Archibald Finch and the Curse of the Phoenix is a very dark but beautifully written crossworlds fantasy novel by Michel Guyon. Released 26th Sept 2023 by Andrews McMeel, it's 464 pages and is available in hardcover, audio formats, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

Following closely on the first book in the series, this is a complex sequel. For that reason, it's not recommended as a standalone read. The author does a superlative job of character development - they really live and breathe and the world building is unparalleled. There's an impressive amount of real history and knowledge woven into the story - much of the plot turns on Leonardo da Vinci's life, sketchbooks, and wonderful inventions.

This is a surprisingly dark book, and although the target audience is supposed to be 9-12 years (Lexile 860L), prereading or skimming by an adult, especially for library acquisitions, is highly recommended. It's not a book for most kids. Not even in an R.L. Stine creepy/scary way...

Four stars (with the above cautions).

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Warning: ends on a "to be continued." (Insert all the sad faces here!) Great adventure story. Recommend reading the first in series before tackling this one as there are so many characters and it can get confusing. I would like to see more good adults.

I would love to thank Andrews McMeel Publishing, Michel Guyon and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you want to read the first book, please proceed with caution, as I explain things that may spoil the prequel for you.

The second installment in the Archibald Finch series was more fun for me than its prequel.
Archibald changed since he came back from Lemurea and Hailee has a hard time believing his story of where he'd been.

Soon after they discover some prints on the floor and Archibald realizes that a Marodor traveled back with him. And there's only one person who can help him get rid of it: Faerydae.
So he goes back to Lemurea and asks Hailee to bring him back in an hour.

He manages to find her and bring her to their home, where the 4 kids reunite: Archibald, Faerydae, Hailee and Oliver. They each contribute in discovering a riddle that could help them on their mission.

I loved the London setting, the mystery and the plot, the adventures and the found family trope.
A big problem were the parents who seemed to be missing most of the story (how convenient!). And grandpa Harvey was a bit of a wacko.
But other than that, the story was better and more fun for me than the first one.

Looking forward to the next installment.
Rating: 3.75/4 stars.

I loved the first Archibald Finch book so I was very excited to get to read the second!

When Archibald came back from Lemurea at the end of book one, a marodor came too. He knows exactly one person good at fighting marodors, so back to Lemurea he goes to retrieve Faerydae. Then Archibald, Hailee, Oliver, and Faerydae explore all over modern-day London and even France. I felt like the beginning of book two was a little slow compared to the non-stop adventure of book one, but it quickly picked up the pace and the gang was tangled up in plenty of action in both the real world and Lemurea.

I have recommended book one to many tween readers and will be sure to let them know that book two is available!

Story of the book-

Since our hero’s return from Lemurea months ago, nothing has returned to normal. Archibald knows he must go back to the dark realm he had just fled when he finds he isn’t the only creature who crashed into the estate that night. The boy Archibald has changed. He confronts bullies and associates with the gargoyles that once frightened him. Despite his newfound resilience, he still feels lost and lonely and longs for his Lemurian pals. He learns that a portion of that reality has followed him home when weird footprints are seen on the grounds of the estate.

Archibald is aware that without golems, witches, or magic, there is nothing he can do to stop the creature from stalking the London suburbs; as a result, he will need to travel back to Lemuria to ask Faerydae for assistance. Two worlds intersect in a brand-new adventure for Archibald, Hailee, Oliver, and Faerydae—worlds that have more in common than any of the youngsters could have ever dreamed. Archibald and his companions set off on yet another perilous expedition that puts each of them to the test in a unique way, and while they look for clues, golems, and Marodors, they discover some unexpected answers and painful realities.

My review-

Witches and monsters are involved in an old war that the author describes between Earth and a secret dimension or universe. Amazing artwork is present. The artist is so extraordinarily gifted, and I believe the author made the perfect choice in hiring her. The atmosphere is dominated by mystery, old mythology, and proverbial stories. Everything a decent middle-grade novel ought to have is there in this book. It has more than one hero, all of whom are very different from the majority. This book is a massive journey that is ideal for young adventurers and daydreamers. There are several distinctive, mystical, and magical aspects to be found.

It was spooky, squirmy, and downright gross, but entertaining to read. This one probably isn’t to everyone’s taste, despite the intriguing worldbuilding and compelling character. My relationship with the characters and the plot seems to have improved; little issues that had previously been speed bumps were resolved, and elements that I found appealing were developed. This book is filled with so much enchantment that as soon as you start reading, you’ll feel like you’re taking part in the journey. This novel inspires and enchants readers in addition to amusing them.

This novel transports you to a sinister world that gives some children nightmares. The darkest children’s book I’ve ever read is this one. I’ll be watching for the third book. I’m eager to return to Lemurea! One thing that caught my attention, in particular, was the fact that the hidden/fantastic world in Archibald Finch is dreadful not only for the way it is described or for the horrifying details about its monsters, but also for everything it symbolizes. To top it all off, this book is also exceptionally well-written, and the way the text and illustrations are combined further enhances the poetry and classic aesthetic of this fascinating read.

