Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 03/01/2015 Gr 4–7—In this sequel to Beyond the Door (Abrams, 2014), the action picks up right where it left off in the first installment. Sarah is still in her ermine form, Peter is a ferret, and Timothy is back in the Travelers' Market. A battle temporarily defeats Balor, and finally everyone is returned to human form; however, the Dark isn't finished with them yet. They are only briefly back in the real world when they are given a map that they must decode to find the Four Treasures, one of which includes the legendary Stone of Destiny. Once Timothy steps on the stone, he will know whether or not he is the true Filidh. Of course, Balor and the Dark are attempting to secure the map for their own evil purposes. Timothy and Sarah's parents plan a Christmas trip to Edinburgh, Scotland, and it just so happens that Jessica, the school bully who offered some surprising help in the previous volume, needs to tag along. Many new characters are introduced, both to help and to harm the children, most of whom are not what they seem—a plot device that quickly becomes tiresome. The first quarter of this book belongs at the end of the last one and is rushed and choppy. Once the children finally embark on their adventure to Edinburgh, however, the second book finally comes into its own. VERDICT Readers who enjoyed the first book will likely appreciate this adventure, but purchase only where the first has a following.—Mandy Laferriere, Fowler Middle School, Frisco, TX - Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 05/15/2015 The Time Out of Time series continues with even more action, excitement, and mystical moments. Timothy; his sister, Sarah (after spending some unfortunate time as an ermine); and their friend Jessica are tasked with seeking the Four Treasures, one of which is the important Telling Stone. Their travels to Edinburgh are fraught with danger as they battle the Dark, but surrounded by heroic characters from myth—helpfully identified in a glossary—they can’t help but prevail. With a boy and his friends fighting against a powerful evildoer, while the lad gradually discovers his legacy and powers, it’s hard not to see references to other popular fantasy stories here, especially a certain series featuring a boy with a lightning-bolt-shaped scar. But, as in the first outing, Beyond the Door (2014), McQuerry puts her own spin on things. A code embedded in an old map adds an interesting element and gives readers a chance to play along, while the enticing cover is sure to beckon kids in. - Copyright 2015 Booklist.