The Shadow Guard by J.D. Vaughan - ADVISABLE

Vaughn, J.D. The Shadow Guard (Second Guard #2), 303 pages.  Disney, 2016.  $17.  Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG-13 (fighting matches like mixed martial arts).

After saving Tequende from the invaders, Brindl and her friends are removed from the Second Guard and taken to work in the palace for the Princess.  Brindle spends her days with the message birds with little human contact.  Even Zarif, who used to be close, has become distant.  When two different groups approach Brindl about keeping her eyes and ears open for betrayal, however, she is dragged right back into a new intrigue.  The first betrayal is not the last – the Queen herself is not immune to sweet words and promises.

Though not as exciting as the first in the series, this is a solid second offering.  Once the new circumstances have been established, the ending itself is quite exciting and involved.  I had no idea this was going to be a series, so a second book was a nice surprise. 

MS, HS – ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Library Teacher