Peabody, J.D. The Inkwell Chronicles: Race to Krakatoa. Nashville, TN: WorthyKids, 2023.

Guide to categories: MS Review – review of books for older elementary-aged and middle school-aged children

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Summary of Race to Krakatoa

Mystery and danger abound in book two of The Inkwell Chronicles, a fast-paced middle-grade fantasy series about magic ink, a secret society, and a boy who learns to make his mark.

In book two of The Inkwell Chronicles, Everett and his little sister Bea find themselves drawn even more deeply into the secret world of the Inklings, those who seek to protect the world’s rapidly diminishing supply of magic Ink. When a miraculous new type of ink called Inkanto begins to appear around the world, initial celebration soon gives way to suspicions about its mysterious origins. As the race to find and control the world’s supply of Ink intensifies, signs begin to appear that not is all that it seems. Will the siblings and their fellow Inklings be able to uncover the truth in time? Fans of The Silver Arrow, The Bookwanderers, and Inkheart will love this classic battle of good and evil that pits creativity against the forces that would seek to blot it out for good. 

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My MS Review of Race to Krakatoa

For me and I’m sure for others, Race to Krakatoa was highly anticipated. I so enjoyed the first book in the series and was looking forward to the second. If you haven’t read The Ink of Elspet you’ll want to do so before diving into Race to Krakatoa. 

It did feel like this book started a little more slowly, not quite as engaging as book one. But, the further I got into the story the more I had a hard time putting it down. Peabody successfully continues the world created in the first book. Everett and Bea continue their adventures of searching for ink and being Inklings. Many of the characters of The Ink of Elspet return to Race to Krakatoa. Some readers will recognize nods to some famous authors – Jack, Ronald, Dot, Astrid and more. There are also references to actual historical events. The story is full of battles between good and evil and once you get past the slow start you will find enough action and adventure for most readers.

The Inkwell Chronicles: Race to Krakatoa would be a great addition to a K-12 Christian school library. It is appropriate for older elementary students and up. It would make a great read-aloud for classroom or bedtime.

I received a complimentary copy of Race to Krakatoa. This is my honest review.

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