Arcade Catastrophe (The Candy Shop War) by Brandon mull
I know there are many books out there where children find themselves needing to save the world. If you read my review of the first Candy Shop War, you will remember that I wasn’t thrilled with the way the children became involved. I was prepared for untrustworthy adults preying on children. Apparently, so were the children.
Content
Nate and his friends are now free to enjoy the magical sweet treats that had once put them in so much danger. Their happy ending has come with new friendships and great respect in the magical world. But danger lurks a few miles away. Something fishy is going on at a new arcade owned by Mrs. White’s brother. Children are playing games trying to earn tickets for 16 coveted prizes, stamps that have magical enhancements. You can fly like a jet, be as strong as a tank, run as fast as a racecar, or dive and swim like a submarine. But the games don’t end when the prize is won.
Mr. White has some more competitions in place for the winners of the stamps. Each competition brings him closer to gaining the most dangerous and powerful talisman in the world. When Nate and his friends learn of the disappearance of the friends, and magical policemen, they decide to play the game in hopes of stopping Mr. White. Can they defeat this magician at his own game? Will they be able to save their friends in time?
Recommendation
I give this read 12 out of 12 dozen rolls. Like the first book, it was fun, adventurous and full of magical mayhem. Unlike the first book, the children had learned their lessons on who to trust. Their integrity helped others trust them as well. They were able to use their experience to help the other kids caught in the magicians spell. It was a great book where the kids were heroes. I loved it!
*****