The second book in the series follows the first story from 2022: A TASTE OF MAGIC. A question always comes to mind as to whether you can enjoy A WHISPER OF CURSES without having read the first? In this case you sure can as this is a continuing but separate story.

Kyana Turner is a witch and fresh off saving Park Row Magic Academy in book 1, she now faces a new challenge.

The Academy construction is underway, and Kyana is on school break. While looking for something to fill her time, she is grabbed by a spirit known as an Available. She escapes but now she can’t stop her uncontrollable laughing and crying.

Her friend, Ashley, thinks the cure is going to a camp for magical learning where the famous Dr. Minzey wil be there. He is the top magic scientist and should know how to fix the curse.

After they arrive at the secret camp the portal that got them there collapses trapping everyone attending inside this other world. Ash thinks the Availables are behind it all, but chooses to keep quiet and trust Dr. Minzy. That thinking doesn’t last long and together with her friends, they try and save everyone.

Kyana and Ashley narrate the story in dual perspectives through 34 chapters. The plot’s mystery, tension, and magic build right up to an exciting and page turning climatic ending. The door is left open for a third book, and the series is perfect for fans of magical schools.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: July 9, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 304

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: A WHISPER OF CURSES by J. Elle

1. Russ is another young characterand is doing a podcast of the camp’s events. He provides a few laughs along the way and his growing friendship with the girls leads to much stronger possibilities in solving the mystery.
2. The creative magic will have readers wishing the spells were actually real. Fun stuff.
3. Each character had a unique ability. Kyana knows about potions while Ash has more knowledge about the Availables. Together with Russ, whose specialties are charms and social media, they make a memorable team.
4. Baking was the backdrop for book one but not here. Even so, food plays an interesting role in both the magic and the changing offerings at the food hall.
5. The diverse cast of characters were all great as was the growing changes in their personalities. Friendship helps anyone especially tween characters.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

J. ELLE is the New York Times bestselling author of young adult and middle-grade fantasy fiction and a 2022 NAACP Image Award Nominee for Outstanding Literary Work for Youth and Teens. Her work is translated and distributed in over sixteen countries. The former educator credits her nomadic lifestyle and humble inner-city beginnings as inspiration for her novels. When she’s not writing, Elle can be found on the hunt for desserts without chocolate, looking for any excuse to get dressed up, and road-tripping her way across the country with her family of six plus four pets in tow.

Learn more at www.authorjelle.com.

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