The sequel to last year’s Labyrinth of Souls shares the same feel of the first book with plenty of nightmarish creatures and creepy happenings. It would be best to start with the beginning of the series so you aren’t thrown into this world without any knowledge of the characters or setting.

THE NOWHERE BEAST has Ix Tatterfall back for year 2 at Candle Corps Academy. Her best friends also return: Morrigan is part-nightmare, while Ollie is a big lover of books. They are a memorable group.

Ix’s parents exist in the Labyrinth of Souls. Mom is Death, the Soul Reaper, and Dad is the Melancholy of Regret. It gets even stranger back at the Academy where there are even more nightmares and ghosts lurking. The main push of the plot comes from the dangers facing the magical school with a monster that is hiding in someone’s shadow and numerous other unexpected events.

Ix is an endearing protagonist and her emotional journey is the highlight of the story. She’s brave in her quest to find out the truth to what is happening at the school. It you love books with magical schools as the setting, then look no further. There is a 4-page Glossary of Nightmares in the back pages that will help in giving one a head start before diving into chapter 1. THE NOWHERE BEAST has a winning formula for fantasy fans with loads of magical world building. Readers will be hoping the series continues.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: February 10, 2026 PAGES: 304

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE NOWHERE BEAST by Leslie Vedder

1. Finding yourself wanted positively by others is an internal challenge that many face. Ix knows there are many students and adults who would rather see her leave the school. She pushes forth and the decisions she makes will have you cheering at the result.
2. Mostly small illustrations appear throughout. They are a nice inclusion as they help you visualize the characters and scary scenes even better.
3. The many secondary characters add even more appeal. Smiles, a giant smiling cat returns, and new faces like the Scavenger Prince and the Hoodwinkler nightmare are ones you will enjoy.
4. Now I know where my lost keys are. There’s a realm called Nowhere where everything separated from the original owners can be found. You can’t really go there but the place adds to the unique overall setting.
5. The spooky scenes shouldn’t be overwhelming for the intended reading audience. They keep you entertained and constantly wondering what will happen next.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leslie Vedder (she/her) is a queer ace author who loves girl adventurers and heroes! She grew up on fantasy books, anime, fanfiction and the Lord of the Rings movies, and met her true love in high school choir. She currently lives in Colorado with her wife and her cat Fox Mulder, who believes the treats are out there.

When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her watching anime and sci-fi shows, walking in the woods and pretending they’re enchanted forests, or playing old video games. She always collects all the Skulltulas in Zelda and all the Dalmation puppies in Kingdom Hearts.

​​Her debut YA THE BONE SPINDLE was an indie bestseller. Find her online at leslievedder.com.

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