Title: The Seklie of San FranciscoSeries: Sam London Adventures, Case #2
Author: Todd Calgi Gallicano
Publisher: Delacorte Press for Young Readers
Release Date: June 19, 2018
In the thrilling sequel to Guardians of the Gryphon's Claw, an epic adventure novel that "is sure to keep lovers of Rick Riordan running to the shelves," Sam London dives headlong into his second case involving a selkie, a mysterious girl, and an ominous new threat to the mythical and human worlds ( School Library Journal )!
Sam London didn't mean to uncover an ancient secret, but when he found out that mythical creatures are real and living in our national parks, he became the newest recruit to the Department of Mythical Wildlife. Ever since, the middle schooler has been anxiously awaiting the call for his next case . . . and it finally arrives with the brazen appearance of a selkie in San Francisco Bay.
Along with Dr. Vance Vantana and the guardian Tashi, Sam pursues the selkie, who has taken a peculiar interest in fashion's newest "it" girl and social media star, Pearl Eklund. But the closer he gets, the more questions emerge about Pearl's mysterious connection to the mythical world. Is she the long-lost hope for an entire civilization or the harbinger of its doom? It's up to Sam to find out the truth, and fast. . . . The fate of humanity hangs in the balance.
Praise for Guardians of the Gryphon's Claw, Book One:
"A death-defying, globe-spanning adventure, packed with creatures out of folklore and myth." --Publishers Weekly
"So original and exciting. This is the best fantasy-adventure novel I have read in some time." --Martin Olson, New York Times bestselling author of The Adventure Time Encyclopaedia
Sam London didn't mean to uncover an ancient secret, but when he found out that mythical creatures are real and living in our national parks, he became the newest recruit to the Department of Mythical Wildlife. Ever since, the middle schooler has been anxiously awaiting the call for his next case . . . and it finally arrives with the brazen appearance of a selkie in San Francisco Bay.
Along with Dr. Vance Vantana and the guardian Tashi, Sam pursues the selkie, who has taken a peculiar interest in fashion's newest "it" girl and social media star, Pearl Eklund. But the closer he gets, the more questions emerge about Pearl's mysterious connection to the mythical world. Is she the long-lost hope for an entire civilization or the harbinger of its doom? It's up to Sam to find out the truth, and fast. . . . The fate of humanity hangs in the balance.
Praise for Guardians of the Gryphon's Claw, Book One:
"A death-defying, globe-spanning adventure, packed with creatures out of folklore and myth." --Publishers Weekly
"So original and exciting. This is the best fantasy-adventure novel I have read in some time." --Martin Olson, New York Times bestselling author of The Adventure Time Encyclopaedia
MY THOUGHTS
I love fun books that brings adventure and friendship to readers, especially in the middle grade genre. The Sam London Adventures by Todd Calgi Gallicano continues on with case 2, The Selkie of San Francisco featured in this review. Personally, I think the middle grade genre has the opportunity to inspire kids' imagination and a sense of adventure beyond the allure of video games. And The Selkie of San Francisco (and the series so far) gives us just that - a fun adventure filled with mystical creatures and an adventurous case to uncover. It touches into our innate curiosity and the need to venture on the unknown mystery.
I enjoyed The Selkie of San Francisco with all the elements I mentioned above, but I must admit I do think there's a lot going on. The building this fantastical world was extraordinary by how developed it is, but also seem too much at once. I just think it would be better suited for future case developments instead of all in this sophomore case. Even so, I love the cover and I see lots of potential for so many more "cases" for this series. Need the next middle grade series for your kids? Check out the Sam London Adventures. (Even the website for the US Dept of Mythical Creatures is pretty cool.)
I enjoyed The Selkie of San Francisco with all the elements I mentioned above, but I must admit I do think there's a lot going on. The building this fantastical world was extraordinary by how developed it is, but also seem too much at once. I just think it would be better suited for future case developments instead of all in this sophomore case. Even so, I love the cover and I see lots of potential for so many more "cases" for this series. Need the next middle grade series for your kids? Check out the Sam London Adventures. (Even the website for the US Dept of Mythical Creatures is pretty cool.)
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
TO PURCHASE A COPY*
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Todd Calgi Gallicano is the author of “Guardians of the Gryphon’s Claw,” the first case in the Sam London Adventure series from the Files of the Department of Mythical Wildlife. A graduate of New York University’s School of Film and Television, Todd began his career in the film industry, before venturing into the world of books when he was provided secret files from the Department of Mythical Wildlife's archives.
Despite pressure from the news media and government, Mr. Gallicano remains tightlipped when it comes to questions about the DMW and his sources within the secret organization. He encourages fans of Sam London to learn more about mythical creatures and to visit and support our nation's majestic National Parks.
When he's not hammering out the next Sam London novel on his 1938 Royal Deluxe typewriter, Mr. Gallicano enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter. He resides with his family in North Carolina, where he is constantly on the lookout for gargoyles, chupacabras and other nefarious creatures.
GIVEAWAY
3 winners will receive a finished copy of THE SELKIE OF SAN FRANCISCO, US Only.
TOUR SCHEDULE
Week One:
6/18/2018- Twirling Book Princess- Excerpt
6/19/2018- BookHounds YA- Excerpt
6/20/2018- RhythmicBooktrovert- Review
6/21/2018- Just Commonly- Review
6/22/2018- Confessions
of a YA Reader- Excerpt
Week Two:
6/25/2018- Books a
Plenty Book Reviews- Review
6/26/2018- Christen Krumm- Excerpt
6/27/2018- Little Red Reads- Review
6/28/2018- Two points of interest- Review
6/29/2018- A Dream Within A
Dream- Excerpt
*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
Sounds like an exciting story with mythical characters!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun story!
ReplyDelete