(This post will go live on January 24)

(Why would I post a review of a book from 2013? Well, it turns out I have a few drafts of titles and I figured, better late than never. Enjoy!)
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Title: Curses! Foiled Again
Author/Illustrator: Jane Yolen & Mike Cavallaro
Publisher: First Second (:01), 2013
ISBN: 978-1596436190
Price: $15.99
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Summary and Thoughts: Aliera Carstairs is having a hard time adjusting to having a troll as her knight and basically being The Defender of the Seelie Court. Well, it seems like it's a hard time adjusting. Once again, she'll be called to Defend and protect her sword from The Dark Lord who wants it. Baba Yaga makes an appearance in this adventure (not sure why that's a big deal).

It's been too long since I read the first one so I forget what happened previously. All I do remember is that she's color blind and only sees colors when dealing with Seelie and Unseelie business. Oh, and her foil is a super tool.

On the other hand, as a standalone, it seems to do pretty well. There's a recap and the story might be a retread of the previous one. I'm not sure since it's been years since I read the first one.

The art is fun, colorful and detailed. I like all the different faces and characters. Visual humor is timed very well.

The writing is a bit weak in the beginning, but only because of the way Aliera talks to her audience about being a teenager and how she's content (cue definition time!). It feels like an adult trying to write as a teen. The dialogue is smart. The narration not so much. After the story gets rolling, it's pretty smooth riding.

Would I visit this world again? Probably not. I don't think it's destined to be the classic the inside cover claims it'll be, but it's a fun read. Get if the first one was popular in your library.
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Recommended Audience: middle school and up
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Things to be aware of: one mild swear
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Source: Library Review

I really like this series. However, I have felt with both books that there is a lot of build up and then the end swoops in and races to the end. Too much too fast. Still a great read and excellent illustration. I want a book 3. It says it’s not the end of the story but this has a copyright date of 2013 and it has already been 4 years. I wonder if we will see a book 3.

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