The first Wreathenwold book was one of my top reads last year, so I went into this one with high expectations and it didn't disappoint.
While the first book had it's creepy moments, I felt it leaned more towards the fantastical side than this second installment. This book was much heavier on the creepy imagery, even managing to make me, an adult, feel unsettled at times. However, there were still plenty of fantastical and whimsical elements to keep me happy.
Once again, we're led on a journey through the winding, labyrinthine world of Wreathenwold, but with a couple new additions to the traveling party. These characters really helped flesh out the emotional journey for Benjamiah and Elizabella, and I hope we see more of them.
Just like the first book, you won't be let go until you've shed a few tears. These books are, more than anything, about Benjamiah's journey to emotional maturity despite all the setbacks in his home life. The lessons are poignant and mean just as much to me as I believe they would to the intended middle grade audience.
I think these books are great for anyone, but especially those kids who have a love of Tim Burton movies. The imagery would be right up their alley.
I can't wait to see what's next for Benjamiah and Elizabella.

The Impossible Trials of Benjamiah Creek
by @jordanleesauthor

This world and this series truly mean EVERYTHING to me! It was so wonderful catching up with these characters and meeting new ones, seeing them face impossible danger and overcoming it with bravery and love, and discovering the immense value and sacredness of friendship and teamwork. These books are so beautifully written, so rich with world building, with the most unique ✨magic✨and animal-ish companions. I adore everything about this world. These books are such comfort reads for me. I can’t wait to have this one on my bookshelf with book 1. 💛

Thank you to @netgalley and @simonandschuster for the arc!
Pub date: 6/3/25

I absolutely ADORED The Labyrinth of Lost and Found, the first book, and the second book did not disappoint! Benjamiah finds himself in another mystery and high stakes with an old favorite friend Elizabella, but also some new friends. They find themselves in this new mystery that takes them on another adventure, with old friends, new friends, old foes and new foes. I love how the author mixes in our old favorites with some new soon to be favorites. Where the first book follows Elizabella being the main focus with her brother, in this sequel you find Benjamiah as the main focus with his friends supporting him against the odds stacked against him and them as well. I ABSOLUTELY cannot wait for the third book!