The Inkwell Chronicles: Race to Krakatoa, Book 2 - by J D Peabody

“Wait. Are you saying you were inside the book?” Bea asks Everett in J.D. Peabody’s children’s book, The Inkwell Chronicles: Race to Krakatoa. ~ What ~ The second book in the series, this three-hundred-and-sixty-eight-page hardbound with a jacket cover targets children ages eight to twelve years old. Set in various parts of the world, it is the adventures of a brother and sister and how they learn about good and evil while understanding responsibility and courage being Inklings. A few scenes of nightmares, kidnapping, and physical abuse may not be appropriate for immature readers. In this continuing tale with several prior characters from the first book involved, Everett and his younger sister, Bea, are back with their father. When Everett somehow goes inside books and returns with mysterious objects, the siblings try to figure out why. After a new substance called Inkanto is found, it becomes a race to several continents to keep it contained and safe from devious villains. ~ Why ~ Similar to the first book, this one is fast paced as the protagonists travel from England to Italy, Africa, India, and the island of Anak Krakatoa to find more. It was interesting to read about Leap Reading, flying pigeons, muribles, beetle worms, bats, swamp dragons, and the bathyscaphe. Adding iconic books throughout the story was creative as was weaving historical places such as the Pantheon and a volcano. ~ Why Not ~ Those who do not care for fantasies that include both evil and good characters may pass on this series. Some may not like the chapters involving nightmares, being trapped, or attacked, but they are short. This book has complicated wording so would not work for some young readers. ~ Wish ~ While the story included interesting past characters such as Dot, Osgood, Mrs. Crimp, Dud, and Oafie, the new ones were many, so a list of them might be helpful at the beginning of the book. I found going to too many countries complicated and confusing. ~ Want ~ If you are looking for the next book in a sci-fi fantasy series for middle-school-aged kids, this one about world-traveling Inklings may work, but I found it a bit too disjointed. Thanks to Hachette Book Group, WorthyKids, and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review. Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars