solid environmental lessons amidst the storylines.
I’m looking forward to the next book of this charming series that teaches solid environmental lessons amidst the storylines.
March 24, 2024
I was worried at the start because there were several chapters of our hero being afraid to ask a question so no real reason, even after her peers point out she is being silly. That is a dull way to try to dredge up some tension. But then the text subverts that and we get some action and some cooperation and friend building, add complexity to a villain and some mystery to the force behind it all, so I hope there are more stories coming.
May 17, 2024
Didn’t really blow me away, again, probably cause it was so short and didn’t explore much, but still very powerful. I do feel like it was stronger than the first book in terms of story and character depth. It’s interesting to see the dynamics between Rella and Plum developing and I can’t wait to see what happens next. I also really enjoyed the complex issues that the series tends to tackle in simple but smart ways. Can’t wait for the next one!!!
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November 5, 2025Hey there! This is Charlie P! I am eleven years old and I read books to raise money for charity. I want to help moms pick out books that their kids will like! Here is another review by me
Into the shadow mist really made me think about the environment and how it is being impacted by tree cutters, and climate change. It tells a good lesson and-really makes you think. I thought it was really interesting. And had good fantasy and sci-fi elements. Ages 8 to 12.
Into the shadow mist really made me think about the environment and how it is being impacted by tree cutters, and climate change. It tells a good lesson and-really makes you think. I thought it was really interesting. And had good fantasy and sci-fi elements. Ages 8 to 12.
June 24, 2024
4 stars
Plum and her new guardian friends are set to have class on Bokati Island where there's a crisis! Someone is destroying some of the trees and damaging the delicate ecosystem. Can Plum figure out how to help as she tries to understand her role as a guardian when she feels so very different from the others? This is an excellent edition to this series. It helps to have read the first title.
Plum and her new guardian friends are set to have class on Bokati Island where there's a crisis! Someone is destroying some of the trees and damaging the delicate ecosystem. Can Plum figure out how to help as she tries to understand her role as a guardian when she feels so very different from the others? This is an excellent edition to this series. It helps to have read the first title.
June 24, 2025
A quick fun fantasy series. I enjoyed the first book so much that I wanted to read the next one too to see if it was up to the first one. Yes it was. Ms. Soontornvat even threw in some environmental concerns about logging. I'm saying no more but I really enjoyed how Plum and her friends work together t0 solve problems. There's a nice twist at the end.
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