The Forever Court

Gr 5–8—The second volume in the trilogy picks up with 13-year-old hero Denizen Hardwick visiting the court of the Endless King. The King would like to thank Denizen for his heroic endeavors, which saved his daughter in the previous book. It's especially monumental that Denizen accomplished this feat since he has only just learned of his special powers and knightly prowess. Growing stronger in his newfound ability, he has become part of a family in the motley crew of knights who are also in training. Denizen's mom gives the knights a strict education. He questions why his mother chose to avenge his father's death, abandon her son, and allow Denizen to believe he was an orphan (he recently realized that she is still alive). The narrative echoes the first title with its engaging mix of fantasy, suspense, strange creatures, and courtly drama. A violent battle ensues with members of the Forever Court, and an interesting wrinkle is introduced when the knights discover another order of warriors—the Croits. Unlike Denizen and his cohorts, the Croits support the dark and will stop at nothing to bring shadows back to power.