Hypnotic , enchanting , Intriguing full of surprises many of which are totally unexpected & I imagine any child reading this will even more devastated than I was when on the last page it says ..........To Be Continued ! As Archibald along with his sister Hailee her friend Oliver & Archibald's friend from the other Dimension of Lemurea is Faerydae .I am now even as an adult going to have to get the other book as I need to know how the full story ends & I highly recommend you read this & especially to your children . #NetGalley, #GoodReads,#Amazon.co.uk,#FB,#Instagram,#<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/358a5cecda71b11036ec19d9f7bf5c96d13e2c55" width="80" height="80" alt="100 Book Reviews" title="100 Book Reviews"/>,#<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/ef856e6ce35e6d2d729539aa1808a5fb4326a415" width="80" height="80" alt="Reviews Published" title="Reviews Published"/>,#<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/aa60c7e77cc330186f26ea1f647542df8af8326a" width="80" height="80" alt="Professional Reader" title="Professional Reader"/>.

Archibald Finch is a book that no child should read, if you want to encourage a love of reading in your child. It's a tedious, dark, boring story and none of the characters in it present a positive role model, on the contrary.
I think it's more of an adult book with children's characters.
Too dark, gloomy and depressing for children's reading; too childish for an adult audience.

Archibald has changed since returning from Lemurea. He hangs out with gargoyles and stands up to bullies. Lemurea is an underworld where witches hide. He discovers that when he returned, he wasn’t alone — that a Marodor followed him. Archibald must return to Lemurea to get Faerydae to help him catch the Marodor and take it back to Lemurea. Only Faerydae doesn’t want to do it., but finally agrees to help Archibald. The Orbatrum, a device that opens portals between their realms/worlds has broken making Faerydae confront the Marodor to get back to Lemurea. On the hunt for the Marodor, Archibald, his sister Hailee, former thief Oliver and Faerydae encounter a witch hunter that is vicious. Will they find the Matodor?

The author has written an ancient conflict between Earth and a hidden dimension/world involving witches and monsters. This book is the second volume of Archibald Finch series. I look forward with hope that there will be a third volume. This is a fun adventure for Archibald and his friends. I enjoyed the adventure very much.

First and foremost, I would love to thank NetGalley, the author, and publishers for allowing me the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Such a great adventure!. Recommended

Hi everyone! Today I'll be reviewing Archibald Finch and the Curse of the Phoenix, the second book in the Archibald Finch series by Michel Guyon.
I have to say it again, holy bejabbles! This book series is absolutely amazing! Last year I read the first book and I immediately loved it. I had great expectations for the second one, and, let me tell you something, it did not disappoint! This is the perfect follow-up to Archibald's story. I could spend hours talking about how much I love these books and how passionate I am about them.
I really love the characters, and I adored meeting them again. I especially liked to see how much Archibald has grown, and how he is now able to make much better choices than before. I also loved the Faerydae-Hailey duo, and I think their chapters together are some of the most enjoyable in the book.
Another thing I must mention is THAT plot twist. WOW. I never saw it coming.
Once again, the illustrations by Zina Kostich are stunning and capture the essence of the story really well.
I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for the third book. I can't wait to go back to Lemurea!
This book series is perfect for fans of books like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. If you liked the first book —if you haven't read it yet, go read it ASAP, what are you waiting for?— I would totally recommend you to read this one.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so scary and I am an adult. I would not recommend for younger children. It gave me nightmares. He was a good book, but scariest children's book ever written.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an advance copy in return for my honest opinion.

Recommend only for those who love to be scared out of their minds.

Archibald came back from Book 1 expecting a normal life, but that didn't happen! He's got skills and experience and a way to get through troublesome times, and those talents are needed elsewhere and at home - he now sees things with new eyes and begins troubleshooting immediately.

In this adventure he meets up with his friends in Lemurea, and he partners up with his sister and Oliver, and with new members on the team it is a new game entirely. Traveling to Paris is part of the equation. . . .who doesn't love Paris???? Jump on board to see what happens next!

A Sincere Thank You to Michel Guyon, Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review. #ArchibaldFinchandtheCurseofthe Phoenix #NetGalley

Last year I read the first installment of the series and loved it. Thankfully the sequel was just as good. I loved following Archibald's adventures in this bone chilling and dark fantasy world. It's the type of middle grade made for people of any age, a more mature kind while still retaining that young feeling. My thanks to the publisher, the author and NetGalley foe tge opportunity to read and review this book!

Another great read in this series. I really quite enjoyed it. Great middle grade read for the kids and parents

Thank you Netgalley and Andrew McMeel for my copy.

This probably the darkest children book I ever read. Although the character is interesting and worldbuilding totally intriguing but I am sure this one not for everyone taste. The artwork is amazing.

It was scary, squirmy, and darn right yucky but a fun read. This book takes you into a dark realm that triggers nightmares for some kids. With a few chills and goosebumps here and there, this book would have its readers captivated and engrossed with its weird characters and horrific situations.