Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 04/01/2017 Gr 4–7—Xander and his friends return in the second installment of this series centered on the Japanese folklore legend of the Momotaro. Xander has learned that he is the descendant of an ancient warrior, and his newfound powers are creating an extreme amount of stress in his life. To make matters more complicated, his missing mother has returned after a long absence. Xander is not sleeping, and he must deal with evil creatures, the oni, trying to harm him at every turn. His father constantly demands that he train and be prepared. Xander's mother, whom he barely recognizes, is trying to reinsert herself into his life after many years of being away. But more than anything, his nightmares are starting to deeply frighten him. To combat this problem, Xander's grandmother gives him a special baku charm, which is supposed to ease his dreams by taking them away. Xander soon realizes that he has turned his world upside down by using the baku foolishly. Thus begins a new adventure for Xander, who must save his family and friends. Dilloway's research into Japanese folklore, the well-crafted characters, and the setting make this fast-paced tale perfect for fans of Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson" and Jennifer Nielsen's "Mark of the Thief" series. VERDICT Readers will eagerly anticipate the next volume. Purchase where mythology-based adventures are popular.—William Anderson, Scott County Public Library, IN - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 05/15/2017 This sequel to Momotaro: Xander and the Lost Island of Monsters (2016) begins on the heels of Xander Miyamoto learning he’s the new Momotaro, a demon-fighting warrior. He should be thrilled, but his powers have waned, he’s plagued by nightmares, and his long-absent mother has returned without warning. Xander’s grandmother gives him a baku (special charm) to help fight the nightmares, cautioning him not to use it unless absolutely necessary, for misuse causes the theft of dreams. Signs reveal that Xander’s use of the baku could open the door for oni (monsters) and their king to cause mass destruction in the world. It’s up to Xander and his friends Peyton and Jinx to step into a dangerous dream world where they encounter fantastic beasts, the Angry Lord of Light, and a host of physical challenges. Xander is forced to make hard choices and discover whether he’s true hero material. Lessons are learned—some the hard way—but perhaps the most important are sacrifice, selflessness, and that words and imagination do have power. - Copyright 2017 Booklist.