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Will Wilder #2
The Lost Staff of Wonders
8 Hours and 30 Minutes
Twelve-year-old Will Wilder is back to protect the town of Perilous Falls from another ancient evil the fearsome demon, Amon.
When the storied Staff of Moses responsible for summoning the plagues of ancient Egypt vanishes from the museum in Perilous Falls, Will Wilder is suspect number one. Desperate to prove his innocence and stop the thief from unleashing terrors upon the town of Perilous Falls, Will must use his supernatural gift to locate the beast but it's nowhere to be found.
As the river runs with blood, sharp-toothed frogs surround his home, and clouds of swarming gnats choke the streets, Will must rely on his supernatural ability, everything he learned from his training, and help from his friends, siblings, and Great-Aunt Lucille to find the missing staff and unmask the hidden evil before time runs out for all of them.
Twelve-year-old Will Wilder is back to protect the town of Perilous Falls from another ancient evil the fearsome demon, Amon.
When the storied Staff of Moses responsible for summoning the plagues of ancient Egypt vanishes from the museum in Perilous Falls, Will Wilder is suspect number one. Desperate to prove his innocence and stop the thief from unleashing terrors upon the town of Perilous Falls, Will must use his supernatural gift to locate the beast but it's nowhere to be found.
As the river runs with blood, sharp-toothed frogs surround his home, and clouds of swarming gnats choke the streets, Will must rely on his supernatural ability, everything he learned from his training, and help from his friends, siblings, and Great-Aunt Lucille to find the missing staff and unmask the hidden evil before time runs out for all of them.
Audio CD
First published March 7, 2017
90 people are currently reading
352 people want to read
About the author
Raymond Arroyo
25 books252 followersRaymond Arroyo is an award winning journalist, a New York Times Bestselling author, and a producer. He is the news director and lead anchor of EWTN News; creator and host of the international news magazine The World Over Live seen in 200 million households each week. Arroyo lives in the Washington DC area with his wife and children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 21, 2019
This book went to a larger and darker place than the first one did and I loved it! We also got more of an idea where the series is going as a whole. There are a total of seven demons that I'm guessing we will see throughout the series. The first was Leviathan and the second was Amon. I'm guessing we'll see one per book but I could be wrong. Regardless, I'm excited to see where the rest of the series goes and to maybe see if Marin, Leo, and Will team up more together.
October 10, 2020
4 solid stars! I'd start by saying if only the Peniel museum had CCTVs, they would've solved the roberry right away. LOL.
Anyway, I love this more than book one. The themes of anger, control, prudence, and self-mastery are adeptly interwoven in the plot, making the story meaningful, and in effect captivates you to connect with the characters. This book has better pacing as well compared to the first one. Also, I commend the author for writing a children's book where in-story adults are actually doing their part as well, contributing to the overall tale, which can be absent in most of middle-grade narratives.
Lastly, I really liked listening to the audiobook. The narrator somehow perfectly captures the tone of each character.
I'm looking forward to reading the third book.
By the way, does anyone know when the fourth book is coming out? I have a feeling I'll devour the third one quickly and I don't want to wait for years to pick the sequel! LOL.
Anyway, I love this more than book one. The themes of anger, control, prudence, and self-mastery are adeptly interwoven in the plot, making the story meaningful, and in effect captivates you to connect with the characters. This book has better pacing as well compared to the first one. Also, I commend the author for writing a children's book where in-story adults are actually doing their part as well, contributing to the overall tale, which can be absent in most of middle-grade narratives.
Lastly, I really liked listening to the audiobook. The narrator somehow perfectly captures the tone of each character.
I'm looking forward to reading the third book.
By the way, does anyone know when the fourth book is coming out? I have a feeling I'll devour the third one quickly and I don't want to wait for years to pick the sequel! LOL.
