The Vanished

Shuri: A Black Panther Novel #2

by Nic Stone

Shuri, the Princess of Wakanda (and sister to the Black Panther), sets out to save a group of kidnapped girls.

With the heart-shaped herb thriving, a group of Wakanda's finest engineers working on expanding her dome technology, and the borders more fortified than ever, Princess Shuri can finally focus on what matters most: her training.

Soon, a bigger problem rears its head. The princess hears whispers of exceptionally talented young girls across the world going missing. A young environmental scientist in Kenya, a French physics prodigy -- the list of the missing keeps growing and growing. And when this mystery hits home in a way the princess would've never expected, there's no more time for hesitation: There are lost girls out there somewhere, and Shuri is determined not to let them be forgotten.

Genres: Fantasy, Marvel, Middle Grade, Superheroes, Fiction, Science Fiction, Young Adult

264 pages, Hardcover

First published February 2, 2021

About the author

Nic Stone was born and raised in a suburb of Atlanta, GA, and the only thing she loves more than an adventure is a good story about one. After graduating from Spelman College, she worked extensively in teen mentoring and lived in Israel for a few years before returning to the US to write full-time. Growing up with a wide range of cultures, religions, and backgrounds, Stone strives to bring these diverse voices and stories to her work.

Stone lives in Atlanta with her husband and two sons. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram at @getnicced or on her website nicstone.info.

Reviews

[Oyinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 145 of 2021

I love Shuri so much more with every book, and I love what Nic Stone is doing with this series.

[Grace W · Rating 4 out of 5]

(c/p from my review on TheStoryGraph) 4.5 Significantly better than the first one I thought. Tighter plot, better character growth, interesting world building. There were still parts that felt jarring incorrect for the character based on the comics I've read but still overall a much better read than the first one.

TW for this book include: Forced captivity, Sexism, Violence, and Forced drug use

[Ekene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect book/way to start the celebratory Black History month portion of my (ideal) TBR for February.

Black Panther is one of my favorite Marvel movies, and literally most of the characters fill up my top Marvel favs. Including Shuri, who ranks at number 3. Behind Tchalla and Okoye.

I really enjoyed the first book, which at the time I thought was only a stand-alone. So you can imagine my surprise when I find out Nic Stone was doing a sequel.

A sequel that I honestly think was better than the first one. Particularly because of the messages and real-life issues Nic Stone managed to weave into the story without feeling out of place or info-dumping. All these girls, particularly BIPOC girls, go missing and there's barely any media or even local coverage on it. Even their friends and families don't really put much effort into finding them. But in this case, the issue was resolved in much happier note, thank God.

So that was one message. Next one, was basically girls/women run this world and by the end of the day, we are our own hero.

I seriously enjoyed it

[Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Thank you Scholastic for this book in exchange for an honest review

Do we all need more Shuri stories in our lives? Yes, yes we do!
Nic Stone brings us another brilliant tale about our wonderful Shuri and letting us dive deeper into her fears, hopes and dreams. Stone is probably the most suited author to write about Shuri, she is able to bring the character alive and provide her with the limelight that she desperately deserves!
When young woman start to disappear, Shuri raises her concerns with the adults in her life that don’t take her as serious as she would hope. Taking matters into her own hands Shuri reaches out to a friend to locate these women and find out why.
Nic Stone does a fantastic job of setting up this world, building on existing characters and writing an entertaining and original story. I love this series and cannot wait to see if more are on the way!

[Renn]

There’s a sequel?!?!!!!! Godbless. Nic Stone’s job is to keep the Shuri books coming and my job is to actually read them at some point.

[LeslecturesdeMylene · Rating 4 out of 5]

16/20 - https://www.leslecturesdemylene.com/2...

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scholastic provided a ARC however all thoughts and opinions of this book are my own.

Nic Stone’s The Vanished flips Shuri’s narrative on its head by doing a deep dive into the brilliant young Princess’ hopes and fears. The Vanished begins with Shuri prepping for several big exams in school plus she’s training in hand to hand combat with the Dora Milaje. Shuri’s computer system get hacked and she connects to an American named Riri who Shuri eventually teams up with. A large group of POC girls have gone missing and no one seems to care (sound familiar?)

