Curse of the Forgotten City

Emblem Island #2

by Alex Aster

After unwillingly inheriting all of the Night Witch’s abilities, Tor Luna is the most powerful person on Emblem Island—though he doesn’t want power at all. Fresh from their last adventure, a girl from a forgotten underwater city named Vesper, with the same water-breathing emblem as Tor, washes ashore—with a warning. Pirates are coming to attack Emblem Island.

Using the Night Witch’s enchanted ship, Tor, Melda, Engle, and Vesper set off on a dangerous journey to find the only thing that can save Emblem Island from the cursed Calavera pirates—a pearl, with the power to control the sea. But just like their first, this quest won’t be easy. In a race against time, they will face giant sea creatures, explore coastal cities teeming with assassins, and make alliances with conniving pirates—but knowing who to trust could prove to be the most dangerous
part of all.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Mythology, Fiction, Childrens, Young Adult Fantasy, Romance

352 pages, Hardcover

First published June 8, 2021

Reviews

[Bella Toric · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything! Alex nailed the second book with the tale of adventure & magic! I think I loved
this book more than I loved the first! Definitely worth a read y’all!

[Caprial · Rating 5 out of 5]

AHHH I LOVED IT!! I can’t wait for a third! Alex is such an amazing author, especially that’s it’s her first series

[Krys · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

[Maëlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was less predictable but a little less interesting too.
Read it in about 4h.

