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Plotting the Stars #2
Plotting the Stars 2: Seagarden
Forced to hide her new-found magic or risk imprisonment or worse, Myra enrolls in an interplanetary academy exchange program to dig up more about the government’s many conspiracies, but instead uproots even darker secrets that could drown everything she’s grown to trust. The second book in the searing STEAM-inspired Plotting the Stars middle grade series perfect for fans of The City of Ember and Divergent.
Revolution is watered with sweat and tears.
As Myra Hodger begins her second year at the elite Scientific Lunar Academy of Magic, she should be happy. Her days of faking Number Whisperer magic are over, and she has friends she can trust with the secret of her Botan abilities. But that doesn’t mean she’s through pretending to be someone she’s not. Mourning Bernie and the incredible Moongarden they cultivated together, she feels like she’s losing herself just when she found the thing that made her feel whole. She’s given a seed of hope when she runs into a teen Rep in the hallway who looks eerily familiar. But irritable Bernard, controlled by his Rep implant, is nothing like her beloved Bernie.
With the continuing interplanetary food crisis conspiracy, an anonymous tip about a community of free Reps who might be able to help save Bernard, and the hunt for more information about what really happened to the banished Botans, all routes seem to point to Venus, and an exchange program with the Vesuvian Academy of Magical Arts might provide Myra and her friends the cover they need to unearth the answers they seek.
Or it might widen the cracks already forming among them, releasing a flood of consequences that could wash away all they’ve worked so hard to grow.
The second book in the Plotting the Stars series, Seagarden blossoms with unexpected twists and heartbreaking revelations, underpinned by climate change warnings and a determination to fight against the status quo.
Revolution is watered with sweat and tears.
As Myra Hodger begins her second year at the elite Scientific Lunar Academy of Magic, she should be happy. Her days of faking Number Whisperer magic are over, and she has friends she can trust with the secret of her Botan abilities. But that doesn’t mean she’s through pretending to be someone she’s not. Mourning Bernie and the incredible Moongarden they cultivated together, she feels like she’s losing herself just when she found the thing that made her feel whole. She’s given a seed of hope when she runs into a teen Rep in the hallway who looks eerily familiar. But irritable Bernard, controlled by his Rep implant, is nothing like her beloved Bernie.
With the continuing interplanetary food crisis conspiracy, an anonymous tip about a community of free Reps who might be able to help save Bernard, and the hunt for more information about what really happened to the banished Botans, all routes seem to point to Venus, and an exchange program with the Vesuvian Academy of Magical Arts might provide Myra and her friends the cover they need to unearth the answers they seek.
Or it might widen the cracks already forming among them, releasing a flood of consequences that could wash away all they’ve worked so hard to grow.
The second book in the Plotting the Stars series, Seagarden blossoms with unexpected twists and heartbreaking revelations, underpinned by climate change warnings and a determination to fight against the status quo.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published October 3, 2023
9 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
Michelle A. Barry
4 books79 followersMichelle A. Barry grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts, and was later cajoled over the border into Connecticut by her future husband. She has worked as a newspaper reporter, freelance writer and editor, and marketing professional. She currently lives in Connecticut with her charming husband and their two delightful children. Moongarden is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 4, 2024
The first book in this series was a wonderful and touching retelling of the Secret Garden, one of my favorite stories of all time. I loved everything about that book. The setting, the characters, the science fiction elements, the school elements, the magic. I was therefore really curious about this sequel. It took a while before the book arrived, even though I pre-ordered it, and this weekend it was finally time to dive in.
For some reason this book didn't touch and grab me as much as the first book. It's hard to explain why. I think it's firstly because it takes a long time before the main plot picks up. Since our heroes are moving to Venus in this book there is a lot of world building first. I understand that it was fun to write and I guess a lot of kids might really enjoy it too, but I was just impatiently waiting until we were finally going to meet up with the resistance.
And while the first part of this book was filled with world building and little to no progress when it comes to the main plot, the finale felt a little rushed. Everything was happening incredibly fast all of a sudden. The characters were traveling from Venus to Mercury and we left Mercury within a few chapters again. I personally would have liked it if the first half had been a little less long and the second half had been a little longer.
