Untwisted
(Twinchantment #2)

Gr 3-7--This second installment is as magical, creative, and suspenseful as the first (Twinchantment, 2019). Things begin on a happy note--the kingdom of Kaloon is now at peace! Gilward and his dark magic were defeated in the Twists, and citizens have been triumphantly reunited into one kingdom. Identical twins Flissa and Sara start school at Maldevon Academy, where the Mages (people with magical abilities) and Genpos (non-magical folks) attend school together as an important part of Kaloonification. On the surface the unification appears successful, even though there are rumblings underground about the appointment of Amala (a Mage) as the school principal. Suddenly, dark magic makes reappears in the form of paralyzing curses and threats to Genpos. Is there a plot to ruin the hard-won peace in Kaloon? The characters are authentic and richly diverse in terms of race, sexual orientation, gender, and magical abilities. The plot moves swiftly, with each chapter narrated by either Flissa or Sara. The physical description of the kingdom and its magical aspects are beautifully detailed and create colorful visions in the mind of the reader. VERDICT Libraries who purchased the first book will most certainly want this sequel. However, the book also stands alone given its review of the plot and characters in the first installment. For those who can't get enough tales of kingdoms and magic, this will surely satisfy.--Anne Jung-Mathews, Plymouth State University, NH