MY REACTION throughout the novel

13%"Melda’s upper lip curled into a snarl. “I don’t like her,” she said quietly. “And, more important than that, I don’t trust her.”
You should ALWYAS trust Melda. Even more because She’s a leader and she lead you true during the first quest
16%"But I did say—” “Anyone fancy some sea-foam for breakfast?” Tor, Melda, and Engle raced to the edge of the boat and found a bobbing silver head in the water. Vesper. She was holding a curved oyster shell"
She still shady tho
28%"It’s how I knew where to go when they attacked.” She didn’t drop his gaze. “It’s how I knew I could trust you.” Later that night, after dinner, Tor fell asleep hoping he could trust her, too"
That’s cuteeee
34%"A waterbreather, eh? Look just like a mermaid, with that hair.” Vesper stiffened, then promptly walked to the other side of the ship"
She probably IS only a mermaid that decided to go to shore
35%"We can, right?” For a moment, Vesper stilled. Then, she smiled. “Of course you can.”
That was way too long to answer
43%"I’m not a siren"
She’s a ✨mermaid✨
44%"She was alone. The large conch shell she had found on Indigo Isle sat on her desk"
It’s a COMMUNICATION METHOD YOU DUMBASS
48%"Captain Forecastle shrugged. “Never make a bargain with a pirate that isn’t inked in blood"
I meannnn, they should have expected it. He’s a P I R A T E, HELLOOO??
54%"Likely speaking into that mysterious conch shell."
So he knows???
55%“My people are already weak, already broken. If the Calavera succeed, waterbreathers will be all but extinct. We’re the last settlement I know of.” Her bottom lip quivered, and she bit it, holding it still. “My parents died protecting their people.” She lowered her head, her green eyes blazing. “I won’t let their sacrifice be for nothing.”
I feel like this is her « motivation speech », like it’s her explanation for eventually backstabbing them. It’s her driving force
59%"Make a wish—and make it count.” Melda spoke from the deck, her words guttural and desperate. “Save our friend, Tor. Cure him of any sickness or injury,” she said. “Please"
I feel like it’s such a waste of a wish - they didn’t spend a good third of the books searching for smt that only helped this one time and that’s it.
64%Trust us, we know. If ye lose yer focus on what ye’ve lost for even a moment, it will pull ye in its own direction…” Melda shot a scathing look at Vesper
She has something against the captain calavera and the traitor wtf
71%"Like she had been crying"
She’s anguished because she’s BETRAYINGGG THEMMM, she’s guiltyyyy. I bet she’s gonna get the pearl in the end. So their mission to bring it home will fail, but she will use the pearl to help them before leaving w it
74%“It was Bluebraid,” Melda said quietly. “That’s why she hates you.”
shiiittt
75%“Want me to come with you?”“No. I think I have to do this alone.”
How many times does he have to get through his thick sksull that he’s in this with OTHER peple, gosh darn, even the night witch told him that he HAD H E L P - so use it wth
77%"And third—the Swordscale traitor…” Tor could picture him in his mind’s eye, disappearing with the Calavera captain and the spectral. “He is your waterbreather’s brother.”
shiittt
80%"The last month, Tor had been focused on his own pain. His own regret. His own anger at what the Night Witch had done to him. He should have asked if Engle was all right."
True, it’s like hary with ron -harry didn’t really give that much attention to ron’s feelings and worries, or pain - he was very self -centered, being the “chosen one” - just like Tor and the Night Witch
"So that’s it, one of us is going to die?” Melda said, looking somewhere past Tor."
i feel like it might be the captain or vesper
80%"The compass, when she held it, led us to Perla. I don’t think it was because she lost focus. I think it was leading us to her brother.”
that’s what i saiddddd
82%"Yer kindness will cost ye out here, it always does. Everyone, absolutely everyone, only cares about ’emselves.”
i feel like he might get too attached to the trio + vesper and will sacrifice himself in the end - just to prove how much he evolved
86%"Tor Luna, heir to the Night Witch’s power, will forfeit all of his inherited gifts, properties, and power. Tor Luna will never return to Estrelle."
holy shiiittt - just give your mpower man. but then again, it’s probs a trap where he gives up his power and then they’ll need it to fight against the captain or “the darkness”
"You would do it to save yourself.”
87%"You can either accept it and use what she gave you to change the world for the better, or you can continue to feel sorry for yourself and try to forget what you are.”
finally, someone knockc some sense into him
91%"The spectral opened his hand, and the oyster flew into it, before he and the Calavera captain vanished."
omg
94%"The pirate looked too pale, too much blood coating his clothes. Still, he managed a smile and said, “Make the sea boil.”
bestie’s abt to die
95%"Vesper lowered her hands. The scale burned brightly in her grip, the ocean held her in a high throne."
i feel like she abt to betray them
96%“We’ll be off then,” Captain Forecastle said, wincing a bit as he stood. Mrs. Herida had healed his wound, but told him he needed bed rest for at least a week"
what abtout the prophecy then????
“I’m the one who ripped the paper, and I knew what it meant when I saw the words: Your quest will prove useless, and one of you will perish.” Her breath was shaky. “I knew it was meant for me… My quest to save my brother would prove useless.” The last word cracked, and she looked to her feet, tears spilling freely. “I knew when it said one of us would die, it was either him or me.”
nvm then
"Thank you for proving me right.” She closed his hand with her own, trapping the charms inside. “Thank you…for being a friend.” With a final nod, the silver-haired waterbreather disappeared into the sea."
whattt - so she didn’t betray them…? wow i read too many books with betrayals lols

[Gunnarmooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the first but still a very solid book I can honestly say I enjoyed it very much and I would still highly suggest it to anyone.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An lovely young adult sequel to Curse of the Night Witch by Alex Aster.

[Abby Nunns · Rating 3 out of 5]

The pirate aspect of this book was interesting and expansion of the magic system. I didn’t enjoy it as much as I hoped but I think middle grade readers would still be hooked if they came straight from reading book 1. Good audiobooks!

[Antara · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read Curse of the Night Witch I'd wondered if the second book could live up the freshness. Reader, it did.

There is an underlying mythology that isn't like one that we've known before (based on Columbian stories) and it's really wonderful. For Book Two we're taken to a completely different part of this world, one with pirates and merpeople and hidden arctic caves and clues to the next point in the quest. Yes, this is a quest book but there is no map per se, it's going from clue to clue to clue. The additional spaces in this world are as wonderfully written as in the first book. I'm already looking forward to the third!

eARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.

