The Shadow Mask

Gr 4–7—In this high-action sequel to Sound Bender (Scholastic, 2012), Leo Lomax, who possesses the ancient power of "sound bending," is able to touch an object and hear what has happened to it in its past. The 13-year-old's Uncle Crane, who is mad at Leo for foiling his last evil scheme, sends him to public school in New York City in an attempt to separate him from his brother and friends. As Leo discovers that there may be more to his parents' mysterious Antarctic disappearance than originally thought, Crane manipulates him into helping him find the other half of a priceless mask. Traveling to Borneo, Leo must conceal his motives from everyone he cares about and decide whether he will use his gift for good, or for gain. This title has a distinctively different feel to it from the first. In many situations, it seems like the authors have taken elements of different genres and put them in a literary blender. The book begins with school, family, and friend issues; starts to evolve into a government spy conspiracy; and moves on to a young Indiana Jones-esque, paranormal hybrid as Leo explores tribal Borneo. It's not until the last third of the book that the voice and theme start to solidify and things become interesting-bordering on gripping. Despite the eventually compelling plot, the lack of cohesiveness and a cast of flat, stereotypical characters limit the audience. Fans of the first book will be impressed, but this one is unlikely to bring in anyone new to the series.—Devin Burritt, Wells Public Library, ME