The Bone universe proves that it can still expand without spreading thin. As introduced in the previous volume (2011), The Valley, still under a nightmare sleep, awaits rescue from a motley crew of Bones, beasts, a boy and a brawny priest. Jumping right in where the action left off, readers discover that the Nacht's evil power is strengthening. Tom and his crew are still seeking to reunite pieces of the Spark, and in this adventure, they face some of the most dire peril the group has yet encountered: giant bears and bees, a horrible airship accident and the trek to distant Lorimar, a forest spirit with magical powers. As they battle and overcome these obstacles hurled at them by the Nacht, it seems that they're getting closer to waking the Valley--but does the Nacht have a plan that may sabotage the group from within? Sniegoski's writing is strong and swift, and it properly propels the action needed to fuel such a broad crusade. However, those new to the series will want to read this series sequentially: The burst into action offers little back story, and many of the running jokes will be missed without it. An expected cliffhanger will leave readers clamoring for the final installment. A nimble, expertly paced middle-grade adventure yarn. (Fantasy/adventure. 9 & up)

Gr 3-6 This book continues the adventures of 12-year-old Tom Elm, his raccoon pal, a former Veni Yan priest, three Bone explorers, and two smelly rat creatures as they attempt to save the world from the wicked dragon, the Nacht. The "Bone" books have a serious fan base, so this in-progress trilogy is bound to attract attention. Unfortunately, it falls short of expectations. While the Nacht, presented as a source of wickedness itself with the power to seep into and claim the minds of innocents, is legitimately creepy, the adventures feel haphazard and unplanned, characters remain largely undeveloped, and the humor feels a bit forced. However, the draw to the world created in the series is strong, and there are plenty of Smith's full-page illustrations to reinforce that connection. For real fans, this book is a solid pick, but the titles should be read in sequence-events in this one won't make sense without reading the first. Libraries without "Bone" fans can skip it. Heather Talty, formerly at Columbia Grammar &; Preparatory School, New York City

Color by Steve Hamaker. Tom Elm and his ever-increasing band of allies continue on their quest to find the shattered pieces of the Spark that will save the Dreaming from the growing menace of the evil Nacht. Throughout the adventure, alliances and allegiances are tested. The book does contain occasional art, but this wordy novel lacks some of the action and verve of the original Bone graphic-novel series.

The franchise expansion of Jeff Smith's Bone-verse continues in this second prose novel set after the conclusion of his epic graphic-novel series. De facto quest leader, 12-year-old Tom Elm, proves his leadership mettle in a raid on a giant beehive to secure another piece of the relic known as the Spark, which, once assembled, will help drive back the Nacht, an evil dragon plaguing the Dreaming. Sniegoski continues his able balance of light slapstick humor stly thanks to a couple of doltish Rat Creatures miliar fantasy elements, and a barest hint of urgency. Smith's spot art ties the fan-friendly package together.