A review by breeoxd
The Hidden Kingdom by Tui T. Sutherland

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious sad

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This is another solid installment in the well-loved middle grade series. I started reading them for my kiddo, but I truly enjoy them as well. I was curious to see aloof glory attempt to discover her roots, and felt her frustration when her "family" of origin fell short, as they so often do. I actually like that the author calls this out for young readers. People will often not live up to your expectations- it's sometimes good to take them on their terms and see how a relationship can be forged. I was proud of Glory's bravery, and by turns frustrated that the author seemed to make her mirror Tsunami. For all their mutual irritation, I feel like the author may have taken some shortcuts by making them so similar. I was also a bit irked at the way the royal challenge was tied up in a neat bow- is every kid going to be a long-lost royal?- but was really thrilled by the Nightwing homeland reveal and Glory's unexpectedly cool sidekicks. 

Sidenote- I think the Nightwings don't actually have powers. I think it's all a myth. I've said my peace. 

Looking forward to the next one, which is good, because my kid has already deposited it on my nightstand with a warning that she isn't holding back on spoilers. ;)