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Society of Explorers and Adventurers #2
Shinji Takahashi: Into the Heart of the Storm
As Shinji struggles to understand and control his new guardian magic, the members of S.E.A. learn that a sunken ship belonging to the long extinct Natia people has been found on the floor of the Pacific Ocean. Shinji, Lucy and Tinker, along with Oliver Ocean and Phoebe Mystic, a quirky, enthusiastic magic expert who has been called in to help Shinji, head off to check out the wreckage, hoping to get there before the Hightower Corporation can plunder the site, and picking up a young stowaway by the name of Roux along the way.
But nothing goes as planned, and when Shinji accidentally awakens a guardian who's been hidden on a mysterious island and trapped inside a volcano for a century, he causes a volcanic eruption and releases a massive hurricane that threatens the entire coast of California. Now Shinji must learn to control his powers and best his fears so that he can stop the destruction and regain the trust of S.E.A before it's too late.
But nothing goes as planned, and when Shinji accidentally awakens a guardian who's been hidden on a mysterious island and trapped inside a volcano for a century, he causes a volcanic eruption and releases a massive hurricane that threatens the entire coast of California. Now Shinji must learn to control his powers and best his fears so that he can stop the destruction and regain the trust of S.E.A before it's too late.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published April 18, 2023
14 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 19, 2024
Shinji Takahashi: Into the Heart of the Storm is the second book in Disney's Middle Grade Adventure series, Society of Explorers and Adventurers. I read the first book, Shinji Takahashi and the Mark of the Coatl, just before its release last year, at the start of 2022. I absolutely adored it.
Unsurprisingly, Kagawa was able to capture my attention right away, as well as my heart, with her fun characters and pulse-pounding action. The vivid imagery can't be beat.
As a side note, if you are unaware, Disney's Society of Explorers and Adventurers, known as S.E.A., is a fictional organization sprinkled about various attractions at Disney Theme Parks. Google it!
The organization is said to be comprised of scientists, travelers and researchers, who traverse the globe continuing to explore the world's oceans and exotic lands.
In this novel, Shinji is officially a member of S.E.A., along with his friend, Lucy Hightower and her mechanical mouse, Tinker. They are residing at S.E.A. headquarters, where Shinji is working to understand his new powers and struggling a bit to grow into them.
Before he is able to do that though, S.E.A. has another potential adventure on their hands and Shinji and Lucy are included as part of the team. Let's go!
A sunken ship, thought to belong to the long-extinct Natia people, has been discovered in the South Pacific. It's a race against the clock as the members of S.E.A. try to get there before their rival, the evil Hightower Corporation, can find it and plunder the artifacts.
Even though the kids are traveling along with veteran S.E.A. members, like Oliver Ocean and Phoebe Mystic, nothing goes as planned. It's obstacle after obstacle as the team struggles to reach their final oceanic destination.
After Shinji accidentally awakens another guardian, a giant mythological storm boar, wild weather released by this boar threatens to ravage the coast of California.
Shinji needs to learn to control his powers and figure out how to appease the storm boar before its too late, but the odds seem to be stacked against him. Stress!!!
Kagawa knows how to deliver an entertaining sequel. Almost everything that could happen on this adventure does. There's an erupting volcano, a nearly sinking ship, breaking into Hightower Headquarters, fighting off robot guards and flying into a storm, to name a few.
The humor Kagawa brings to the story too makes it charming and fun. I love these characters and it was interesting learning more about them, as well as more about the organization. We also meet some new characters and learn more about Hightower.
I thought the conclusion to this was heart-warming and it left off in a great spot to continue on with the series. I am really hoping for a third book.
I definitely recommend this series to Readers who enjoy an engaging Middle Grade Adventure. You cannot go wrong with Kagawa's writing. Top shelf, beginning to end.
Additionally, the audiobook is fabulously narrated, so I do recommend that as a format. It was how I read it and I felt like I was there with these characters. I was at the edge of my seat the whole time!
Thank you to the publisher, Disney Hyperion and Disney Audio, for providing me with copies to read and review. This was a ton of fun.
I love Shinji so much. He has all the qualities one would want in a hero. It fills my heart!
Unsurprisingly, Kagawa was able to capture my attention right away, as well as my heart, with her fun characters and pulse-pounding action. The vivid imagery can't be beat.
As a side note, if you are unaware, Disney's Society of Explorers and Adventurers, known as S.E.A., is a fictional organization sprinkled about various attractions at Disney Theme Parks. Google it!