However, I did enjoy the characters in this novel. They're kids and they're allowed to be kids. They mess up, they make mistakes, they hurt each other without always realizing and knowing, they don't always communicate when they should and they do sometimes scream and yell when that's anything but productive. And that makes them real, relatable and lovely heroes for a middle grade. They still have room to grow and learn and I'm curious to see what will happen to them in the next book.
For some reason this book didn't touch and grab me as much as the first book. It's hard to explain why. I think it's firstly because it takes a long time before the main plot picks up. Since our heroes are moving to Venus in this book there is a lot of world building first. I understand that it was fun to write and I guess a lot of kids might really enjoy it too, but I was just impatiently waiting until we were finally going to meet up with the resistance.
And while the first part of this book was filled with world building and little to no progress when it comes to the main plot, the finale felt a little rushed. Everything was happening incredibly fast all of a sudden. The characters were traveling from Venus to Mercury and we left Mercury within a few chapters again. I personally would have liked it if the first half had been a little less long and the second half had been a little longer.
However, I did enjoy the characters in this novel. They're kids and they're allowed to be kids. They mess up, they make mistakes, they hurt each other without always realizing and knowing, they don't always communicate when they should and they do sometimes scream and yell when that's anything but productive. And that makes them real, relatable and lovely heroes for a middle grade. They still have room to grow and learn and I'm curious to see what will happen to them in the next book.
June 9, 2025
This series needs more attention. It is so good.
March 27, 2025
Well this series has managed to do it again. Annoy me for just enough of the book that I think I'm gonna DNF, and then give me a flash bang ending that makes me want to keep reading. That feeling of annoyance was around for significantly longer this time around, though. The first book, it was mostly because I was wanting more Secret Garden elements in this story. This time, however, the majority of this book is Myra being on her own because she didn't want to join Canter and Lila's new friend group, so they're vaguely "fighting" for most of the book, and because of that, Canter and Lila are gone for a significant portion of this. And as someone who usually does not care if a plotline gets "recycled," the majority of this book felt like a rehashing of the first book but with a new untrustworthy cast. Myra is alone, needs friends, finds/creates a secret garden, has to redevelop her powers because they're not working at the beginning of the book. It sounds like the third book is going to be completely different, though, and I'm hoping that our trio gets reunited soon.
April 18, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
October 4, 2023
4.5 Stars
The second book in the Plotting the Stars series, Seagarden blossoms with unexpected twists and heartbreaking revelations, underpinned by climate change warnings and a determination to fight against the status quo.
Seagarden is the sequel to Michelle A. Barry’s fantastic Moongarden. And while Moongarden gave nods to The Secret Garden, Seagarden has moved well past that inspiration.
Seagarden is less about nurturing and growing a garden and more about climate change and pushing back against authority.
Myra is once again at the center of the story. She’s still pretending to have skills that she doesn’t really have. Her Botan magic is on the fritz. And after arriving at with the Vesuvian Academy of Magical Arts, she feels alone. Her best friends are so caught up in their new environment, they don’t have time for Myra.
So, Myra turns to the only person who seems interested. This is where the supporting characters change a bit. They still come in the form of students, a janitor, administrators and a cute little robot. But the friends from Moongarden sort of sputter out on the development front. And a few others feel like one-note props that might potentially play larger roles later on.
Overall, Seagarden is less about characters and more about the overarching themes. The stage is bigger and the stakes are much higher. It’s grander in scope, and it works. It feels like the natural evolution of the series.
Again, these characters feel older than they are presented, and I could easily put this series into the YA sphere. But older middle-graders will enjoy it, too.
Seagarden is STEAM dystopian done well. Barry does a fine job incorporating STEAM throughout — especially music and math — without it feeling like it’s shoehorned in. While it doesn’t have quite the magic as its predecessor, Seagarden is still a book you won’t want to put down. I can’t wait for the next book.
