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The Montague Twins #2
The Devil's Music
The Hardy Boys meets Paper Girls in the second volume of this mystery series featuring teen detectives, witches, and now a mystery rock 'n' roll song capable of a sinister, Pied Piper-like hypnosis.
Alastair, Pete, Charlie, and Rachel aren't just magical teen detectives in their coastal town of Port Howl--they are also members of a local teen rock band. Before a show one night, Charlie and Rachel meet a famous rockstar, Gideon, and invite him to their show. He'll never come, but why not try, right?
Little do they know, Gideon does show up, and he brings the threads of his dark past with him. In fact, he might even be the source of the rumored Devil's Music, a limited-release song that entrances all of its listeners in a deadly hypnosis.
When Pete quickly gets drawn into Gideon's web, it's up to his brother and friends to save him. But Pete might not be the only Montague Twin at risk for Gideon's spell...
Alastair, Pete, Charlie, and Rachel aren't just magical teen detectives in their coastal town of Port Howl--they are also members of a local teen rock band. Before a show one night, Charlie and Rachel meet a famous rockstar, Gideon, and invite him to their show. He'll never come, but why not try, right?
Little do they know, Gideon does show up, and he brings the threads of his dark past with him. In fact, he might even be the source of the rumored Devil's Music, a limited-release song that entrances all of its listeners in a deadly hypnosis.
When Pete quickly gets drawn into Gideon's web, it's up to his brother and friends to save him. But Pete might not be the only Montague Twin at risk for Gideon's spell...
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 25, 2022
10 people are currently reading
977 people want to read
About the author
Nathan Page
3 books53 followersWriter of graphic novels and lover of 90s soundtracks, Nathan lives in Toronto, where the streets are never finished and the raccoons are definitely not messing around.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
February 3, 2022
I loved this sequel even more than book 1 and repeat what I said for that one, only in all caps, because I think it's even more true: I THINK PEOPLE WHO LOVE THE RAVEN CYCLE WILL ALSO LOVE THIS.
December 3, 2022
"Music is a powerful magic all on it's own. It's a conduit and conductor of emotional energy. In a way, every song is like a spell, do you understand?" -- Dave, the twins' guardian
It's nice to catch up with with adolescent twins Pete and Al Montague and their extended family (including sister Charlie, family friend Rachel, and tutor Rowan) after two full years - if only in my own reading time - since their previous and introductory adventure titled The Witch's Hand. I had quipped in my review for that first volume "take parts of the original literary versions of The Hardy Boys and Sabrina the Teenage Witch, then add a little of TV's The Mod Squad and Scooby-Doo, Where are You?!" and that still holds true with this quality follow-up titled The Devil's Music. Touching on that hilarious-in-retrospect but horrifying-at-the-time urban legend that claimed evil and/or satanic messages were hidden deep inside rock and roll records and corrupting the youth of America, the Montague family investigate the mysterious occurrences - including an attempted suicide by a classmate - connected to the unexpected arrival of a known singer/songwriter/guitarist (think Paul McCartney mixed with James Taylor, but not quite as famous) in their quiet coastal New England community in autumn 1969. This volume is pleasantly as effective as the first, and the character MVP has to be awarded to family friend Rachel who - in one of the most memorable and applaud-worthy scenes - angrily but admirably stands up for her besieged friends with some righteous supernatural fury and sharp dialogue. That, and I think it's also adorable that she drives a Nash Rambler like my own mother did when she attended college during the same time period.
It's nice to catch up with with adolescent twins Pete and Al Montague and their extended family (including sister Charlie, family friend Rachel, and tutor Rowan) after two full years - if only in my own reading time - since their previous and introductory adventure titled The Witch's Hand. I had quipped in my review for that first volume "take parts of the original literary versions of The Hardy Boys and Sabrina the Teenage Witch, then add a little of TV's The Mod Squad and Scooby-Doo, Where are You?!" and that still holds true with this quality follow-up titled The Devil's Music. Touching on that hilarious-in-retrospect but horrifying-at-the-time urban legend that claimed evil and/or satanic messages were hidden deep inside rock and roll records and corrupting the youth of America, the Montague family investigate the mysterious occurrences - including an attempted suicide by a classmate - connected to the unexpected arrival of a known singer/songwriter/guitarist (think Paul McCartney mixed with James Taylor, but not quite as famous) in their quiet coastal New England community in autumn 1969. This volume is pleasantly as effective as the first, and the character MVP has to be awarded to family friend Rachel who - in one of the most memorable and applaud-worthy scenes - angrily but admirably stands up for her besieged friends with some righteous supernatural fury and sharp dialogue. That, and I think it's also adorable that she drives a Nash Rambler like my own mother did when she attended college during the same time period.
