S.W. Lothian – Author

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It’s been a few years since I read the first book in this series. Somehow this one slipped into my TBR and only recently saw the light of day. But as I read it, memories of the first book came back to me, giving me some background (although missing parts, I’m sure) on the story and characters.

A little back story to help you along. Tommy Black is a young teen who has discovered that his parents were not what they seemed, and that he has a legacy that he just cannot ignore. In the first book, Tommy Black and the Staff of Light, Amazon describes it as:

“New York. 1938. Living in the quiet apartment of his overprotective grandfather, fourteen-year-old Tommy Black knows little about a world on the brink of war. But when he and his grandfather are attacked by ominous shadow creatures on a Saturday afternoon walk, Tommy learns not just about the trouble in Europe, but that magic exists, his grandfather is a great Archmage, and he is heir to his grandfather’s magical staff–a staff he has no idea how to control.”

So book 1 focuses on Tommy coming to terms with his newfound heritage and learning how to master the Staff of Light.

Now onto book 2. Tommy has spent a couple of years mastering his newfound talents and is desperate to ‘reshape his family’s legacy’ and to continue his work to free the magical creatures that have been enslaved by the world. Tommy is a very likable hero. He seems genuine and not caught up in selfish endeavors just to better his own comfort.

This book is about growing and moving through challenges. Tommy’s intentions are noble, but he needs to deal with the remnants of some fractured relationships from the first book. These are the first steps toward realizing his overall goal. He reunites with Naomi, and its the discoveries they make about themselves and each other that shape the path they take. Both characters are done well. They have their own strengths and weaknesses to deal with and work hard to find a balance. The author has done a great job and from the reviews I have read, it has gleaned similar thoughts from other readers.

As I write this review I have found there are only 2 books in this series. That surprises me, as I think there are definitely more stories to tell. I hadn’t thought that this second book was the end. I felt the story was still incomplete and left open for more. If this is the last of the series, then I’m a little disappointed, as I would like to have read more on the adventures of Tommy and Naomi.

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A nicely done story of a teenage boy learning to deal with a life that is full of surprises. Tommy Black is hero with heart and friends that are loyal and brave. Recommended for MG fans that like to be lost in magic and mystery.

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