Against all odds, Casey Grimes is beginning his studies at Trickery School, one of America’s premier monster-control academies. But classes like Extreme Climbing and Land Creature Defense are the least of his worries. He realizes a mysterious enemy is after him-more cunning than a Bog Creep or Hyena Toad. And this secret adversary is playing for keeps.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: 12-1-2020

PAGE COUNT: 286

MY TAKE: Last June I reviewed the first book in this series. CASEY GRIMES The Mostly Invisible Boy. The story continues and the stakes grow even more deadly. Someone is trying to harm Casey and make it permanent. You’ll be guessing who that might be right to the end. My reaction: “Didn’t see that one coming.”

I was drawn into the tension packed plot from the beginning. Characters from the first story return along with an intriguing set of adults and other students.The story likens to the danger and appeal of the Harry Potter series but with a different vibe.

I enjoyed Casey and Gloria, especially their sibling devotion to each other. They have loving parents who are close by when needed. Casey has few friends, but Luci continues to surprise and confuse all at the same time. Her character arc spins out of control but ends up in a nice spot.

The magic is surprising and life saving. Whether the hidden world known as Sylvan Woods really wants magic is central to the plot—The fear of having something invade tradition. The epic climax comes a bit early, leaving the rest of the pages as a set-up for a welcome third book.

Recommended for grades 4 and up, CASEY GRIMES at Trickery School is perfect for adventure lovers. It’s a page-turning feast for the imagination. I wouldn’t mind climbing a few trees, but I’ll leave the schooling adventure to Casey Grimes.

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR: AJ Vanderhorst

When I’m not writing, I’m usually fixing my house, coercing—ahem, politely asking my kids to pick up their rooms, or pursuing one of my too-many hobbies. 

These include, but are not limited to:

• playing basketball
• gardening
• hiking
• evading capture by Jamaican secret agents (long story)
• making espresso
• general adventuring
• reading other people’s books

My wife and I live in a woodsy house with our six proteges and a ridiculous number of pets, including a turtle with a taste for human toes. This makes me an expert on wild, dangerous things—invisibility spells, butcher beasts, hungry kids, you get the idea. (for more visit AJ’s author web site)

I received a digital copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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