The Archibald Finch saga continues with another thrilling adventure! It’s been months since our hero returned from Lemurea, but nothing is back to normal. When Archibald realizes he isn’t the only thing that crash-landed at the manor that night, he knows he’ll need to return to the dark world he only just left.
Archibald is a changed boy. He stands up to bullies and hangs out with the gargoyles that used to scare him. But for all his new toughness, he's also a lost boy who misses his friends in Lemurea. When strange footprints are discovered on the manor grounds, he realizes a piece of that world has followed him home...
Without golems, witches or magic, Archibald knows there's little to stop what's prowling the London suburbs, which means he'll have to return to Lemurea to seek Faerydae's help.
In a new adventure for Archibald, Hailee, Oliver, and Faerydae, two worlds collide—two worlds with more in common than any of the kids could’ve imagined. A hunt for clues, golems, and Marodors unearths some shocking answers and hard truths as Archibald and his companions embark on yet another daring journey that tests each of them in different ways.
The author was born in France, in a small medieval town perched on a rock, surrounded by high walls, with the remains of an ancient fortress at its heart. That’s where he got his first brush with old myths, puzzling legends and dark Middle Age tales. While his childhood fed his fertile imagination, his travels as a reporter, from Bosnia all the way to Afghanistan, were crucial in shaping his view of the world. Not unlike Archibald’s sister in the book, Michel has indeed learned a thing or two about mining for clues and connecting the dots. For 10 years, he was an investigative journalist for newspapers in magazines and Europe. He also published several books for children and young adults —not to mention his communication work for the European Space Agency, where he was tasked to make space exploration less opaque to the public. Writing this latest adventure has been a fun endeavor for Michel. Like most of the author’s work though, there’s more than meets the eye. A fervent advocate of learning via entertainment, he always strives to shed light on important subject matters —in this case, Women’s rights, wars, and the future of our planet. That logic was key to the making of Archibald Finch, a magic potion mixing science with science fiction, fantasy with actual events, and fictional heroes with historic characters. Giving life to the most fantastic beasts and the most captivating story was indeed an opportunity to dig deep into the roots of witch-hunting, and explore one of the darkest episodes of Human History —of course with the right dose of humor and fun. Today, Michel spends his life between Los Angeles and New York, where he also works as a photographer, mainly for the Movie industry.
It was scary, squirmy, and darn right yucky but a fun read. This book takes you into a dark realm that triggers nightmares for some kids. With a few chills and goosebumps here and there, this book would have its readers captivated and engrossed with its weird characters and horrific situations.
Hypnotic , enchanting , Intriguing full of surprises many of which are totally unexpected & I imagine any child reading this will even more devastated than I was when on the last page it says ..........To Be Continued ! As Archibald along with his sister Hailee her friend Oliver & Archibald's friend from the other Dimension of Lemurea is Faerydae .I am now even as an adult going to have to get the other book as I need to know how the full story ends & I highly recommend you read this & especially to your children . #NetGalley, #GoodReads,#Amazon.co.uk,#FB,#Instagram,#,#,#.
Hi everyone! Today I'll be reviewing Archibald Finch and the Curse of the Phoenix, the second book in the Archibald Finch series by Michel Guyon. I have to say it again, holy bejabbles! This book series is absolutely amazing! Last year I read the first book and I immediately loved it. I had great expectations for the second one, and, let me tell you something, it did not disappoint! This is the perfect follow-up to Archibald's story. I could spend hours talking about how much I love these books and how passionate I am about them. I really love the characters, and I adored meeting them again. I especially liked to see how much Archibald has grown, and how he is now able to make much better choices than before. I also loved the Faerydae-Hailey duo, and I think their chapters together are some of the most enjoyable in the book. Another thing I must mention is THAT plot twist. WOW. I never saw it coming. Once again, the illustrations by Zina Kostich are stunning and capture the essence of the story really well. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for the third book. I can't wait to go back to Lemurea! This book series is perfect for fans of books like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. If you liked the first book —if you haven't read it yet, go read it ASAP, what are you waiting for?— I would totally recommend you to read this one. I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It has been almost 2 years since I listened to first book in this series 'Archibald Finch and the Lost Witches' so it took me a while to recall the basic plot of the first one and connect it with this book but once I did I had as much fun listening to the second installment as I did with the first. In my review for the first book I had said that Steve Hendrickson's narration did wonders to the story and it is the same with the second book as well. However, I will say that to enjoy this series and understand the world building and characters it is better to read the books in order. The book ends with a 'to be continued' right at the crux of the action so the adventure is far from over.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Andrews McMeel Audio and the author Michel Guyon for the ALC.
