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The Land of Stories: The Enchantress Returns

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Brief synopsis (no spoilers)
Alex and Conner Bailey have not been back to the magical Land of Stories since their adventures in The Wishing Spell ended. But one night, they learn the famed Enchantress has kidnapped their mother!

Against the will of their grandmother, the twins must find their own way into the Land of Stories to rescue their mother and save the fairy tale world from the greatest threat it's ever faced.

 Category: Children/Early Teen 

Why I chose this book - Fairy tales are some of my favorite stories and I enjoy modern retellings and spin-offs.

My personal opinion (the review)

 Things I enjoyed:
Now that the basic story has been set up in the first book, this second book has more ability to expand both in learning more about The Land of Stories itself, the people who live there, and about the heroine and hero, Alex and Conner, as well.

Just like in the first book we are able to follow Conner and Alex on their journey to collect items to create a magic item, but this time instead of collecting items from beloved Princess characters they collect items from the most hated storybook characters. Through this quest we are able to meet some storybook characters not previously mentioned and find out about who truly is evil and who is not.

This story also had quite the surprise ending that caught me off guard, though I think it fits in well with the story.  

Warnings (language, violence, "adult" situations, death, etc.) - None. 

Movie rating equivalent - PG

Protagonist description - Because Alex and Conner have been to the Land of Stories before (and because of their purpose for being there) they are able to take on more of a leadership, rather than a passive, role in this book. They are also able to diverge more and take separate paths rather than being connected and seen as one unit at all times. 

Point of view of story - Third Person

Book length- About a week.

Story flow -The continuity was good, no slow spots. 

Grammar and spelling issues - No

Character connection (no spoilers) - None. 

For series:
Independent or integral (stand-alone or back story dependent) 
Back story dependent.  

Series review as a whole
I have really enjoyed this series. You get to know what happens to your favorite princes and princesses after their individual stories have ended. Some of the events and people are a bit far fetched, but a do feel the author has done a good job weaving the characters together. Overall both the modern day kids and the storybook characters are quite believable.  

If you only have time for one, read: (which one) 
The Land of Stories - because it's the first one and gives all the background and introductory information. However, so far I have enjoyed the story of  the second book, The Enchantress Returns, best. 
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