Tuesday, March 3, 2026

The Curse Breaker (Isle of Ever #2) by Jen Calonita

The Curse Breaker (Isle of Ever #2) by Jen Calonita
Publisher:  Sourcebooks for Young Readers
Format Read:  Paperback-ARC
Number of pages:   320 pages
Publishing:  March 10th, 2026
Source: Publisher

Opening Lines:  "I looked out at the dark churning sea and couldn't believe my eyes."

In the first book of the Isle of Ever series, twelve-year-old Everly "Benny" Benedict discovers she is heir to a vast fortune.  To claim it, she must follow a trail of clues left behind by her grandmother, Evelyn, clues that lead her on a quest to find an island that vanished long ago.   

The Curse Breaker opens with a recap of the events that led to Aggy, Gil, Thomas and Laurel's disappearance.  For two centuries, they've been trapped on the mysterious island, waiting for the next Blood Orange Moon to reappear.  In the present day, Benny believes her quest is complete when she finally reaches the Isle of Ever.  But until all of her grandmother's friends can safely break the curse that has held them for centuries, her quest is far from over.

With the help of Evelyn's secret diary, a new set of clues, and her loyal friends, Benny continues her quest to find the missing pieces of pirate treasure needed to break the curse.  Their search becomes even more dangerous when a mysterious woman appears, someone determined to find the island and claim the treasure for herself.  

The Curse Breaker delivers an exciting blend of mystery and adventure, filled with hidden secrets, ancient treasure, a lost island, and a 200-year-old curse.  The twists and turns are engaging, and it's fun to follow the children as they unravel the riddles and clues. 

Benny cares deeply about her friends and is determined to complete her grandmother's quest to earn her inheritance.  The story alternates between 1825 and 2025, revealing the family's history through Evelyn's letter's, diary entries, journals, and articles. The introduction of a mysterious woman raises the stakes and adds urgency to the quest.  Readers hoping for a full resolution will have to wait as the adventure continues in the final book of the series.  

Overall, it's another wonderful series from the author of Fairy Tale Reform School, Secrets of My Hollywood Life and the Royal Academy books.  A great pick for readers who enjoy puzzle filled adventures in the spirit of The Westing Game.       

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