"The characterization is solid, and the powerful imagery that made the first installment such a success is more consistent here. Readers who enjoyed the first novel will not be disappointed in this continuation and will anxiously await the next exciting adventure... Eerie gothic imagery, a ferociously scrappy heroine, and an elegant setting combine seamlessly to create a captivating mystery that will be well received by fans."—School Library Journal
*"Beatty continues to build a fascinating magical world, the Blue Ridge Mountains and Biltmore Estate developing beyond mere settings into characters themselves. Each place reveals history and clues to Serafina's life and those of other gifted, mysterious beings. Even better than its predecessor, a sequel that delivers nonstop thrills from beginning to end."—Kirkus, starred review
PRAISE FOR SERAFINA AND THE BLACK CLOAK
"An entrancing historical, mystery thriller, Beatty tells the story through Serafina's searching and inner dialogue. A finely detailed setting, strong characterization, rich foreshadowing, and haunting imagery, all work to build suspense throughout."—SLC
PRAISE FOR SERAFINA AND THE BLACK CLOAK
"Beatty spins an enchanting mystery through lonely Serafina's golden eyes... Each new clue adds another brush stroke to this keenly perceptive portrait of a young girl searching for answers about herself and the world around her. The book leaves readers satisfied with the plot but hungry for more about its unusual heroine. Adults and children will eagerly follow Serafina from the basement into a world of self-discovery, justice, and new friendships."—Kirkus
PRAISE FOR SERAFINA AND THE BLACK CLOAK
"Serafina narrates with an engaging voice that draws the reader into her world. The setting is just as engaging: the Biltmore drips with opulence and the surrounding forest with sufficient eeriness... Serafina has enough mystery and fantasy (with a fair amount of creepiness) to satisfy young readers."—Historical Novel Society
PRAISE FOR SERAFINA AND THE BLACK CLOAK
"Serafina's quest to understand herself and her unknown family history, along with some truly creepy moments and imagery... makes for an eerie historical mystery."—Publishers Weekly
PRAISE FOR SERAFINA AND THE BLACK CLOAK
"The chills and adventure will... surely please."—Booklist
PRAISE FOR SERAFINA AND THE BLACK CLOAK
"The story drips with suspense, wrapping readers in to the narrative just as easily as the man in the black cloak binds his young victims. Serafina's friendship with Braeden is heartfelt and believable... mystery fans will enjoy this book... A creepy, suspenseful read."—School Library Journal
PRAISE FOR SERAFINA AND THE BLACK CLOAK
"The vast estate with a haunted past and a creepy present makes for an atmospheric setting, and Serafina's multiple narrow escapes from her enemy are absolutely thrilling. Serafina herself is an enchanting heroine, brave and determined, and her attraction to the dark forest adds another layer of suspense and mystery."—BCCB
Looking for a gift for your favorite bookworm—or a gift to reward yourself after a long day of holiday prep? There’s something for every fiction lover on the list below, from picture books to share at bedtime, to wonderful chapter books to tuck into a backpack, to teen reads both moving and magical, to some […]
The holidays are the perfect time to reflect on the many wonderful books that the year has brought us—and to make sure that we (and our loved ones) haven’t missed out on any of the ones on our to-be-read lists! This year saw new standalone titles (and series!) from such heavy-hitters as Rick Riordan, J. K. Rowling, […]
Loving summer so far? Make sure your kiddos continue having a blast by keeping their bookshelves fully stocked. July brings with it some amazing additions to much-loved series, like J.K. Rowling’s highly anticipated Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – Parts I & II, the fifth book in Chris Colfer’s The Land of Stories series, […]
Robert Beatty’s Serafina and the Twisted Staff pits a most unusual girl against a horrible and powerful magic in the sequel to the enchanting Serafina and the Black Cloak.