Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 12/01/2020 Gr 3–6—Fart (a mage-in-training) and his companions Pan (an elf) and Moxie (a dwarf) are once again commissioned by the Great and Powerful Kevin to find the elusive substance known as Bedazzler barf. Their task is rendered nearly impossible because there is only one person who knows the whereabouts of a Bedazzler: the wicked Pirate Diremaw, who kills anyone who ever sees his face. As the crew moves nonstop from adventure to adventure, they learn the value of teamwork, of not judging people on face value, and of getting past difficult personal experiences to benefit the quest. Despite the crass series title, this is an entertaining action/fantasy adventure with fighting, magic, and even hillbilly elves. Fart learns that he is enough, whatever his mage status, and a note from Pan at the end guarantees a sequel dealing with the possibly nefarious motives of the Great and Powerful Kevin. In all, here's a series that will appeal to the kids who love underwear, farting, and juvenile humor. The spot-on game-card illustrations will attract a separate set of fans, and those who like magical quests in easy doses will also find much to enjoy. VERDICT An entertaining, action-packed fantasy series that will appeal to readers of Max Brallier's "Last Kids on Earth" books.—Elizabeth Friend, Wester M.S., TX - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 02/01/2021 Bumbling mage Fart Bartok and his sidekicks, doughty-but-diminutive Moxie Battleborne and elven girl-monk Pan Silversnow, continue to collect experience points by battling or befriending pirates, water goblins, muck elves, a mouthy devilfern (“the most ruthless, savage, cold-blooded potted plant ever to sail the fourteen seas!”), and even an enraged undead chef on the way to collecting a bucket of magical spew from the titular Bedazzler, a terrifying monster with a taste for exotic cuisine. Interspersing periodic plaques announcing points for each achievement along the way, Kendell supplies action-packed monochrome cartoon scenes aplenty (not seen in finished form) as Bartok leads his buddies into and out of “deep dookie” while inexpertly wielding silly, if often effective, spells and making good on the group motto: “Let’s burn that bridge when we come to it.” Gamers won’t be the only readers happy to see the tumultuous trio successfully level up on their delightfully disgusting quest. Stay tuned for a nautical adventure next. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.