Dylan Dover: Orion’s Quest is the second book in a fantastical middle-grade series that continues the story of Dylan, a twelve-year-old warlock who finds himself part of an ancient prophecy tied to the fate of an immortal realm. In this sequel, Dylan and his twin Remy, along with their friend Thea and newly found sibling Seth, try to uncover the mystery of their origins and the powerful forces seeking to control them. It’s a high-stakes magical adventure filled with secret societies, time rifts, magical creatures, and the looming threat of a vampire named Baltazar who’s bent on domination. The story blends the mundane human world with a richly imagined supernatural dimension, making for a fast-paced and emotionally engaging ride.

What I liked was the smooth way Lynne Howard mixes heart and suspense. The opening chapter had me hooked—Reus trembling in front of Baltazar, trapped in a cage, hopeless, and yet somehow clinging to the idea of redemption. It’s grim, but not overly dark. Howard knows her audience. Her writing walks that fine line between magical fantasy and grounded emotion.

Howard also shines in how she handles character dynamics. Dylan, Remy, Seth, and Thea each have distinct voices and believable relationships. One of my favorite parts was when the kids return to Dylan’s old neighborhood.

There’s a lot of dialogue unpacking backstory and prophecy details. It doesn’t drag exactly, but I found myself wanting more action or surprises in those parts. That said, the scene where the kids build an invisible cabin in the forest was very cool. Also, Dylan conjuring up a warm coat and diamond-studded boots for his cat was adorable and imaginative. I loved how the magic was practical, emotional, and at times, pretty funny too​.

Dylan Dover: Orion’s Quest is a blast. It’s clever, warm, and packed with both heart and high fantasy. It’s perfect for middle-grade readers who love Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, or Keeper of the Lost Cities. I’d even recommend it to grown-up fantasy fans looking for something sweet, mysterious, and a little nostalgic. If you like magical prophecies, talking animals, and the power of found family, this one’s for you.

Pages: 336 | ISBN : 978-1916966673