The Poisoned King (Impossible Creatures, #2)
CCBC Review:
Picking up roughly a year or so after Book One, Christopher (white) awakens in his London home to a dragon nibbling on his face. It’s Jacques, a jaculus dragon, summoning Christopher to return to the Archipelago because his Guardian powers are needed to save dying dragons. Meanwhile, in the Archipelago, a new character is introduced. Anya (white) is the princess, second in line to the throne, though the formality of royal life in the castle does not suit her. Until recently, Anya and her father were sequestered in a forest home on the palace grounds, he with his books and botany work, and Anya with the royal gaganas, magical birds that are her constant companions. In a swift series of events, the king is poisoned, and Anya’s father is jailed for treason. With the gaganas’ help, Anya deduces that her uncle orchestrated the murder plot to secure his position as king—and Anya’s next on his list. Anya’s escape from her uncle coincides with Christopher’s return to the Archipelago. As they take sanctuary at a compound for injured creatures, the pair surmise that Christopher’s dragon-tending and Anya’s kingdom troubles are intertwined. Clue-gathering reveals that Anya’s uncle is poisoning the dragons to steal their wealth. Together, the friends plot a way to protect the dragons and bring Anya’s uncle’s treachery to light. Short, fast-paced chapters filled with rich descriptions and witty banter make this an engaging middle grade fantasy. ©2026 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Ashley Mackenzie
CCBC Age Recommendation: 8-12
Age Range:
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Format:
Novel
Subjects:
Action/Adventure
Animals (Fiction)
Fantasy
Friendship
Greed
Journeys and Quests
Politics and Political Systems
Publishers:
Knopf, Penguin Random House, Random House
Publish Year: 2025
Pages: 292
ISBN: 9780593809907
CCBC Location: Fiction, Rundell