A whisper of curses

Gr 4--6--There's a famous saying: Don't ever meet your hero. Kyana and her friends learn that lesson the hard way during Enrichment Week, a.k.a. Magick Camp, for students of the Park Row Magick Academy. The week promised to hold tons of fun and plenty of lessons on potions, charms, and even dragon riding lessons. But when the portal is sealed shut, panic starts to grow. To add to the nerve-racking situation, Kyana finds herself overcome with a mysterious malady--she cannot stop laughing…or crying. As she alternates between the two extremes, her friends are frantic to help find a cure. Can the all-knowing, all-powerful Dr. Minzy offer a solution? Characters use social media to connect like-minded friends with a positive mission, which adds a nice touch. Filled with teen angst, the relationships between Kyana, Ashley, and Russ are entertaining to read. Those with a love for fantasy and magic will be thrilled with the latest adventures from Park Row Magick Academy. VERDICT This book is just the ticket for readers who love magic and middle school drama.

Two young witches have an adventurous spring break at a magical camp. Kyana Turner returns after saving Park Row Magick Academy from closure in A Taste of Magic (2022). Now the school is in the position to create a thriving environment for her local magical community. However, the responsibility seemingly falls to Kyana to keep the other students engaged and connected--and she's feeling the pressure. Ashley Martinez, Kyana's best friend, is an introvert who prefers the solitude of being in the Between Realms, and she's not thrilled when her mom suggests yet another spring break spent at Enrichment Camp. That is, until she hears that a famous inventor who specializes in Availables--magical creatures that tether to inanimate objects in our realm--will be there. After Kyana is mysteriously attacked by an Available, leaving her susceptible to drastic emotional mood swings, the girls decide that attending camp might help them find a cure. However, their plans change when the portals unexpectedly close, trapping all the campers on the island. The brilliant young protagonists work together with their allies to figure out what's happening, uncovering a dastardly plot along the way. Told in Ashley's and Kyana's dual perspectives, the book immerses readers in a richly whimsical magical world. The writing is straightforward and accessible yet engaging enough to keep readers interested. The diverse cast of characters who make up the Magick community further reinforce themes of allyship and recognizing different strengths. A heartfelt follow-up, perfect for readers in need of a bit of courage. (Fantasy. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.