October 23, 2021
It’s our book and we’re really proud of it so my completely objective review is 5/5 stars, would recommend to anyone and their dog. Also cats. Cats will dig it.
Want to read
March 16, 2021adding to my tbr because mstief tweeted that this graphic novel "feels basically made for folks who loved The Raven Boys" and i'm like, all about that.
March 28, 2022
It's been a while since I read the first graphic novel in this series so it took me a little bit to recall the characters and what had happened prior. Honestly though - it wasn't a major plot point to remember everything from the first book (although it does help). A handsome stranger comes to town and attends the twins rock band concert. They soon discover that this stranger is actually a famous rock and roll star - but how did he end up in Port Howl? After his arrival - someone from their school begins acting weird - does he he worship Satan? What is going on? Also, a long lost uncle in town? Something fishy is definitely on the horizon. A graphic novel that explores, friendships, romance, family troubles, and mysteries. It will be interesting to see where this series goes!
June 27, 2022
✨ "People lie. People disappear without a trace. People show up out of nowhere. People only tell you what's convenient for them, and that's only when they absolutely have to."
I have never read the first book but now I want to! The story was a little confusing at first but I gradually got into it. There are lots of characters but their respective journeys are easy to follow once you get the hang of things. I really like the climax and ending! Definitely one of those books that get better and better as you keep going.
I have never read the first book but now I want to! The story was a little confusing at first but I gradually got into it. There are lots of characters but their respective journeys are easy to follow once you get the hang of things. I really like the climax and ending! Definitely one of those books that get better and better as you keep going.
February 19, 2022
4.5 stars rounded up! This is we of those rare occasions where I actually enjoyed the sequel(this book) over the first book. The characters were more developed and they all had grown so much since the first one. And if my description of the Montague Twins as “magical Hardy Boys” didn’t convince you to add this series to your Want to Read list, I don’t know what will!
April 1, 2022
The Monta-Scoobys are back!
July 2, 2022
The Devil's Music (The Montague Twins #2) by Nathan Page and Drew Shannon is a brilliant follow up to The Witch's Hand which was fantastic. I would give it more stars if I could! Honestly, this YA historical fantasy is quickly becoming a favorite graphic novel series. Please, I hope we get to more of Al, Pete, and company in the future! If you're a fan of Maggie Stiefvater's The Raven Cycle, I have a feeling you'll love this too.
July 20, 2022
Want to see more bookish things from me? Check out my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfer...
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*
Pete and Alastair Montague are teenage detectives, who know a little bit of magic. A famous musician Gideon, arrives in their town and takes an interest in their small group when they invite him to their show. As they spend more time with Gideon, they realize that he may be behind the rumored Devil's music, sweeping the country that causes people to harm themselves after listening.
I definitely enjoyed this much more than the first book. I think the characters and their relationships with one another really shone in this one and were far more developed than the first installment. Their banter is always so much fun, and I love where the relationships ended up as well. I thought the art style and colours were great again, and I love all the details on each page. I highly recommend this second installment!
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*
Pete and Alastair Montague are teenage detectives, who know a little bit of magic. A famous musician Gideon, arrives in their town and takes an interest in their small group when they invite him to their show. As they spend more time with Gideon, they realize that he may be behind the rumored Devil's music, sweeping the country that causes people to harm themselves after listening.
I definitely enjoyed this much more than the first book. I think the characters and their relationships with one another really shone in this one and were far more developed than the first installment. Their banter is always so much fun, and I love where the relationships ended up as well. I thought the art style and colours were great again, and I love all the details on each page. I highly recommend this second installment!
August 21, 2023
I liked this one even better than the first one. The art style is so good!
