Mission to Shadow Sea

Future Hero #2

by Remi Blackwood

Unlock your inner hero! Jarell has accepted his destiny as the savior of Ulfrika. But when he's summoned back to the kingdom through the magical portal in his cousin's barbershop, he finds it in even greater danger than when he left. A powerful god has put the inhabitants of Ulfrika in peril, and the only way to stop him is to solve a mysterious riddle and break a powerful curse. Will Jarell and his warrior companion, Kimisi, find a way to help their friends? Or will the sorcerer manage to banish Jarell from Ulfrika and conquer the kingdom forever?

144 pages, Paperback

Published January 3, 2023

Reviews

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Library copy

Nice, short fantasy series with cultural connections that my reluctant 6th graders have been enjoying. There should be more short fantasy books for middle grade.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First sentence: Jarell brushed his hand over the back of his head. It's got to be long enough now, right? he thought. At least his hair was finally more than stubble. On his last adventure to the kingdom of Ulfrika, the magical symbol had been burned away completely. He couldn't return until his hair was long enough to have a new symbol cut into it, but time was running out. He had to return to the ancient-future world of Ulfrika, find the remaining three iron animals, and stop the evil sorcerer Ikala before it was too late.

Premise/plot: Mission to Shadow Sea is the second book in the Future Hero fantasy series for young readers. Jarell--the future hero--travels via haircut and magic mirror to another world, Ulfrica. He has adventures (and sometimes misadventures) there. When he's not off risking it all and fighting against the odds, he lives in London, I believe.

My thoughts: I am not the target audience for this one. That doesn't mean I wouldn't recommend it. I would recommend, however, waiting until ALL the books in the series have been released. I imagine that this series would be at its absolute best if a reader--presumably young--sat down with a stack of books and fell absolutely in love with the series, the story, the characters, the adventure of it all.

The more detailed a fantasy world is, the more a reread is required in between books. Plus some fantasy books just require more investment. Fantasy can be hit or miss for me. And there usually isn't a reason why some fantasy novels I just am able to immerse myself into the world and escape...and others that just leave me puzzled and out of sorts. But I do think it's more of a me problem.

I remembered the real world, London, bits. I had a hazy memory of the fantasy world. (Probably it would be better if it was reversed.) Still, I don't have to personally love a series in order to recommend it to kids.

[Mark Buxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

What worked:
The book begins back in Jarell’s cousin’s barbershop where Jarell is transported to a world where he’s the ancestor of a legendary hero named Kundi. Jarell’s reunited with the warrior Kimisi and they’re quested with locating and retrieving the second missing part of the Staff of Kundi, the Iron Crocodile. Readers will notice a similar format to the first book although much of the action this time occurs underwater. The science fiction angle of the series kicks in as Jarell’s suit allows him to stay submerged for most of the adventure.
Jarell’s character oozes integrity as he’s always trying to do the right thing and protect the innocent. Kimisi is laser-focused on the mission, getting the next piece for the staff, but Jarell displays understanding and compassion for all of the characters he meets. These qualities prove to be valuable as they promote positive attitudes, support, and cooperation from others. This is demonstrated as Jarell encounters manatees in distress, a monster terrorizing the waters, and sea horse creatures that have been cursed. The spirit of Kundi speaks to Jarell in his greatest times of need and helps to connect him with the kingdom of Ulfrika.
What didn’t work as well:
The book lacks character and plot development due to its fast-moving story. Sacrifices must be made when the author creates a short, action-filled plot but emerging young readers should enjoy it. More experienced readers may be looking for more description and depth to the characters and conflict.
The Final Verdict:
Like the first book, this one can be read very quickly which will appeal to young readers wanting to feel like they’ve accomplished something. The story is full of drama and action which should maintain reader interest. Overall, this book is fun to read and I recommend you give it a shot.

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ In this installment, Jarell goes back to Ulfrika to continue his quest to reunite the iron animals from the magical staff. This time he goes under sea, interacts with the manatees to reunite the iron crocodile to the staff.

[Margaret]

An enjoyable story, just don't think it'll stand out for me at this point in my life. Maybe it would have had more of an impact when I was younger.

Ashley Joseph is a very strong narrator.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Confusing and difficult to follow at times.

[T-Rex Slash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. The first one was better but this one was good

[Lanee Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent book we are looking forward to book 3