Very good for a children's book (I've been reading these with my 8 year old), but obviously written for that age so a little easy to figure out the mystery as an adult. But that's totally fine. My daughter loves them, and I like that they're interesting to read and well written, and we get a little history on Biltmore. I did roll my eyes at the new "Be bold!" mantra, which feels really hokey.

An exciting second installment to the SERAFINA series. Loved the continuation of adventure, mystery, & high stakes.
dark mysterious medium-paced
adventurous mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

great book, shes a total butt kicker but wouldnt be much without her family and friends. All the shapeshifters are fantastic
adventurous dark emotional mysterious
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous inspiring medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
adventurous medium-paced

I was on the edge of my seat and blasted through it—226 pages in one sitting! It was even more twisty and thrilling than the first book.

I love how honest and open Braedon and Serafina’s friendship is, there’s basically Zero miscommunication, which is very rare but greatly appreciated.

Some questions were answered, a few more were asked, as always, and I can’t wait to see where the third book will lead us.

4.75 stars

I liked this book, but I wish I would've read it instead of listening to it. Still excited about book 3 coming soon!!

Book #7 of 2022: Serafina and the Twisted Staff by Robert Beatty

This is the second book in the “Serafina” book series. My daughter, Sabrina, and I have been reading them together. We’ve enjoyed the historical, gothic, and supernatural themes in the books. The word choice and atmospheric imagery grabs the reader’s attention from beginning to the last page.

The setting of the story is Biltmore Estate; Asheville, North Carolina; 1899.

Serafina is a young girl who lives with her Pa, who works at the estate. She has assigned herself the job of CRC (Chief Rat Catcher) - she excels at this job!

With the help of her best friend Braedon Vanderbilt, Serafina must save the people and animals of Biltmore and the forests from sinister attacks. In order to defeat this evil before it destroys her home and those she cares about, she must search deep within to discover and embrace the destiny that awaits her.

The story is fast paced and exciting. Serafina learns a lot about herself and her self worth in this novel. “Our character isn’t defined by the battles we win or lose, but by the battles we dare to fight.”

As a coming of age story, Serafina hits the mark. Beatty delivers a story that will speak to readers of all ages. “She realized now that her life wasn’t just about who she was, but about who she would become.” I highly recommend this book.