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Witchlings #2

The Golden Frog Games

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Seven Salazar is a Spare.

And now, she's the most famous Spare in the Twelve Towns, along with Valley Pepperhorn and Thorn Laroux, her two best friends.

After being named the new town Uncle, she's undergoing intense training to learn how to use her abilities to communicate with animals. But Seven has a secret: the only creatures’ voices she hears clearly are those of monstruos. Something is terribly wrong with Seven’s magic.

Meanwhile, it's the Golden Frog Games, a week of magical competitions among the Champions of the twelve towns, and Thorn is competing in fashion design!

But when Thorn's competitors start to get turned to stone, suspicion lands on Thorn and the other Witchlings. Despite their fame, there are still many in the town who think that only the Spares would sink so low to win.

Can Seven overcome the problems with her magic and find out who is stonifying the competitors . . . before Thorn becomes next victim?

384 pages, Hardcover

First published May 2, 2023

About the author

Claribel A. Ortega

14 books854 followers
New York Times Bestselling and award-winning author, Claribel A. Ortega is a former reporter who writes middle-grade and young adult fantasy inspired by her Dominican heritage. When she's not busy turning her obsession with eighties pop culture, magic, and video games into books, she’s co-hosting her podcast Bad Author Book Club. Claribel is a Marvel contributor and has been featured on Buzzfeed, Bustle, Good Morning America and Deadline.

Claribel’s NYT Bestselling debut middle grade novel Ghost Squad is being made into a feature film. Her latest book Witchlings (Scholastic) was an Instant NYT and #1 Indie Bestseller. Her graphic novel Frizzy with Rose Bousamra is out now from First Second and was an Indie Bestseller. You can find her on Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok @Claribel_Ortega and on her website at claribelortega.com.

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5 stars
466 (48%)
4 stars
366 (37%)
3 stars
120 (12%)
2 stars
10 (1%)
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5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
Profile Image for megs_bookrack.
1,894 reviews12.6k followers
Want to read
December 11, 2022
OMG! I didn't realize we had a cover already!!!



STUNNING!!

I am in love. This has to be one of my favorite covers ever. Also, the first book was so fun, so I have no doubt this one will be just as incredible!!
Profile Image for Garci’s.BooksHaven.
225 reviews5 followers
August 23, 2023
I'm sad to say this book flopped for me. I was already uninterested in the plot or what the character had going on in the beginning.

I felt as though it was repetitive and problems that were so small turned to a bigger thing than what it was just to have the reader invested and not even that was enough.

I'm so disappointed because I really loved the first book, but I guess I set myself up by expecting more.

But I think the thing that really threw it off for me. What had me confused and overwhelmed, was all the newly introduced characters. Because if you read the first book the characters in the book are named after a prophecy for their name sake. So when getting introduced I’ll have to re-read thinking the names were just part of the story or not really being able to put a face because the characters were barely described.

I would say the only reason I rounded it to 3 instead of a 2.5 is because of the adorable animals.

I will be continuing this series but I really hope the next book gives me more bang for my buck 😅.

Until the next read.

Thank you, 💋
Profile Image for Jess - The Hexed Library.
974 reviews126 followers
May 4, 2023
4.25
Cover 5; characters 4; Plot 3; Pace 3; Intrigue 4; Logic 4; worldbuilding 5; Writing 4; Enjoyment 4; Cry*

I don't really know where to start with this one. Was this a bad book? Not in the least, it was actually a great read! However, I didn't love it as much as the first book.

Part of that I think was because of the introduction of new characters. There were a lot of them and I found it hard to keep track of who was who. I still loved our returning characters and loved their character growth throughout the novel, but the addition of so many new characters was a bit confusing for me.

Because I was a bit lost, I felt like the pacing of this one was a bit wonky as well. It wasn't anything major but it was enough to pull away from my enjoyment a bit. Honestly, if this were any other book, you wouldn't hear me complain at all about these things, this is some serious nitpicking on my part. Mostly due to how much I LOVED the first book - it got a perfect 5.25/5 stars.

So let's talk about the good things. This series is big on heart. Seven's love for her coven and her family continue to shine throughout the novel. We get to see her love for animals that she can speak to manifest throughout the storyline here. Least of which is her connection with the racoons and those little bandits are one of the best parts of this story. They were perfect comedic relief and just a joy to read.

