ONCE A CASTLE (BOOK 2 IN THE CARRICK HALL SERIES)

ONCE A CASTLE (BOOK 2 IN THE CARRICK HALL SERIES) by Sarah Arthur

Once a Castle is the second book in the Carrick Hall Series. Following on the heels of Once a Queen, Once a Castle definitely has a Magician's Nephew ( get ready to meet a Jadis-esque enchantress that wants to rule the country of Ternival) and A Wrinkle in Time vibe to it. Following some of the same characters from Once a Castle who are trying to free Ternival from Mindra, the enchantress, the goal is to keep Mindra from reuniting the crown of old with its stones, but every time someone gets close to her, they disappear. Encased within the story, Arthur digs into tough topics such as the prejudice one family is facing in the village surrounding Carrick Hall ( this family holds a secret from the past that is part of the answer to freeing Ternival from Mindra). She also brings a character into the story that struggles with dyslexia. Overall, Once a Castle successfully carries on the excitement and adventure that began in Book One. This series continues to be a squeaky clean option for our YAers. Book three, Once a Crown, is currently in the works.

HEADS UP- Just like in Book One, there is an element of magic involved in the story. This magic is comparable to what is found in the Narnia series.