The second book in the Plotting the Stars series, Seagarden blossoms with unexpected twists and heartbreaking revelations, underpinned by climate change warnings and a determination to fight against the status quo.
Seagarden is the sequel to Michelle A. Barry’s fantastic Moongarden. And while Moongarden gave nods to The Secret Garden, Seagarden has moved well past that inspiration.
Seagarden is less about nurturing and growing a garden and more about climate change and pushing back against authority.
Myra is once again at the center of the story. She’s still pretending to have skills that she doesn’t really have. Her Botan magic is on the fritz. And after arriving at with the Vesuvian Academy of Magical Arts, she feels alone. Her best friends are so caught up in their new environment, they don’t have time for Myra.
So, Myra turns to the only person who seems interested. This is where the supporting characters change a bit. They still come in the form of students, a janitor, administrators and a cute little robot. But the friends from Moongarden sort of sputter out on the development front. And a few others feel like one-note props that might potentially play larger roles later on.
Overall, Seagarden is less about characters and more about the overarching themes. The stage is bigger and the stakes are much higher. It’s grander in scope, and it works. It feels like the natural evolution of the series.
Again, these characters feel older than they are presented, and I could easily put this series into the YA sphere. But older middle-graders will enjoy it, too.
Seagarden is STEAM dystopian done well. Barry does a fine job incorporating STEAM throughout — especially music and math — without it feeling like it’s shoehorned in. While it doesn’t have quite the magic as its predecessor, Seagarden is still a book you won’t want to put down. I can’t wait for the next book.
July 12, 2023
I received an advanced reader copy of the ebook for this book through Edelweiss and from the publisher Pixel+Ink for my honest review. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me an early read of the next great installmemt in the Plotting the Stars series!
I really enjoyed book one and felt like it left off with a wide open ending. I wasn’t sure where the next book would take us but now that I’m finished I can for sure say I didn’t see that coming! I always love when an author takes it somewhere you never could have guessed.
I really loved V.A.M.A and how it was the exact opposite of S.L.A.M. Right from the moment they landed you could see it was going to be a much different environment. It really emphasizes the A in STEAM which I appreciated and I loved how Myra saw a totally different side to Number Whispering through the experience. I really enjoyed the part with Mr. Kote and him sharing his love for music and the theory behind it.
There wasn’t a lot of action in the first part of the book but don’t get me wrong. There were reveals and build just no confrontation or battle as Myra, Lila and Canter find their footing in their new school. But wow there was a lot of that in the last 20% or so. I found myself so immersed that I didn’t want to put the book down to see what was going to happen. It felt slightly rushed at the very end and there was so much revealed it was almost hard to process it all. I found myself replaying it a bit later to try and piece it all together. The ending again leaves me shocked and completely surprised and curious as to what will come next.
It is definitely a sci-if/fantasy series readers will love and will want to go back and read again and again. Can’t wait for the next book!!
I really enjoyed book one and felt like it left off with a wide open ending. I wasn’t sure where the next book would take us but now that I’m finished I can for sure say I didn’t see that coming! I always love when an author takes it somewhere you never could have guessed.
I really loved V.A.M.A and how it was the exact opposite of S.L.A.M. Right from the moment they landed you could see it was going to be a much different environment. It really emphasizes the A in STEAM which I appreciated and I loved how Myra saw a totally different side to Number Whispering through the experience. I really enjoyed the part with Mr. Kote and him sharing his love for music and the theory behind it.
There wasn’t a lot of action in the first part of the book but don’t get me wrong. There were reveals and build just no confrontation or battle as Myra, Lila and Canter find their footing in their new school. But wow there was a lot of that in the last 20% or so. I found myself so immersed that I didn’t want to put the book down to see what was going to happen. It felt slightly rushed at the very end and there was so much revealed it was almost hard to process it all. I found myself replaying it a bit later to try and piece it all together. The ending again leaves me shocked and completely surprised and curious as to what will come next.
It is definitely a sci-if/fantasy series readers will love and will want to go back and read again and again. Can’t wait for the next book!!
