Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Spooky mystery sequel keeps up thrills and chills.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
SERAFINA AND THE TWISTED STAFF picks up three weeks after the death of the man in the black cloak. During her nighttime rambles, Serafina notices that many animals are leaving the forest surrounding the Biltmore estate where she lives. A terrible evil is on the way and may in fact already be working its way inside the Biltmore mansion itself. Now that everyone knows about her and she's able to move freely about the mansion, she's determined to find out what the mysterious Detective Grathan has to do with the animals that have been swarming and attacking, the identity of the feral boy who saved her life, and hopefully even the truth about why her mother insists she'll be safe at Biltmore.
Is It Any Good?
Big-kid and tween fans of the supernatural will enjoy the continuing chills and excitement of Serafina's adventures, especially those who like a bit of fantasy mixed with thrilling mystery. Although it's a sequel, Serafina and the Twisted Staff stands well on its own and can easily be followed and understood if you haven't read the first book. Author Robert Beatty's excellent descriptions bring the mysterious, otherworldly atmosphere of the Carolina mountains to life.
Some of the dialogue and descriptions of action are a little clunky, but readers in the target age group probably won't mind and will be able to pick up the clues and follow the action sequences easily. The finish is exciting and satisfying but leaves a tiny door open for further mystery and adventure that fans would no doubt be eager to read.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how scary Serafina and the Twisted Staff is. Were there any parts that were too scary? What makes you feel better when something scares you?
Did you read Serafina and the Black Cloak? Did you like this book as much? Why, or why not?
Serafina learns that she can be wild sometimes and tame sometimes and that she doesn't have to choose only one way to be. Do you think she's right? Are there things you like that seem like opposites?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals ) , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship , History
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Disney-Hyperion
- Publication date : July 12, 2016
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 384
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : December 4, 2025
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