The magic of this world is so interesting to learn. And I love societal issues in a magical community. There are so many things in this book that were just as much fun as the first book and I cannot recommend them higher. Ortega's books are so, SO good.
Profile Image for Manon the Malicious.
1,144 reviews62 followers
June 3, 2023
I was provided an ARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

The Golden Frog Games, second book in the Witchling series, was just as amazing as the first. I loved every single second of it, I loved spending time with these characters and getting to know them even better. This installment was pretty plot driven and I was really on the edge of my seat the entire time. I had no idea who was the bad guy, what was happening and I loved it so much.
This series means so much to me, i can't even explain it. All these characters feel like my children, I love them all so so much and I cannot wait to read about them more. Honestly, i cannot wait for anything and everything Claribel A. Ortega will ever write.
Profile Image for Izzie.
618 reviews109 followers
October 3, 2023
I just really love this series. Such a solid middle grade fantasy filled with an imaginative world and magic system, fun and diverse characters, a gripping storyline, and the power of friendship. What more could you want?
105 reviews7 followers
May 27, 2023
I picked this up as an advanced reader's copy. It is book 2 in the series. Now I am going to have to go back and read book 1. I am already sad that I will have to wait for book 3.
Profile Image for Sarah.
197 reviews19 followers
May 10, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ OH MY GOATS CLARIBEL ORTEGA, HOW DARE YOU END IT LIKE THAT😭!! But seriously, this book was fantastic. The stakes are even higher and I loved seeing the Witchlings growing into their powers. The premise of the Games was cool and the creativity that went into the competitions was top notch. The new characters were also interesting. I adore all of the raccoons (they must be protected at all costs). Cannot wait to see what the next book brings!
Profile Image for Susan.
1,289 reviews30 followers
April 6, 2023
Aside from the fact that I too, would love to be able to talk to animals... I think I'm more jealous that Seven has a nursery (or a gaze... looks like groups are called either) of racoons following her around. And their names! Amazing. My favorite is Mozzarella Stick. Don't worry Edgar Allan Toad, I'm still a big fan. It was also great to learn more about Ravenskill and the other Twelve Towns and if we ignore the hexing, the Golden Frog Games seem like they'd be SO much fun to go to.

THE GOLDEN FROG GAMES continues a lot of the themes that Ortega began in WITCHLINGS while Seven and her Spare coven try to find their place within Ravenskill (and the Twelve Towns as a whole) - all while tackling new friendships, crushes, and stressful responsibilities and expectations. I thought the mystery of who was behind the hexing was interesting and the reveals we got were not ones I saw coming. The discord between Seven, Thorn, and Valley felt realistic - even if I was yelling at them to just TALK to each other. Even though they may have uncovered a big mystery in the first book and Seven is now on track to become the town Uncle... they're still kids. And their actions, thoughts, and feelings align with that.

I am also grateful that while there are still unresolved questions, that Ortega doesn't leave readers on a massive cliffhanger as is common with the second books in series. That's not to say that I still cannot wait until I can find out what happens next, so hopefully the third book will be here before we know it. All in all, THE GOLDEN FROG GAMES is a great read and one that Witchlings fans will be excited for.

Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by Edelweiss and Scholastic Press in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Shawne.
415 reviews18 followers
June 12, 2023
Enjoyed a lot of this return to the Twelve Towns but couldn't shake the feeling throughout - until the very end - that the book could have benefited from more editing. There's so much that is lovely and imaginative and immersive about Claribel Ortega's middle-grade fantasy, but it fairly plods on too many occasions when it should race or soar or trip along.

It oddly feels a bit unfocused, too, as Seven - anointed future Uncle - grapples with her powers and the way it ties her to the monstruous of her world, not the more innocent animals. It's part mystery, part magical games, part kids having crushes, part friends keeping secrets that would untangle a third of the book's plot if they weren't kept. None of these elements is a deal-breaker, necessarily, but having the book dance back and forth amongst them, occasionally laboriously, makes for a less enjoyable read.

I do like the ending - it's fittingly climactic, with some interesting ideas introduced (those name prophecies, man) but suddenly the narrative goes into turbo warp speed. it jumps from slightly sluggish to oddly, choppily fast in the final few chapters, when you actually WANT the book to linger on the aftermath of the titular Games and the hard-won vision it presents of the future.

Nonetheless, still a fun read for kids looking for a more relatable, real and representative read in the fantasy genre. I love the characters, especially every time Edgar Allan Toad pops up for a sardonic quip or two. so yes, I'm still on board, and looking forward to see where the Witchlings go next.

