This is a fast pace book that I think MG readers will definitely enjoy. I love that I'm getting a healthy short but some what long book. Just wish we had a little down time after action but definitely will be continuing this series. I want to know what happen

Sayantani DasGupta brings readers another exciting Series in secrets of the Sky. Packed with action and adventure, this book is a fast paced page turner.

Thank you NetGalley and Scholastic for the ARC.

Thanks to NetGalley & Scholastic for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book could have used more editing. It was incredibly fast-paced and formulaic, we kept bouncing from one action scene to another with no downtime for the protagonists to have their own personalities besides fighting each other. It definitely had potential and fun ideas but was just bogged down by a desire to be fast for kid readers but I'm not sure if they'd even like it with how it never spends the time to explain anything.

I discovered this author with her first book: The Serpent's Secret. This author is very creative and always offers us fast-paced energetic adventures filled with Bengali folklore. Her writing style is perfect for reluctant readers because the action starts on page one and there is always something happening until the very last one. Also good for readers who easily get distracted or bored. There is not a single boring moment with this author. We're always moving fast and sometimes I want more depth but it's ok. It becomes very entertaining and can be read in a day.

This is the first volume of a new series but the Chais Monster series is part of the same world as her other works so we are pulled from New Jersey into the magical kingdom of serpents, talking birds who say a lot of pun jokes, or pakkhiraj horses. The main characters often go through a period of disbelief in magic and denial, but then they join to save the day.

In this volume, we unveil part of the story of who the twins are, their family secrets, curses, and using magic to defeat evil. It's also very connected to environmental problems, focusing on saving the bees and fighting things such as pesticides as a balance for all.

Appropriate for young readers who like fast, satisfying episodic adventures.Can't wait for the next volume.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this Arc.

What worked:
Kinjal and Kiya are twins who frequently bicker as siblings tend to do. Kiya is seriously into science and is reluctant to believe anything she hasn’t seen or proven to exist. Kinjal is more imaginative and trusts his gut and inner voice more than his sister does. These personalities provide an interesting, amusing contrast when their dog disappears and flying horses show up. Kinjal learns that maybe he should pause and use his head before jumping to conclusions while Kiya learns that she may need to start trusting her brother’s instincts a bit more.
The twins’ parents are obviously keeping secrets so readers will wonder what they’re hiding. An old book hidden in the basement is full of old stories of fantastic creatures which provides a strong hint of what’s to come. However, mysteries surrounding their parents’ past go way beyond powerful beasts and untold stories as the twins slowly learn about their own hidden histories. Kinjal and Kiya are slow to accept strange abilities they seem to possess as it’s easier to believe something or someone else must be causing things to happen. The surprising incidents will have readers anxiously anticipating how things will turn out once the kids finally figure out the truth.
The plot has an environmental twist that is applicable to a real-world crisis. Bees are dying at an alarming rate and the consequences can be catastrophic. Plants need the insects for pollination and the pakkhiraj and other creatures in this book will eventually die without honey. The cause of dwindling bee populations isn’t always easy to figure out but the culprit in this plot is pretty clear. However, the characters at the root of the problem won’t willingly change their ways and the reasons behind their actions are a mystery. Kinjai and Kiya are on a quest to save the bees but nefarious characters are lurking that will complicate their efforts.
What didn’t work as well:
The transition from realistic to speculative fiction happens quickly which affects the “believability” of the backstory. The kids aren’t shocked by talking horses and Kinjal is the one who suggests they accompany the pakkhiraj back to their dimension. The sudden acceptance of the situation is too easy especially with Kiya not believing in magic!
The Final Verdict:
The overall plot is an innovative take on a familiar story template with the twins discovering their inner powers and family secrets. The focus on the importance of bees within nature is a new angle for middle-grade novels. The story lacks some detail and development so the pace should please young readers. It should appeal to nature and animal lovers and I recommend you give it a shot.