I know it’s St.Patrick’s day but rainbows make me think of unicorns and that makes me think about this series: The Unicorn Quest by @kkbenko_ . It’s about two sisters who climb a chimney and end up in a land where the magic is breaking and the unicorns have left.
I don’t want to spoil the first book by saying anything other than they find out they’re royalty in this land and, of course, the unicorn’s only hope. But as cliche as this sounds, the actual writing, world-building, magic systems, and characters elevate this fantasy into a truly immersive read.
The second book was even better than the first, which hardly happens in a series, and the twists are making me so anxious for the third.
My boys loved this story and it’s been so fun to find another fantasy series to wait on together.

This is a wonderful sequel. It is such an engaging series for young readers. KamIlla Benko, truly understands her audience and how to keep them interested and excited through the entire book. It is full of adventure, fun, magic, and emotion. I'm excited to read more books by Kamilla and will definitely be adding them to our library.

Interest Level: 3-6

If you had to choose between going home or staying in a magical land to save the day, what would you do? Sophie and Claire, who are descendants of the royal family of Arden, have decided to stay and fight for the friends that they have made. Since Sophie doesn't have any magical powers, saving the land falls on Claire's shoulders. In book one, they released a unicorn and they are desperately trying to bring back more to save the land. They go up into the mountains to the Geemer school so that Claire can sharpen her magical skills. Both girls are struggling and it is seeming more and more like maybe they don't belong in this land. They find out that they have been set up and have been falsely put into prison. Thanks to some friends they are given a way to escape, but can the sisters work together to escape? They soon find out that people are not who they seem, and those they trusted turn out to be their biggest enemies. And not to mention the fact that when Claire blows the magical flute that a true heir is supposed to blow to bring back a unicorn, nothing happens. Are Claire and Sophie actually the true heirs? Can they bring back the unicorns to save the land or will they lose their own lives trying? Read this incredible second book in The Unicorn series that leaves you with and insane cliffhanger leaving you wanting book three!! Don't miss this one!!

I absolutely loved book one and book two does not disappoint! This book is full of action, suspense, magic, friendship, and family. Do not miss this book and it will leave you desiring more!!!

Wow.

In the Secret in the Stone, sisters Claire and Sophie travel to Stonehaven so that Claire can begin her training as a Gemmer. In doing so, the sisters hope to awaken precious stones called Moontears that will bring back unicorns and restore magic to the world of Arden, undoing the damage done by their ancestor Queen Estelle. Things... don't go well. In fact, things get even more complicated and dangerous the longer the girls stay in Stonehaven, with no one to trust.

There is definitely no "sophomore slump" for Ms. Benko. This book was filled with even more twists and dramatic reveals than the first book in this series, The Unicorn Quest. Also, this isn't your mother's siblings-from-our-world-go-on-adventure-in-magic-land story. Despite the fact that this book is centered around sisters Claire and Sophie being princesses of the kingdom of Arden with the goal of bringing back unicorns, this is not a light and fluffy fantasy adventure. It's actually quite a bit dark from an adult's point of view, but just dark enough for upper elementary and middle school students to enjoy.

A delightful and exciting followup to The Unicorn Quest, I'm eager to see what lies in store for Claire, Sophie, Nett, Sena and all of Arden in the next book!