Darkbeast Rebellion(Book#2) by Morgan Keyes –ADVISABLE

Keyes, Morgan Darkbeast Rebellion (Book #2) 352 pgs. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2014. $7.99 Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G Violence: G.

After a terrible betrayal Keara and her darkbeast, a crow named Caw are on the run from the dreaded Inquisitors. With them are elderly Taggart and his grandson Goran, and their darkbeasts as well. Because the three of them did not kill their companion darkbeasts on their 12^th birthday, as the rules of the land require, the Inquisitors will always be after them. The trio hope to find a group of rebels, called Darkers, who also disobeyed this law, and join them in hiding. But its winter and they are out of food and out of energy.
I thought this was a great second book in a series. The society is well constructed, so it really has a unique feel. The dangers are real enough that it gives the plot weight and consequence. It can be dark at times, so keep it for upper grades only, despite the draw the cover has for younger students.
EL, MS -ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.