The organization is said to be comprised of scientists, travelers and researchers, who traverse the globe continuing to explore the world's oceans and exotic lands.
In this novel, Shinji is officially a member of S.E.A., along with his friend, Lucy Hightower and her mechanical mouse, Tinker. They are residing at S.E.A. headquarters, where Shinji is working to understand his new powers and struggling a bit to grow into them.
Before he is able to do that though, S.E.A. has another potential adventure on their hands and Shinji and Lucy are included as part of the team. Let's go!
A sunken ship, thought to belong to the long-extinct Natia people, has been discovered in the South Pacific. It's a race against the clock as the members of S.E.A. try to get there before their rival, the evil Hightower Corporation, can find it and plunder the artifacts.
Even though the kids are traveling along with veteran S.E.A. members, like Oliver Ocean and Phoebe Mystic, nothing goes as planned. It's obstacle after obstacle as the team struggles to reach their final oceanic destination.
After Shinji accidentally awakens another guardian, a giant mythological storm boar, wild weather released by this boar threatens to ravage the coast of California.
Shinji needs to learn to control his powers and figure out how to appease the storm boar before its too late, but the odds seem to be stacked against him. Stress!!!
Kagawa knows how to deliver an entertaining sequel. Almost everything that could happen on this adventure does. There's an erupting volcano, a nearly sinking ship, breaking into Hightower Headquarters, fighting off robot guards and flying into a storm, to name a few.
The humor Kagawa brings to the story too makes it charming and fun. I love these characters and it was interesting learning more about them, as well as more about the organization. We also meet some new characters and learn more about Hightower.
I thought the conclusion to this was heart-warming and it left off in a great spot to continue on with the series. I am really hoping for a third book.
I definitely recommend this series to Readers who enjoy an engaging Middle Grade Adventure. You cannot go wrong with Kagawa's writing. Top shelf, beginning to end.
Additionally, the audiobook is fabulously narrated, so I do recommend that as a format. It was how I read it and I felt like I was there with these characters. I was at the edge of my seat the whole time!
Thank you to the publisher, Disney Hyperion and Disney Audio, for providing me with copies to read and review. This was a ton of fun.
I love Shinji so much. He has all the qualities one would want in a hero. It fills my heart!
December 23, 2024
Not quite as enthralling as book 1, but still a really solid middle grade adventure story! Shinji is struggling to control his guardian magic and feels like he needs to do everything on his own, without the help of friends and found family. On an expedition to explore a sunken ship that might offer information about an extinct civilization, they encounter an angry storm boar guardian. And pick up a new friend along the way. There's a clear growth arc for Shinji with mistakes and learned lessons, plus lots of danger and adventure.
April 26, 2023
Shinji Takahashi Into the Heart of the Storm
Shinji Takahashi Into the Heart of the Storm is fun and engaging. Shinji Takahashi is struggling to understand and control his guardian magic while under the protection of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers from Hightower. When members of the S.E.A. learn that a sunken ship that once belonged to the long extinct Natia people has been found, Shinji, Lucy, Oliver and Phoebe, a magic expert, head to find it before Hightower can loot the wreckage. On their travels, they end up pickup up a young stowaway named Roux. However, nothing goes as planned when Shinji accidentally awakens a guardian hidden on an island trapped inside a volcano. The awakened guardian causes a volcanic eruption, releasing a massive hurricane threatening the entire coast of California. Now Shinji must control his power and his fears so he can stop the destruction and regain the trust of the SEA before it’s too late. Shinji Takahashi Into the Heart of the Storm is filled with adventure, mystery and danger.
Shinji Takahashi is struggling to understand and control his guardian magic while under the protection of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers. When the S.E.A. learn that a sunken ship that once belonged to the long extinct Natia people with ancient artifacts has been found, Shinji, Lucy, Oliver travel to find it before Hightower does. This also provides Shinji a chance to develop his abilities with the help of Phoebe, a magic expert who was called to help him. During their travels, Shinji and Lucy encounter a boy named Roux, a thief, who ends up joining their dangerous mission. During their adventure, Shinji begins to have dreams and visions of a beast, believing it to be apart of his guardian abilities.
