"This is a fast moving fantasy novel which will be enjoyed by readers of varying skill levels. A great deal of backstory is conveyed through the story element of the “fog of forgetting” which causes the children to forget what has happened in Ayda upon leaving, allowing readers new to the series to begin at the second book and still leap fully into the story. Much of the world-building occurs in the first book in the series, but readers of the first book will particularly appreciate the character growth afforded the young protagonists in this second volume. This vivid fantasy is particularly recommended for middle grade readers who enjoyed Suzanne Collins’s Gregor the Overlander (Scholastic, 2004/VOYA October 2003)." —Sherrie Williams, VOYA Magazine
"Morgan's ambitious plot ties up loose ends from Book 1 while creating additional tangles as it delves deeper into the power struggle on Ayda. . . This is a strong-boned story that is full of adventure and worldbuilding, and it neatly avoids middle-book syndrome. An adventure suffused with philosophical offerings that will appeal to readers who enjoy rich fantasy." —Kirkus Reviews
"It is a welcome reminder that within childhood, endless possibilities for magic and bravery exist in worlds shared only between children . . . Ayda is not so different from Narnia, nor are the caves on the coast different from the magical wardrobe. Magic and fantasy, according to this author, are where you look for them." —Maine Sunday Telegram
