"Plus Ultra!" The young Pathfinders-Kyle, Beth, Vic, Harry, and Nate-push forward to unravel the mysteries of Windrose Valley and its enigmatic protector, Henry Merriweather.The adventure resumes where it left off at the end of series opener The Mystery of the Moon Tower (2020). Having uncovered a secret staircase in a forbidding cave, the Pathfinders descend into an immense crystal cavern and follow the pawprints of Merriweather's faithful pup, Asher. With the treasures they've discovered in hand, including Merriweather's journal, the five explorers navigate an underground trail network in search of Windrose's mythic treasure. Danger lurks in every nook: towering, threatening waves, weird weather, onerous puffs of noxious air, and a fearsome creature known as Creeper. As the Pathfinders solve Merriweather's riddles and scour the local historical society's archives for more clues, they unearth a sinister plot to exploit Windrose's minerals (and perhaps more). Like its predecessor, Sedita and Seraydarian's plot packs a ton of humor, mystery, and action to enthrall fans of fantastical fun adventures. A diverse set of characters-new and old-as well as a commitment to the series' weirdness, magical forays into time warps, and an appreciation for historical curiosities continue to make this tale a worthwhile endeavor. Hamaker's artwork, meanwhile, offers just the right amount of zany energy in its paneling and its eye-catching use of colors and secondary details. A fabulous cliffhanger ending will leave readers wanting more.Marvelously clever and cool. (Graphic fantasy. 8-12)

Gr 3-6 Picking up where the previous volume left off, this title follows tweens Kyle, Beth, Harry, Victoria (Vic), and Nate as they continue on their quest to find a hidden treasure. What started out as a fun way to get oriented to their surroundings at Camp Pathfinder has become more serious as they've learned the history of the camp's founder, Henry Merriweather. Discovering that Camp Pathfinder is being threatened by a developer who has purchased the property, they are even more motivated to find the rumored treasure and save the camp from destruction. Following clues left in Henry's journal, the campers travel through a series of underground caves, experience time travel, and encounter a dizzying array of obstacles and puzzles that they are able to solve using each individual's talents and skills. Readers will happily suspend their disbelief as they become immersed in the story and will find themselves almost breathless from the nonstop action. Detailed, colorful, and expressive art works well with the text to depict a tale full of thrills and danger, as well as bravery and humor. Kyle and Beth are white, Victoria is Black, and Harry and Nate are brown-skinned. VERDICT This wild adventure is pure fun at a breakneck pace. Plan to purchase all volumes of the series in order to complete the story. Sarah Reid, Four County Lib. Syst., NY