When the group finds the ship wreck, they discover a map leading to a hidden island leading Shinji, Lucy and Roux down to more danger. Determined, Shinji ignores Lucy’s warnings and accidently awakens the island’s guardian storm boar seeking revenge. The boar’s release causes a volcanic eruption and hurricane that doesn’t put them at risk but the coast of California as well. To ease the boar’s fury, Shinji and group must go into enemy territory.
I think Shinji is getting a little cocky about his status as a guardian and jumps before he looks. While he grateful to Lucy’s friendship, he was quick to turn on her when it came to Hightower and Roux. Not a fan of that. I feel for Lucy, torn between her morals and desire to return to her workshop. She’s just very aware of her surroundings and asks questions that Shinji refuses to. I get that. I enjoy the small fights between Lucy and Roux. Roux is interesting. I actually like Phoebe, she’s odd but interesting.
Overall Shinji Takahashi Into the Heart of the Storm was fun. However out of all of Julie Kagawa’s works, this series is my least favorite. Probably because its for a younger audience like for Percy Jackson readers but it was still fun. I enjoyed it. I can’t wait to find out what comes next.
Shinji Takahashi Into the Heart of the Storm is fun and engaging. Shinji Takahashi is struggling to understand and control his guardian magic while under the protection of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers from Hightower. When members of the S.E.A. learn that a sunken ship that once belonged to the long extinct Natia people has been found, Shinji, Lucy, Oliver and Phoebe, a magic expert, head to find it before Hightower can loot the wreckage. On their travels, they end up pickup up a young stowaway named Roux. However, nothing goes as planned when Shinji accidentally awakens a guardian hidden on an island trapped inside a volcano. The awakened guardian causes a volcanic eruption, releasing a massive hurricane threatening the entire coast of California. Now Shinji must control his power and his fears so he can stop the destruction and regain the trust of the SEA before it’s too late. Shinji Takahashi Into the Heart of the Storm is filled with adventure, mystery and danger.
Shinji Takahashi is struggling to understand and control his guardian magic while under the protection of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers. When the S.E.A. learn that a sunken ship that once belonged to the long extinct Natia people with ancient artifacts has been found, Shinji, Lucy, Oliver travel to find it before Hightower does. This also provides Shinji a chance to develop his abilities with the help of Phoebe, a magic expert who was called to help him. During their travels, Shinji and Lucy encounter a boy named Roux, a thief, who ends up joining their dangerous mission. During their adventure, Shinji begins to have dreams and visions of a beast, believing it to be apart of his guardian abilities.
When the group finds the ship wreck, they discover a map leading to a hidden island leading Shinji, Lucy and Roux down to more danger. Determined, Shinji ignores Lucy’s warnings and accidently awakens the island’s guardian storm boar seeking revenge. The boar’s release causes a volcanic eruption and hurricane that doesn’t put them at risk but the coast of California as well. To ease the boar’s fury, Shinji and group must go into enemy territory.
I think Shinji is getting a little cocky about his status as a guardian and jumps before he looks. While he grateful to Lucy’s friendship, he was quick to turn on her when it came to Hightower and Roux. Not a fan of that. I feel for Lucy, torn between her morals and desire to return to her workshop. She’s just very aware of her surroundings and asks questions that Shinji refuses to. I get that. I enjoy the small fights between Lucy and Roux. Roux is interesting. I actually like Phoebe, she’s odd but interesting.
Overall Shinji Takahashi Into the Heart of the Storm was fun. However out of all of Julie Kagawa’s works, this series is my least favorite. Probably because its for a younger audience like for Percy Jackson readers but it was still fun. I enjoyed it. I can’t wait to find out what comes next.
June 5, 2023
I wanted to like this story.
We have magic and adventure and bad guys. We have mysterious shipwrecks and very good thieves. The bones of the story are even good. The plot moves. We care about (some of) the characters.
But, things keep being stated in an annoying and obvious way. I think 10 year old me would have been just as frustrated.
We have magic and adventure and bad guys. We have mysterious shipwrecks and very good thieves. The bones of the story are even good. The plot moves. We care about (some of) the characters.
But, things keep being stated in an annoying and obvious way. I think 10 year old me would have been just as frustrated.
November 30, 2022
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This was a fun read full of excitement and adventure. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I received this book. This has mystery, deep sea adventure and mystery.
