In Cameron and the Shadow-wraiths: A Battle of Anxiety Vs. Trust, author Mark Cheverton presents the second installment in the Order of the Stones series, inviting readers back into the world of Cameron Poole, a seventh-grader at Camp Pontchartrain. Last summer’s experiences at camp left Cameron as an unexpected hero, but now he finds himself wrestling with an all-too-familiar adversary: anxiety. Despite the high regard of his peers, Cameron’s internal struggle clouds his self-perception, focusing his attention more on perceived failures than on his capabilities.

Even as a newcomer to the series, I found the book accessible and engaging, with sufficient background information provided to understand the characters and their journey. Cheverton skillfully portrays anxiety through Cameron, a character who resonates with those who experience similar challenges. The depiction of anxiety is nuanced, capturing its diverse manifestations and incorporating realistic coping strategies into the narrative without coming across as didactic.

The supporting characters enrich the story significantly. Figures like wise Mrs. Chakote, tech-savvy Bobby, and dependable Leonard add depth and diversity to the cast, paralleling the variety of magic in the story. Action sequences stand out with their vivid, almost cinematic quality, while the plot progresses at a steady pace, making for a captivating adventure that goes beyond mere fantasy. The integration of Chakra crystals, a fascinating element of the magic system, presents an opportunity for further exploration into practices like cleansing or recharging, enhancing the depth of the author’s richly imagined world.

Cameron and the Shadow-wraiths is a compelling tale that intertwines the themes of overcoming anxiety and epic fantasy. Cheverton’s storytelling is effective in conveying the emotional journey of the protagonist, demonstrating that anxiety, while challenging, can be confronted and overcome. This book, appropriate for readers aged 10 and up, merges fantasy elements with real-world issues, creating an engaging narrative that encourages awareness and understanding of anxiety.

Pages: 254 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CBG5PHFT