Archibald was not the only one to return from Lemurea, a Marodor came too. So another adventure unfolds across two worlds. Danger is everywhere but friends look after each other.
Loved this audiobook, so well written and narrated. Adventure throughout and great characters. Cannot wait to find out what happens next.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this audiobook arc in exchange for my honest review.
Steve Hendrikson is an amazing narrator! I loved this audiobook so much!
If you are craving to read a middle grade fantasy series that is as good, as detailed and drags you as deep into its world as books like Harry Potter, please look no further. This is a series that will most likely join the ranks of enduring great middle grade classics (said by many readers and I can only agree).
In this sequel, Archibald has returned from Lemurea but something came with him. With the unexpected help from his sister, Oliver and Fae (who is not that happy Archibald retrieved her from Lemurea), he tries to find it, to take it back.
So much happens in this book! This book is packed with so many mysteries, adventures, secrets, fantastical things and creatures and the best characters.
I just love everything about this series and I can’t wait to read the next book!
If you enter the magical, unforgettable world of Lemurea with its witches (and what witches!!) and dragons that aren’t dragons the way we got to know them, with many scary things but so many hilariously funny (and clever!) moments too, I must warn you.. You will have a hard time getting back to the real world ;).
Archibald back from Lamurea where he came back much braver. But his sister knows there is more. Archibald is seeing things that point toward the fact he might have brought back something with him on accident from Lamurea and now needs help to track it down and send it back before it can destroy London. This is a very good fun book. I enjoyed it a lot and hope everyone else does too. I had the audio version and it was really good. The narrator was really good and made the story come alive. This was a fun story and can not wait to see what Archibald and the gang get up to next.
I've just finished the curse of the phoenix and I can say it's an even stronger read than the first one, which I loved already. It's funny because I went into with slightly lower expectations. That's just the way it usually works for me when I embark into reading sequels. It's a bit like a defense mechanism, so that I don't get too disappointed. And I often do to be honest. Not this time. Quite on the contrary. As the story unfolds and some dark areas from the lost witches become a bit clearer, the story becomes more compelling, that's when you have the feeling to get sucked into a thriller that you just can't let go of. Once again, by page 30 or so, I was literally bewitched by the universe the author created. The world of Archibald Finch, (the worlds I should say) is incredibly addicting and magical, and many of its characters so lovable and relatable. On a side note, I want to emphasize something quite important: I read the first book when it was originally published in 2018, but this is the sequel to the book that was republished a couple years ago (2021 I think), with a few changes throughout, but a very different ending.
ARCHIBALD FINCH AND THE CURSE OF THE PHOENIX by Michel Guyon is narrated by Steve Hendrickson is the next fantastical book in this middle grade saga!
I admit, I am not a huge MG reader, but I had the opportunity to read Archibald Finch and the Lost Witches and the cover sucked me in. I fell in love with the story and how Archibald grew through his magical adventures.
This book continues the adventures when Archibald returns home but has brought something back with him. When he works to right this wrong, he needs help from his friend Faerydae, his sister Hailie, and friend Oliver. What this crew discovers, however, is not what they thought and they have to decide how to reveal the truth without getting trapped forever!
I am seriously considering buying the physical copies if there are illustrations like the cover!! That said, the audio was gripping and I found myself stopping my work to listen! I was easily able to follow the characters and all the magical action!
This is really a fantastic story that captured my imagination. There is a ton of adventure and intrique, but even as an adult, I loved the dialog! I think it would appeal to older readers as well because of this. It made me laugh frequently with some great zingers!
Thank you so much @andrewsmcmeel & @netgalley for the chance to listen to this story and share my thoughts! This is publishing September 26th, so be on the lookout!
I would love to thank Andrews McMeel Publishing, Michel Guyon and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you want to read the first book, please proceed with caution, as I explain things that may spoil the prequel for you.
The second installment in the Archibald Finch series was more fun for me than its prequel. Archibald changed since he came back from Lemurea and Hailee has a hard time believing his story of where he'd been.
Soon after they discover some prints on the floor and Archibald realizes that a Marodor traveled back with him. And there's only one person who can help him get rid of it: Faerydae. So he goes back to Lemurea and asks Hailee to bring him back in an hour.