February 1, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Shinji has survived his initiation into the Society of Adventurers and Explorers and his magical connections in Shinji Takahashi and the Mark of the Coatl, and is trying to learn to use his magic. It's not going particularly well. Lucy, whose father runs the Hightower Corporation which is at odds with S.E.A., is feeling a little homesick, since it's harder for her to meld technology and magic and create things like her robotic mouse, Tinker, while traveling the globe. When S.E.A. has to try to investigate a site of a shipwreck in the middle of the ocean and try to preserve it before Hightower gets there, the two find themselves on an adventure with Oliver Ocean, Mano, and Phoebe Mystic, who has a complicated family legacy but who is supposed to help Shinji with his magic. Right before they sail, Shinji has a run in with a local thief named Roux who steals Tinker, and who later stows away on the ship. Shinji turns him into Oliver, and the group decides to keep their eye on him. Hightower's group manages to beat S.E.A. to the site, but since they aren't very thorough, Shinji manages to uncover a map to an island Mano says doesn't exist. Despite finding it hard to harness his magic, Phoebe's meditation techniques seem helpful, and Shinji is having weird dreams about a storm boar that lead the group to an island in the mist. Once there, Shinji feels called deeper and deeper into the island, and eventually into the volcano that is there. The Natia, the native people about whome Phoebe would like to gather evidence, seem to have been destroyed during World War II, and this destruction could have angered the guardian of the island. Will the group be able to figure out how to appease this guardian in order to keep the world safe, and will Shinji be able to control his powers enough to use them to help?
Strengths: This was another well constructed fantasy adventure that I was able to remember without taking notes. This is a really good indicator of books that will be successful with my students. I again enjoyed the adult characters, who made brief but important appearances and were helpful, but also a little bumbling, like Scarlett, with her barely serviceable aircraft, and Phoebe, who is followed by a curse. I'm all for using adults for a bit of comic relief instead of killing them all off. (Shinji's autn had to travel for work.) Lucy is a particularly well developed character, and her problematic relationship informs her actions a couple of times. It makes sense that she is a bit homesick, and Shinji even understands this a little bit. The adventure felt a little fresher than a lot of others I've read; S.E.A. is trying to preserve artifacts and fight against a rival group. Shinji's powers enable them to travel in a way they might not otherwise, and the history of the island was intriguing.
Weaknesses: This had more of a young adult feel in several respects. It's long (336 pages), and it felt (to my 12-year-old reader brain) like it took Shinji twice as long as necessary to do everything. He worried about his inability to do magic in a more angst ridden way. Roux's acceptance felt akin to the YA trope of enemies to friends, which doesn't go over quite as well in middle school, when life feels more black and white. It does help to have two sidekicks for Shinji, though, so I can see why he was added.
What I really think: I really enjoyed the first book, but it has only circulated twice in over a year, despite being on display frequently. If this series is just three books long, I will buy the next two, but this is a year when money is proving to be tight, and for now I'm going to have to see if the public library will purchase the sequel, since they send books over to the school. While I've felt very good about my resources over the last 21 years, my budget has stayed at $10 per student per year. Prices, really for the first time, have risen sharply. Since the school population is dropping, my budget will as well, so I'm going to have to be even more careful about my purchases. Five years ago I would have bought this without hesitation.
Shinji has survived his initiation into the Society of Adventurers and Explorers and his magical connections in Shinji Takahashi and the Mark of the Coatl, and is trying to learn to use his magic. It's not going particularly well. Lucy, whose father runs the Hightower Corporation which is at odds with S.E.A., is feeling a little homesick, since it's harder for her to meld technology and magic and create things like her robotic mouse, Tinker, while traveling the globe. When S.E.A. has to try to investigate a site of a shipwreck in the middle of the ocean and try to preserve it before Hightower gets there, the two find themselves on an adventure with Oliver Ocean, Mano, and Phoebe Mystic, who has a complicated family legacy but who is supposed to help Shinji with his magic. Right before they sail, Shinji has a run in with a local thief named Roux who steals Tinker, and who later stows away on the ship. Shinji turns him into Oliver, and the group decides to keep their eye on him. Hightower's group manages to beat S.E.A. to the site, but since they aren't very thorough, Shinji manages to uncover a map to an island Mano says doesn't exist. Despite finding it hard to harness his magic, Phoebe's meditation techniques seem helpful, and Shinji is having weird dreams about a storm boar that lead the group to an island in the mist. Once there, Shinji feels called deeper and deeper into the island, and eventually into the volcano that is there. The Natia, the native people about whome Phoebe would like to gather evidence, seem to have been destroyed during World War II, and this destruction could have angered the guardian of the island. Will the group be able to figure out how to appease this guardian in order to keep the world safe, and will Shinji be able to control his powers enough to use them to help?