October 19, 2022
First, I like the theme of my book of how Will Wilder has to go find the Lost staff of Moses, which was stolen in an ancient museum by the "Big Raven Demon" and wills friends help him on his quest. Also, I like the imagery of when Will fights the "Big Raven Demon," for the staff of Moses. And when they are fighting the raven breathes out the fire out its mouth and shoots its wings at will like bullets and eyes so bright it feels like you're looking at the sun. In Addition, I like how the book it would change to different scenes at the same time in the day, like things that are happening at the same time but just in different places. Lastly, I liked how they had religion-based people in the story, such as Mary, Moses, Peter, God, etc. Finally, I didn't like how mid-way through the book it didn't go more into depth about the quest that Will and his friends took on the way to find Moses' staff. I really recommend reading this book because every second your read the details get better, and it keeps you in the mix, you cannot get bored of this book it has non-stop action.
July 13, 2017
In THE LOST STAFF OF WONDERS, the legendary staff of Moses is stolen by a powerful demon named Amon who feeds off the hatred and anger within the world. There's only one person who can stop him and that's Will Wilder.
Will is the only one that possesses the ability to see demons. After surviving one in the first book, it's time for round two. With the help of his friends and family, they try to discover who Amon is and where the staff is being kept before it's too late and the last plague hits. The plague that brings death to all of the first borns, which means Will Wilder as well.
I really how enjoyed the biblical content was mixed with Egyptian mythology. It was very interesting to see what the plagues would be like in modern times. For example, when Will goes over the list of plagues, he comes across the three days of darkness and mentally adds flashlights and batteries on his list to stock up on. It's funny and intriguing to think of it like that when we're used to the story being told in ancient times, before flashlights existed.
Final Verdict: The story of Moses was one of my favorites and I really enjoyed seeing it being played out in modern times. Fans of middle grade fantasy and adventure will enjoy this read. Also, fans of Wing and Claw probably would as well.
Will is the only one that possesses the ability to see demons. After surviving one in the first book, it's time for round two. With the help of his friends and family, they try to discover who Amon is and where the staff is being kept before it's too late and the last plague hits. The plague that brings death to all of the first borns, which means Will Wilder as well.
I really how enjoyed the biblical content was mixed with Egyptian mythology. It was very interesting to see what the plagues would be like in modern times. For example, when Will goes over the list of plagues, he comes across the three days of darkness and mentally adds flashlights and batteries on his list to stock up on. It's funny and intriguing to think of it like that when we're used to the story being told in ancient times, before flashlights existed.
Final Verdict: The story of Moses was one of my favorites and I really enjoyed seeing it being played out in modern times. Fans of middle grade fantasy and adventure will enjoy this read. Also, fans of Wing and Claw probably would as well.
December 12, 2017
Such a great read. We read book 1 and 2 as a family and the kids and parents alike were enthralled in this exciting story! We can't wait for book 3!
February 16, 2018
Another wild, but satisfactory ride!! Looking forward to the next book in this series!!
July 6, 2018
This is a good MG story (though the first was quite better) that hits home the issues of being spiritual but not religious.
The dangers of letting anger guide you.
The utter importance of standing still in intense moments and really taking in the environment.
There is also a good reminder to not discount others’ beliefs. Even if you truly believe that a god or edict is false, the good and evil forces behind certain things is very much real.
Or they are indeed real and all aspects of the same overarching deity (I can’t remember what fantasy book/series I read that in, but it’s not the first time I’ve seen people of different religions acknowledge the existence others’ gods.
The hardcover feels so pretty!
I love the map on the inside front cover (and first page).
We begin in the past, as with the first Will Wilder book. Jacob Wilder is in Ethiopia during World War II, and we learn of the powers that protect the Ark of the Covenant and the 10 Commandments Tablets. It’s interesting to learn that other relics of that time--like the staffs of Moses and Aaron--don’t have the same protections. I wonder if it’s because they were more ‘man-based’ than ‘God-based?’
