Flight of the Outcasts

Gr 4—6—In this sequel to Chosen Ones (Zondervan, 2010), Peter, Julia, and their bratty stepsister, Louisa, are whisked back to Aedyn to rescue its residents, all of whom have been captured by evil, power-hungry Captain Ceres and forced to work in the volcanic mines of Khemia. A search is underway for the half of an amulet worn by Ceres. Ironically, Julia received this missing piece as a gift from her grandmother just days earlier. When joined, the two halves, predictably, fulfill an ancient prophecy. Assisted by a giant falcon, the children must rescue their friends and stop the villain's plot—all before the volcano erupts. A cliff-hanger ending promises a sequel. All of the pieces for a grand adventure are in place. Unfortunately, McGrath seems more concerned with Christian doctrine than he is with the essential elements of story development, leaving the plot highly predictable and uninspired. Even primary characters are one-dimensional, making it difficult for readers to sympathize with their plight.—Alissa J. LeMerise, Oxford Public Library, MI