Strengths: This was another well constructed fantasy adventure that I was able to remember without taking notes. This is a really good indicator of books that will be successful with my students. I again enjoyed the adult characters, who made brief but important appearances and were helpful, but also a little bumbling, like Scarlett, with her barely serviceable aircraft, and Phoebe, who is followed by a curse. I'm all for using adults for a bit of comic relief instead of killing them all off. (Shinji's autn had to travel for work.) Lucy is a particularly well developed character, and her problematic relationship informs her actions a couple of times. It makes sense that she is a bit homesick, and Shinji even understands this a little bit. The adventure felt a little fresher than a lot of others I've read; S.E.A. is trying to preserve artifacts and fight against a rival group. Shinji's powers enable them to travel in a way they might not otherwise, and the history of the island was intriguing.
Weaknesses: This had more of a young adult feel in several respects. It's long (336 pages), and it felt (to my 12-year-old reader brain) like it took Shinji twice as long as necessary to do everything. He worried about his inability to do magic in a more angst ridden way. Roux's acceptance felt akin to the YA trope of enemies to friends, which doesn't go over quite as well in middle school, when life feels more black and white. It does help to have two sidekicks for Shinji, though, so I can see why he was added.
What I really think: I really enjoyed the first book, but it has only circulated twice in over a year, despite being on display frequently. If this series is just three books long, I will buy the next two, but this is a year when money is proving to be tight, and for now I'm going to have to see if the public library will purchase the sequel, since they send books over to the school. While I've felt very good about my resources over the last 21 years, my budget has stayed at $10 per student per year. Prices, really for the first time, have risen sharply. Since the school population is dropping, my budget will as well, so I'm going to have to be even more careful about my purchases. Five years ago I would have bought this without hesitation.
July 30, 2023
Shinji's training as a member of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers (SEA) is going well...except for using the magic that that coatl gave him. All that big stuff he did to save them all at the end of the last adventure? Yeah, he's not been able to do even a stiff breeze on command since. Lucy has offered to show him how she combines tech and magic, but he feels like since the guardian chose him he needs to figure out the guardian magic on its own. It doesn't stop Ocean from recruiting Phoebe Mystic from another branch of SEA to see if she can help Shinji. And when an opportunity arises to go investigate a potential Natia-related shipwreck, Phoebe decides jaunting off into the Pacific and a potential archaeological battle with Hightower might be just the thing Shinji needs to jumpstart his magic. So the gang all travels into the middle of the Pacific to chase down any artifacts that would prove the existence of the ancient Polynesian culture with a legendary island that moves locations.
I'm glad Shinji eventually realizes he doesn't have to do things all on his own and that there's no shame in getting help. It's too bad it takes a major catastrophe to wake him up to the fact, but it is also believable. Phoebe Mystic kind of has the same vibe around her as Milo Murphy (though not quite as reliable as Milo in the trail of disasters). The book introduces a mythical beast that doesn't often get included in fantasy adventures. A stowaway on the boat, Roux, provides another young person to join in the adventures with his own unique skill set, and they have to figure out if they can trust him or not. Lucy and Shinji continue to build their friendship and their SEA skills, so the book balances character development along with the action and adventure well. And in all, it is another high action globe-trotting adventure with an international cast of memorable characters. Those who loved Shinji's first adventure won't be disappointed.
Notes on content: One minor swear. No sexual content. Violence is threatened, and there are perilous situations but no one is seriously injured on page. A past war and occupation by soldiers of an island that disrupted local life is part of a back story. The sinking of a ship is mentioned and it is implied that people died, but there are no details. Roux is an orphan.
I'm glad Shinji eventually realizes he doesn't have to do things all on his own and that there's no shame in getting help. It's too bad it takes a major catastrophe to wake him up to the fact, but it is also believable. Phoebe Mystic kind of has the same vibe around her as Milo Murphy (though not quite as reliable as Milo in the trail of disasters). The book introduces a mythical beast that doesn't often get included in fantasy adventures. A stowaway on the boat, Roux, provides another young person to join in the adventures with his own unique skill set, and they have to figure out if they can trust him or not. Lucy and Shinji continue to build their friendship and their SEA skills, so the book balances character development along with the action and adventure well. And in all, it is another high action globe-trotting adventure with an international cast of memorable characters. Those who loved Shinji's first adventure won't be disappointed.
