Reviews
I started reading this right after I finished the first book “The Magic of Finkleton.” Even though it’s aimed at much younger children, I still really enjoyed the first book because it took me back to those days of reading “The Magic Tree House” series. Needless to say, I was excited to see what was in store for the Finkle children next, so I’m very thankful to K. C. Hilton for being amazing and sending me “Return to Finkleton,” the second volume in the ser…more “Finkleton truly is a magical place…”
I started reading this right after I finished the first book “The Magic of Finkleton.” Even though it’s aimed at much younger children, I still really enjoyed the first book because it took me back to those days of reading “The Magic Tree House” series. Needless to say, I was excited to see what was in store for the Finkle children next, so I’m very thankful to K. C. Hilton for being amazing and sending me “Return to Finkleton,” the second volume in the series. Upon finishing this book, I gotta’ say, as much as I loved “The Magic of Finkleton,” “Return to Finkleton” was even better!
I don’t want to say anything about the plot so I don’t spoil anything for those who haven’t read the first book, but the story basically follows all three Finkle children from the first book and tells of their adventures in Finkleton. This book takes place a couple years after book one, so the siblings are a little older and a little wiser. And it’s pretty clear that the story has grown along with the children as well. This book has a lot more action and adventure than “The Magic of Finkleton” did and also features some more serious and dire situations for the children. Therefore, the story is aimed at slightly older middle grade readers, ages 9-12.
Simply put, I thought “Return to Finkleton” was marvelous! After I finished reading that last page, I got a big smile on my face and said, “Wow… that was great!” I think what made this even better than the first book, for me, was the fact that I felt more immersed in the story. “The Magic of Finkleton” more-or-less told the story, almost like a bedtime story. That’s a great technique and it worked for that book, but in this one I felt more involved in what was going on, so the pacing was much faster.
Another thing I loved about this novel was the greater growth that the characters went through. In book one, they learned the average things kids need to know at that age like keeping your promises and working together. In this one however, the characters are crossing over into the next stage of childhood where they have to deal with much more serious things like fixing their mistakes and having to do things on their own, no matter how scary.
This book also had a ton of twists and things that I, as a young adult, didn’t even see coming. These twists, as well as the tone and magic of the story, remind me less of “The Magic Tree House” books this time around and more of “The Spiderwick Chronicles,” which is one of my all-time favorite series. If you love those books, I think you’ll really like this one. Anyway, I’m very excited to read the third and final book in the series, “Saving Finkleton,” once it’s released. Bring on the magic, K.C.!
~C
A father leads his family hiking one evening to see an unforgettable sight: thousands of glowworms lighting up Finkleton Valley.
In The Magic of Finkleton, the first book in this series, Jack, Lizzy and Robert realize their family acquired not just a shop, but a shop with magical secrets, including the ability to control weather. After mastering the weather and reaping two years of perfect crops, two of the children find a room hidden beneath the library floor. Initially, it seems to be just a room with more books, but closer inspection reveals some peculiarities, such as a book that glows, and one that feels cold to the touch. A rather ordinary book about memories seems harmless, but odd things start happening after Robert takes it with him upstairs to browse: A lightning strike causes a fire that burns the house of one of Finkleton’s leading citizens, and one of the children carelessly reveals the magical secrets found in Uncle Harry’s shop, encouraging a greedy outsider to pursue owning land in Finkleton. Robert believes he can right some of his past mistakes, but he accidentally breaks a clock which has the ability to move a person forward and backward through time. Meanwhile, the children work tirelessly to fix their town.
In Hilton’s lively book, she creates a thriving town as the setting, using images children can easily imagine and appreciate. Miss Caroline, a resident devoted to helping the children, needs more detail and history, considering her central role. The story sharply focuses on the three children and their actions, which young readers will appreciate. At first glance, some of the magical items in this book may remind readers of Harry Potter—a clock that controls time and a book that can answer direct questions—but their use here is unique. The plot ambles along and presents situations that, beneath their supernatural surfaces, readers will likely find familiar.
Suitable for children 9–11 years old, this continuation of a magical adventure is a pleasure to read.