In the current year, Will’s training by the Brethren is becoming intense, and involves how to deal with dark objects and [minor] demons. Unfortunately, a demon gets into the Peniel museum. I feel like that entire situation slid by, even though it was addressed and Aunt Lucille knows about it. Will barely thinks about the encounter, and the Brethren aren’t told. I don’t know why it’s such a secret, especially after all hell (sort of) breaks loose later.
Rothinus Sab is a visitor to the town, there as a ‘healer’ and ‘regenerator.’ Few find him to be creepy; I wonder how no one even initially thinks to connect the dots between him and the new strange occurrences. I guess it’s because Will and his ilk already caused issues before.
Still, having those at Peniel blame him for the disappearance of Moses’ staff, EVEN THOSE WHO KNOW ABOUT THE DEMON, is utterly ridiculous.
But between Sab and Max’s dreams of a raven, it’s obvious that more than one demon has come to Perilous Falls.
Once Moses’ staff goes missing, Aunt Lucille & others anticipate six of the 10 plagues of Egypt to make their way through town. The first is, of course, blood replacing water. It’s awful. I can’t believe people didn’t leave.
AND Sab’s place is the only non-holy place in town that is safe from the first plagues.
Will’s father becomes increasingly obtuse as the book continues, and it’s extremely frustrating.
What is also frustrating is the levels of disrespect--from and to the children--that are rampant. Too, even the adults who are not influenced by the demon are openly disparaging (I bring this up below too).
And then the people just go on living in town and act as if everything else about life is normal.
We get new information on powers and I like the revelation about Will’s brother Leo and his sister Marin.
The Prophecy and Will’s lack of control (granted, he’s 12, so that doesn’t surprise me) are so much like Anakin in ROTS that I have to chuckle.
I don’t like Ricci or his father, but his dad is right--Dan Wilder calling Ricci names is so much more inappropriate than what Ricci says to Leo.
Some aspects made me think of Animorphs.
The dangers of letting anger guide you.
The utter importance of standing still in intense moments and really taking in the environment.
There is also a good reminder to not discount others’ beliefs. Even if you truly believe that a god or edict is false, the good and evil forces behind certain things is very much real.
Or they are indeed real and all aspects of the same overarching deity (I can’t remember what fantasy book/series I read that in, but it’s not the first time I’ve seen people of different religions acknowledge the existence others’ gods.
The hardcover feels so pretty!
I love the map on the inside front cover (and first page).
We begin in the past, as with the first Will Wilder book. Jacob Wilder is in Ethiopia during World War II, and we learn of the powers that protect the Ark of the Covenant and the 10 Commandments Tablets. It’s interesting to learn that other relics of that time--like the staffs of Moses and Aaron--don’t have the same protections. I wonder if it’s because they were more ‘man-based’ than ‘God-based?’
In the current year, Will’s training by the Brethren is becoming intense, and involves how to deal with dark objects and [minor] demons. Unfortunately, a demon gets into the Peniel museum. I feel like that entire situation slid by, even though it was addressed and Aunt Lucille knows about it. Will barely thinks about the encounter, and the Brethren aren’t told. I don’t know why it’s such a secret, especially after all hell (sort of) breaks loose later.
Rothinus Sab is a visitor to the town, there as a ‘healer’ and ‘regenerator.’ Few find him to be creepy; I wonder how no one even initially thinks to connect the dots between him and the new strange occurrences. I guess it’s because Will and his ilk already caused issues before.
Still, having those at Peniel blame him for the disappearance of Moses’ staff, EVEN THOSE WHO KNOW ABOUT THE DEMON, is utterly ridiculous.
But between Sab and Max’s dreams of a raven, it’s obvious that more than one demon has come to Perilous Falls.
Once Moses’ staff goes missing, Aunt Lucille & others anticipate six of the 10 plagues of Egypt to make their way through town. The first is, of course, blood replacing water. It’s awful. I can’t believe people didn’t leave.
AND Sab’s place is the only non-holy place in town that is safe from the first plagues.