Notes on content: One minor swear. No sexual content. Violence is threatened, and there are perilous situations but no one is seriously injured on page. A past war and occupation by soldiers of an island that disrupted local life is part of a back story. The sinking of a ship is mentioned and it is implied that people died, but there are no details. Roux is an orphan.
August 19, 2023
I found this series because I was looking for a book with Polynesian representation for a student and saw that the second book in the series included Polynesia. I fell for the first one because Shinji Takahashi was a delightful protagonist with his girl friend sidekick to had her animatronic mouse Tinker as they joined SEA at the end of the first book because Shinji had the mark of the Coatl. Now, we're in the second book and Shinji has a new challenge ahead of him: to harness his powers and to help others with those powers but so far he's failing miserably. The next quest though is right around the corner and it also involves a ruffian stowaway they meet at the beginning of the story.
And like the first, Shinji takes on the quest with aplomb even when his skills aren't quite harnessed and it involves a shipwreck and civilization from the past in the Polynesian triangle. So not the significant representation I was looking for, but there nonetheless and I was still entranced by the action adventure itself and the teamwork involved. I truly enjoy this series. Kagawa puts it all together nicely.
"The tattoo of a serpent with huge golden wings still graced his forearm, marking him as special."
And like the first, Shinji takes on the quest with aplomb even when his skills aren't quite harnessed and it involves a shipwreck and civilization from the past in the Polynesian triangle. So not the significant representation I was looking for, but there nonetheless and I was still entranced by the action adventure itself and the teamwork involved. I truly enjoy this series. Kagawa puts it all together nicely.
"The tattoo of a serpent with huge golden wings still graced his forearm, marking him as special."
June 29, 2024
rep: japanese, polynesian
shinji is having a hard time using his powers. when priya invited phoebe over to train shinji, she thinks that it might be useful if shinji enters a real life scenario in which will trigger his powers aka be in danger. after oliver was assigned to a mission, shinji, lucy, and their new friend roux will be exploring the ocean floor and an abandoned island with an angry boar.
the three friends have some internal issues to work with, especially when roux wasn’t a welcome presence initially. however, they all have their times when their strengths shine and annoying moments that irritates others, so they do balanced out. the way everyone just automatically absorbed roux into their little circle after he stopped being rude was really sweet. he had never belonged and now he found his people.
the magic of the guardian was interesting, especially with a new story behind the wrath of the boar that is linked to the extinct natia people. i wish we had more stories regarding the natia people and their interaction with their guardian on the island.
overall, had so much fun and read this so quickly! i’m not too sure if this is the last of the SEA books, but i’ll definitely be picking future releases up if julie kagawa decides to!
shinji is having a hard time using his powers. when priya invited phoebe over to train shinji, she thinks that it might be useful if shinji enters a real life scenario in which will trigger his powers aka be in danger. after oliver was assigned to a mission, shinji, lucy, and their new friend roux will be exploring the ocean floor and an abandoned island with an angry boar.
the three friends have some internal issues to work with, especially when roux wasn’t a welcome presence initially. however, they all have their times when their strengths shine and annoying moments that irritates others, so they do balanced out. the way everyone just automatically absorbed roux into their little circle after he stopped being rude was really sweet. he had never belonged and now he found his people.
the magic of the guardian was interesting, especially with a new story behind the wrath of the boar that is linked to the extinct natia people. i wish we had more stories regarding the natia people and their interaction with their guardian on the island.
overall, had so much fun and read this so quickly! i’m not too sure if this is the last of the SEA books, but i’ll definitely be picking future releases up if julie kagawa decides to!
November 20, 2023
Since becoming the guardian of the Mesoamerican figuring, Shinji has become increasingly frustrated due to not being able to use its magic. Part of the Society for Explorers and Adventurers, a momentary distraction comes when word of the Natia people via a shipwreck come to their attention. Onboard the SEA’s ship, Shinji experiences visions of a Boar, a Polynesian deity, hurricanes, storm clouds, and lightning. Soon their adventures take them to a deserted island where they encounter time warps, boars, and hurricanes. Their only hope is to appease the boar from Shinji’s vision by recovering a stolen idol. Will he succeed?
The plot is action-packed, engaging, and full of adventure. The characters are engging and well developed. The world building continues to grow and draw the reader into the story. Fans of Rick Riordan, mythology adventure, and fantasy will want to pick this one up. Readers, however, will need to read the first book in the series first.