August 1, 2025
Myra and Canter have been in a funk since their secret garden was burned and their Rep friend Bernie was recycled. And Lila has thrown herself into her Mender studies 24/7. When the friends hear about a student exchange opportunity with a school on Venus, they decide a change of scene would be good…especially since they’ve heard rumors there’s an independent colony of escaped Reps on Venus and they think they’ve picked up a secret code about meetings on Venus. Can they all get a place on the exchange student experience and make contact with this group on Venus?
There are hiccups in the group getting to Venus, and then when they do get there the kids all find different interests and distractions. The end of the book gets deadly serious though as they finally start to uncover some of the conspiracy involving seed offenders, the food supply, and independent Reps. There’s a lot to ponder in this book about one group controlling a food supply, clone rights, and how different cultures use magical abilities (the Venutians are very artsy while the Moon school was more mathematical and cut and dry). Now I’m eager to get my hands on the next book because this one ended in a bit of a cliffhanger.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: There’s some pushing around of people and violence is threatened, but no one is seriously hurt on page.
Ethnic diversity: It’s far future and ethnic lines seem to be more blurred and mixed.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: Corporate conspiracies, greed, human rights issues, wrongful imprisonment, etc involved in plot.
There are hiccups in the group getting to Venus, and then when they do get there the kids all find different interests and distractions. The end of the book gets deadly serious though as they finally start to uncover some of the conspiracy involving seed offenders, the food supply, and independent Reps. There’s a lot to ponder in this book about one group controlling a food supply, clone rights, and how different cultures use magical abilities (the Venutians are very artsy while the Moon school was more mathematical and cut and dry). Now I’m eager to get my hands on the next book because this one ended in a bit of a cliffhanger.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: There’s some pushing around of people and violence is threatened, but no one is seriously hurt on page.
Ethnic diversity: It’s far future and ethnic lines seem to be more blurred and mixed.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: Corporate conspiracies, greed, human rights issues, wrongful imprisonment, etc involved in plot.
February 19, 2024
“Different takes getting used to sometimes. It can be jarring at first, but even if it’s not your thing, sometimes a jolt to the system can show you what might be.” I liked that bit of wisdom from Bernard, this second reiteration of Rep Bernie, who is now the same age as Myra and her friends and who Myra is trying to befriend because she so loved the older Bernie. And this second novel in the Plotting the Stars series is “different,” just like Bernard is different from Bernie even though he is the same clone. In book 2, Myra, Canter, and Lila apply and are selected to do a student swap with V.A.M.A., the school on Venus, and the school orientation there is quite different from the academically, grade-oriented, high-stress atmosphere of their school on the moon. However, the kids’ goals, to try to discover more about the Reps and locate a place for a new garden on Venus haven’t changed—well, maybe just put on hold for a bit while they get swept up in the artistic atmosphere of the new school. Even Myra learns to play an instrument, being beguiled by how music is so interrelated with numbers. Fun series for kids who like the solar system. Earth has been abandoned and the other planets in the solar system are being made habitable. This story’s location is a fun contrast between the dry environment on the Moon and now the watery, colorful planet of Venus. So what planet will we visit next?
May 5, 2024
This book is incredible. The moment I finished it I immediately started craving the next one. This is a great read for fans of Middle Grade, otherworldly, magical adventures.
I love the way Michelle A. Barry creates a compelling sequel without feeling repetitive. In this book, we are introduced to a new school: the Vesuvian Academy of Magical Arts, or V.A.M.A. for short. And let me tell you, Barry has outdone herself - I think I like this school even better than the Lunar Academy! It's artsy and cool and new surprises pop up when you least expect it.
Barry has also done a great job with rich world-building for each of the different planets. I love how Barry compares the cultures of the different planets. For example, the scientific focus and strictness of the Moon vs. the creative, expressive Venus!
Seagarden has a storyline just as compelling as the first Moongarden. It's the perfect continuation. And be prepared for the best, most amazing cliffhanger yet. It will truly leave you on the edge of your seat!
I would highly, highly recommend Seagarden by Michelle A. Barry, it does not disappoint.