Will’s father becomes increasingly obtuse as the book continues, and it’s extremely frustrating.
What is also frustrating is the levels of disrespect--from and to the children--that are rampant. Too, even the adults who are not influenced by the demon are openly disparaging (I bring this up below too).
And then the people just go on living in town and act as if everything else about life is normal.
We get new information on powers and I like the revelation about Will’s brother Leo and his sister Marin.
The Prophecy and Will’s lack of control (granted, he’s 12, so that doesn’t surprise me) are so much like Anakin in ROTS that I have to chuckle.
I don’t like Ricci or his father, but his dad is right--Dan Wilder calling Ricci names is so much more inappropriate than what Ricci says to Leo.
Some aspects made me think of Animorphs.
November 11, 2016
Arroyo, Raymond The Lost Staff of Wonders (Will Wilder #2), 352 pages. Crown Books (Random), MARCH 2017. $20. Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG.
Will managed to stay alive after the first demon tried to destroy him, with a lot of help from his Aunt Lucille, his trio of best friends, and, surprisingly, his little sister and brother. When a new religious group moves into town, the Staff of Moses is stolen from Penniel, and plagues reminiscent of the Old Testament afflict the town. A new demon is after Will and after world domination.
My student reviewer loved the first book and the second book runs along a similar vein of excitement and danger.
MS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
Will managed to stay alive after the first demon tried to destroy him, with a lot of help from his Aunt Lucille, his trio of best friends, and, surprisingly, his little sister and brother. When a new religious group moves into town, the Staff of Moses is stolen from Penniel, and plagues reminiscent of the Old Testament afflict the town. A new demon is after Will and after world domination.
My student reviewer loved the first book and the second book runs along a similar vein of excitement and danger.
MS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
June 13, 2017
As readable as the first book, but this second instalment in Will Wilder's adventures saving the world introduces a lot more characters and locations so that it's difficult to keep track of everyone. Seeing people react to the plagues of Egypt raining down on a modern town is interesting, and adding an Egyptian interest in Perlious Falls gave a bit of relevant biblical context, but to be honest I find Will a bit difficult to get on with. Sure, he's a flawed hero, and that helps him seem real, but he's just a bit too self-interested and angry and Harry Potter Order of the Phoenix-y this time round... I guess its the pressure of saving the world.
January 26, 2018
Raymond Arroyo does it again with ( WILL WILDER THE LOST STAFF OF WONDERS ). The Staff of Wonders ( Moses Staff) turns up missing from the Jacob Wilder Reliquarium and Antiquities Museum,better known as Peniel. Because Will was the last one to see it while he was dusting in the Egyptian section of the museum where the staff is displayed. When the Perilous River flows blood red is when it is suspected that maybe someone else is responsible, but who. This book is by far more exciting the Mr. Arroyo's first adventure with (Will Wilder the Relic of Perilous Falls ) Illook forward to his next Adventure.
July 15, 2017
So this, while a completely different kind of story, goes up with The Queen of Attolia as an example of that rare phenomena, a second installment exponentially better than the first. (Not that The Thief was bad, but I digress). Full review coming soon...boy, am I tired of writing that phrase. Soon, I shall have my laptop back! *cackles maniacally*
June 10, 2017
Will Wilder is a young man who is similar to a young Indiana Jones. The lost staff is the Staff of Moses. The Staff is stolen from his aunt's museum and the 10 plagues begin to happen in his home town Perilous Falls. The story has lots of adventure and humor. Recommend for older elementary.
October 31, 2017
Rated this higher than I otherwise might because I like the author (& his Catholic radio work).
In some ways it felt like a fast read because the writing had a slick tone. But I didn't actually understand a significant portion of what I read due to the fantasy element. And I had to keep reminding myself to pick the book back up - there was no natural desire to read more.