Please Note: A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own. No other compensation was received.
The plot is action-packed, engaging, and full of adventure. The characters are engging and well developed. The world building continues to grow and draw the reader into the story. Fans of Rick Riordan, mythology adventure, and fantasy will want to pick this one up. Readers, however, will need to read the first book in the series first.
Please Note: A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own. No other compensation was received.
March 31, 2023
I received an electronic ARC from Disney Hyperion through NetGalley.
The adventures continue for Shinji and Lucy. They travel with Oliver to locate a shipwreck that may contain artifacts from a lost people. Early on, they add Phoebe and Roux to the team. Kagawa pulls readers in as part of the journey to the hidden island. They make the voyage on the Seas the Day; fly on Rhett with Scarlett, and venture into the volcano to confront an angry Guardian. From there, the suspense ramps up even more. In the end, they find a way to appease the Storm Boar and prevent a devastating hurricane from striking. They also bond as three friends studying together at SEAS.
The author continues to develop these characters and reveal more insights into their past and reasons for becoming who they are. Middle grade readers will dive in to be part of this new adventure. Looking forward to seeing where the three of them travel next.
The adventures continue for Shinji and Lucy. They travel with Oliver to locate a shipwreck that may contain artifacts from a lost people. Early on, they add Phoebe and Roux to the team. Kagawa pulls readers in as part of the journey to the hidden island. They make the voyage on the Seas the Day; fly on Rhett with Scarlett, and venture into the volcano to confront an angry Guardian. From there, the suspense ramps up even more. In the end, they find a way to appease the Storm Boar and prevent a devastating hurricane from striking. They also bond as three friends studying together at SEAS.
The author continues to develop these characters and reveal more insights into their past and reasons for becoming who they are. Middle grade readers will dive in to be part of this new adventure. Looking forward to seeing where the three of them travel next.
February 2, 2024
13yo Shinji and Lucy are invited to accompany a group from SEA who are headed to a recently discovered shipwreck. Shinji is still trying to learn how to control his recently acquired Guardian powers, and the longish ship voyage seems the perfect place for him to work with Phoebe, a member of the society who has some powers herself. But when Hightower interferes with the mission, and the group - which has acquired a stowaway, a thief named Roux - finds themselves on an uninhabited island, Shinji and the kids get caught in an active volcano and Shinji releases an angry guardian, a giant Boar Spirit who is looking for revenge.
This is an exciting series - I love the magical elements and the "Indiana Jones" style explorations with secret pathways and collapsing rooms that chase the kids into more danger. They have intelligent, caring adults with them (although the kids often slip their supervision and get into trouble.) Shinji is Japanese American.
This is an exciting series - I love the magical elements and the "Indiana Jones" style explorations with secret pathways and collapsing rooms that chase the kids into more danger. They have intelligent, caring adults with them (although the kids often slip their supervision and get into trouble.) Shinji is Japanese American.
August 8, 2023
Remember that Harry Potter book where Harry pushed all his friends away because ‘he was the chosen one’ and it was his burden to bear and Voldemort chose him blah blah etc etc? Yeah, that’s Shinji in this book.
The adventure and exploration part of the story is great, but the MC being all self-righteous brought the story down. Because he’s mean to his friends and it kills those found family vibes I really liked in the first book. Most of the characters seemed nastier in general, and it didn’t have the same unity the first book achieved.
I liked the mythology that was introduced and the constant adventures, though they were very middle grade in execution. That’s not a complaint, more general observation. There are some fun new gadgets that I hope are explored more because there are just so many possibilities.
The adventure and exploration part of the story is great, but the MC being all self-righteous brought the story down. Because he’s mean to his friends and it kills those found family vibes I really liked in the first book. Most of the characters seemed nastier in general, and it didn’t have the same unity the first book achieved.
I liked the mythology that was introduced and the constant adventures, though they were very middle grade in execution. That’s not a complaint, more general observation. There are some fun new gadgets that I hope are explored more because there are just so many possibilities.
March 13, 2023
Now that Shinji is the guardian he must learn to use the power but he is not having much luck and won’t let anyone help him since he believes that since he is the guardian he must do it alone. When they leave to go on a salvage trip they hope the time away will help Shinji come to terms with his new gift. But things only go from bad to worse when Shinji lets lose the guardian of the font on an island they are exploring; a beast called the storm boar and for good reason too.
