I enjoyed this book. The story had so many twists and turns that it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Frank and Jon’s story is interesting and I found myself really excited to see how it would turn out. This author has created a vibrant and colorful world which I think many readers will enjoy. This is part of a series and I look forward to reading the next book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Cindy Rushinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCindy Rushin2023-09-22 19:20:412023-10-08 15:33:29The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Cindy Rushin
I had not read the first in series but I wish I had. The book is well written and will captivate all audiences though it is aimed towards 9-12 year olds. This story has so much imagination and the words will bring you so much imagery that you feel like you are in the story. I plan to go back and read the first one and then this one again. Great story!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tonya Merritthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTonya Merritt2023-09-22 14:59:022023-10-08 15:04:39The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Tonya Merritt
The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett. This is such a fun series for young kids 9-12 about magic and fantasy. It’s the continuing story of 11-year-old twins Jon and Frank Reed as they attend West Hills school for the perceptually gifted. This has a similar vibe to the Hunger Games as they participate in the Zodiac Games. These boys are from a large family and when the found out they are gifted their parents sent them to West Hills to learn how to control their powers. They both have issues with their gifts and are still learning how to control them when a lot of students start getting sick. Will they be able to find out what is causing the sickness and stop it before it’s to late? I really enjoyed this book as an adult so I’m sure your young child will enjoy it too! Fun Series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tausha Treadwayhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTausha Treadway2023-09-20 08:42:112023-10-07 12:15:09The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Tausha Treadway
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tabithahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTabitha2023-09-19 20:20:512023-10-07 11:58:49The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hill) by B. E. Padgett -review by Tabitha Montero
Much like the first book in this series, this book is engaging with well-written characters and a magical story that will keep you glued to the page. We revisit Jon and Frank Reed as they attend West Hills School for the Perceptually Gifted for their second year. These 11-year-old twin boys who have special gifted talents aka powers are eager to participate in the “Zodiac Games” in hopes of winning for their house, bringing prestige unto them all. This would be an easier feat if they both weren’t faced with mysterious challenges and fear. Will they overcome everything and find glory or will the shadows and other magical dilemmas overtake them?
This book with its Harry Potterish feel is aimed at middle-school aged children (9 – 12 years old)- but I enjoyed it and think both younger and older individuals could as well. If you want an entertaining read that is right up there with other great books like the Percy Jackson series and the Harry Potter series, then definitely give this series a read, as I’m sure you will enjoy this incredible big family and their ever-growing adventures.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-09-19 19:01:112023-10-07 11:56:04The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Donya Pedigo
I enjoyed reading The Secrets of Arkaim, it is the second book in The Reeds of West Hills series. I didn’t read the first book in the series, but I feel like I still had the needed information to enjoy the story. Jon and Frank are twin boys from a large family that have discovered they are “gifted” (they have magical powers) and thus go to school to learn how to control them. This year school is extra exciting because of the Zodiac Games. Unfortunately, students are becoming sick, and they must figure out how to save them. The friendships and relationships in this book are fantastic. I highly recommend anyone looking for a good mystery story with a touch of magic. If you love books like Harry Potter and/or the Percey Jackson series, you’ll love this book. I look forward to reading the first book and next book in the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Callie Lunahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCallie Luna2023-09-19 11:48:592023-10-07 12:03:52The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Callie Luna
Book two of The Reeds of West Hills is just as page turning as the first book. I could not put the book down when it came to bedtime reading to my tiny humans. We read the book in a single setting. All of us were desperate to know what happened next. We cannot wait for the next installment!
We are back with our gifted main character twins Jon and Frank. This time at school they want to win the Zodiac Games. However, it isn’t just the games that are taking a turn at the school. Something or someone is also playing games with the students. Who will come out the victor of all the mysterious events currently going on?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ayla Eddyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAyla Eddy2023-09-18 19:49:092023-10-07 11:51:01The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Ayla Eddy
The Secrets of Arkaim by B.E. Padgett is the second book in the The Reeds of West Hills series. It follows twin 11 year olds Jon and Frank as they enter their second year of school at a school for the perceptually gifted. As students work to win the Zodiac games, sickness strikes and a mysterious shadow follows around Jon.