[Librarylady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tor, Engle, and Melda are off on another exciting adventure in book 2 of the Emblem Island series. This time pirates are about to attack Emblem Island unless the three of them, with the help of a mermaid named Vesper, can find a pearl with the power to control the seas. It's a race against time with tales from the Book of Seas woven between the chapters. Although fairly long, the action packed plot moves the story along quickly. The only downside for me was lack of a recap of events in the sequel. Not only would it have made it easier to follow the story in this book, but it would also have made it more accessible for anyone who hadn't read the original.

[Agrata Patel · Rating 4 out of 5]

i. love. this. series*. (update: duology* i guess since it seems like the author will never make a book three ☹️)

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mysterious girl with an ominous message upends three friends’ deep seated desire to find calm after a frightening and life-altering adventure. One month previously, Tor Luna received the entirety of the Night Witch’s powers as he began the transition to become her successor. Before he can really understand his new capabilities, however, a girl named Vesper washes ashore and warns Tor and his friends of the impending arrival of the Calavera, pirates who will stop at nothing to find the Pirate’s Pearl and conquer Emblem Island and everything on it. Though emotionally drained, Tor and his friends Melda and Engle join forces once again—alongside their new companion—to scour the seas in the Night Witch’s boat and locate the Pirate’s Pearl before it is too late.

This second book in the Emblem Island series is captivatingly written, beginning moments after the conclusion of the first story. Tor, Melda, and Engle are left without adult guidance and must combine their unique skills to rescue their beloved Estrelle from destruction. Amidst treachery, lies, and danger, the youth must learn to reconcile their differences in order to achieve their common goal.

Written for an advanced middle grade audience, this book will appeal to young adult and adult readers, as well. An action-driven plot keeps the pages turning as the story unfolds, racing against a two-week time constraint that ups the stakes with each passing day. Interspersed within the narrative are excerpts from the Book of Seas, a collection of beautiful fables that turn out to be more real than they seem. Blending together easily, readers will embrace the story-within-a-story as they experience the features from the Book of Seas coming to life in front of the characters’ eyes.

Fans of fantasy adventure stories will devour this riveting tale. Though each new development is more challenging than the last, the characters exhibit cunning and problem-solving skills as they navigate toward their ultimate goal. Flawed and empathetic characters make the narrative feel real despite its fantastic design, connecting readers to a world that many would be thrilled to join. This superb sequel elegantly sets up the third installment; it is a highly recommended addition to library collections for middle grade and teen readers.

[eve.lyn._.reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

🚢🌊🔥💜Curse of the Forgotten City💜🔥🌊🚢
Ever since Tor Luna inherited The Night Witch's powers, his life has been forever changed. When a strange girl with grey hair and green eyes is washed ashore with one frightening message "Pirates are coming." With this new startling discovery, Tor, Vesper, Melda, and Engle have to journey to find a pearl, their only hope of stopping the Calavera pirates from destroying Emblem Island. Filled with more world-building, an adventurous journey on the seas, and new friendships that form.

I must say, Alex Aster is very good at making really creative middle grade books. With the different and intriguing magic system, lore, and interesting situations, it makes for a very entertaining read.

I enjoy books that take place on the sea, and this one did not disappoint. It was adventurous, and very imaginative. I really liked that this focused a lot on the characters. Tor is a reluctant user of the Night Witches power. He didn't want to inherit it and is still unsure about why he was given the powers. Engle deals with trauma from his near-death experience, and Melda's confidence was shaken. This book focused a lot on the trauma of the past book, which I think was really vital into making this book good. I find a lot of times characters go through difficult things and come out unscathed, and not scared. But it added strokes of humanity and realism to these characters to see the past haunt them.

The magic system, and the new character Vesper was okay. I hope to see more from Vesper in the future. This was an innovative, adventurous tale, that starts right after book one, but has a whole new vibe to it!
✅PLOT
🆗CHARACTERS
✅PLOT TWIST

[Angelica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okey, this book did not disappoint.
It wasn't better than the first, but it was okay. I enjoyed it
I'm not really that much of a fan of the whole pirate stuff, but it was actually fun.

Idk what it is with her writing, but I love the fact that everywhere they go, people offer then food, same with the first book. That is the kind of adventure I wanna go into

So we start off a month later after the events of the first book, these children clearly have trauma and they are showing, in all the course of the book it is portraited. And they eventually work they way into getting better.