Shuri and her friend K’Mara head to the city of Mekele where they discover a compound where the girls are being kept. The girls seem healthy but something is very off with their leader and Shuri is determined to free the girls along with the help of several notable people in the Black Panther universe.


Here’s the interesting aspect of these Nic Stone novels. We get to see Shuri on her own, dealing with problems most young people face like drama with their peers and pressure from their families. The brief scenes that have Shuri interacting with T’challa and Queen Ramonda feature bickering and exasperation on the part of Shuri’s elders who don’t know why she is distracted. It’s all very relatable!

The descriptions of the cities of Wakanda and Mekele are vibrant as well as the scenes from The Garden where the girls are held. It helps to have some knowledge of Marvel and the Black Panther universe but really, The Vanished stands firmly on its own. Packed with drama, action and some serious girl power, we get Shuri solving problems on her own terms at first and then later with the help of equally strong women. I’m looking forward to more releases in this series!

[Dr. Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhh I love this series so much! The Vanished was just as fun as Shuri #1 if not more so. This volume follows Shuri as she finds genius girls disappearing all over the world. In between training, Shuri must track down where the girls have gone before it's too late.

I really enjoyed this one. Nic Stone can do no wrong in my eyes. I love how short, fast paced and powerful her books are. This one is no exception. We really get to see Shuri shine with her problem solving and scientific knowledge in this one. Ahh she's such a joy to read.

This one definitely had higher stakes to me and I really liked that Shuri had grown from book 1. I can't wait to see this series continue!

Rep: Wakandan cis female MC, Wakandan cast, various female side characters from all over the globe, cameos from the Avengers specifically Iron Man and Captain Nick Fury.

CWs: Kidnapping, brainwashing/control from mind altering substances (not consensual). Moderate: injury/injury detail, cursing.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Squee! This one's printed in blue ink!!

Shuri and her best friend K'Marah are back for more high-tech mysterious action and adventure in Wakanda. Except the best-friends are fighting, struggling to balance what's expected by family (and the Queen) of both of them and their friendship.

K'Marah is concerned a friend of hers has disappeared. But Shuri has other concerns, like proving she's worthy of assuming the Throne, to devote much time to the mystery. This time, it takes a cracking-good girl hacker from the US to beat Shuri's computer defenses and convince her that there's a pattern to a series of kidnappings of super-smart girls around the globe.

A pattern that indicates... Shuri may be next on the kidnappers' list. But who wants to assemble the best girl minds of the world in one place, conveniently located just outside Wakanda?

A new baddie, that's who, who has no less than girl-powered world domination on the agenda. But when it looks like she won't be able to snag Shuri afterall, she goes for someone far more valuable -- K'Marah.

I won't spoil how it ends, or how Shuri and her new ally come to the rescue. This will make an excellent present under the tree! Enjoy.

Looking for more book suggestions for your 7th/8th grade classroom and students?

Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a comfort series for me, even if none of the characters feel any comfort at all.

I just truly love the world and the characters so much. I may have screamed a little bit when Riri showed up. I just love how female centric these books are, just give me all the girl power. They may make some stupid decisions from time to time, but they are still all amazing.

And I love the stories that are getting told. It really brings in a lot of topics that just need to be discussed, in this case the way that missing kids of color are being treated, and get barely any attention.

[Amanda Shepard (Between-the-Shelves) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shuri's voice is probably the best thing about these books. In this installment, she's fighting for bright girls in the STEM field, girls who are randomly disappearing without anyone noticing. I love that Shuri puts matters into her own hands when the adults in her life aren't paying attention. Plus, there are some bonus references to other Marvel characters in this one!

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun chapter in Shuri's story! I really love these books by Nic Stone. Of course, all of the usual characters in the Black Panther world make for a great read, but the introduction of both Riri Williams (Ironheart) and Nightshade in this particular book is exciting. Shuri's a badass, and is quickly becoming one of my all-time favorite superheroes.

[As You Wish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great adventure with Shuri & K'Marah saving the world. There are so many great ideas in the book about girls saving the world, how we balance our responsibilites and the things we're drawn to, and disrupting the powers that are holding us down.