I’ve not read anything by Ms. Padgett before but this book was captivating and fun to read. There were certainly some questions that I imagine would be answered if read in order but nothing that detracted from the story told here.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Whisper Hymerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngWhisper Hymer2023-09-15 23:23:032023-10-02 19:04:56The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Whisper Hymer
Frank and Jon Reed are twins. Not just any twins, but “gifted” twins. Frank has the gift of telepathy and Jon is an oracle. Both boys attend school at West Hills School for the Perceptually Gifted . When events begin happening that could shut the school down, Frank and Jon join their friends together to get to the bottom of the mystery. This was a quick read that kept me entertained the entire book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Terri Jo McAllisterhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTerri Jo McAllister2023-09-10 16:52:372023-09-14 08:44:31The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Terri Jo McAllister
It’s Jon & Frank’s second year at West Hills School for the Perceptually Gifted and they are ready for the Zodiac Games, a competition between the houses. They are training to be the champions, but everything seems to be working against them and sinister forces are trying to keep them from winning the games – or worse. This is a sweet fantasy series for tweens. It is great for vocabulary and reading and the story is fun enough the kids won’t even know they are learning.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christina Fordhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristina Ford2023-09-08 10:28:402023-09-14 08:35:36The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by C. L. Schneider – Review by Christina Ford
Another gripping installment in a fascinating series. The setting is a boarding school for students who possess extraordinary abilities. The main characters are a set of gifted twins from a family of both gifted and non gifted family members. The family is one of many who belong to a secret society. This has potential hallmarks of a being a set of stories about a cult-like organization. It is such an amazing read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Alison Risherhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAlison Risher2023-09-06 20:51:382023-09-14 08:21:29The Secrets of Arkhaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Alison Risher
West Hills School for the Perceptually Gifted isn’t like other schools. At West Hills, they take in students with special gifts above and beyond what the normal student can do. They have classes for telepathy, telekinesis, and more!
Franklin and Jonathan Reed are two students (and twins) at West Hills and this year is big! The school is taking part in a competition amongst houses and if they’re lucky, they get to participate.
Jon is struggling with being the only student with his gift, while Frank is worried that he’ll fall victim like the others with a similar gift. The boys must work together and try to save the school.
I found this book really hard to get into. It may be because I didn’t read book one or that it just wasn’t a book in my usual middle grade genre.
I felt there were missing parts (these may become clear when I go back and read book 1) throughout and several areas where more information could’ve been helpful in hammering out some storyline. I also struggled with the changes in perspective with this book. It goes from Frank to Jon to others in third person without much transition so I found it hard to know who I was reading as on several occasions and had to go back and find out.
It has a ton of potential and I loved the zodiac games and the suspense for the boys to figure out what was going on. I can’t wait to try again once I’ve read book one to see if that has helped me pick up on where I struggled with this one.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tia Martelhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTia Martel2023-09-06 20:12:582023-09-14 09:10:53The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Tia Martel
The Secrets of Arkaim is the second book in The Reeds of West Hills series. It’s a good idea to start at the beginning of the series, although this sequel does a good job of reminding readers of relevant information from The Guardian of Whispers. It’s a fun magic school fantasy series appropriate for strong readers in KS2, as well as KS3.
Jon and Frank are getting used to their powers and the school and wider world they are now a part of. They’re excited to go back after the summer – to see their friends again and learn more about what they can do! And they have the Zodiac Games to look forward to, which it seems the whole school is excited about!
There are also plenty of situations for them to navigate, including Jon coping with the stigma associated with his unusual powers. And there are mysteries to solve, where the twins have to work to keep themselves and their friends safe.
This book gets five stars for me! I’d recommend it to young fans of magic school series such as Children of the Red King and The School for Good and Evil.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Francis O'Sullivanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFrancis O'Sullivan2023-09-05 10:14:522023-09-14 08:16:10The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Francis O’Sullivan
I enjoyed this story….the boys are back!! Jon and Frank Reed are on another journey while attending a school for the Perceptually Gifted …this time Zodiac Games are on the horizon. While trying to hone in on their gifts and learning how to use them, Jon and Frank also want to participate in the Zodiac Games and bring home a win for their house. When strange things happen….there are so many questions….this shadowy figure is causing some problem….Jon is seeing this questionable figure and feels like he cannot tell anyone to help while having issues sleeping as well…and sickness is hitting the students, will Jon and Frank be able to figure out what is happening with this and also what is going on with this shadowy figure that Jon can see that haunts him…
This book was a fun read full of gifts, mystery, adventure and magic. I highly recommend reading book 1 as you get to know the characters and continue into this story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2023-09-04 20:14:402023-09-14 07:54:19The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
