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nickidenicki's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
This book made me smile so much that my face hurt. I loved it so much. I can't wait for Maya's next adventure. The character development in this series is absolutely fantastic. There is also a lot of action in the books which makes the story move quickly along. I love learning more about West African Mythology with Maya.
librarianlayla's review
4.0
I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, I'd like to say a huge thank you to Rena and her publishing team for selecting me to be one of the early readers.
Maya returns in this action packed sequel with Eli and Frankie by her side to save the day. New characters are introduced that really compliment the dynamics of the group and I cannot wait to see how it will all play out in the next book.
I greatly enjoy Rena's storytelling and the way that she weaves words to paint these rich, varying worlds and their inhabitants. She brings so many different aspects and melds them beautifully together.
For those who love dark, twisting, adventure driven middle grade books that are steeped deep in mythology and magic - this is definitely for you.
Maya returns in this action packed sequel with Eli and Frankie by her side to save the day. New characters are introduced that really compliment the dynamics of the group and I cannot wait to see how it will all play out in the next book.
I greatly enjoy Rena's storytelling and the way that she weaves words to paint these rich, varying worlds and their inhabitants. She brings so many different aspects and melds them beautifully together.
For those who love dark, twisting, adventure driven middle grade books that are steeped deep in mythology and magic - this is definitely for you.
halfbloodprincess_hogwarts's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
SO GOOD, SO GOOD. SO GOOD!!!
Thank you, thank you Netgalley for giving me early access to continue this INCREDIBLE series set in Chi-town💛💛💛 I am truly honored to have been given an e-arc of my current favorite Middle grade read featuring my favorite Godlings.
This was truly unputdownable and fully captivated my attention. Nothing and no one could pull me away as I read this book. IT WAS JUST SO GOOD!!! And there were MANY moments that had me completely SHOOKED and (of course) gave me mini heart-attacks. This trio just kept diving head first into a new situation and some that were meant for good...ended up backfiring in their face. Just recountering everything that occured brings to mind this emoji:🤦🏾‍♀️ (which is how I felt the entire time LOL). I really want to gush about this book but it's SO spoilery.
It was really cool seeing the little Godlings progression with their powers, Maya and her father'sđź‘€ strong bond of protecting the veil continue and how much has changed toward the end. I am super excited for the next book and anticipate what's to come!!!
Thank you, thank you Netgalley for giving me early access to continue this INCREDIBLE series set in Chi-town💛💛💛 I am truly honored to have been given an e-arc of my current favorite Middle grade read featuring my favorite Godlings.
This was truly unputdownable and fully captivated my attention. Nothing and no one could pull me away as I read this book. IT WAS JUST SO GOOD!!! And there were MANY moments that had me completely SHOOKED and (of course) gave me mini heart-attacks. This trio just kept diving head first into a new situation and some that were meant for good...ended up backfiring in their face. Just recountering everything that occured brings to mind this emoji:🤦🏾‍♀️ (which is how I felt the entire time LOL). I really want to gush about this book but it's SO spoilery.
It was really cool seeing the little Godlings progression with their powers, Maya and her father'sđź‘€ strong bond of protecting the veil continue and how much has changed toward the end. I am super excited for the next book and anticipate what's to come!!!
destdest's review
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
+ High stakes! There’s serious tension that things may not end up happily ever after.
+ The kids really ran the spotlight this time. They had full agency and had little assistance from the adults this time.
+ Parents have big enough hearts for all their kids. Maya’s papa had a previous family that was slaughtered by the Lord of Shadows. In this book, we find out one of the kids survived, and the child and Maya learn there’s enough room for both of them.
+ The Darkbringers get some complexity here. Everything isn’t black and white.
+ The book doesn’t sugarcoat death, violence, or war.
+ New character Zeran
+ Ghost army!
+ Another cover from GDbee!
o This is very plot-driven, so if you like connecting with characters, it may not interest you.
- Unfortunately, my same complaint from book 1 is here. Frankie and Eli are so utterly boring. Eli has his love for the paranormal and unfunny jokes and Frankie is super smart. Okay. You could replace these two with cardboard cutouts and miss nothing.
- Maya was dry here. We, understandably, only feel her terror for her papa. But, at times, it feels she’s just reacting to what’s happening
- Zeran, who I liked, feels very tropey. But again, tropes aren’t bad it’s how you used them.
- the writing style was bit bland and the pacing felt verrry slow
- Too many godlings. It’s been a while since the first book, but it’s like everyone and they mama got powers now.
Of course, I definitely acknowledge I’m not the target audience here.
+ The kids really ran the spotlight this time. They had full agency and had little assistance from the adults this time.
+ Parents have big enough hearts for all their kids.
+ The Darkbringers get some complexity here. Everything isn’t black and white.
+ The book doesn’t sugarcoat death, violence, or war.
+ New character Zeran
+ Ghost army!
+ Another cover from GDbee!
o This is very plot-driven, so if you like connecting with characters, it may not interest you.
- Unfortunately, my same complaint from book 1 is here. Frankie and Eli are so utterly boring. Eli has his love for the paranormal and unfunny jokes and Frankie is super smart. Okay. You could replace these two with cardboard cutouts and miss nothing.
- Maya was dry here. We, understandably, only feel her terror for her papa. But, at times, it feels she’s just reacting to what’s happening
- Zeran, who I liked, feels very tropey. But again, tropes aren’t bad it’s how you used them.
- the writing style was bit bland and the pacing felt verrry slow
- Too many godlings. It’s been a while since the first book, but it’s like everyone and they mama got powers now.
Of course, I definitely acknowledge I’m not the target audience here.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: War
cakt1991's review
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Maya and the Return of the Godlings is an absolutely fabulous sequel. I love how it builds on everything I loved in the first book, making it even better.
Maya is an awesome protagonist. I love her compassion, and that’s what she leads with in most situations. However, she has a good balance of being an impulsive kid and having a good head on her shoulders.
I really love her continuing bond with her best friends, Frankie and Eli, and there are some wonderful characters that add a lot of dimension to the wider community around them.
With Maya now being aware of the Dark, I liked being able to get more insight into the world and magic. I loved that it delves into issues of morality, from a more complex depiction of the villains and that of the vulnerable people living the Dark.
This book is a fabulous second installment, and I can’t wait for what the third will bring. If you’re looking for more middle grade with a sort of Rick Riordan-esque feel, you should pick up this series.
amibunga's review
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
smorrison4's review
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
All of the ground work that Rena laid down in book one allowed book two to shine! The second book in this series is great. I love how Rena expanded on the characters and shared more of the back story of Maya's dad and where he comes from. I don't want to give anything away, so I will say that I thought it was really interesting why the Godlings return and I cannot wait to read the third book in this series.
jesm's review
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0