The Midnight Gate picks up two months after Spellbinder (the first book in the series). Everything seems to be back to normal but soon the mean girl in school seeks revenge on Belladonna by exposing the fact that she appears to be living alone (as her parents are not visible to anyone else). Her new foster parents are suspiciously mild-mannered and it is soon obvious that they aren't all they seem. Again, Belladonna must take a break from her school work to save the world.

Though I spent almost an entire day in these stories (I read both books in one day), I didn't tire of them at all. In fact, I was sad again when the story ended. The characters are interesting and believable (even the ghostly ones), the villains are terrifying and the worlds are vivid and well-written. There is real peril in the story and true bravery and self-sacrifice.

http://webereading.com/2011/10/rip-reads-7-8-spellbinder-and-midnight.html ( )

One of the best things about book blogging is that I get the occasional middle-grade chapter book to review. I don't always like them, but some of them are favorites that I'll never forget.

Spellbinder, the first in Helen Stringer's series, was delightful. Goth and quirky and funny without being condescending about any of those things and about kids who seem real, who have real problems, who make mistakes, who aren't templates of childhood perfection. Wonderful book - I gave it away immediately to a friend with a daughter.

Since I loved the first book, I was really excited to get a copy of the second, The Midnight Gate. I was trepidatious because second books aren't always where they should be. They're just hard to write well no matter who you are. Still, I plunged in and the water was fine.

The Midnight Gate is another wonderful, age-appropriate, non-saccharine kids book with ghosts and mysterious others, childhood revenge and places that aren't what they seem and a world where the environment can be turned against you. Throughout it all the friendships that remain at the center of the book are clear and strong and liberating. While no single child could overcome the obstacles set in Belladonna and Steve's path these kids prove that by working together, no obstacle can stand before them. And, by the way, adults aren't infallible (just in case you were wondering).


This is a delightful series for kids of all ages, but especially those struggling through those middle school years. Belladonna is a great heroine who suffers from being different, but perseveres while her friend Steve becomes more and more open minded about difference as the friendship grows. Scary, exciting, and funny, this book delivers. ( )

This a very good followup to Helen Stringer's earlier novel, Spellbinder. In this latest episode, Belladonna Johnson, a twelve year old is wondering what comes next. For a girl who lives with the ghosts of her parents and has traveled to the Dark Side and back, life that is defined by middle school classrooms is not very exciting. Her biggest problem is how to avoid trouble with Sophie Warren, who reigns as the class bully. Trying to stay one step ahead of her isn't easy. After a run in with Belladonna, Sophie alerts child services that Belladonna is apparently living alone in her parents house. Belladonna obviously can't admit that she shares the house with her loving, but ghostly parents. When she is placed in a temporary foster home, she has a bad feeling about the older couple who take her in. While on a school trip to an old monastery, Belladonna and her friend, Steve, meet a ghost who gives them an ancient parchment accompanied by a cryptic message about the coming of the evil Empress of the Dark Spaces. As more days pass with Belladonna still in foster care, she becomes increasingly tired and haunted by bad dreams. Can these incidents be related? You'll have to follow Belladonna on her adventures to search for the answers to this and other questions. This book is fast paced, full of magic and adventure. The book should appeal to tweens and young adults. It may be a bit intense for younger children, although the lessons of friendship, teamwork, and perseverance are good for all ages. ( )