I was so excited to get to read book two of the Reed brother adventures! I thought the author did a great job in this follow up book in keeping the mysteries fresh and exciting. If you haven’t, you will definitely want to go back and read book one, which introduces the boys and their gifts. I loved the continuing friendship between Jon, Frank, and Mira and seeing how they continue to help and support each other. We see that things are getting weirder for Jon and Frank as their powers continue to manifest. I enjoyed see how the author balanced the Zodiac Games, a competition between the houses, with unpredictable rules and changes and the different the struggles the twins were experiencing. This series is definitely giving me Harry Potter/Percy Jackson vibes and I can’t wait to see how it all turns out. I am so excited to see what happens in the next book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Haller-Dorishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Haller-Doris2023-09-03 10:05:252023-09-14 08:06:12The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris
The Secrets of Arkaim is the second book in The Reeds of West Hills by B.E. Padgett. This is a fun urban fantasy which is aimed at middle school aged children (9 – 12 years old)- but really can be enjoyed by any age (7 years and up). This paranormal tale continues the adventures of Jon and Frank Reed, the 10yr old perceptually gifted twins we met in the first instalment. They attend ‘West Hills School for the Perceptually Gifted’, a magical academy- as Jon and Frank have magical gifts that they are still learning to control. This story has them excited to compete in the “Zodiac Games” and they hope to help bring their house the title of champion. But strange things are happening- with disturbing dreams, a sinister shadowy figure, unsettling events, and a dangerous outbreak of paranoia which has the twins struggling to figure it all out in time. Add in their large zany family, action, mystery, secrets, a little mayhem, banter, friendship, family dynamics, fun, quirky characters, agendas, and a touch of the unexpected- and we get quite an engrossing story. As I said previously, the Reeds reminded me of the Weasley’s from Harry Potter- and the story definitely has some Harry Potter/Percy Jackson vibes- but with its own unique identity, which I love. Looking forward to the next instalment- “An Oracle’s Handbook” (Book #2). Happy Reading…
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2023-09-01 23:00:512023-09-14 07:37:12The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills Book #2) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Angela Hayes
This was a brilliant second installment of this series, and just like the first book, I was absolutely drawn in instantly. Both of my kiddos truly enjoyed the continuation at West Hills with the Zodiac Games! I am definitely not the target age range here, but I was still engrossed throughout the entire book. The flow is wonderful, the characters are so relatable, and I find myself very much looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend this for the kids in your life, but you may even find yourself enjoying it as an adult as well!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2023-09-01 21:58:322023-09-14 08:10:50The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Shannen Kern
This story picks up on year 2 at West Hills School for the Perceptually Gifted for the Reed twins. It’s going to be a better year because everything is better then the first year!
The big announcement is the Zodiac Games. They only come along every 3 years and this happens to be that year! A mixture of physical skills and intelluctual abilities will be the focus of this super fun event. When a handful of students start getting sick, the Games become a low point of priority. Bigger issues arise when the military becomes involved and Jon and Frank find themselves under tight scrutiny.
I loved this book and read it pretty quickly in one afternoon. It will hold attention and is really hard to put down! While this is the second book in a series, this could be read as a standalone with minimal loss to the back story. I am super excited to read the next book in this middle grade series! This is great for fans of Sky High, Harry Potter, and The Hunger Games!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Julie Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJulie Johnson2023-09-01 21:26:402023-09-14 08:10:37The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Julie Johnson
This book is book 2 in the Reeds of West Hills series. This is a great middle grade series, and I have been really enjoying the creativity, suspense, and world building that is going into it. This series is about 11 –year-old gifted twins, Jon and Frank Reed, are set to return to West Hills School for the Perceptually Gifted for the second year (though their first full year). The boys have missed their school, and their friends even though they were able to spend some time with Mira over the summer at a conference for the perceptually gifted and their families. The boys are also excited when they learn that the school is set to hold their Zodiac Games, a competition that occurs every 3 years. The competition is between the houses to see which house is the best. What nobody expects is the darker, more sinister game that someone else on campus is playing, and trying to manipulate Jon and Frank into being a part of. This gets especially dangerous when all of the telepathy students start coming down with an unknown illness, and Frank worries that he may be next, all while Jon deals with a dark and shadowy figure in his dreams that seems to be determined to get something from him.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Candice Esteshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCandice Estes2023-09-01 21:24:332023-09-14 08:10:30The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by
I enjoyed this story….the boys are back!! Jon and Frank Reed are on another journey while attending a school for the Perceptually Gifted …this time Zodiac Games are on the horizon. While trying to hone in on their gifts and learning how to use them, Jon and Frank also want to participate in the Zodiac Games and bring home a win for their house. When strange things happen….there are so many questions….this shadowy figure is causing some problem….Jon is seeing this questionable figure and feels like he cannot tell anyone to help while having issues sleeping as well…and sickness is hitting the students, will Jon and Frank be able to figure out what is happening with this and also what is going on with this shadowy figure that Jon can see that haunts him…
This book was a fun read full of gifts, mystery, adventure and magic. I highly recommend reading book 1 as you get to know the characters and continue into this story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2023-09-01 21:03:012023-09-14 08:10:23The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
I am harder on sequels than debuts of a series, but was impressed with The Secrets…. starting with the fact the monochromatic and powerful cover doesn’t give away the plot. The story continues the twins second year at their special school for their unique abilities. The introduction picks up in summer, and enjoyed “attending” the conference with the twins. One thing I appreciated the interweaving of real historical artifacts and stories within the fictional story.
