CAMERON BATTLE AND THE ESCAPE TRIALS

Cameron Battle returns to Chidani for some unfinished business.

Cameron and his closest friends, Zion and Aliyah, are now seventh graders. But Cameron is too focused on saving his mother and learning what happened to his father to concentrate on school. Desperate to get back to Chidani, despite his grandma’s telling him to wait, Cameron decides to develop a plan to go back and seek the resolution he needs. While trying to assemble clues and information from The Book of Chidani to devise said plan, Cameron also has to deal with Vince, a bully at his new school, as well as growing romantic feelings for Zion. Cameron learns from the Book that Descendants like him have special abilities. This makes him eager to uncover and tap into his own powers, which he hopes will help him defeat those intent on harming those he loves. Before he can accomplish this, however, Cameron and his friends get pulled through a portal back to Chidani—along with Vince, who is in need of rescue. The three friends now have to figure out how to face and, if necessary, conquer gods with their own agendas, one of whom is still set on waging war. Perry continues Cameron’s emotional journey of discovery and growth in a work centering Black characters that, thanks to previously established worldbuilding details, flows well and has clearly defined characters. Readers should be familiar with the first volume to fully appreciate this one.

A sentimental, action-filled fantasy.