3.5 stars
Profile Image for Barb Middleton.
2,007 reviews132 followers
May 27, 2023
I liked the first book but found the plot and characters choppy in this one and too many plot choices that were too close to Harry Potter.
Profile Image for Rebecca Lowe.
575 reviews2 followers
March 1, 2024
Middle school appropriate. There were some great twists and turns that I didn’t expect and lots of fabulous different kinds of diverse representation. This feels like a very full and busy world with so many characters. There were a few awkward moments—I hate when people start talking “formal” by getting rid of contractions (example: do not know what you mean! I swear on my honor I could never do what you are thinking of!). There was also a weird chapter where we got a random timeline in the middle that didn’t fit with where the story currently was (chapter 16). But overall, it was a complex plot with tons of characters and lots of exciting things going on that kept you wondering the whole way through. Will be reading book three. Also, I love the raccoons. They are adorable!
Profile Image for Clara.
10 reviews
April 23, 2024
A great sequel. I read the first one and loved it, and I didn't expect anything less for the second. The mystery was there. The magic was there. The false accusations were there. I really loved it.
Profile Image for Annie.
298 reviews14 followers
July 8, 2023
I loved this, I really needed something for the day I had, so finishing this, really helped, I love these characters in this world. The way Claribel can weave together this story. I just am in love. Like my favourite parts were probably the animals as well as the casual queerness just making me so happy. But i do love a trio of friends and their friendship is so lovely to see and watch develop. Edgar Allan Toad though, The Raccoons and Cotton Swab just made me want them so much. I need book 3 in my hands right now. 😫
Profile Image for Sammie V.
375 reviews165 followers
May 13, 2023
The perfect combo of witches, magical games and friendship. I loved this sequel! It made me laugh cry and need the next one so badly!!
Profile Image for Kylie.
997 reviews26 followers
April 30, 2024
4.5 stars
This sequel was very cute and fun!
In the first book we hear mention of the Golden Frog games, and in the second book they are here. Thorn enters in the costura contest (clothing making) and is the first Spare and the youngest contestant in the games ever. But as she is competing, someone is using illegal archaic magic to (it seems) turn Thorn into stone. The hex hits other people along the way and the Spare coven must figure out who is behind the illegal magic.
The bond this Spare coven has is great. They do fight (quite a lot) in this one, but no matter what, they are there for each other. Seven has the extra burden of being chosen as the next town Uncle. This means she will be second leader to the Gran after she turns 18. She can talk to animals, but Seven can also speak to monstruos which is not supposed to happen. The last time that happened, the Uncle (Delphinium) was sentenced to death. So instead of asking for help or advice, she keeps everything bottled up. You can really feel her pain and loneliness. All three Spares have their own problems throughout the book, and you can really feel that hurt. We get some new characters from the different towns, as the Golden Frog games include people from all of the Twelve Towns. Seven becomes friends with Figgs, another spare, who is treated well by a rich witch, River. Valley becomes friends with Graves who is part of moth house, and Thorn becomes friends with her costura teammate Gunnar as well as a few of the other costura contestants, like River. I really enjoyed the branching out of characters since we got to know the main ones in the first book.
The plot moved along fast, I couldn't wait to see who the hexer was and who was going to win the games. Even when the Spares were at odds, Seven managed to find someone to help her, or something to do to move the plot along. There was a lot going on, but it all made sense within the larger plot. While we are not left on a super cliffhanger, there is something very intense that happens near the end that does not get a resolution in this book. I really already can't wait to find out what happens with it!
Profile Image for T.A. Beasley.
Author 7 books115 followers
August 20, 2023
The Witchlings Spares are back for another adventure of trying to save others while dealing with many obstacles.

Seven, Valley and Thorn are preparing for Thorn to participate in the Gloden Frog Games. The games get started but then a hex curse turns a teammate into stone. It seems like a set up to get Thorn and her coven in trouble. The Spares are on the case and soon believe Thorn is the main target. While this is going on Seven tries to fix her magic and get the Night beast out of her head, which she’s been keeping a secret from everyone. Witches are in danger of getting turned to stone, Seven and her coven are running out of time to save everyone and make sure nothing happens to Thorn.

This was a fun and entertaining middle grade book in which the author made sure this book complemented the first book. It was a mystery that as soon as I thought they figured it out something else happened. I look forward to reading book three, especially with the way this book ended.
Profile Image for Beau.
101 reviews2 followers
February 1, 2024
The Golden Frog Games is Claribel A. Ortega's follow-up to her middle-grade fantasy novel Witchlings. Book two follows Seven and her friends as they figure out what's next for them both as a coven and as individuals. The friends clash as they try to figure out who is targeting Thorn during this year's Golden Frog games. But each of them is hiding a secret from the other two. Will the Spares survive the Games? Will their friendship?