Can I move to Wakanda now?

[bex o.donoghue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Official Rating:
5/5 stars 🌟

[Manda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nic Stone writes a wonderful Shuri. I did like this one slightly less than the first but it was still wonderful. Just a little all over the place at times.

[Dee Dee (Dee Reads for Food)]

This book and this world makes my heart warm

[Ethan the Bibliophile · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe 2.5

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shuri—and a Beyoncé song—save the day!

[Esme · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book was a lot better then the last one. I really loved the “Garden” I thought that was a super cool concept. I don’t really think there was anything I didn’t like about it, definitely recommended.

[Follow the Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chronique d'Audrey :

I had mixed feelings when the needle plunged into my arm when I was 28 weeks pregnant in July.

My decision to have the Covid jab may have meant I had prevented premature labour or even a devastating stillbirth.

But I also was afraid I was making a fateful decision that could leave my precious, much-longed-for unborn baby with long-term health effects.
The freshest exclusives and sharpest analysis, curated for your inbox

However, mainly, I felt relief. Delta cases were rising and I was reading frightening stories of mothers-to-be being hospitalised with Covid.

I managed to avoid getting the virus during my third trimester when it’s riskiest for pregnancy women. Now my six-week-old little boy is here and he’s healthy and thriving, I feel I did the right thing.
Claudia's son is healthy after she had the Covid jab at 28 weeks (Photo: Claudia Tanner)
Claudia’s son is healthy after she had the Covid jab at 28 weeks (Photo: Claudia Tanner)
Currently available data

Whenever I hear about a tragic story of a mother who has died or is seriously ill in hospital, I feel sad for them and also grateful it’s not me.

There’s the death of Ivy-Rose at just nine days old. She and her unvaccinated mother Katie Leeming, from Blackpool, both contracted the virus.

The 22-year-old did not get jabbed after hearing “horror stories” about the effects of the vaccine on mums-to-be on pregnancy forums and has said that she does not regret not having the jab.

She said one woman had the jab and her baby was stillborn a week later – sadly people have been swayed by misinformation online.

I also heard about a friend of a friend, again unjabbed, who was in a coma aged 42 in my local hospital while her baby was delivered by C-section.
The 41-year-old says the vaccine brought her peace of mind (Photo: Ruth Salla)
The 41-year-old says the vaccine brought her peace of mind (Photo: Ruth Salla)

It is an incredibly difficult decision for mothers-to-be to have to make.

Health experts strongly advise pregnant women to get vaccinated after new figures show more than 1,700 pregnant women have been hospitalised with Covid and 98 per cent are unjabbed.

In the US, about 160,000 pregnant women have been vaccinated against coronavirus and no safety concerns have been identified. A study in September even found expectant mums who’ve been jabbed pass protective antibodies onto their newborn babies.

Yet it’s not hard to understand the hesitancy. After all, many of those who are unsure are not irrational anti-vaxxers. It is sensible for a woman to question whether a new vaccine – for which there is no long-term data about yet – will harm the life growing inside of her.
Read More - Featured Image
Read More

Why Covid vaccines are safe for pregnant women in the UK to have

I imagine many of the expectant women who refuse the jab plan to have it after the birth of their little one. I felt that way initially.

That was the case with Saiqa Parveen, an unvaccinated mum aged 37 who died from Covid without getting to meet her newborn daughter Dua who was saved by a caesarean.

We have to make decisions based on currently available data. Given that long-term risks of the vaccine to the baby are unknown and so just theoretical, and the known risks of Covid in pregnancy are very real, I felt having the jab was the most sensible choice.