I think I speaked for all I was in the lookout for betrayal jajaja. The book got some, but I was kinda anxious all the way thru, I didn't want the trio to get crossed.

I appreciate that the kids' parents got to say goodbye and know where the kids were going. Also, I really like the night witch. I feel she really needs more exploring. Her own book even.

I really feel for vesper, and my home girl al fin le dijo sus cuatro vainas a Tor (she finally talked some sense into Tor) like boy I know you don't like the powers but suck it all up cause that be your job, you wanted or fucking not.

Melda has been a kinda mean girl from time to time, but she was kinda justified. Even Vesper told her like gurl you were right, so we chill. Omg I know she is just a girl, but she's fangirling about empowered women. omg, I love it.

Engle just being his usual self, and having food at all hours just made him a background character jajaja I still think he is cool thou

The pirate I like him he was both predictible and gave surprises as well.

[Suzanne Wdowik · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid sequel to a fun book!

This continues the structure set up by the first novel; short legends/myths break up the chapters and set up a magical object or being that will (most likely) appear in the next chapter. These books would do well as a TV show! I like the way these books balance episodic and serialized storytelling.

This is a fetch quest book with multiple magical MacGuffens, which is something I enjoy but recognize isn't for everyone.

One thing I loved is that the entire plot, while still introducing us to new magic, people, and places, is a direct result of what happens in the first novel. The main trio grapples with the trauma and the consequences from what happened with the Night Witch. There were a couple conversations I wish happened earlier, but this is an action-packed middle grade novel, so I can buy that these children don't know how to approach the subject of trauma/PTSD.

Some of the magical fixes were a bit too convenient for my taste, and the twists were predictable, but that's not necessarily a negative in a middle grade novel.

Overall: the plot feels fresh while also continuing the overarching story of the series. Interesting new characters, abilities, and places are introduced, and there are multiple lingering plot threads that I would love to see addressed in future installments.

I'm a little nervous that Alex Aster won't return to this series now that she's focused on Lightlark, but I'm holding on to hope that she'll write more Emblem Island books.

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey everyone! I just read this amazing book called "The Curse of Calavera" and wow, it's like a big adventure on Emblem Island!

So, there's this guy named Tor Luna, and he didn't really want any superpowers, but now he's like the strongest person ever because he got all the Night Witch’s abilities. Crazy, right? But he's not into being powerful.

Then, this girl Vesper comes into the story. She's from an underwater city, and she and Tor both have this cool water-breathing emblem. They find out that pirates are planning to attack Emblem Island, and that's bad news!

So, Tor, Melda, Engle, and Vesper jump on the Night Witch’s enchanted ship, and off they go on this big journey. They need to find a special pearl that can control the sea to save their island from the Calavera pirates. But guess what? It's not gonna be an easy quest!

They have to face giant sea creatures, visit cities full of sneaky assassins, and even make friends with tricky pirates. It's like a super-duper race against time, and you never know who to trust. That's the most exciting and dangerous part!

I loved the book because it's like being in a magical world with awesome characters. There are sea creatures, pirates, and all sorts of cool stuff happening. The author makes you feel like you're right there with Tor and his friends, trying to save Emblem Island.

If you love adventures, pirates, and mysterious quests, you should totally read "The Curse of Calavera." It's like a rollercoaster of excitement and surprises, and you won't be able to put it down! 🌊🏴‍☠️✨

[Becki Pearce · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Second book in the Emblem Island series, and once again for a middle aged book, I found this as good as the first book, which was full of adventure, mythical creatures, new faces and lots of twists and turns. I still very much loved how its based of myths and legends and how we get to continue the adventure with Tor, Engle and Melda.

In this tale Tor, Engle, and Melda must stop a band of cursed pirates from taking over their home.

Tor is adjusting to life with the power of the Night Witch, especially with his best friends Engle and Melda by his side. But when a mysterious girl washes ashore claiming a band of cursed pirates is on their way to Emblem Island, life changes fast.