Characters are not reintroduced. Backgrounds are not explained. The first 50 pages were very rough for me. I couldn't keep people straight. I wish I had read the first book more recently to remember details. Around page 60, it started to get better as I was able to connect with the novel a bit.
My biggest issue with this Catholic YA book is that I would not recommend letting children read it. The main characters constantly have to protect themselves and save the day in spite of their parents. Will's father is a particularly weak, annoying man who is constantly helping the wrong side. Will's parents openly argue and Will's mother allows and even encourages Will to train behind his father's back. It is frustrating that many characters, including Will, seem to consistently ignore obvious instructions and warnings - from teachers who provide clear instructions but don't seem appropriately concerned about impending disaster. There is no open respect for authority; disobedience seems to be glorified. The children are frequently rewarded for defying their parents and other grownups.
This is a dark book (a la Harry Potter) that challenges its characters perceptions versus realities. A sensitive reader might be left feeling like it is impossible to know if his/her own truth is actually Truth. Or if anyone can possibly know Truth. Sensitive readers might also feel like their parents can't protect them and aren't wise life guides. They might also doubt that the church is a source of safety and trustworthiness - most of the brethren are good, but they fight among themselves and accuse each other of wrong doing. Some brethren do secretly help the enemy or allow their own weaknesses to compromise them.
When I could get glimpses of the plot and follow the story line, there did seem to be something interesting there. It felt like Harry Potter with Catholic relics thrown in. However, the ultimate climax was virtually non-existent. The entire book builds up the heroes trying to stop an ancient demon from being reincarnated and taking over the earth. And Will is constantly disobeying his parents and instructors; the reader is reminded time and again how he has not been properly trained or prepared for what lies ahead. But then in the last few pages, Will faces the demon and with no apparent effort (in less than a page) defeats it.
I'm not sure how I felt about Catholic relics and holy items (like holy water) being used as gimmicky weapons. It felt a bit sacrilegious. It also felt very secular. Again, like Harry Potter with Catholic references thrown in. There did not seem to be any deep understand of Catholicism or its teachings in the book. The sanctity of human life and the importance of a relationship with Jesus were never illustrated or mentioned, for example. The characters in the novel are cultural Catholics but don't exhibit any spiritual life. We do not see them going to mass, or saying prayers (except when the monks chant prayers against demons to defeat them). We do not see them trying to grow in virtue, expect as a training/fighting context when they have to suppress anger to fight a demon that feeds off anger.
Beyond Catholic teaching just not being illustrated, there are a lot of grey areas on this book. Will's mom works for a tv show called "Supernatural Secrets". She is very into the "supernatural", which is how religion is referenced. Cami's mom is into self-help gurus and drags her family into a demon's lair under the guise of self-help. These are the children's roll models and first teachers.
Is the author trying to make social commentary on the younger generation that finds its way into the Catholic church in spite of their parents? There did seem to be some commentary on modern times with people follow a "spiritual" (but not religious) leader to their detriment. They are instructed that it is healthy to get angry with others and encouraged to "shed" religious notions that are holding them back from greatness. Or am I just overthinking this because I know the author and want his book to have some deep meaning?
This book ends with references to future events. Obviously, a copy of the Harry Potter multiple book saga. I'll probably read more in the series, because I'll forget how disappointing this novel was by the time the next one comes out. :-i
In some ways it felt like a fast read because the writing had a slick tone. But I didn't actually understand a significant portion of what I read due to the fantasy element. And I had to keep reminding myself to pick the book back up - there was no natural desire to read more.
Characters are not reintroduced. Backgrounds are not explained. The first 50 pages were very rough for me. I couldn't keep people straight. I wish I had read the first book more recently to remember details. Around page 60, it started to get better as I was able to connect with the novel a bit.
