Kirkus
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This sequel to The House on Hoarder Hill (2021) continues the magical adventures of 10-year-old Spencer van Beer; his 13-year-old sister, Hedy; and their cousins Jelly and Max. Two years on, the children are once again staying at Hoarder Hill with John Sang, their grandfather and a former magician. He reluctantly agrees to take them to the Fantastikhana, a magicians’ convention which takes place in a magical underground space. Accompanying them is Rani Pal, the owner of a magic shop who turns out to have the ability to create the titular map. The children embark on a quest to find the mysterious symbols on the map, encountering many dangers and discoveries—and Hedy discovers her own powers as a map appears on her body, tattooed onto her skin. When they become trapped in a cavern by Sleight, an evil organization of senior magicians, the children use Hedy’s map to try to escape. Things go awry when the villainous Albert Nobody from the first book reappears. The complex plot is sustained through puzzles, a roller-coaster ride of adventures, a satisfying mix of imaginative events (including a poetry duel), and magical creatures such as giants, kelpies, and a troll. The ending leaves the door open for future adventures. The British family, who read as White, have some remote Chinese ancestry; Mrs. Pal’s name cues her as being of Indian descent. A fast-paced tale with many magical twists and turns. (Paranormal mystery. 8-13) Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.