FICTION

The Doldrums and the Helmsley Curse

illus. by Nicholas Gannon. 384p. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Nov. 2017. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780062320971; ebk. ISBN 9780062320995.
COPY ISBN
Gr 5–8—The Doldrums are back with another fast-paced and quirky adventure. Archer Helmsley is elated that his grandparents (once thought dead and floating away on an iceberg) are back safe and sound. The epic story of Ralph and Rachel Helmsley becomes international news, as does the story of how Archer and his friends risked their lives to find them. Not everyone believes their story, however, and their reputation as famous explorers comes into question. Archer teams up once again with his friends to prove that his grandparents are telling the truth. Fans of the previous installment will dive into this volume as many of the same elements are present, including eccentric characters, exciting action, eye-catching spot art, and full-page illustrations throughout. New readers will have no problem following along as sufficient backstory is provided.
VERDICT Fans of idiosyncratic fantasies, as well as the first book, will enjoy this treat.

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