My biggest issue with this Catholic YA book is that I would not recommend letting children read it. The main characters constantly have to protect themselves and save the day in spite of their parents. Will's father is a particularly weak, annoying man who is constantly helping the wrong side. Will's parents openly argue and Will's mother allows and even encourages Will to train behind his father's back. It is frustrating that many characters, including Will, seem to consistently ignore obvious instructions and warnings - from teachers who provide clear instructions but don't seem appropriately concerned about impending disaster. There is no open respect for authority; disobedience seems to be glorified. The children are frequently rewarded for defying their parents and other grownups.
This is a dark book (a la Harry Potter) that challenges its characters perceptions versus realities. A sensitive reader might be left feeling like it is impossible to know if his/her own truth is actually Truth. Or if anyone can possibly know Truth. Sensitive readers might also feel like their parents can't protect them and aren't wise life guides. They might also doubt that the church is a source of safety and trustworthiness - most of the brethren are good, but they fight among themselves and accuse each other of wrong doing. Some brethren do secretly help the enemy or allow their own weaknesses to compromise them.
When I could get glimpses of the plot and follow the story line, there did seem to be something interesting there. It felt like Harry Potter with Catholic relics thrown in. However, the ultimate climax was virtually non-existent. The entire book builds up the heroes trying to stop an ancient demon from being reincarnated and taking over the earth. And Will is constantly disobeying his parents and instructors; the reader is reminded time and again how he has not been properly trained or prepared for what lies ahead. But then in the last few pages, Will faces the demon and with no apparent effort (in less than a page) defeats it.
I'm not sure how I felt about Catholic relics and holy items (like holy water) being used as gimmicky weapons. It felt a bit sacrilegious. It also felt very secular. Again, like Harry Potter with Catholic references thrown in. There did not seem to be any deep understand of Catholicism or its teachings in the book. The sanctity of human life and the importance of a relationship with Jesus were never illustrated or mentioned, for example. The characters in the novel are cultural Catholics but don't exhibit any spiritual life. We do not see them going to mass, or saying prayers (except when the monks chant prayers against demons to defeat them). We do not see them trying to grow in virtue, expect as a training/fighting context when they have to suppress anger to fight a demon that feeds off anger.
Beyond Catholic teaching just not being illustrated, there are a lot of grey areas on this book. Will's mom works for a tv show called "Supernatural Secrets". She is very into the "supernatural", which is how religion is referenced. Cami's mom is into self-help gurus and drags her family into a demon's lair under the guise of self-help. These are the children's roll models and first teachers.
Is the author trying to make social commentary on the younger generation that finds its way into the Catholic church in spite of their parents? There did seem to be some commentary on modern times with people follow a "spiritual" (but not religious) leader to their detriment. They are instructed that it is healthy to get angry with others and encouraged to "shed" religious notions that are holding them back from greatness. Or am I just overthinking this because I know the author and want his book to have some deep meaning?
This book ends with references to future events. Obviously, a copy of the Harry Potter multiple book saga. I'll probably read more in the series, because I'll forget how disappointing this novel was by the time the next one comes out. :-i
September 9, 2023
I liked the book. I picked it up year’s after I read the first one so I had to kind of just interpret things as best as I could. The only things I didn’t really like was the way the author took a creative license with Amun in Egyptian mythology For starter’s Amun-Ra wasn’t a deacon he was the king of the gods and the sun god. He had three personifications but none were like the descriptions in this book. As a person who already had a basic understanding of Egyptian mythology and Christianity made it difficult to fully enjoy this book. Especially when it mentions the pharaoh that fought with Moses in the book of exodus. His is because in the book it mentions Thutmose III. However there is no concrete proof of what pharaoh or pharaohs interacted with Moses. But is is mostly believed to be rameses ll. For the pharaoh stuff I have no true proof or anything like that. I have never been a die hard religious person. I just remember watching the prince of Egypt by dreamworks when I was a kid. So all the stuff about two staffs really left me confused because that was the only context I had.
July 17, 2025
[4.5 stars 🌟]
Sequel books and media are titled almost always negatively. Many say "terrible," or "good but the original is better," or "this is an AMAZING book, but the original is just that little bit better."