I love these books it has some lore and some fantasy to them, but hey magic is magic right? But all of the members of the team make one eclectic bunch and they are all so much fun, I just can wait until their next adventure.
I love these books it has some lore and some fantasy to them, but hey magic is magic right? But all of the members of the team make one eclectic bunch and they are all so much fun, I just can wait until their next adventure.
April 14, 2023
Shinji and Lucy are studying at SEA when they get a mission to explore a shipwreck with potential artifacts from a lost civilization. Oliver Ocean is convinced to take Shinji and Lucy with him because Shinji's new magic instructor Phoebe thinks it will help him with his new guardian magic. Things quickly go sideways when Hightower becomes aware of the shipwreck too. Then Shinji accidentally unleashes a trapped guardian that unleashes a hurricane. Shinji and friends must find the guardian's idol and return it to him before LA is destroyed. #ShinjiTakahashiIntotheHeartoftheStorm #NetGalley
April 17, 2023
Review copy provided by NetGalley
This one fits the adventure fantasy category like a glove. The characters cover every trope you'd like an adventure of its ilk to offer, it's full of danger and intrigue, and there is a constant sense that the heroes are the only line of defense against a powerful force for evil. This one has a heist, high-tech gadgetry, long lost civilizations, and the unnerving specter of shifting allegiances to keep readers turning pages. Nicely done for fans of this ever popular genre.
This one fits the adventure fantasy category like a glove. The characters cover every trope you'd like an adventure of its ilk to offer, it's full of danger and intrigue, and there is a constant sense that the heroes are the only line of defense against a powerful force for evil. This one has a heist, high-tech gadgetry, long lost civilizations, and the unnerving specter of shifting allegiances to keep readers turning pages. Nicely done for fans of this ever popular genre.
May 3, 2023
Shinji Takahashi is off on another adventure with Lucy and Tinker. The second in the series of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers is just as action packed as the first novel. Once again, Shinji is faced with another guardian that he's accidentally made mad. Lucy and Shinji have to figure out how to save the world from the mythological Storm Boar without being destroyed in the process. Overall, it was a very well written book. The characters are continuing to develop and I can't wait to see what adventures they will have to face next. Julie Kagawa definitely hit this one out of the park.
October 5, 2023
A fine adventure book for those students who are interested in the fantasy/action genre. Students who are invested in the Disney Parks extended lore will like this one even more, but with extremely lengthened pacing for a book where (honestly) not much happens, it feels like a slog of a read compared with the first entry in the series.
It also plays with the friends keeping secrets from one another trope too much for my personal taste in one contained narrative.
It also plays with the friends keeping secrets from one another trope too much for my personal taste in one contained narrative.
July 29, 2023
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book anywhere as much as I did the first book in the series. In the first, Shinji had a lot to confront and learn. This book dealt with nothing as serious as the first. Instead, this book read like an adventure of the week which did nothing to advance the macro plot of the narrative.
Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book anywhere as much as I did the first book in the series. In the first, Shinji had a lot to confront and learn. This book dealt with nothing as serious as the first. Instead, this book read like an adventure of the week which did nothing to advance the macro plot of the narrative.
November 16, 2023
Shinji’s story continues to entertain with action, adventure, new friendships and guardians. If readers enjoyed the first book, they will not be disappointed but definitely hoping for more books following Shinji, S.E.A. and his adventures across the globe. Another addition for my middle school library!
March 10, 2023
This sequel is another well constructed fantasy story. Julie Kagawa takes readers on an exciting adventure with unique and funny twists. Book one was popular with my students and they are looking forward to the story continuing. My only concern is that the page count for MG is a little high.
August 25, 2023
Got an uncorrected advanced proof…
This was a quick easy read. Julie was great at describing their adventures. It had adventure, exploring, and learning to trust others and work together. Nice fun read!
This was a quick easy read. Julie was great at describing their adventures. It had adventure, exploring, and learning to trust others and work together. Nice fun read!
May 5, 2023
Not as thrilling as the first one. Shame, was looking forward to this one..
April 20, 2024
I liked this book but was SO annoyed with Shinji and his “I have to handle this myself” attitude, which in the end was the lesson he learned but it bothered me so much.
July 3, 2024
This was fun. And where can I get a Tinker?
August 22, 2024
Glad the series continues, but the lacked the surprise and thrill of the first book.
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