  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 07/01/2016 Gr 5–8—Magoon immediately draws readers into the world of 12-year-old Robyn Loxley, who establishes her leadership in the rebellion against evil despot Ignomus Crown. Readers do not need to be familiar with book 1, but the story will be more satisfying for fans of the first novel. Robyn and her band of thieves have found a way to infiltrate Castle District by entering the Iron Teen competition. A fancy dinner at the governor's mansion awaits the winning finalists, and Robyn is certain she can win. But they will need to successfully break out the political prisoners locked inside the mansion, including Robyn's mom, to overthrow Crown's oppressive government. Readers see Robyn mature and grow as the leader of the rebellion. Robyn is at the helm of the battle to bring back justice to Nott City, but her struggle is internal as well. The heroine is starting to understand that she's part of something greater than herself and learning how to share the heaviness of her responsibility by counting on others. Woven throughout are themes about social justice and personal integrity. The diverse cast of characters and familial traditions connected to cultural heritage add complexity and appeal. Magoon's writing exemplifies the best in what readers and educators seek in diversity in children's literature. VERDICT A satisfying and nuanced follow-up to this hit series. Readers will anxiously anticipate the next installment.—Lettycia Terrones, California State University, Pollak Library, Fullerton, CA - Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 08/01/2016 In this fast-paced and diversely cast sequel to Shadows of Sherwood (2015), Magoon picks up right where she left off. Crown is after young Robyn Hoodlum, papering the town with her likeness in the form of Wanted posters. But Robyn’s as crafty and ingenious as ever, and with the support of her pals, she nimbly escapes detection. Still yearning to find her parents, Robyn hatches a new plan: to enter the Iron Teen competition as Roberta Calzone—OK, she could’ve spent a little more time on her alias—and infiltrate the governor’s castle. “Roberta” and Sheriff Mallet’s game of cat and mouse leads to unexpected results, clearly setting up for a third title in the series. With short chapters and easy-to-digest prose, this title remains a perfect fit for reluctant readers in search of the next high-octane adventure series. Permeating the adventure is Robyn’s strengthening sense of how many people are counting on her and the subsequent pressure. Fans of the first title will be eager for this one, only to devour it and crave the next. - Copyright 2016 Booklist. Loading...
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