I love the way Michelle A. Barry creates a compelling sequel without feeling repetitive. In this book, we are introduced to a new school: the Vesuvian Academy of Magical Arts, or V.A.M.A. for short. And let me tell you, Barry has outdone herself - I think I like this school even better than the Lunar Academy! It's artsy and cool and new surprises pop up when you least expect it.
Barry has also done a great job with rich world-building for each of the different planets. I love how Barry compares the cultures of the different planets. For example, the scientific focus and strictness of the Moon vs. the creative, expressive Venus!
Seagarden has a storyline just as compelling as the first Moongarden. It's the perfect continuation. And be prepared for the best, most amazing cliffhanger yet. It will truly leave you on the edge of your seat!
I would highly, highly recommend Seagarden by Michelle A. Barry, it does not disappoint.
March 14, 2024
A great second installment of the Plotting the Stars series! I really enjoyed the friendship aspect and drama of this book & how it accurately portrayed the tough choices and situations friends have when they are branching out to meet others and join different groups.
The setting change on Venus was fantastic, especially in contrast to their Lunar academy. Myra learning an instrument with math? AMAZING idea and I hope it comes back in Book 3! I wanted more of that!
My 4 instead of 5 stars came from the slow pacing at the beginning and the hurried nature of some of the backstory and rebellious climate. To me, it felt like a lot of this political backstory could have been threaded more in book one. When I read a series, I like a book 2 to jump RIGHT IN…like I should already be swimming in it from page one. And this one felt like I had to stand on the shore for longer than I wanted.
The setting change on Venus was fantastic, especially in contrast to their Lunar academy. Myra learning an instrument with math? AMAZING idea and I hope it comes back in Book 3! I wanted more of that!
My 4 instead of 5 stars came from the slow pacing at the beginning and the hurried nature of some of the backstory and rebellious climate. To me, it felt like a lot of this political backstory could have been threaded more in book one. When I read a series, I like a book 2 to jump RIGHT IN…like I should already be swimming in it from page one. And this one felt like I had to stand on the shore for longer than I wanted.
November 6, 2023
I really enjoyed this book because the first book in this series ended on a cliffhanger, so I was so excited when this book came out. I love that Myra and Canter still have their Botan powers, and the cliffhanger at the end of the book was so amazing, I can't wait for the third book to come out. I can't believe that Myra is being sent to the Old World, where she's probably going to die, so I'm super excited to read it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2024
A review by 11-year-old:
Seagarden is a wonderful sequel to Moongarden! I love this series and have recommended it to everyone in my school. (Truthfully!) In this book, Myra enrolls in an exchange program at the Vesuvian Academy of Magical Arts (VAMA). When I picked up the first book in Plotting The Stars I could not put it down. I was so excited that it was set in outer space! I love this series and can’t wait to read Ashgarden.
Seagarden is a wonderful sequel to Moongarden! I love this series and have recommended it to everyone in my school. (Truthfully!) In this book, Myra enrolls in an exchange program at the Vesuvian Academy of Magical Arts (VAMA). When I picked up the first book in Plotting The Stars I could not put it down. I was so excited that it was set in outer space! I love this series and can’t wait to read Ashgarden.
April 29, 2025
5.0 stars
I loved this book. Our beloved main characters are joined by many new, and a few old, friends from Moongarden. While seeds are paramount in this story, building and tending gardens takes a back seat. We finally get to meet Hannah. We watch Myra being faced with developing a musical talent. Can you imagine?
Moving to Venus, a Seaworld, took some world building. It came slowly, but it was worth the wait. I highly recommend this book.
I loved this book. Our beloved main characters are joined by many new, and a few old, friends from Moongarden. While seeds are paramount in this story, building and tending gardens takes a back seat. We finally get to meet Hannah. We watch Myra being faced with developing a musical talent. Can you imagine?
Moving to Venus, a Seaworld, took some world building. It came slowly, but it was worth the wait. I highly recommend this book.