I knew that the chances of me and my and my baby becoming seriously ill from Covid was rare – but there is that nagging awareness that someone will be that statistic

[LuCioLe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Je tiens tout d’abord à remercier Lumen pour l’envoi de ce roman. J’étais très impatiente de découvrir cette suite, j’avais bien aimé le premier tome (critique ici). On change de registre cette fois, Shuri ne doit pas sauver le Wakanda mais des jeunes filles qui ont disparues. Sa vie a changé depuis le dernier tome puisqu’elle est en plein entrainement de Black Panther. Elle doit se consacrer uniquement à sa formation et n’a pas le temps pour grand chose. Quand sa meilleure amie lui parle de la disparition d’une de ses amies cela l’interpelle et encore plus lorsqu’elle reçoit des transcriptions bizarres sans compter une fille qui pirate son installation, chose totalement folle quand on connait à quel point elle est douée dans les technologies. C’est alors qu’elle prend conscience que quelque chose de pas nette se trame et elle doit intervenir. Le soucis c’est que son entrainement lui prend du temps, surtout de l’énergie et la stresse sachant qu’elle n’a pas le droit à l’erreur si elle doit aller au conclave avec son frère. Elle ne sait alors pu où donner de la tête, elle ne se rend pas compte de ce que vit K’Marah surtout que par sa faute elle ne passe pas de très bons moments. Difficile de faire de trouver du temps avec tout cela. Shuri finira quand même par intervenir pour les disparues sachant qu’elle seule a trouvé l’endroit où elles étaient et personne ne les cherche. J’ai beaucoup aimé la découverte de la ruche même si j’ai trouvé le passage avec la méchante un peu trop facile. J’ai trouvé assez fort les pouvoirs et les technologies utilisées dans cet endroit mais également celles de Shuri. C’est ce qui me plait dans cet univers du Wakanda.

En résumé, Shuri Tome 2 Les disparues est un roman bien mené et bien prenant. On y découvre une héroïne prise entre sa position de princesse, de meilleure amie et de sauveuse née. Elle a alors du fil à retordre et ne sait pas ce qu’elle doit accomplir en premier. Finalement, un élément déclencheur la décide et la motive à faire ce qui est juste. On ressent clairement le girl’s power dans ce tome et l’autrice le clame haut et fort. Ce n’est pas pour nous déplaire de voir une héroïne comme Shuri, en plus la fin est plutôt sympa avec la présence de certains personnages. Une bonne petite saga qui plaira aux adolescentes.

[Annamarie Carlson (she, her)]

Princess Shuri of Wakanda is back! Shuri is determined to focus on her training and earn her mother and brother's permission to travel to an international conference where her country may be revealed to the world. But her dreams are haunted by girls--girls her age, with her passions, who need her help. Soon those whispered visions turn into reality when Shuri discovers that real girls from across the world--girls with extraordinary science and technology skills--are going missing. With the help of best friend K'Marah and the one and only Riri Williams (a young Ironheart!), Shuri is pulled into a mystery involving a secret base, a supervillian, and mind control. Will Shrui save the lost girls...or will she be lured in herself?

I LOVE this series so much. While it deviates a bit from the Marvel movie universe--as all of these kids superhero series seem to do--Shuri is just as strong and powerful, if a bit younger and more naïve. I love all of the nods for Marvel fans (especially Riri's appearance here...Nic Stone can we have a Riri spinoff book, please?). Packed with adventure and mystery to pull in even more reluctant readers. I can't wait for more!

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shuri really wants to attend an international conclave with her brother, but her mother says she has to pass all her exams first. Some of her exams are easy, but the defense and history ones...those are going to take some work. The last thing she needs right now is a distraction, but that's what she gets when she starts to hear about smart girls in STEM like her who are disappearing all over the world and no one but their friends seem to be looking for them. It's not technically Shuri's problem and she really doesn't have time to find the girls, but what if she's their only hope of rescue?

An interesting, quick mystery that looks at how girls, especially girls of color, can slip through the cracks and be undervalued even when they are STEM geniuses. Shuri is a fun heroine to follow around with some fun tools are her disposal. Hand this to mystery and superhero fans.

Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There's defense training and sparring matches, but no one is seriously hurt. There's some tech/psych manipulation going on that has put girls in peril but no one is harmed.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Shuri is the second book in a series by Nic Stone about the famous genius sister of Black Panther. In this book, Shuri is preparing for exams that are her first step toward Black Panther training. While preparing, she and her friend K’Marah begin to learn of girls missing from around the world. What’s additionally strange is that all the girls seem to be incredibly exceptional in the STEM fields. Shuri must decide what and whom she is willing to fight for and what sacrifice truly looks like.

