Fiction Addict

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Genre: Adventure/Fantasy, Young Adult

Publication Date: July 2010

Reviewed by Kaci Hill

Venom & Song picks up immediately where Curse of the Spider King left off. Our beloved Elves have returned to Allyra, but the immediate problem is getting seven disoriented middle schoolers to safety. (And don’t be fooled: These are some tough little teenagers.) The enemy is, of course, still on their heels (literally), and our band of heroes doesn’t know how to fight yet.

Book two keeps a steady pace, but it’s also paced differently from book one. I know a few people had a hard time with some elements, and a few caught some flaws I missed, but, really, I was pleased with this second installment. As I said, the book takes a natural progression in my estimation.

Whereas Curse dealt with themes of the intricate nature of the past and present, Venom is more concerned with loyalty and self-sacrifice, turning children into men and women, and trust: both in each other and in Ellos. Again, these themes develop naturally from the characters and situations themselves, continuing the same style as its predecessor. Venom & Song does come with its own twist at the end, and, I’ll admit, I can count on one hand the number of books that have struck me as emotionally as this one did.

As always, I’m going to stop before giving any spoilers. I look forward to book three (which, to my knowledge, is at least a year away and, I trust, will answer the questions left at the end of Venom & Song) and whatever Mr. Batson and Mr. Hopper bring next. A word of warning: Make sure you read these books in order…and be prepared.

Review copy provided by Thomas Nelson.