Earlier this week I featured  the first book in this series. Right on its heels is the sequel—

Chapter One is preceded by four pages of news/social media posts connecting the two stories. I’d never seen this done and it’s quite effective here.

I was expecting more of the Boy Band emphasis in this story, but Washed Up takes a totally new direction. The tale utilizes a reality show theme where Sam, his sister Lexi, and best friend Milo are participants. The evil band manager, a nemesis from from the first book, also shows up at the show’s mysterious island location in the Bermuda Triangle.

Although you could read this on its own, I’d suggest beginning with book 1 to catch all of the plot point meanings.

Here’s the official synopsis:

Just when Sam thinks life has returned to normal he’s kidnapped by agents of the Apocalypse Intelligence Agency who send him off the remote jungle island of Fin del Mundo to appear on a survival reality TV game show. One of Sam’s rival “celebrity” contestants is none other than the evil music mogul Nigel Cruul, who the AIA suspect is planning to bring back the Horsewomen of the Apocalypse. Luckily his best friend Milo and kick-ass sister Lexi are starring in the show too. But they’ll have to survive everything from crocodile-infested swamps to public vote offs, if they’re to save the world once more.

Washed Up is one of those stories that won’t tax your brain cells too much. Despite the dangers set forth in the competition, you’re 99% sure everything will turn out okay. Even with a few death defying stunts, it’s all rather light-hearted and fun. Sam continues his first person narration and the story flows well from his viewpoint.

WASHED UP would make a great read aloud or an escape from the big topic books loading down the MG bookshelf these days. It also appears that the world will need saving again with the surprising turn of events in the final chapter.

Party on!

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Coming up this Monday is our first edition in the new decade of…

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

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