Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Friendship and family in Paris in exciting, creepy sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
With the events of The Cabinet of Earths behind her, Berkeley kid Maya Davidson is finally starting to settle into her family's new life in Paris. Unfortunately, things don't stay peaceful for long: Strange things are happening around the city, starting with the unexplained hole that appears in the wall of her friend Valko's home, the Bulgarian embassy, and the sudden arrival of a pair of gargoyles and their beautiful egg. On her 13th birthday, Maya receives a mysterious letter suggesting that her supposedly vanquished evil uncle has put her under a spell to restore his life at the cost of her own. Adding to the grief, Valko's terrifying grandmother is about to take him back to live in Bulgaria to get in touch with his roots. And Maya's mother, a cancer survivor, keeps getting sick.
Is It Any Good?
With most of the world-building dealt with in the first book, this one gets on with the story, with a fast-moving tale that's sometimes funny, sometimes scary, and always emotionally real. The characters and their problems are engaging, surprising plot developments abound, and frequent forays into the attractions of Paris will whet the appetites of many future travelers. This is a textured, exciting venture.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about magic and fantasy. Why do you think stories of magical forces in today's world are so popular? How do Maya's adventures compare with other stories you've read?
Have you been to Paris or Bulgaria? Does reading this story make you want to visit those places?
Maya spends a lot of time worrying about her mother's health. Do you know any kids whose parents are seriously ill? How does this affect the kids?
Do you think Maya makes the right choice about using her powers?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Harper
- Publication date : May 14, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 368
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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