January 26, 2022
What a fantastic series! I loved the first book and the sequel is just as great, continuing the magical adventures of the Montague Twins! OOoOoOOh! As I mentioned in my review of the first book, this is very much like a YA modern Hardy Boys but with magic! And also by modern, I mean it’s set in the past. The story is great as is the art and the colours and I REALLY loved the lettering, especially when it came to the music.
This story revolves around a mysterious rare record that seems to be causing people to harm themselves after they listen to it. Some people are even calling it the “devil’s music!” (OoOo the name of the book) And it just so happens that a former semi-famous musician has arrived in town. Coincidence? Probably not.
This is a great graphic novel sequel, one of those books that's just as good as the first in the series! And you should check it out…and of course, the first book if you haven’t already read it!
This story revolves around a mysterious rare record that seems to be causing people to harm themselves after they listen to it. Some people are even calling it the “devil’s music!” (OoOo the name of the book) And it just so happens that a former semi-famous musician has arrived in town. Coincidence? Probably not.
This is a great graphic novel sequel, one of those books that's just as good as the first in the series! And you should check it out…and of course, the first book if you haven’t already read it!
May 16, 2022
I need more please
January 24, 2022
I cannot thank Nathan Page and Drew Shannon enough for an early copy of The Devil's Music! It was the best thing I've seen in my inbox all month! What follows is my honest review and probably a lot of fangirling. I'm not sorry.
The Devil's Music takes place just a few months after the first book, The Witch's Hand. Enough time for our group of heroes to start to heal from what happened over the summer, and too that the four of them have bonded, and their powers of grown in the few months that have passed. We also finally get a look at the Faculty, the mysterious group that guides magic users.
Not only do we get a bit more on the back story of why the Faculty exists, but we also get more of the back story of the Montague family. Mostly because their mysterious Uncle blows into town without really a reason. I have to say I'm thankful for our cautious Nathan made the twins about their father's family, but I'm also thankful he didn't use their Uncle as a way to split the twins up. While I'm always game for an evil twin trope, I love the bond that Pete and Al have in this story. They are each other's rocks and I just want them to be happy!
I enjoyed the main story of the second book. Nathan Page dives into the trope of selling your soul for talent but uses it his way to tying newcomer Gideon to our main characters. So it was a trope I knew with a story I didn't. Which kept me reading because I needed to know why this song was affecting its listeners, and how it was tied to our rockstar. It's a solid mystery with a few twists and turns, that easily fits into what we're learning about Al and Pete's parents. And, the history of magic in this timeline.
I will have to that I was a bit disappointed in Chuck this volume when Al raised concerns about Pete and Gideon. While I understand the period and why she was worried about Al's intentions, she should have known Al better. He looks like an asshole, but Al has the biggest heart, and watching him get hurt by that album was the worst handful of pages. Just rude.
And, yes Al is my favorite character. However, could you tell?
I will say these kids aren't half bad detectives, and I still think this would make a good tv show! David and Shelly are two of my favorite fictional parents. There is a lot to unpack when it comes to the Montague family history, and it can't be easy deciding how to tell anyone that story, especially teenagers. I also adored the way David handled Al's bout with depression. It was validating and allowed Al to have a piece of his father at the same time. Which for the time period Nathan chose for this story is saying something.
As for the mystery, I liked the way it unraveled and how our team split off so the readers could get a full look at what was happening. I liked that Gideon was able to clean up his mess, at least in Port Howl, and that both twins got a bit of a happy ending. Here's to hoping they get to keep it. I think Rachel is good for Al, she doesn't take his crap.
I cheered for both the twins when got their person in this book. I adore them both!
Lately, I cannot describe how much I love Drew Shannon's art on both volumes of this graphic novel. There are so many little details on every page, and the color palette is always perfect. And I love that he went with a more old-school design on the characters and everything to fit the time period of the story itself. It works together.
And, really this book left me with only one real question. Is there going to be book three? Because you just don't end a book like that! Who was lying? Where are the lying, or just exhausted teenagers who don't know what they want? WHY WOULD YOU END IT THERE?
Okay, so maybe several questions, but really, I need a book three! Please!