I enjoyed how we learn more about not only the twins, but their relationships with both peers and educators, and especially Jon we learn more about his worries. The Zodiac Games was an interesting twist (reminded me of Harry Potter #4), but enjoyed how empathy was shown throughout all the competition, creating a fantastic atmosphere. The continuation of the dreams from book #1 added to the plot, and is a strong point of this author.
I felt the pacing was slower in this book, and the conclusion was a little rushed (but at the same time, I know it is an a series, so it might be more resolved in the next book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Crainhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Crain2023-09-01 20:32:592023-09-14 08:10:00The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Jennifer Crain
This is the second book in the Reeds of West Hills series. We again follow Frank and Jon, this time following their progress and the Zodiac Games. The emotions in this book felt deeper and the plot more defined. The story was again well-written, fun and engaging, with had more of an emotional impact with how the pair felt and reacted to their issues, feeling alone and overcoming the obstacles in the paths. There is once again mystery and adventure in this fantasy book for young teens, but can also be enjoyed as an adult. The writing is age appropriate and flows nicely. I look forward to finding out what happens next!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebeca2023-09-01 19:26:462023-09-14 08:09:17The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras
This is the first book in the Reeds of West Hills series. This falls into the 9-12 year old fantasy category but as an adult I still found reading this book an enjoyable experience. The story focuses on twins Jon and Frank, and the magical gifts they are learning to control at their magical school. The writing was age appropriate and easy to follow, setting up the series nicely. The plot was fun and entertaining, keeping me engaged throughout with wit mystery and adventure. I certainly enjoyed reading this, and will move straight onto the second in the series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebeca2023-09-01 19:06:562023-09-14 08:08:58The Guardian of Whispers (The Reeds of West Hills Book 1) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras
Mystery, Games and Secrecy This fun and gripping read is the second book in The Reeds of West Hills series. It’s a fantasy aimed at middle grade readers and follows gifted twins Frank and Jon Reed. The story is well written and gives some backstory without the info dumping. The characters are likeable and relatable and the magical mystery is interwoven to keep you interested right until end. Definitely one to check out. Recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2023-09-01 17:34:252023-09-14 07:36:50The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Rayne East
Jon and Frank are back and it is their first summer at home since finding out that they were gifted and they have missed their family a lot, but they are also excited to be going to a convention as well, the best thing is that their families can go too. So as they get ready to introduce their family to the friends who are there, they are also excited to experience what it will be like with other gifted people around them, it is also nerve wracking, especially for Frank.
When they arrive there, they all settle in and are shown round by their friend Mira, before having dinner and some well earned rest before the real excitement begins. Unfortunately, there isn’t a gift specific group for Jon organised, not that he is surprised, but he is annoyed, so when one of the guest speakers speaks to him without fear, he is happy and agrees to stay in touch, meanwhile Frank has caught the eye of one of the other speakers and I’m interested in what they have to show him. After it is all over, the boys return to school and this is where the fun really begins, they are back where they feel comfortable and also find out that there are to be something called the Zodiac Games, a skill based competition where the houses are all pitted against each other until one wins. This excites all the students and gives them an opportunity to showcase their skills, so when the first challenge is announce, training begins, but the judges decide to throw a spanner in the works and change the rules at the last minute and the students are not happy, but it does mean that Jon and Frank are in with a chance of competing.