June 13, 2025
I loved being back with our characters and the planets. Seeing the different ways their Creers could be used was fun. I really felt the author's love of the world and geeking out in this one, and it was so heart warming. There are a TON of twists and turns in the 2nd half of the story but they're done well. I'm also a sucker for seeing emotions affecting magic in legitimate ways, and how accurately a teen's emotions are shown. I'm excited to read the next book ❤️
March 27, 2025
A little slow and angsty in the beginning, but the book is full of teens…what do I expect?? But the end really ramped up to a great cliffhanger. I wish there was more of the actual garden in this book, but I can’t wait to finish the series. It’s been a lot of fun so far.
July 2, 2025
Though I didn't get sucked into this one as easily as the first one, it was still a compelling story and a good read. The characters are realistic and relatable, and the story is a logical continuation of the first book. Can't wait to see what happens in the third book!
November 17, 2023
Another great cliffhanger! I love Barry's Plotting the Stars series and the second one did not disappoint.
December 28, 2023
Very very good. Fabulous world building, intrigue, action and twistiness.
Believable well developed characters.
Believable well developed characters.
August 12, 2024
This one seemed a bit slow to start for me but the 2nd half was so fast! I really enjoyed the book but the cliffhanger was a lot. Can't wait until book 3 comes out!
October 27, 2024
LIKE AMAZING
December 4, 2024
It was fun to see more of the world that the author has created and watch the plot thicken and all the troubles roil up. A well-done second book in this series. Great read!
January 1, 2025
Appropriate for: age 11+
Good story, good characters. I found it a bit predictable, but I'm an adult.
Good story, good characters. I found it a bit predictable, but I'm an adult.
August 5, 2025
This was a good 2nd book. I still want more. Could have had a bit more in the middle, but it was really good.
January 28, 2024
I was so excited to read this book, and I read it cover to cover without really stopping. I loved the change of scenery, I loved the introduction of more STEAM like applications for the magic, but I didn’t like how rushed the ending was. So much happened in so few pages, I feel like the impact wasn’t as strong. Still— I am looking forward to the third instalment— whenever it comes out.
September 18, 2024
Nowhere close as good as Moongarden, but way more emotional.
Plot: From the beginning, we were promised deep investigation, but the entirety of the book is Myra and Canter fighting. Then, when they finally reconcile, do they go to see Hannah and the free Rep settlement.
Characters: Character development is nonexistent. Bernard's change in personality came out of nowhere; absolutely nothing happened to change his attitude. Hanna is annoying, she's like
a more cynical version of Myra. I understand she's hurt, but snapping on everyone won't help her situation. Lila did basically nothing, as usual. Besides helping hide the seeds, her actions amount to being optimistic for her friends. She's completely forgettable. Myra was her usual witty, sarcastic self, but more
understanding. Canter ... What can I say, they're the same character. 🤷 No changes there.
Conclusion: All in all, it wasn't that great.
Plot: From the beginning, we were promised deep investigation, but the entirety of the book is Myra and Canter fighting. Then, when they finally reconcile, do they go to see Hannah and the free Rep settlement.
Characters: Character development is nonexistent. Bernard's change in personality came out of nowhere; absolutely nothing happened to change his attitude. Hanna is annoying, she's like
a more cynical version of Myra. I understand she's hurt, but snapping on everyone won't help her situation. Lila did basically nothing, as usual. Besides helping hide the seeds, her actions amount to being optimistic for her friends. She's completely forgettable. Myra was her usual witty, sarcastic self, but more
understanding. Canter ... What can I say, they're the same character. 🤷 No changes there.
Conclusion: All in all, it wasn't that great.
February 1, 2024
SEAGARDEN picks up where MOONGARDEN left MG readers & mixes more magic with culinary arts & chemistry plus music & math in a spectacular way! Unique premise & several unexpected twists. Cliffhanger ending meaning a long impatient wait for book 3! Superb characterization of main characters, great themes of friendship and forgiveness, and creative settings on the Moon, Mercury and Venus. Things move along swiftly and for a while, I thought that everything would be resolved and this would end as a duology, but looks like we will need at least a third book to finish up this exciting series.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews