The Last Fallen Moon: Gifted Clans, Book 2
By JK Sooja,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Solid but not-as-powerful sequel lacks emotional stakes.
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What's the Story?
In THE LAST FALLEN MOON: GIFTED CLANS, BOOK 2, Riley Oh must once again save the world, only this time, she doesn't exactly know what she's saving it from. After vanquishing the Cave Bear Goddess (in Book 1), life didn't simply return to normal. Instead, the Gom clan lost their ability to do magic, and they blame Riley for it. Can she make things right again? Even if she has to go to hell to do it?
Is It Any Good?
This second installment of the Gifted Clan series doesn't quite match the magic of its predecessor. It begins right after the first, but The Last Fallen Moon: Gifted Clans, Book 2 doesn't have as strong a place to go. It doesn't have as much emotional weight and the stakes aren't as high, and while dangerous problems to solve abound, the lack of a real threat dampens the proceedings. Unlike the first book, there isn't that much actual magic that happens, either. With little bursts of action, lots of time is spent world-building and establishing characters. New character Dahl is a welcome addition, but he didn't end up having as much to do as his introduction seemed to indicate.
Some of the first half meanders a bit before discovering an intriguing mystery, but the second half doesn't quite stick the landing. The villain behind everything is vague, it feels like Riley and friends are simply going around picking up the pieces of the aftermath of the first book, and Riley's friends making a "love potion" (to make someone fall in love with someone else) is treated lightly and comically but may feel cringe to some. There's a sense that whatever happens in this second book is only preamble to the real threat that will appear in the third. But it does set up an exciting next installment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Korean culture is used to inspire the realm of the afterlife, heaven, and hell in The Last Fallen Moon: Gifted Clans, Book 2. For instance, what do you think about the seven layers of hell?
if you red the first book in the series, did you like this sequel as much? Why or why not?
What do you think is the moral of this story?
Book Details
- Author: Graci Kim
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Adventures , Brothers and Sisters
- Character Strengths: Compassion , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
- Publication date: June 14, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 10 - 14
- Number of pages: 384
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: July 7, 2022
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