The Devil's Music takes place just a few months after the first book, The Witch's Hand. Enough time for our group of heroes to start to heal from what happened over the summer, and too that the four of them have bonded, and their powers of grown in the few months that have passed. We also finally get a look at the Faculty, the mysterious group that guides magic users.
Not only do we get a bit more on the back story of why the Faculty exists, but we also get more of the back story of the Montague family. Mostly because their mysterious Uncle blows into town without really a reason. I have to say I'm thankful for our cautious Nathan made the twins about their father's family, but I'm also thankful he didn't use their Uncle as a way to split the twins up. While I'm always game for an evil twin trope, I love the bond that Pete and Al have in this story. They are each other's rocks and I just want them to be happy!
I enjoyed the main story of the second book. Nathan Page dives into the trope of selling your soul for talent but uses it his way to tying newcomer Gideon to our main characters. So it was a trope I knew with a story I didn't. Which kept me reading because I needed to know why this song was affecting its listeners, and how it was tied to our rockstar. It's a solid mystery with a few twists and turns, that easily fits into what we're learning about Al and Pete's parents. And, the history of magic in this timeline.
I will have to that I was a bit disappointed in Chuck this volume when Al raised concerns about Pete and Gideon. While I understand the period and why she was worried about Al's intentions, she should have known Al better. He looks like an asshole, but Al has the biggest heart, and watching him get hurt by that album was the worst handful of pages. Just rude.
And, yes Al is my favorite character. However, could you tell?
I will say these kids aren't half bad detectives, and I still think this would make a good tv show! David and Shelly are two of my favorite fictional parents. There is a lot to unpack when it comes to the Montague family history, and it can't be easy deciding how to tell anyone that story, especially teenagers. I also adored the way David handled Al's bout with depression. It was validating and allowed Al to have a piece of his father at the same time. Which for the time period Nathan chose for this story is saying something.
As for the mystery, I liked the way it unraveled and how our team split off so the readers could get a full look at what was happening. I liked that Gideon was able to clean up his mess, at least in Port Howl, and that both twins got a bit of a happy ending. Here's to hoping they get to keep it. I think Rachel is good for Al, she doesn't take his crap.
I cheered for both the twins when got their person in this book. I adore them both!
Lately, I cannot describe how much I love Drew Shannon's art on both volumes of this graphic novel. There are so many little details on every page, and the color palette is always perfect. And I love that he went with a more old-school design on the characters and everything to fit the time period of the story itself. It works together.
And, really this book left me with only one real question. Is there going to be book three? Because you just don't end a book like that! Who was lying? Where are the lying, or just exhausted teenagers who don't know what they want? WHY WOULD YOU END IT THERE?
Okay, so maybe several questions, but really, I need a book three! Please!
May 19, 2022
This series is really hitting its stride! Looking forward to the next one.
July 15, 2022
That ending--WOW.
I would love a third book in this series, because holy shit.
I would love a third book in this series, because holy shit.
May 25, 2024
4.5/5 stars
February 4, 2022
Another thrilling installment in the Montague Twins series. The book provides the perfect balance of classic teen detective stories with the excitement and danger of witches and magic. The art is also stellar and sets a classic 1960’s noir vibe while still feeling entirely modern. And of course we learn just enough about the Montague’s past but not enough. Will be very impatient for volume 3.
I received a free review copy from Netgalley and have not been compensated for this review.
I received a free review copy from Netgalley and have not been compensated for this review.
July 9, 2022
Just gimme the next one already.
September 19, 2022
“I won’t pretend to know what you’re going through right now…but just know that you are so loved. Please don’t leave me.” - THE DEVIL’S MUSIC
🌙🎶🌙
When I read THE WITCH’S HAND last year, I was pretty sure I’d just read the start of a new favorite series. Now after reading THE DEVIL’S MUSIC, I know I was right.
A quick synopsis for those of you who haven’t heard of this series yet. The Montague Twins follows teenage twin brothers Alistair and Peter and their large, loving found family, as they explore mysteries in the coastal town of Port Howl. It also has a magic secret society, queer rep, and takes place in the 60s.
✨🎵✨
When I started book 2 I was immediately transported back to the crisp New England setting I fell in love with. The plot is just as emotional and compelling as I found the first book. In fact, I loved it more than THE WITCH’S HAND!