He manages to find her and bring her to their home, where the 4 kids reunite: Archibald, Faerydae, Hailee and Oliver. They each contribute in discovering a riddle that could help them on their mission.
I loved the London setting, the mystery and the plot, the adventures and the found family trope. A big problem were the parents who seemed to be missing most of the story (how convenient!). And grandpa Harvey was a bit of a wacko. But other than that, the story was better and more fun for me than the first one.
Looking forward to the next installment. Rating: 3.75/4 stars.
It was great to have another adventure with Archibald. You learn more about Lemurea and about the Maradors. Archibald has another adventure with his sister and friends in the modern world and Lemurea.
I'm in love. This is everything I expect from a middle grade fantasy story. I have not even written my review for the first book yet, but this second book is so incredible I have to share this.
Just like for AF and the Lost Witches, I went through a crazy amount of emotions, from LMAO to tears pouring, except this time, the roller coaster effect was even more extreme. It wouldn't be breaking news to say that Archibald goes back to Lemurea, since just a glimpse on the cover says it all already. But beyond that, I can't unveil too much, if only to say that those Leo Da Vinci machines (and creatures...) give the story a historical dimension that only adds to the multi facets of this riveting adventure.
To sum it up, I loved all of it; the writing style, the phenomenal illustrations, the fun clues lending the narrative a thriller-like vibe, the unique world-building, and again, the emotional impact, which realyl sets this book apart among the middle-grade genre.
Warning: ends on a "to be continued." (Insert all the sad faces here!) Great adventure story. Recommend reading the first in series before tackling this one as there are so many characters and it can get confusing. I would like to see more good adults.
The audio narrator did quite well. Publish date September 26, 2023.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a digital review copy.
Archie’s adventure continues in this book as he faces life’s challenges while missing Lemurea and his friends. My love for the second book is greater than first one because it provides more answers to questions I have about the world and development of the characters has improved greatly.
I assure you that this book is suitable for all ages you will enjoy it.
Archibald Finch and the Curse of the Phoenix is the second book in this series. I recommend this series be read in order, as each book builds upon the previous one. Archibald has returned from Lemurea, but he is not the only one. Archibald is changed since his adventure. He is not longer the scared boy he was, he stands up to bullies and the gargoyles no longer scare him. When he finds strange footprints on the manor grounds, he knows something else from Lemurea followed him home. Without golems, witches or magic, Archibald knows he'll have to return to Lemurea to seek Faerydae's help. It's going to be a new challenge and a new adventure for Archibald, his sister Hailee, the thief Oliver and Faerydae.
This book is listed as an MG read, but I recommend it for older MG and above. It is a dark tale with witches, monsters and kids taking some serious risks. I like that Archibald has changed in a good way as this book opens. He is more confident, not longer afraid of everything, a supportive friend and brother and someone who is willing to do what is necessary and right to defeat evil. It is great to see the cooperation between this group and that they know they each have something different to offer. This book shows Hailee and Faerydae working together, and highlights Hailee. There is a big plot twist that I didn't see coming. This book ends with "To Be Continued"! which I am not a fan of, especially as it was four years between the first two books and #3 has not yet come out. I did a read/listen and enjoyed seeing the wonderful black and white illustrations by Zina Kostich. They are detailed and add to the story. The audiobook is narrated by Steve Hendrickson, who does a great job with this book. I definitely recommend you get the book to see those illustrations, but listening to the story added to my enjoyment as well. Definitely one that can be enjoyed by kids and adults who enjoy magical, fantasy stories.
I’m working on writing my review now. It will be posted here after it goes live on my blog. Although this book is a sequel, I didn’t feel like I was completely lost in the story in spite of not having read or listened to the first book.
Archibald Finch and the Curse of the Phoenix is a very dark but beautifully written crossworlds fantasy novel by Michel Guyon. Released 26th Sept 2023 by Andrews McMeel, it's 464 pages and is available in hardcover, audio formats, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
Following closely on the first book in the series, this is a complex sequel. For that reason, it's not recommended as a standalone read. The author does a superlative job of character development - they really live and breathe and the world building is unparalleled. There's an impressive amount of real history and knowledge woven into the story - much of the plot turns on Leonardo da Vinci's life, sketchbooks, and wonderful inventions.
This is a surprisingly dark book, and although the target audience is supposed to be 9-12 years (Lexile 860L), prereading or skimming by an adult, especially for library acquisitions, is highly recommended. It's not a book for most kids. Not even in an R.L. Stine creepy/scary way...
Four stars (with the above cautions).