In KC Hilton’s newest book, Return to Finkleton, siblings, Jack, Lizzie and Robert find themselves immersed in adventure once again. Two short years after moving to Finkleton, Lizzie stumbles upon a secret so incredible, it simply cannot be contained. After over-hearing Lizzie speak of it with Jack, Robert sets out to find the source of her secret. As a result of his discovery, Robert unwittingly causes a calamitous series of events. Distraught and ridden with feelings of guilt, he sets his mind to making things right . . . and in the process, embarks upon a magical journey.Videos and giveaway for this title are available on my site. Dont miss our EPIC Return to Finkleton Giveaway! hosted on bunnycates.com
journey into the marvelous land of Finkleton!
Sure, I’m 14, but middle grade novels had that little spark that can take you
into a magical place that, almost always, does not focus on romance. K.C.
Hilton’s latest novel is one of the best middle grade novels I’ve ever
read.
has created is fun, magical, but also haunting. This vivid and bright place has
the one of the best storytellers telling the book. Every little detail of the
book played out perfectly clear inside my head, and I didn’t want to set the
book down.
entices the reader into the story and doesn’t let them leave the world of
Finkleton until the very last page. This fun experience had me actually
dreaming about what would happen next to our beloved
characters.
middle grade novel that I highly recommend you go read!
In this sequel to The Magic of Finkleton, taking place two years later, the Finkle
children, Jack, Lizzy, and Robert have adjusted to living in the town of
Finkleton. The family is still running their late uncle’s shop, in which the
children discover a secret room full of mysterious books. Robert sneaks into the
room and pulls a magical lever that causes lighting to strike a nearby home.
Feeling guilty, Robert is determined to change his mistake, and with the help a
magical clock, he might be able to do so. First, he accidentally travels to the
future, where he sees the outcome of his actions.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and eagerly waited for the second book to be released. I read the book in one sitting! Just like the original, the sequel has a dazzling cover but this time with a magical clock. The sequel focuses more on the youngest child Robert as he travels through time to undo a fire that he caused. My favorite character still has to be Lizzy, as she and I have a love for books. This time around, we meet some new characters and get to explore some of the other shops in Finkleton. Mr. Lowsley returns as the villain, even more determined to find out what or who is responsible for the magical occurrences in Finkleton. KC Hilton has once again created a wonderfully original fantasy that both children and adults will love. I like how the author leaves a few unanswered questions for the reader to think about. Who is Mrs. Caroline? Luckily we don`t have to wait long because we get a sneak peak at the third book Saving Finkleton, in which I cannot wait to read, in the back of the book. I recommend the book to everyone!
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“Return To Finkleton” is a wonderful mystery book for children aged 9-12. Written by KC Hilton, this is the second book in the ‘Finkleton Series’. Two years have passed and Jack, Lizzy and Robert are still discovering magical items and protecting their treasured secrets in their late Uncle Harry’s shop. The magical secrets must be kept in the right hands because of greedy out-of-towners and citizens trying to get their hands on it for their own selfish purposes and financial gains. The weather, crops and the town’s survival rests in the hands of the three very wise and responsible children. But will they be able to protect their secrets with the overwhelming whirlpool of greed attacking them from all directions? There are 28 action packed and fast flowing chapters that include everything from the magical valley, mysterious visitors, new magical items to discover, and ghosts. As an added bonus, children will learn the moral of the story which is that greed can become an overwhelming hunger. The smallest of human acts can lead to the most destructive and loathsome acts of mankind.KC Hiltons does it again in this magical adventure book for pre-teens! Though I am 39 years old I loved every minute of reading this book as if I were a child again. Furthermore, this book has received many prestigious literary and Best Fiction Awards recently! The cover of the book is eye catching and captivating. The mysterious antiqued and gold applique look of the book makes it easy to pick up and hard to put down. The plot is solid and flows easily for children to read. It also is a great second book to the first in the series; “The Magic of Finkleton”. I can easily see this series made into a movie series on the big screen and would be disppointed if it doesn’t make it into motion pictures. I highly recommend it for all children aged 9 and up. I cannot wait for KC Hilton’s next mystery book “Saving Finkleton”, and many more books after that. KC Hilton is a gifted writer and truly has put together a masterpiece in each book that compliments the series nicely.
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