The Forever Court (Knights of the Borrowed Dark #2)

Gr 5-8--The second volume in the trilogy picks up with 13-year-old hero Denizen Hardwick visiting the court of the Endless King. The King would like to thank Denizen for his heroic endeavors, which saved his daughter in the previous book. It's especially monumental that Denizen accomplished this feat since he has only just learned of his special powers and knightly prowess. Growing stronger in his newfound ability, he has become part of a family in the motley crew of knights who are also in training. Denizen's mom gives the knights a strict education. He questions why his mother chose to avenge his father's death, abandon her son, and allow Denizen to believe he was an orphan (he recently realized that she is still alive). The narrative echoes the first title with its engaging mix of fantasy, suspense, strange creatures, and courtly drama. A violent battle ensues with members of the Forever Court, and an interesting wrinkle is introduced when the knights discover another order of warriors--the Croits. Unlike Denizen and his cohorts, the Croits support the dark and will stop at nothing to bring shadows back to power. VERDICT An absorbing continuation of an epic tale of knights, odd creatures, and battles between good and evil. Hand to fans of John Flanagan's "Ranger's Apprentice" series.--Julie Shatterly, W.A. Bess Elementary School, Gastonia, NC

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Praise for Book One in the Knights of the Borrowed Dark trilogy:

"Scary and funny—my two favorites. Dave Rudden is more than a rising star; he is a shooting star." —Eoin Colfer, New York Times bestselling author of the Artemis Fowl series

"Like the Percy Jackson series, the Hunger Games, or the Shiver trilogy, Knights of the Borrowed Dark is dark and compelling, and builds an addictive universe of characters, high stakes, and evocative imagery." —Jeffrey Cranor, New York Times bestselling coauthor of Welcome to Night Vale

"Dave Rudden has a way with words, a way with story, and a way with characters. Clear some time in your schedule before you read this, because once you start, it is very difficult to stop." —Joseph Fink, New York Times bestselling coauthor of Welcome to Night Vale