I unfortunately did not realize that this was book 2 in a series when I requested it, but after reading a plot summary of the first book, I truely enjoyed the story. I found this to be a wonderful middle grade story. It was a very quick and enjoyable read with incredibly likable characters. This book is perfect for fans of Harry Potter and I highhly reccomend it! ( )

I received an Early Reviewer copy of this book through LibraryThing. I didn't realize when I picked up this book that it was Book 2, even though it says book 2 on the cover. I started reading it, and was a little bit confused. Once I figured out that it was Book 2, I read a quick plot overview of the first book and continued onward. The main characters in the book are 14 year old boys who are on summer break from school. It's interesting that such young kids are tasked with finding magical artifacts or else the whole world will fall apart. Gotta love fantasy, amiright? Anyway, i found the characters to be likeable and the read to be very quick. The book read a little young for me (probably a middle grade read), but I didn't find it to be a bad read. It's reminiscent of Percy Jackson. I like that the book is a quick read, and that you get to see the characters grow their skillsets. ( )

Thomas Wildus is back! The boys have had time to relax, and recuperate, but it's not to last. Following an apparently magical hacking, the race is on to find another magical artifact before Arius can get it. But sinister workings are afoot. Friends may prove enemies in disguise, and adversaries may become allies in this fast-paced sequel.

This was a great follow up to Book of Sorrows, and was certainly filled with surprises. Thomas finds a pair of unlikely allies that I hope remain allies after all. I find, after what they've been through, that I rather like them. I felt a great deal for Arius too, still blind from the last book. I'm partial to characters with eye issues, given my own visual challenges.

Highly recommended for fans of Rick Riordan Presents, Percy Jackson, Magnus Chase, and Harry Potter.

***Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. ( )

The young male coming of age story has intrigued me since my early years, Lloyd Alexander's Prydain books featuring Tara and later David Edding's Belgeriad books. I reluctantly jumped on the Harry Potter bandwagon and enjoyed the ride putting the stories in a more contemporary setting.

Thomas Wildus and the Wizard of Sumeria (#2 in The Elandrian Chronicles) by J. M. Bergen is a nice addition to the coming of age in a world of magic niche. I have not read the first book but a testament to the second book is that I plan to search it out. Mind you that at my age and with all the reading choices in front of me, YA books aren't my first go to. The story flows well with enough twist and turns to keep the reader interested without being fully predictable.Although I'm coming in without benefit of the first book, the author did a good job of filling the blanks without giving away the story of the first book.
Having read this type of book for years it does tread on some familiar territory- a parent lost in another dimension- but that has to do more with the vagaries of my reading than fault of the author. The targeted audience seems to young males with the Adam Sandler references etc. which isn't a bad thing but means it leans more on the familiarity of a male reader. Again not being the targeted audience, I still found the book entertaining although I think some of the references miss the mark for younger readers.

A solid 4 stars for anyone looking for a YA fantasy for the discriminating adolescent male. ( )

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of the publisher. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thomas Wildus And The Wizard Of Sumeria
(The Elandrian Chronicles)
By:J. M. Bergen

REVIEW ☆☆☆☆
Thomas Wildus #2 was entertaining, insightful and compelling. If you are a fan, you will not be disappointed with this one. I'm glad to read magical anything that steps outside of the Harry Potter universe for a change. My middle grade reader enjoyed this book very much. We agree that it is worth the time to read this book! ( )