A cursed record is causing those who listen to it to end their lives, and the boys are trying to solve the case before anyone else gets hurt, all while dealing with the fallout from book 1 and family drama as old secrets come to light.
The way the authors dealt with the mental health rep felt very respectful. Characters who have been struggling silently with past trauma (and there are many of them) are able to open up and find support within their family. In particular, Rachel's powerful line of, “I’ve heard that song before,” hit me with a wave of emotion.
To read a book like this and come away feeling…at peace, is a strange experience. It’s such a sad and triggering topic, but I closed the book with a sense of peace and hopefulness. The deaths are treated as the tragedies they are, no “gotcha” scares or added horror, and nothing is shown on page (the the exception of the first five pages which can be skipped).
THE DEVIL’S MUSIC is such a wonderful and powerful story. I think fans of The Raven Cycle, magical realism, and mysteries will love this!
CW: suicide (roof, od), religious abuse, discussions of mental health and child abuse
🌙🎶🌙
When I read THE WITCH’S HAND last year, I was pretty sure I’d just read the start of a new favorite series. Now after reading THE DEVIL’S MUSIC, I know I was right.
A quick synopsis for those of you who haven’t heard of this series yet. The Montague Twins follows teenage twin brothers Alistair and Peter and their large, loving found family, as they explore mysteries in the coastal town of Port Howl. It also has a magic secret society, queer rep, and takes place in the 60s.
✨🎵✨
When I started book 2 I was immediately transported back to the crisp New England setting I fell in love with. The plot is just as emotional and compelling as I found the first book. In fact, I loved it more than THE WITCH’S HAND!
A cursed record is causing those who listen to it to end their lives, and the boys are trying to solve the case before anyone else gets hurt, all while dealing with the fallout from book 1 and family drama as old secrets come to light.
The way the authors dealt with the mental health rep felt very respectful. Characters who have been struggling silently with past trauma (and there are many of them) are able to open up and find support within their family. In particular, Rachel's powerful line of, “I’ve heard that song before,” hit me with a wave of emotion.
To read a book like this and come away feeling…at peace, is a strange experience. It’s such a sad and triggering topic, but I closed the book with a sense of peace and hopefulness. The deaths are treated as the tragedies they are, no “gotcha” scares or added horror, and nothing is shown on page (the the exception of the first five pages which can be skipped).
THE DEVIL’S MUSIC is such a wonderful and powerful story. I think fans of The Raven Cycle, magical realism, and mysteries will love this!
CW: suicide (roof, od), religious abuse, discussions of mental health and child abuse
March 2, 2022
“It’s all good when the rumoured devil worshipper is a poster in your locker, kind of another thing when he’s hanging around your twin brother.”
I'd like to thank Penguin Teen Canada for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
Instagram Post
Blog Post
Content Warnings: suicide, depression
I enjoyed this sequel even more than the first book! We start off soon after the ending of The Witch's Hand and it felt like a very seamless transition. We got to see a lot more character development and learn more about their personalities. My favourite character in this volume would still be Al, we got to explore his character a lot more and I had a great time reading about him. The artwork was stunning just as before. It really captures your attention. I also think the colouring was very well done and portrayed the emotion of each scene. The dialogue was witty and felt natural while helping to develop the plot. Speaking of the plot, it was very engaging and I didn't see the plot twists coming! I also liked how we got to explore the magic system more and look into the twins' parents.
I'm excited to see what else this series has in store!
I'd like to thank Penguin Teen Canada for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
Instagram Post
Blog Post
Content Warnings: suicide, depression
I enjoyed this sequel even more than the first book! We start off soon after the ending of The Witch's Hand and it felt like a very seamless transition. We got to see a lot more character development and learn more about their personalities. My favourite character in this volume would still be Al, we got to explore his character a lot more and I had a great time reading about him. The artwork was stunning just as before. It really captures your attention. I also think the colouring was very well done and portrayed the emotion of each scene. The dialogue was witty and felt natural while helping to develop the plot. Speaking of the plot, it was very engaging and I didn't see the plot twists coming! I also liked how we got to explore the magic system more and look into the twins' parents.
I'm excited to see what else this series has in store!
