This second book in the Underworld Chronicles picks up where Elliot and the Goblin War (2010) left off.
As the melodramatic narrator might say, woe unto those who have not read the first title in the series, because they will often encounter characters or story references that they know little to nothing about. Elliot, King of the Brownies, struggles to balance working with hypercompetitive science-project partner Cami and hosting former nemesis Tubs Lawless, “his least favorite former bully” for a sleepover. All goes awry from the beginning, as Elliot is threatened by bumbling Harold the Shapeshifter and “totally” television-obsessed Pixie Fidget Spitfly to release Grissel the Goblin from Brownie jail. Nielsen cleverly keeps the action and humor flowing from one silly obstacle to the next as Elliot tries to meet the demands of the angry Pixies. This quickly addictive page-turner also entices readers with many sensory details, such as tenacious Gripping Mud, surprisingly tasty turnip juice and a tingly invisibility potion gone wrong. Along the journey to broker peace among the Pixies, Fairies and Brownies of the underworld, Elliot learns how to navigate some difficult relationships and appreciate the better qualities in unlikely allies.
Definitely a series to invest in for those who prefer their fantasy a bit light. (Fantasy. 9-12)
