de Fombelle spreads out hints and clues like pieces of an intricate clockwork, and although the audience might catch satisfying glimpses of what fits where, the pleasure lies in watching the author deftly assemble minutiae into a glorious whole. There’s justice, loves at last requited, and, even amid the treachery of World War II, the promise of peaceful life on an Aeolian island for characters who have proved themselves worthy. After two volumes of heart-stopping intrigue, readers will enjoy seeing Vango safely home.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)
The action is brilliantly operatic as it moves from country to country and from continent to continent. The story runs from 1936 through 1942, which means that it is touched by WWII and the German occupation of France, where meaningful portions of the story are set. But whatever the setting, the story is rich in mysteries, enlivened by surprises, and suffused with suspense. It is so beautifully wrought it reminds us why we love to read, and there can be no higher praise.
—Booklist (starred review)
This sequel is characterized by the same beautiful writing and intricate plotting that made the first so gripping. Mournful at times but also illuminated with moments of humanity and grace: a worthy sequel.
—Kirkus Reviews
A first purchase in collections where there are fans of Vango and students who enjoy reading adventurous and ambitious novels like Gregory Maguire’s Egg and Spoon (Candlewick, 2014) and Yann Martel’s Life of Pi (HMH, 2002).
—School Library Journal
A cinematic, quickly paced, and clever page-turner, with an adventurous, romantic aura.
—The Horn Book
Fans of this book’s predecessor, Vango: Between Sky and Earth (2014), will find that it shines even more brilliantly paired with this concluding volume. The same elements that made the first title so appealing are here: espionage, a dash of romance, intrigue, complicated characters, exotic locations, misplaced loyalty, revenge, heroics, and travel from one continent to another.
—Literacy Daily
…the prose is well written and engrossing. Teens and adults alike will be invested in discovering Vango’s true identity and unraveling the web of plot.
—VOYA
Those readers who are eager to discover the fate of Vango will be anxious to read this novel.
—School Library Connection
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