March 28, 2023
The Devil's Music isn't quite as strong as The Witch's Hand, but even a lesser outing with the Montague twins proves to be good time. The strength of these books is in the characters, who are robustly crafted and uniquely appealing. Especially Rachel, who in this volume steps into more of a leading role. Not quite sure I like how she's encouraging the youths to take up smoking, though...
The art and storytelling are both wonderfully smooth - The Devil's Music simply cascades from one scene to the next with effortless ease. You'll be hard-pressed to set the book down, even if the "mystery" is somewhat lackluster. A musician has arrived in the twin's cute New England town and his music might have supernatural powers! Yipes! Goofiness levels are high, but fortunately the character work and unfolding world-building around magical practitioners and their witch hunting foes help settle the story. I did find the abrupt love story for Pete to be a bit unsatisfying (and anachronistic), but the character growth will surely pay dividends in future volumes. I certainly look forward to visiting Port Howl again!
The art and storytelling are both wonderfully smooth - The Devil's Music simply cascades from one scene to the next with effortless ease. You'll be hard-pressed to set the book down, even if the "mystery" is somewhat lackluster. A musician has arrived in the twin's cute New England town and his music might have supernatural powers! Yipes! Goofiness levels are high, but fortunately the character work and unfolding world-building around magical practitioners and their witch hunting foes help settle the story. I did find the abrupt love story for Pete to be a bit unsatisfying (and anachronistic), but the character growth will surely pay dividends in future volumes. I certainly look forward to visiting Port Howl again!
December 8, 2021
This is the second book in the Montague Twins young adult graphic novel series. You definitely need to read the first book, otherwise there will be a lot you don't understand. This book picks up where we last left off, with secrets being revealed, magic being studied, and friends being made. The twins, Al and Pete, are thrust into another mystery with their friends, this time involving rock and roll music. The story is fun, fast-paced, deep, and interesting. The author delves into mental health, healthy love, and family dynamics. The art is great and works well with the text. The magical elements don't overpower the story, just enhance it. The end isn't exactly a cliffhanger but it does set it up for another book, which I am really looking forward to reading. There are curse words sprinkled throughout but they fit with the story. Plus, the characters are teens and adults. There is also smoking, with both the teens and adults participating, but it fits with the time period (1969). (Read a digital ARC via Netgalley.)
February 24, 2022
Well, I just devoured this one, so im going to take a shot in the dark and say I enjoyed it. There is suspense, there is positive representation, there is just the right amount of supernatural spookiness to keep me interested, and a really heartfelt moment regarding mental health and battling depression. It's just delightful. I am particularly intrigued by the magic in this world - I'm always a fan of stories where everyone has a little bit of magic and that it manifests in things are passionate about and this system seems to do just that. I can't wait for more of this story and will eagerly be waiting for the next volume.
September 23, 2024
Segundo volumen de los gemelos Montague, una serie de cómics YA que me tiene fascinadito perdido. Las tramas, los temas que tocan, la representación, EL DIBUJO… Qué pasada. Solo tengo dos problemas con este libro: por un lado, que ahora no sé cuál de los dos me gusta más [inserta gif de “Both is good” de El camino hacia El Dorado]. Por otro, que no tengo ni idea de si va a haber una tercera parte y como esto es drogaína pura necesito seguir leyendo más de esta serie. Muy, muy, muy recomendable.
January 31, 2022
I really hope this isn’t the last volume of The Montague Twins. I love this gang of rowdy, supernatural teens too much. Also, props to the creators for offering such a poignant yet hopeful exploration of mental health.
August 18, 2024
Quite the Hardy Boys'esque vibe and yet more modern in themes and more serious. I enjoyed the 2nd volume even more than the first, especially since I am already familiar with the main characters and it needs less effort to understand the story. 😊
February 23, 2022
4.5 stars
Spooky & better than the first book.
Content warnings: depression & suicide.
Spooky & better than the first book.
Content warnings: depression & suicide.
February 25, 2022
Absolutely loved this one! I'm totally here for all of the directions the story is taking and the layers it continues to build as it tackles a number of heavy themes. It is also soft and I love it for that.
March 12, 2022
i liked this one a lot more than the first even!!! it’s so funny but also really lovely and everyone is <3
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