I love finding a strong male protagonist in a middle grade series! Aimee Carter has followed through on her promise with the second book in her Simon Thorn series, Simon Thorn and the Viper’s Pit. Simon Thorn is a boy who struggles with his identity, his emotions, and the sense of belonging. He has just discovered that he is an Animalgam. He has the ability to change from a person into a golden eagle, making him heir to the Bird Kingdom. Simon also discovers he has a twin brother who can shape-shift into any animal he chooses, thus making him the Beast King. Simon eventually learns that he too can transform himself into any animal in the kingdom. Can there be two Beast Kings in the same family?

Before he can deal with that, Simon discovers a postcard from his kidnapped mother, and he knows he must go to her. Simon calls upon his friends from the first book in the series, and we are reunited with Ariana, Jam, and Winter once again. Each brings a special talent with them on the adventure. We also meet new Animalgams who increase the excitement and add multiple plot twists.

Simon, along with his readers, continues to learn new personality traits he possesses. It is this ability to relate to his audience which makes reading The Viper’s Pit thoroughly entertaining. Simon doesn’t know what is going to happen, and the question of “What will happen to me when I am caught?” is always foremost in his mind– again, like the young readers of this series.

Not all questions are answered, and Simon must deal with the secret he carries into the third installment. For my part, I can’t help but tweet, “When will we get the next book, @aimee_carter?”

In the Classroom:
For those schools who do AR, order a test for the Simon Thorn series–it is a wonderful investment to encourage your students to read more than just one book. This is a series to entice young readers, offering adventure and fantasy. Simon Thorn and the Viper’s Pit is one to recommend and be guaranteed you won’t be wrong.

Simon Thorn and the Viper’s Pit by Aimee Carter (Bloomsbury USA Childrens | 9781619637153 | February 7, 2017)