The girl, Gemma, is from an underwater city that was destroyed by the terrible Calavera pirates and she warns Tor they are now on their way to his home.

The trio of friends must come up with a plan to stop the pirates from getting an ancient relic that would give them the ability to control the high seas, while also protecting all they love from the new danger.

I hope Alex is working on some more books, but as of yet I haven't seen anything so I will keep my eyes peeled as I really want to see what adventure is next, while also seeing what new abilities and power Tor gets from the Night Witch. I highly recommend these books if you want some easy reads that are full of adventure and makes you want to learn more.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sequel is even better than the first story as readers are already familiar with the characters. Aster can delve deeper and reveal more of the inner layers as they again have to face challenges to save their homes. I like that she acknowledges they are human teens and were not recovered from the last adventure with the Night Witch. Tor comes into his own as he finally accepts his gifts from the Night Witch and learns to master his emblem skills. Engle is finally vulnerable enough to share his nightmares and accept help to heal. Melda reveals some vulnerabilities as well as she shares about their past. They meet a new young woman, Vesper, who carries secrets of her own. The four set out to find the special pearl and stop deadly pirates who were released from their curse by the Night Witch's death. The action moves forward with enough twists to keep readers focused. The ending offers a hint of more to come.

[Stephanie P (Because My Mother Read) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher for the free copy to review.

This exciting middle grade fantasy was our latest family read aloud. It is the sequel to Curse of the Night Witch and picks up shortly after the first book left off. The main characters are off on another perilous journey but this time they have to hit the high seas and face pirates, sea creatures, storms and more. My kids and I love stories in that setting and had a lot of fun with it.

In the first book we really enjoyed the legends included between each chapter that weave into the plot. We were excited to see that utilized in this book again with a different set of legends. This book was intriguing with high stakes, engaging characters, and a rich fantasy world. I haven’t heard any official news that a third book is coming, but the ending felt open enough for another.

The content level is similar to book 1. Violence and scary situations.

[Amy B Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tor, Melda and Engle are off in another adventure in Curse of the Forgotten City. After finishing the first book in the series I had wondered if the second book would live up to the same uniqueness and crisp story telling. Well, it most definitely did.

I love the underlying mythology within the story (based on stories from Columbia). I’ve wanted to branch out my mythology references beyond the typical ones used and this was so refreshing.

For the second book we are taken outside of Emblem Island. Dropped into a world of pirates, merpeople and hidden arctic caves as the adventurers hop from clue to clue on their quest. With the help of a mermaid named Vesper, the group searches for a pearl with the power to control the seas to rid Emblem Island of some attacking pirates. Once again, each chapter is woven with a tale from the Book of Seas that gets incorporated into the adventure.

The story is action-packed and once again beautifully written.

[Maria-Andrea Nivon Galvez · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a great moment when you finish the second book in a series and find that the author has grown in their ability to story tell.
This is one of those moments. There are still lots of overused words and phrases consistently repeated such as those pertaining to Engle and eating. Which is irritating since by the second book and 200 pages in if you don’t understand Engle loves eating—simply put, it’s redundant.
That being said, the character growth is present and there is finally a layer of depth to the main trio and their relationship. Not just wonderful world building, now the character can kind of stand on their own. Using the magnificent surroundings as crutches. But a slight impediment to where the writing was in book one.
I’m definitely interested in reading the next installment whenever it deigns to come out. ;)

[Norah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say, I do think I preferred the first book. But that's just because in the first book they go to many more places. They go on so much more adventure and I just think that it's better.

But I do think that this is a good book. I wish there was a third book because honestly, I feel like if there were it might honestly be a little worse like the second book is to the first.

But I still think it's great. Tor finally gets the Emblem he wants, he can now breath underwater and I really liked the girl (it's been awhile so I don't really remember her name).

I feel like everything just kinda came together like, "This is how it's supposed to be". I think the reason I don't think it sucks compared to the first book, is because it takes place mostly underwater. I love swimming, I love going underwater, I love the way the water can lift you and let you drift away from your problems. So yeah, 4⭐️ for me!

