The Trickster's Totem: Relics of Mysticus (Volume 2) The Trickster's Totem is the second book in H.B. Bolton's "Relics of Mysticus" series and, I'll admit, I was a little worried about not starting from the beginning. However I can assure readers out there that this book stands alone just fine. It might take you a few pages to catch up, but soon you'll be adventuring right along with Evan and Claire.
 
I have to say that I've always been a huge fan of Middle Grade protagonists. Evan and Claire are no exception to this rule. Strong, witty, and very resourceful, I had a lot of fun following along with them in their journey. I will be honest and say that I wasn't a huge fan of Evan at first. He has a bit of a big brother complex! However the more I read, the more I saw the link between these two siblings and how strong it was. Plus I've been assured by other readers that the Evan in the first book was nothing like he is here. Perhaps he's just going through growing pains? Makes sense to me.
 
In terms of story, I definitely enjoyed the concept of totems and spirit animals that H.B. Bolton brings to life. The Trickster's Totem has a lot of elements from myths and legends I've heard before, but with its own twist. The story does move a little slowly at times. However I really think that this was because Bolton is trying help readers, like myself, who are starting at this second book catch up a bit. Once the book picked up, and the journey began, I was much more involved.
 
I'm curious to go back and read the first book now, both because I want to see where the story begins, and I want to see how our characters grow. Evan and Claire have a lot of potential, and I know that young readers will adore the witty banter that goes on between these siblings. Truth is, I liked it too. I'll definitely be continuing along with this series. ( )

Though this novel could probably be read without having read THE SERPENT'S RING, it would still be better if you read it first to find out how Evan and Claire meet Dunkle the imp, learn about The Serpent's Ring, come into their powers and learn about the fantasy world of Sagaas. Sagaas is like the gateway to all the mythical realms, think of every mythology you can and the pathway to it is there. Which makes this series really interesting because each book tackles a different mythology. This book, THE TRICKSTER'S TOTEM, invovles Native American mythology. I think it's a fabulous way to incorporate so many different worlds and I wonder if they will ever all collide or overlap. I'd love to see that and was actually expecting that in this one when the mermaid that "almost drowns" Evan says mermaids can travel through different worlds. (Evan's in love with a mermaid from the first novel).

Evan- is this novel is a bit whiny, impetuous, but I think all in all, he gets a bad rap. Every time he goes off on his own or does something against what his big sister told him to do, it's been for the greater good. I have to say, when you're in a fantasy world and you're animal totem is a ******(no spoilers) and you can fly and have telekenisis and some new abilities, all bets are off as to who's orders you have to follow. I think Big Sister does not trump Little Brother in this situation. And then, to humiliate him, and she uses those exact words, by making a daisy chain anklet for him to wear so he doesn't go off on his own it's just a real injustice. Then there are his prophetic dreams. If he didn't wander off, he wouldn't know what they need to know to complete their quest.

Claire- Claire is so boy crazy in this one, I didn't like her. She was deferring to Chayton always which wasn't really like her character from last time. And then she really hated the mermaid , Amadahy without any reason that I could see. I thought she treated Evan like crap and didn't add a lot of insight or intelligence to the story. And she was hard on her brother instead of trying to understand him. Her animal totem was very easy to deal with whereas her brother's was something very dangerous, utterly unique and terrifying and very powerful.

The World- I love this world as much as I loved the one in the Serpent's Ring. Most of it is woodsy. They enter the world through a tepee. Totems play a large part in this world. Most everything takes place in the woods except for the odd exception of a Victorian Steampunk underground village created by a colony of Big Foot like animals/people called C'iatqo. Pixie like fairies called "Pains" treat them to a tea party where they drink tea and flower petals that taste like sugar. It's incredibly creative, even the creature they are trying to catch Mica can be found on a map that Chayton draws in the air and it shows his location with colored lights and smoke.

The Story- It's a quest. Just as Evan is bored out of his mind with every day life back home, Dunkle appears in his English class with a request for his help. An urgent request. And so the adventure begins.
There are ups and downs, Evan experiencing most of the lows or being blamed for them. But what is a quest if all goes smoothly. Evan learns a lot about himself, listening to others and the importance of teamwork. I'm not sure that Claire learns much. She just didn't grow as a character in this story. It was definitely Evan's story this time. But wow, it was very imaginative with lots of creative imagery and plot twists and turns. An adult reader might find it easy to pick out some of the plot twists, but I think a tweener or middle grade reader would be pleasantly surprised.

I really enjoyed this second installment from H.B. Bolton and can't wait for the next book in the series. She has a unique way of interpreting mythology and combining them and I enjoy that. How many books do you read with Native Amercan mythology, dragons, mermaids and imps in the same story? Not many I bet. Very clean read, great for middle grade and younger young adult readers. ( )

Background: Evan and Clare are at it again, only this time the adventure was not because of their mistake. The Trickster's Totem was stolen and they have been summoned to help get it back and put Mica the Trickster back in his prison. In this installment, the siblings are in the land of the Native Americans and must find Mica before he tricks his way through all of the villages in the spirit world.

Review: I would like to start this review by saying that if you have not read book 1, that is perfectly fine, you may be a little confused about the siblings at first but the story jumps right in ad you are enveloped in their journey.

Just like The Serpent's Ring, The Trickster's Totem is a fast paced enticing adventure following the Jones siblings. I found that Evan, since the first book, has become cocky and a bit of a jerk. Knowing he has powers that no one else possesses but not being able to share his awesomeness has made him a bit bitter at home and for the beginning of the book. Clare on the other hand has seemingly taken a turn, a little less flirty and obsessed with looks (a little... not much though) and focuses herself on the task at hand.

I found that The Trickster's Totem did have more character development than book one, because the characters really are growing up and finding themselves, and since they are in this spirit world the people there are helping them with this.

The story was again very captivating in this book, the Trickster is both entertaining as well as a menace and the twist and turns kept me reading and wanting to find out what happened next. I felt this plot moved a lot faster than the first book, but then again it may just be that I know the characters and the obstacles they are bound to face. Another great MG read for everyone.

I found this series to be similar to the Percy Jackson series - gods, goddesses, myth, journeying troops - all that jazz. ( )