Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Oz meets Camelot in wacky, poignant quest for Excalibur.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Filomena Jefferson-Cho, 12, of North Pasadena in the mortal world, aka Queen Eliana of Westphalia in the world of Never After, returns to the magical world in a desperate quest for THE MISSING SWORD—Excalibur. It's the only thing that can save Filomena's dying mom, who's been poisoned by Olga the ogress. Her friends, aka the League of Seven, are not about to let her face this alone, and they're soon on an adventure in a world where Oz meets Camelot and, once again, familiar characters appear in new and different forms. Soon, they face the Witch of the East in battle and meet the good Witch of the North (named Gita and wearing a sparkly hijab). Fortunately, Filomena and Jack are now officially in love. Unfortunately, some hard partings loom as it becomes harder for various friends to live in two worlds. Once again, the story ends with a cliffhanger ending that sets up the next volume.
Is It Any Good?
The dauntless League of Seven races to Camelot—or is it Oz?—to find Excalibur, the only thing that will save 12-year-old Filomena's dying mom from a murderous ogress bent on world domination. Young love is in bloom, but the quest for The Missing Sword is front and center as our heroes slay the Witch of the East, take the ruby slippers, and try to make sense of it all. Melissa de la Cruz delivers the expected adventure and takes her young characters through perilous, poignant, and hilarious moments en route to a conclusion that sets up a cosmic conflict and an impossible choice in the next book.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stories, like The Missing Sword, that involve characters from tales we know and love—only different. How do you like the way the Never After series presents new versions of familiar characters and stories? What other stories do you think do this well?
Early on Filomena is swamped with scary (and false) visions, like her dying mom crying out for her, and her friends talking bad about her, in an attempt to make her give up her quest. Have you ever had times when everything seemed hopeless and there was nothing to do but give up—but like Filomena, you persevered and kept going anyway? What happened?
If you found yourself able to live in the world of your favorite story, would you do it? Do you see any problems?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Book Characters , Fantasy ( Fairy Tales ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Roaring Brook Press
- Publication date : December 5, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 14
- Number of pages : 369
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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