Some Stuff capital S is going down in The Golden Frog Games, but despite all the drama and danger, Ortega manages to keep the core of the story warm and loving. At the end of the day, when everything settles, there is still love and support. Seven, Valley, and Thorn are the recipients of so much love and support as much as they're the targets of scorn. I really think this is a fun story about a young girl finding herself and remembering that her strength lies in being able to count on the people who love her.
Profile Image for belle ☆ミ (thisbellereadstoo).
2,189 reviews168 followers
October 24, 2023
seven can hear the monstruos and that's not a good thing which means that she's shouldering this burden all by herself. after the ending of witchlings, seven's new found popularity meant that she has eyes on her always. this didn't help seven's worry when it comes to her magic and her status as an uncle. for valley, things aren't easy because of how public her parents' divorce is and how nasty her father actually is. all thorn is focusing now is in the games, but when someone started to hex the contestants, thorn's life is in danger. while the three have arguments and time apart in the golden frog games, it's all part and parcel of life as growing kids. friendship is hard to navigate but things would always work out between true friends. seven, valley, and thorn will all learn to understand and view things from each other's point of view and become closer than ever. i can't wait for the next book in the series because this mystery villain is still cloaked in shadows. we aren't anywhere closer to finding out the true mastermind behind it all.
Profile Image for Laura I..
769 reviews34 followers
February 28, 2024
Is there anything better than a really magical middle grade fantasy? This has strong Owl House vibes, and I love it so much. It’s so casually Latine & queer in such a delightful way. The main character (Seven) is relatable and just the right amount special/Chosen One without becoming too perfect. She’s followed around my a pack of raccoons!! Their names are things like Cheese and Breadstick and Tostone and they love her!!

There are so many great lines in this. “You never know when you’ll need an evil-detecting rat” — so true!!

This sequel does a good job of reminding readers what happened in the first book (there was a lot!). It makes things a tiny bit clunky in the beginning, but overall I think it’s really well-done. I definitely put this down a bunch of times — it wasn’t something I read through all in one go, for whatever reason. I think maybe because the intensity doesn’t really ratchet up in a typical way — it’s more episodic with cute and intense moments interspersed throughout. Which is actually very nice and cozy! But also makes it feel less like you *have* to keep reading.

Thanks to Scholastic for this book!! They sent me an ARC AND a finished copy, which is just so nice. I have no idea what I did to deeerve it.
Profile Image for Lizzie.
Author 1 book16 followers
September 25, 2023
It is a lot of fun, but either it suffered from me listening to the audiobook perhaps sped up faster than I should have done, or the plot was a bit more convoluted and choppy than book 1, because I wasn't always clear about what was going on, who all the additional characters were, and where they all were. I definitely need to reread it physically because I love the world and characters, the friendships and conflicts and magic and creatures. I do think perhaps a little too much was going on, and it didn't feel as grounded and clear as book 1 in terms of setting and structure. But nevertheless, am really looking forward to book 3.
Profile Image for Marina Romero.
116 reviews8 followers
October 16, 2023
I’m really handing out the five stars this year, especially with all the little witch books I’ve been reading but I just loved this book so much! I love YA witch books, so fun. And I appreciate that these books have a lot going on, not just one storyline. I enjoy hearing about the monstrous, the coven, the friendships, the politics, and of course the over all mission or mystery! I definitely feel like I’ve gotten to know the characters so much throughout the first two books and I can not wait until the 3rd book is out! No word on when that comes out as of yet, I believe!
Profile Image for Cat.
652 reviews56 followers
June 9, 2023
It always makes me sad when I don’t see the next book listed on here. Mostly because I am desperate to know how long I need to wait for it. Also because I get scared the publisher might not think the series is worth putting out another book. But I do hope so.

This series has LGTBQ+ representation without announcing it to the world. It’s just there. Normal. Inclusive. And I love that about this series.
August 25, 2024
I have taken my time reading this book. Mostly because sometimes this story can be sooo unfair and it just makes me mad. And I was a bit miffed that the Spare heroes of ours unnecessarily fought among themselves this time around as well... After previous book I expected them to not fall out that easily anymore...👀🙄
Other than that it was a very sweet and exciting middle grade story, perfect for any witchy stuff lover! 🧹🪄
Profile Image for thefatflatcat.
240 reviews13 followers
May 16, 2023
3.75

It was nice to return to this world and follow the spare coven on their adventures throughout the golden frog games! However, I felt like they were making little headway on their chase, like they were trying to catch something as elusive as smoke and that didn't rope me into the story as the first book had done. I would read the next instalment anyways because I like the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews

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