The first book, A Tale of Two Castles, was alright - I can't even say that I remember much about it though. I enjoyed this sequel far less: that is to say, I didn't enjoy it all. It lacked that vital essence that I love in some of Gail Carson Levine's other, earlier books: Ella Enchanted, Fairest, and The Two Princesses of Bamarre. Oh well. ( )

This is one of those books I would not have enjoyed nearly as much in print, or with a less effective narrator. She brought all the characters to distinctive life.

The same is true of its prequel [b:A Tale of Two Castles|9466032|A Tale of Two Castles (A Tale of Two Castles, #1)|Gail Carson Levine|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1290214639s/9466032.jpg|14351060]. Both are good stories about a girl who learns to "induce, deduce, and use common sense" to solve mysteries against a distinctive and nicely realised fantasy world. ( )

Lodie is back with her dragon Masteress and her friend His Lordship Ogre. Together they solve a mystery and rescue villagers in danger and realize the depth of their friendship for each other. Lodie is a fun character and it is interesting to watch her use logic and acting. The narration was really good. ( )

Stolen Magic is the sequel to A Tale of Two Castles by Gail Carson Levine. It's the continuing story of Elodie, a small-town girl, living in a lonely world, who took a daytime boat going anywhere. Well, specifically she took a boat to the town of Two Castles. There she met a giant, became the assistant to a dragon, made friends with a princess, and solved a mystery. Not a bad beginning for a small-town girl. Now she's on another adventure with Count Jonty Um ( the giant) and Meenore (the dragon aka her boss). They're headed back to Elodie's homeland, but before they get there they learn that her island is in terrible danger. A statue that keeps the island's deadly volcano at bay has been stolen. And it's up to the trio to figure out who did it to save everyone including themselves.

I really enjoyed reading A Tale of Two Castles, but Stolen Magic didn't quite meet up to my expectations. I didn't really enjoy the story line as I did the first book. However, the characters seemed to blossom a little bit more. Elodie, Meenore, and Jaunty Um's friendship deepened, and Elodie started to come more into her own.

I'm not sure if there's a third book in the works, but I wouldn't mind it if there was. I do like Elodie. She's embraces her future, and seems to know what she wants despite what is expected of her. Overall, I liked it, but didn't love it. If you've read the first book, you'll want to read this book as well.

Read more at http://www.toreadornottoread.net/2015/08/review-stolen-magic.html#y5g1xKZQoY7ll8... ( )

Elodie, the dragon Masteress Meenore, and the ogre Count Jonty Um are on their way to visit Elodie's home on the island of Lahnt, but before they can reach the farmhouse, they learn that a sacred artifact has been stolen -- and if it's not returned within three days, there's likely to be a volcanic eruption, endangering hundreds of people. Finding missing items is Masteress Meenore's specialty, and as It's apprentice, Elodie has already proven that she has some skills in that area, as well -- but it will take all of the wit and cunning Elodie and her companions can muster in order to discover the thief in time to avert disaster.

This is a solid fantasy with a nice interweaving of mystery. I did not realize that it was a sequel when I picked it up, though I actually read A Tale of Two Castles back when it first came out. It's been a while since then, and my memory of that book is hazy at best, but I didn't feel like I was missing much. So, I'm comfortable in saying that you could read this book as a stand-alone without feeling too lost. It's of a similar quality to other books by the same author -- enjoyable, but not phenomenal. Readers who like other books by Levine will probably like this one, as well. ( )