I honestly can't decide if this book (in my opinion) lives up to the original or not. I don't think I would say it's BETTER than the original, but it's still ridiculously good!
Here are some things I liked and didn't like!
1. Cami Meriwether. This girl takes such a backseat in the original, so I'm super glad she is more prominent here. She does kinda take on the "boys are stupid, I'm the smart female" trope, but it's not super bad. And her relationship with Max is totally awesome!
2. I have a love/hate relationship with Pothinus Sab. Somehow, he is hysterical while also being incredibly annoying. The dude puts bugs into his weird potions and tries to show it down his victims' throats. Bro has issues. In all seriousness, I did think he was funny.
3. Will's stick he'd been taking care of being the Staff of Aaron? Wow. I gotta give Arroyo credit on that one. Who saw that coming, honestly?
4. Lucille's fake-out death stings. I'm so tired of writers feeling the need to have a buncha fakeouts because they're not brave enough to kill off any characters. Status quo issues. I get this is only the second book. If she does eventually get killed off, I don't think she should be killed off this early on. But there were other ways to eliminate Lucille that wasn't just pretending to kill her off. I believe this is the only fakeout death in this series so far, so I can't complain too much.
This book is definitely the weakest in the series so far for me personally, but it's still sooo good! <3
Sequel books and media are titled almost always negatively. Many say "terrible," or "good but the original is better," or "this is an AMAZING book, but the original is just that little bit better."
I honestly can't decide if this book (in my opinion) lives up to the original or not. I don't think I would say it's BETTER than the original, but it's still ridiculously good!
Here are some things I liked and didn't like!
1. Cami Meriwether. This girl takes such a backseat in the original, so I'm super glad she is more prominent here. She does kinda take on the "boys are stupid, I'm the smart female" trope, but it's not super bad. And her relationship with Max is totally awesome!
2. I have a love/hate relationship with Pothinus Sab. Somehow, he is hysterical while also being incredibly annoying. The dude puts bugs into his weird potions and tries to show it down his victims' throats. Bro has issues. In all seriousness, I did think he was funny.
3. Will's stick he'd been taking care of being the Staff of Aaron? Wow. I gotta give Arroyo credit on that one. Who saw that coming, honestly?
4. Lucille's fake-out death stings. I'm so tired of writers feeling the need to have a buncha fakeouts because they're not brave enough to kill off any characters. Status quo issues. I get this is only the second book. If she does eventually get killed off, I don't think she should be killed off this early on. But there were other ways to eliminate Lucille that wasn't just pretending to kill her off. I believe this is the only fakeout death in this series so far, so I can't complain too much.
This book is definitely the weakest in the series so far for me personally, but it's still sooo good! <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2017
A great continuation of this series that leaves me yearning for the next one. This book was better than the first. I felt in this book there is a little less character development for only some characters which I really liked because I don't want to know some obscure character's backstory. Anyway, I love how you don't know how everything connects while your reading but is rather shown toward the end. I think this series is very original and I would recommend this book to any middle grade reader.
August 1, 2019
This series is growing on me, but I think Arroyo has too many members of the Brethren, because I sometimes get lost in the names. I like that Will still acts like a kid (telling his friends things before his aunt Louise), but wants to do the right thing. The demon who takes Will in this time was much more believable because it came in the form of a person Will felt sorry for. The action scenes are quite good. While I appreciate Arroyo setting up the next novel at the end, I feel like the timing is fast.
May 5, 2020
Will Wilder Gets Better & Better!
