Minecraft: Mob Squad: Never Say Nether delivers exactly what fans of the first book are hoping for. It continues the story with a light, enjoyable adventure that doesn’t need to be groundbreaking to be engaging. Sometimes a good story just needs heart, and this one has plenty.
The tale picks up in Cornucopia, where the villagers still haven’t learned much from past mistakes. The kids have gained a little more freedom, but they’re still treated like second-class citizens. The book uses a rotating perspective, giving each character a few chapters to shine. Just like the first one, the audiobook is of excellent quality and really brings the story to life.
The main villain isn’t particularly memorable and is dealt with rather quickly, but that’s not where the heart of the story lies. The real focus is on character development, especially Jarro, the former bully who starts to see the consequences of his actions. His transformation is meaningful, though I found myself wishing he had grown a bit more. At times, his arrogance still shows through, and for all the hurt he caused over the years, a simple apology doesn’t quite feel enough. Sure, the book explains why he turned out the way he did, but does that really excuse his behavior?
Still, this is a strong second entry in the Mob Squad series and definitely worth reading—though newcomers should absolutely start with the first book. I’m already looking forward to seeing what part three has in store.