While this competition heats up, Jon is continuing his gifts class and it is there he discusses the dreams he is having of a shadow which speaks to him and shows him glimpses of situations he is unsure of and it is causing another load of sleep disturbances to his brother and roommates, but he doesn’t feel like he can talk to his brother about it and Frank is having worries of his own when one of his classmates becomes sick. As the weeks pass and the Zodiac Games competition heats up, other students start to become sick, but there is an undeniable pattern which causes concern, especially when the twins seem to be in the middle of it all again and Frank is terrified that he is going to be next. Can Jon and Frank use their skills to work out what is causing the sickness and who the shadow figure in Jon’s dreams are before something else happens and someone else gets hurt, or will it be too late and the danger surrounding them all become too much to overcome and what will happen with the Zodiac Games, something the whole school is enjoying, will they have a chance to complete them before things become too dangerous? This is a fantasy adventure where adversity is all around and secrets, lies and challenges will throw the balance off, causing magical mayhem throughout in this middle grade story which will entrance all ages and reading abilities.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2023-09-01 16:14:002023-09-14 07:36:43The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds Of West Hills Book 2) by B E Padgett – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
The Secrets of Arkaim is Book Two in The Reeds of West Hills series. It is a kid’s fantasy book aimed for children between the ages of nine to twelve-years-old. If you have not yet read book one in the series, I highly recommend that you do so prior to reading this book. Book one in the series introduces you to the characters, the setting, and their back stories. This story continues with twin boys Jon and Frank Reed and their journey to learn more about their powers while attending West Hills School for the Perceptually Gifted. The boys are anxious to compete in the Zodiac Games and win the title of Zodiac champions. The games will be challenging and will involve testing them of all the knowledge and skills that they have learned so far.
However, with strange things going on at the school any chance of winning the Zodiac Games might be nearly impossible. Weird things are happening to the telepathy students causing them to act irrationally and paranoid. Jon is terrified to go to sleep because a sinister shadowy figure lurks in his dreams. Trouble seems to follow Jon and Frank and they find themselves trying to stop a shadowy figure intent on destroying everything in its path. It is up to Frank and Jon to try to solve the mystery and save everyone.
Another wonderfully written book by this author. The storyline was intriguing, the setting was wonderful, and the characters were engaging. I love that Frank and Jon have gifts and that their parents are sending them to a school for gifted children so they can hone their skills and knowledge. The boys do not like being so far from home, but they love what they are learning and have formed great friendships while at school. The boys are constantly finding new adventures and solving new mysteries. A great read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2023-09-01 14:09:292023-09-14 07:36:13The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
This book is a great follow up to the first in the series. This is a YA book, aimed at 9-12 years and follows the chatactrts Frank and Jon. The brothers are fantastic characters and it is easy to see why the intended audience would connect with them. They are fun, exciting and have gifts. The story itself is full of adventure. It is engaging and entertaining from Page 1. Even though it is not aimed at my age range (by a long shot!) I still found myself really enjoying it. This is a great book and I am looking forward to seeing what the brothers’ next adventure is.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2023-09-01 13:06:582023-09-14 07:35:48The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Kerry Baker
The Secrets of Arkaim is the second book in the The Reeds of West Hills series. This is my first book in this series, but I will be picking up the prior book soon. I always look for fun and entertaining books for my niece and nephew. The blurb reminded me of a Potteresque story, and I thought this might grab them. The story is fun and read quickly. We are quickly taken into the world of twins, Jon and Frank, and their quest to win the school games, West Hills Zodiac games. The characters are relatable and looking for challenges in their young lives. The characters are 11 years old and not only challenged by the school games but by other underlying intrigue on campus. I enjoyed this story, and I have already passed this onto my niece. She seems excited by the story, which is a win in my book! I look forward to checking out other books by this author in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sheri Schraderhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSheri Schrader2023-09-01 09:56:272023-09-14 07:34:54The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Sheri Schrader
I was so excited to read the next adventure of the Reeds. I was so not disappointed. Frank and Jon have the what I think is the coolest adventure in this, the second book of the series. Along with their friends from the school for gifted children, they embark on a journey that takes them to new places and new things.They also find trouble at school. I can’t help but feel that I’m right there with them as I’m reading. The author does a great job with her writing to help the reader jump in and feel engaged in the story. In both books, you are in it from the start. I love the characters. They are very easy to relate to. The family drama is quite entertaining and so like many other families. You can’t miss this one. It’s a must read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2023-09-01 06:36:492023-09-02 21:54:18The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Shelly Kittell
The Secrets of Arkaim is the second book in the middle grade fantasy series The Reeds of West Hills. It is a YA story that is fun and engaging. It is a kid’s fantasy series aimed at teens aged 9 to 12 years. If you love Harry Potteresque books you will love this. I really liked the first book and the adventure the twins and eclectic group of friends find themselves in. Frank and Jon Reed continue to learn about their powers they once again find themselves in trouble not of their making. They very much want to participate in the Zodiac Games, but they find themselves in a race against time to stop a shadowy figure from causing mayhem. What secrets are there at the West Hills School? If you love magical tales, then you will enjoy this one. The race is on!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2023-09-01 06:05:022023-09-02 22:01:03The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Jenni Bishop
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