I loved book 1. I adore book 2. I might run out of amiable words for the next one! This second story was even more exciting, heart stopping at times, and with a main moral I truly need most of the time... let go of the anger and don’t speak! 😳 Will is such a great messenger of how we should all deal with things we face in life and does it with honesty we all need to learn to share. Bravo, Mr. Arroyo! Bravo! 💖🙏🏻✝️🌸📚
I loved book 1. I adore book 2. I might run out of amiable words for the next one! This second story was even more exciting, heart stopping at times, and with a main moral I truly need most of the time... let go of the anger and don’t speak! 😳 Will is such a great messenger of how we should all deal with things we face in life and does it with honesty we all need to learn to share. Bravo, Mr. Arroyo! Bravo! 💖🙏🏻✝️🌸📚
October 16, 2022
I enjoyed this story, better than the first one. I kind of worked out, who stole the staff of Moses, even so, it still had many twists to surprise me throughout the plot to keep me interested in it. This book, is great for children to read, however may scare some, demons are the villains to this story. Even so, I am growing to love the characters, and this peculiar and extraordinary town, wanting to know if, Will Wilder can save the world, along with his family and friends.
March 16, 2019
Book 2 of Will Wilder
I like the adventure that Will Wilder is pulled into, within the story. Sometimes I do get frustrated with Will and his choices, but I must remember he is a child. This book continually captivates my attention and interest be it the variety of characters or the relics which have their own story. It is full of surprises and difficult to put aside.
I like the adventure that Will Wilder is pulled into, within the story. Sometimes I do get frustrated with Will and his choices, but I must remember he is a child. This book continually captivates my attention and interest be it the variety of characters or the relics which have their own story. It is full of surprises and difficult to put aside.
June 18, 2019
This was a lot better than the first book, which I still liked. There was more character development, and the action was great! Only thing I don't like about this series is that it does not focus on God enough. Will's relationship with God is nil. He's fighting demons but he's not getting closer to God. Still a great book. I loved it.
June 2, 2022
Another fun action adventure in the Will Wilder series! This book took me a bit longer to get into than the first book, but I know it had to do with the Egyptian themes in the book, as that's never been my favorite subject matter. There were definitely some good spooky scenes that really made the story for me and lots of details I went looking up online.
November 17, 2018
Second book in the Will Wilder series and as the first one it looked good and was designed well, and was easy to read, but there finishes the good, it was unengaging and dull and was a struggle to get over the line. Perhaps it is just not for me.
February 22, 2019
A well written sequel. Well done with an ending setting up for a #3. Its refreshing to see a recent Catholic Young Person's book series. As I grew up with Bellairs Johnny Dixon series, my children can read both authors!!
June 16, 2020
Delightful story, combining adventure and faith.
My husband and I listened to this on Audible, narrated by the author Raymond Arroyo. We have several great-nieces and nephews, and were looking for books to give them. Turns out, we enjoyed this ourselves!
It is definitely written for younger readers; some plot elements were very predictable for us, but may be more intriguing to kids. As Catholics, we enjoyed the use of Catholic elements, along with various Indiana Jones inspirations. The character voices were a bit exaggerated and many sounded as though they were from different parts of the country. I'm guessing this is to help young audiences keep track of the characters.
We have listened to all 3 books now, and look forward to the next installment!
My husband and I listened to this on Audible, narrated by the author Raymond Arroyo. We have several great-nieces and nephews, and were looking for books to give them. Turns out, we enjoyed this ourselves!
It is definitely written for younger readers; some plot elements were very predictable for us, but may be more intriguing to kids. As Catholics, we enjoyed the use of Catholic elements, along with various Indiana Jones inspirations. The character voices were a bit exaggerated and many sounded as though they were from different parts of the country. I'm guessing this is to help young audiences keep track of the characters.
We have listened to all 3 books now, and look forward to the next installment!
March 2, 2025
I found this second book in the series more thrilling and somewhat more believable than the first one with the same caveat, namely, that the novel mixes the supernatural, preternatural, and fantastical in a manner than doesn't entirely fit with Catholic reality...
May 20, 2017
Good fantasy. Lots of details and the similar sounding names slow this series down for me.
August 7, 2018
Kind of a chore to read and strangely preachy.
April 6, 2019
Good book for kids. Lots of Catholic signs/symbols. Nothing offensive to children.
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