Book Review: Clash of the Totems and the Catastrophe of Callistus, Clash of the Totems Book 2, Yonnie Garber
Book Review: Clash of the Totems and the Catastrophe of Callistus, Clash of the Totems Book 2, Yonnie Garber
Blog Tour January 23, 2023
Ellery Brown has passed her first tests in the school of magaecians, tests that had nothing to do with classes or exams. She has survived the battle with a powerful enemy, she has found productive ways of using her power, and she has found her father.
Going into her second year, though, not all is right with Ellery’s world. Her father was gone for 13 years of her life. Now he is back, but neither of them are entirely sure what to do. Her enemy lost their battle at least in part because he underestimated Ellery. He will undoubtedly be back and will not make that mistake again. And Ellery’s power continues to grow, continues to be hard to control, continues to threaten even her closest friends, and worries her family and her teachers. Plus, she has been having terrible nightmares about a dragon, a dragon that in her dreams threatens her and everything she holds dear.
I thought my puberty years were tough.
Yonnie Garber continues her charming fantasy about a group of magaecians fighting to save the world from the ravages of humanity, and save humanity from the anger of a damaged earth and the misguided intent of a faction of magaecians to remove “dwellers,” the non-magaecian humans, from the earth. This book does take a much darker turn than the first book. The stakes and the costs are higher.
I think middle schoolers who are environmentally conscious and who enjoy fantasy will find a lot to like in this novel. Garber creates characters that are very relatable. Her environmental emphasis is not subtle, but most middle grade kids aren’t subtle, either.
Our deepest thanks to Yonnie Garber for the signed copy of both novels in this series and the kind note that accompanied them. Thanks also to Kelly Lacey of Love Books Tours for inviting us to take part. The opinions here are solely those of Scintilla. For other perspectives on this novel, check out the other bloggers on this tour.
Book Review: Clash of the Totems and the Catastrophe of Callistus, Clash of the Totems Book 2, Yonnie Garber