BEYOND THE VALLEY OF THORNS: The Land of Elyon, Book 2
by Patrick Carman
Orchard Books/Scholastic
ISBN: 0439700949
Ages 9-12
240 pages

• Read an Excerpt

Welcome back to the Land of Elyon! A year has passed, and 13-year-old Alexa Daley is once again traveling with her father to one of the town meetings. But this journey is so very different from that of a year ago, for the towering walls that protected them for so long have been removed. Now Alexa can see for miles in all directions, but the dangers lurking on the edge of the forest can see her as well.

It doesn't take Alexa long to reunite with her dear friend, Yipes. He sneaks into the library through the secret passageways, bringing with him a year-old letter of instructions and a map from their dead friend, Worvold. Alexa and Yipes follow the map to a hidden cave where some questions are answered and even more questions are raised. As they learn about the impossible task they must accomplish, Alexa is presented with the last Jocasta, a glowing stone that grants her the ability to speak with the animals. This is the very stone that their enemy hopes to claim as his own.

Alexa fears she will be helpless against the evil dangers that threaten their lives, but she soon finds strength and courage in both old and new friends who join her for the mission. This mish-mashed group of heroes --- including an ex-convict, a majestic wolf, a beautiful hawk, a tiny man, a young girl, a spastic squirrel, and a gentle giant --- set out on a dangerous quest to save their beloved world.

Author Patrick Carman narrates an imaginative tale filled with exciting adventures, bizarre creatures, hilarious dialogue, and colorful descriptions. This second book in the trilogy will pull fans back into Carman's world of Elyon with a page-turner of a journey that just won't quit. Fans will impatiently anticipate the third installment, THE TENTH CITY.

   --- Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman, author

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