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great sequel to the first book and definitely excites me for the potential of the rest of the series.
I liked book 1 well enough but thought it lacked in some areas, like certain scenes seeming to end without a proper resolution, but this one definitely improved on that and I was quite gripped the whole time.
Once again, I'm not the target audience but I still found a lot to like and I think kids would love this. The characters were a lot more likable all round, and I really liked their realistic struggles of dealing with the aftermath of being forced on a dangerous journey and their friendships are so cute. The world seemed really cool and it felt a lot more connected this time too.
I'm excited for book 3.

[Dandelionsteph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, although the worldbuilding was more repetitive and plainer than for the first book. Some of the myth inserts felt like "and then a weird scary thing pops out of the ocean and attacks you" or "the ocean is inherently scary and cruel" or "mermaids are cool but also scary". I guess the interesting worldbuilding relied too much on something horrible happening in a destination the protagonists can't avoid, instead of something wondrous, or wondrous with something bad associated with it (e.g., like how, in the first book, the town of wondrous magic snow also had a snow beast, though the book took the unexpected turn of warding it off without too much time). Some of the ports were interesting, though.

[Jennifer H · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately seems like the magic got lost - the first book tied the stories in from the book they were carrying very nicely. This time the stories were not as related, some not even really even having a point to tie to the characters' actions.They really spend most of the book being suspicious of the new character and running in random directions without planning or thinking.

This book is jumbled and honestly, for kids, I would not recommend it. It carries through a lot of unnecessary guilt that is not resolved and also damaged psyche that is literally just shrunk away for one character, not overcome by talking it out or leaning on friends. And I wasn't okay with how an outsider to the group could be treated instead of welcomed.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although scarred from the previous adventure, Tor, Melda and Engle set out again when their village is in trouble. Similar to the first book, this one has mythology and fairy tales interspersed throughout and I really enjoyed it.

At one point, Tor "dies" but is brought back to life with a wish from a mermaid. Yet, the friends also said he almost died. It goes back and forth between whether he actually died or if he was almost dead and the wish healed him. Because it isn't really clear, I feel like I can officially recommend this one. It's the only consideration I have for this book.

Found in L4M OT Volume 122.

[Tara Aldredge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vesper, a waterbreather, comes wounded out of the sea, to worn Tor that the Calavera pirates are coming. Although Tor, Engle, and Melda are still recovering from their quest to the Night Witch, they set off with Vesper to try and find the Pirate’s Pearl, hoping to stop the pirates and save Emblem Island.

Another fun Emblem Island adventure full of danger and folklore. This one picks up right where the first one left off. Although there are some references and explanations of the first story, it’s probably better to begin with book one, Curse of the Night Witch.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a magical read full of creative adventure once again! The first book ended up in a cliff-hanger and begins right where it left off. This middle grade fantasy read is full of action and adventure from beginning to end. The characters are always enjoyable, especially Engle and his love for food. Tor, on his journey of still accepting who he became learns and discovers (with his good friends and new crew mates), many new lessons.

Fantasy fans will enjoy this series, just like I did.
Happy reading!

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book I’ve read by the author. I had purchased it on a sale and had going on, where if you bought her book you for another one for free. I hadn’t realized there was multiple books. But, even with this being her second, and my first read I loved it! I didn’t need the first book to follow along and get to know the characters. Although the first book would’ve helped a tad with some events I was able to get the main idea of the events and follow along rather well. I adore her story telling and writing and can’t wait to read more!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled a bit with this and didn't fly through reading it in the same way. Maybe because I thought I knew how it was going to end? (Thankfully I was wrong.) Long-time friends Tor and Engle, along with their new friend, Melda, are back home from their quest to the Night Witch though they are all changed. They haven't had long to recover when a stranger and a new danger arrive.

I loved learning more about Emblem Island, so the new quest and more world-building/exploring were wonderful. New stories and a new book of stories were fascinating for me. There was no afterword about this book, whether these stories were based on anything from the author's life or family traditions or people group so I didn't have that to go on for anything like in the first book. This book gives you more and more and yet, it made me want to know still more. I am hoping for a third book soon.