In the thrilling and anticipated sequel for Titans, Titans: The Missing picks up exactly where we left off. When Astraea, Zephyr, and their many friends discover that Titus has been taken over by a mysterious new species capable of imitation, it's up to them to save their parents and free their country. With the help of a kidnapped human, Jake, and his talking snake, Nesso, the Titans discover the Mimics (who can kill with a touch) can be stopped by using Nesso’s venom. With their parents safely recovering on Earth, the kids make their way to Nesso’s planet in hopes to enlist the help of other snakes, but things go wrong. When Zephyr is hurt, and the children must fight off the deadly Mimics on their own, leaving many wounded, Jake and his Rhean friend Tryn embark to Xanadu in order to fetch the magical food the Titans need to recover. One problem: it turns out the Mimics have invaded more than just Titus. They’ve invaded Xanadu, too!

Written in quick and descriptive prose, Kate O’hearn crafts world after world, taking her readers on a journey to a new world, potential dangers included. While the plot can seem one dimensional at times, the interactions between the characters are fantastic, and this is a wonderful easy read for middle grade readers wanting some wholesome adventure. It’s clear from the get-go that these characters are friends you’d want to have in real life: ones that display a strong bond and obvious loyalty to each other through thick and thin. Other than themes of friendship, Titans: The Missing also touches on the theme of the underdog. The children are constantly downplayed by the Mimics, despite being witty and adaptive to the environments and problems they encounter. It’s a nice, refreshing read for readers who want to feel empowered, and O’hearn does a great job of proving to readers that change is in your own hands.

This book was received as an ARC from Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing - Aladdin in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

Myself as well as many of our young patrons are huge fans of the Titans series they can't wait to see what's in store for Zephyr, Astrea and the team. This time they are on a quest to Nesso's jungle and finally defeat the Mimics once and for all. But as always things do not go as expected Zephyr gets severely wounded and is in desperate need of ambrosia and nectar. While caring for Zephyr, Astrea sends Jake and Tryn to go to Xanadu and get nectar for Zephyr while they use all they got to keep Zephyr alive. Battles form, trouble finds their ways and jam packed with drama for all ages. I am awaiting the release of this book and can't wait to share it with our youth patrons.

We will consider adding this title to our JFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.