Chantress Alchemy: Chantress, Book 2
Sequel has less fantasy, less excitement, but more intrigue.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Chantress Alchemy picks up a few months after Chantress leaves off. There are fewer fantasy elements (no scary shadowgrims) and fewer ties to actual historical events. Blood is mentioned a few times, and a description of a magical vision includes spurting blood and violent slashing with a knife. There are a few ardent kisses that are described vaguely.
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What's the Story?
A few months after Lucy saves England and restores its rightful king, she's trying to live a quiet life far from palace politics. Because she's the only chantress left in the world, the king summons her back to his palace when the magical crucible needed to create the Philospher's Stone is stolen. But once she's inside the palace walls, she can no longer hear the music that gives her Wild Magic its power. She'll have to rely on her instincts and figure out who her real friends are to find the crucible in time to save the kingdom.
Is It Any Good?
CHANTRESS ALCHEMY takes a bit of a turn from some of the elements kids may have enjoyed about its predecessor, Chantress. Fantasy elements take a back seat as heroine Lucy, 17, is unable to use her magic for most of the story. The mystery of who stole the crucible and palace intrigue take the forefront here.
The writing is solid, and the events are well paced to hold the reader's interest, so kids who were entertained by Lucy's adventures in the first volume will enjoy finding out what happens next.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why fantasy books are so popular. Why do we enjoy them so much?
It's mentioned a few times that men fear women who have power. Do you think that's true? Which powerful women, historical or modern, can you think of? What makes them powerful? How were they treated by their societies?
The famous Harry Potter series starts out with a quest for the Philosopher's Stone. Are its magical properties the same in that series as in Chantress? Do the characters want it for the same reasons?
Book Details
- Author: Amy Butler Greenfield
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Friendship, Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
- Publication date: May 6, 2014
- Number of pages: 352
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: July 9, 2015
Our Editors Recommend
-
Chantress, Book 1
Strong heroine + exciting finish = fine tween/teen fantasy.
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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
First Potter video game is a high-flying romp.
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Splendors and Glooms
Dark, magical, Dickensian page-turner for tweens.
For kids who love fantasy and magic
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