This book was definitely thought-provoking - particularly as it relates to girls/women and the opportunities they have to be educated and develop their skills. While there were some lulls as Shuri prepped for her exams, we kept going back to the central story. The relationship with Shiri and K’Marah is great and shows the joys and challenges of teen girl friendships. What stalled me was my adult angst over some of Shuri’s decisions. Were they atypical for her age? Yes. Did questionable decision-making still stress me out? Absolutely 😅

If you’re into novel renderings of comic heroes or a good dose of girl power- check this one out!

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

While Princess Shuri is busy with her training and education, she hears strange snippets about super-talented, genius girls who have gone missing throughout the world. Her best friend, K’Marah first alerted her to this mystery since one of the girls is a friend.

So abandoning training (slightly), the two go off to discover what is really going on without telling her mother or brother about the adventure. Of course, they find danger, chaos, and intriguing scenarios. But, when one of them may be on the ‘list’ to join this exclusive group, their fears are heightened.

The Vanished is well-written and full of action, however, for me the story would flow more easily if I’d read the first book in the series. The background covering the relationship between the girls and the country they live in would have helped. Probably unfair to only it give it 3 stars for that reason.

[Tara Aldredge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shuri, Princess of Wakanda, is trying to focus on training as heir to the throne of Wakanda and mantle of Black Panther. But then she hears about different girls missing from around the world. The only links are that they are all intelligent girls, strong in science and technology, who have not been officially declared missing. K’Marah, Dora-Milaje-in-training and Shuri’s best friend, is determined that they find and save the missing girls. But what can Shuri do?

Wonderful follow-up to the first Shuri novel. (Though I do think they can be read out of sequence.) Shuri and K’Marah are bright, strong characters. This is a fun adventure with bonus references and cross-overs with other aspects of the Marvel Universe.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
After book one, Shuri has beefed up security around Wakanda and is ready to focus on training and school, especially with the promise of attending a conference with her brother. But, when her friend K'Marah mentions the disappearance of someone she knows, and Shuri learns of a few more girls linked to science and math disappearing, she starts to investigate what could be happening. Shuri wants to focus on her studies, but also feels pulled to find the girls, especially since they're similar to her and her hobbies.

While this is a sequel, it does stand well on its own. I preferred the story line of this installment over book one, it drew me in faster and was more of a mystery than the first. On top of that, the Marvel camoes are awesome!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two for Shuri is super fun and an engrossing adventure. Girls are mysteriously disappearing from all over the world and Shuri is on the case to figure out where they are and why they are disappearing willingly. All of the girls have in common that they are geniuses in their fields of study, which makes their disappearances even more concerning because something more sinister than abduction could be taking place. Shuri is one of my favorite Marvel characters and the young adult series really brings her to life in a fun and unique way. The story has a very diverse cast of characters and a feminist tone throughout which makes it a good read for both boys and girls. Can’t wait to get started on book three!

[Elise C · Rating 5 out of 5]

SYNOPSIS: In this adventure, Shuri learns that some very smart and talented young STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) girls around the world go missing. When it hits too close to home, she is determined to figure out where they are and who is behind it.

THOUGHTS: I love Shuri, I love the character and how unapologetically smart she is. Loved this story way more than even the first book.
As a Science and tech head, I also absolutely love to see stories that really hype up #STEMGirls and its very clear how near and dear to heart this is to #NicStone as well. I'm not this middle-grade-novel's target audience, but my inner high school self felt absolutely empowered.

Can you read this one before the first one? Yes, but why would you want to do that? She does mention some of the events of the first one, but you be lost having not read it before (though you really should).

I don't know how many more of these stories Stone will put out, but it's a great read and I'm here for how many ever she'll put out.

Catch me on IG @elisethenovicebookworm

[Jaymie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars = Great! Might re-read.

I enjoyed this second novel featuring a younger version of my favorite character in the Black Panther movie. The premise was perfect - missing girls with gifts and interests in STEM was a perfect draw for Shuri. Her early reluctance to help was a little disappointing, but understandable with the pressure she was under with her family. Loved the tie-ins with characters from the larger Marvel universe. This series has been everything I hoped it would be. I am looking forward to book 3.