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Archibald has changed since returning from Lemurea. He hangs out with gargoyles and stands up to bullies. Lemurea is an underworld where witches hide. He discovers that when he returned, he wasn’t alone — that a Marodor followed him. Archibald must return to Lemurea to get Faerydae to help him catch the Marodor and take it back to Lemurea. Only Faerydae doesn’t want to do it., but finally agrees to help Archibald. The Orbatrum, a device that opens portals between their realms/worlds has broken making Faerydae confront the Marodor to get back to Lemurea. On the hunt for the Marodor, Archibald, his sister Hailee, former thief Oliver and Faerydae encounter a witch hunter that is vicious. Will they find the Matodor?
The author has written an ancient conflict between Earth and a hidden dimension/world involving witches and monsters. This book is the second volume of Archibald Finch series. I look forward with hope that there will be a third volume. This is a fun adventure for Archibald and his friends. I enjoyed the adventure very much.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Audio for providing me an e-arc of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review
I loved the first Archibald Finch book so I was very excited to get to listen to the second! I love the narrator as he makes the story quite an enjoyable listen.
When Archibald came back from Lemurea at the end of book one, a marodor came too. He knows exactly one person good at fighting marodors, so back to Lemurea he goes to retrieve Faerydae. Then Archibald, Hailee, Oliver, and Faerydae explore all over modern-day London and even France. I felt like the beginning of book two was a little slow compared to the non-stop adventure of book one, but it quickly picked up the pace and the gang was tangled up in plenty of action in both the real world and Lemurea.
I have recommended book one to many tween readers and will be sure to let them know that book two is available!
Archibald came back from Book 1 expecting a normal life, but that didn't happen! He's got skills and experience and a way to get through troublesome times, and those talents are needed elsewhere and at home - he now sees things with new eyes and begins troubleshooting immediately.
In this adventure he meets up with his friends in Lemurea, and he partners up with his sister and Oliver, and with new members on the team it is a new game entirely. Traveling to Paris is part of the equation. . . .who doesn't love Paris???? Jump on board to see what happens next!
A Sincere Thank You to Michel Guyon, Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review. #ArchibaldFinchandtheCurseofthe Phoenix #NetGalley
I can't believe I didn't realize the sequel to book 1 was out. I read this last week-end and just couldn't put it down. It's a bit longer than the first one but I wish it was even longer, and most of all, that book 3 was published already. Truly captivating story, which gets even better with Curse of the Phoenix. I was looking forward to getting more info regarding the plot, and especially about Archibald's "grandma", and this installment definitely delivers on that, with another unexpected twist. Same with the dark priest that made Hailee's life hell in the first book. Those who compare this saga to Harry Potter kinda have a point, but to me this is just a more compelling story, especially since it's inspired from real events, and characters that actually existed. More please!!!
Archibald returns to Lemurea to get help from Faerydae because one of the monsters came with him to Earth when he returned home six months ago. He brings Faerydae back with him and there are some interesting moments as Faerydae tries to understand modern London. Archibald’s sister Hailee gets involved and much craziness ensues. There are still lots of things I don’t really understand about this series, but this second book was better than the first. I think a reader would need to have read the first book to have a hope of understanding this one. The narrator did a good job. Thanks to Netgalley and Andrew McMeel Publishing for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.
I adore the first book in the series, Archibald Finch and the Lost Witches, and I have yet to write a review on that one.
But this one, this one... It makes the entire story come to life, and everything makes so much sense suddenly. The genesis of the Lemurea underworld, the why and how of the so mysterious Malodors, and so much more...
I'm in awe off where this all came from, and so excited about where this story is going. More please!
This book was so scary and I am an adult. I would not recommend for younger children. It gave me nightmares. He was a good book, but scariest children's book ever written.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an advance copy in return for my honest opinion.
Recommend only for those who love to be scared out of their minds.
Archibald Finch is a book that no child should read, if you want to encourage a love of reading in your child. It's a tedious, dark, boring story and none of the characters in it present a positive role model, on the contrary. I think it's more of an adult book with children's characters. Too dark, gloomy and depressing for children's reading; too childish for an adult audience.
Thank you Netgalley and Andrew McMeel for my copy.
This probably the darkest children book I ever read. Although the character is interesting and worldbuilding totally intriguing but I am sure this one not for everyone taste. The artwork is amazing.
Although it is a very good an very well written and told book. It is not my kind of book. But I do recommend it to people that enjoying reading these type of books.