The plot thickens

The Glass Gauntlet (Blood Guard #2)

By Carter Roy

Age Range: 10 - 14 years

Grade Level: 4th - 8th

Series: The Blood Guard Series (Book 2)

Hardcover: 261 pages

Publisher: Two Lions (August 18, 2015)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1477826262

ISBN-13: 978-1477826263

Approximate Lexile: 880

Publisher’s Blurb:
Ronan Truelove barely survived his first encounter with his father and the Bend Sinister. Now, he’s determined to become one of the Blood Guard, a sword-wielding secret society sworn to protect thirty-six pure souls crucial to the world’s survival.

Eager to prove he’s got what it takes, Ronan is sent on his first mission with his friends Greta and Sammy to visit a weird-sounding school and take a series of tests called the Glass Gauntlet. Paper and pencils and nerdy scholarship—where’s the life-or-death challenge in that? 

But the Glass Gauntlet is actually something much more dangerous: head-to-head competitions against ruthless opponents. Nothing and no one are what they seem. Who can he trust, and who will kill him? Ronan has to figure it out fast because his enemies are multiplying, and soon he will have to pass the ultimate test: facing his father again and standing up to those who threaten not only him and his friends but also the world.

My take:
Just as with the first book, I was immediately captured. The characters and their relationships continue to ring true to me. The good vs. evil plot continues, with new characters and complications coming in to enrich the story. It’s a little slower going than book one, which is typical of the middle book in a series, but has enough highs and lows to keep the reader engaged.

Can’t wait for number three!

Possible objectionable material: Disobeying adults. Perilous situations. Violence, some gory but none graphic. One reviewer points out that the idea of 36 “Pure” individuals on earth, whose souls are reincarnated, and who keep the world worthy of continuing, is against their religious beliefs. This could offend some; your suspension of disbelief may vary.

Who would like this book: I think this would be a great book for reluctant readers, because the plot keeps you wanting more. Late elementary through early high school. (Let's face it, I'm 51 and I liked it.) While it’s a book that girls can definitely get into, it’s a great choice for boys who don’t like female protagonists. (Greta is such a strong character, they’ll get a lot of girl anyway.)

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance reader ebook.