These read a lot better than the original Spiderwick Chronicles for some reason - I think because of how the kids have to deal with more real-world problems (the family struggles were very relatable for me) along with the encroaching threats from the magical world. It also felt like there was more character development with Nick compared to Jared, and some of the emotional moments were really well done. It'll be sad coming to the end of this captivating universe, which I enjoyed so much as a kid and never managed to finish until now. ( )

"Several kids going on an adventure. I like it because its interesting" - Kobi, Year 4

There are giants, they are destroying the new housing development that Nick's father has built....but how to solve the problem of the giants, who unbeknownst to Nick, Laurie & Jules, actually have a purpose....

Another tale of the Spiderwick Chronicles, cleverly written and enjoyable to read. ( )

I am enchanted with the Spiderwick books. This second book in the Beyond Spiderwick trilogy continues the whimsy and fun. Nick and Laurie are still adjusting to life with faeries. They haven't found Taloa's nixie sisters, and they're taking lessons from Jack on how to kill giants, and Nick isn't liking any of it. He wishes he had never seen the field guide; he wishes it was someone else's problem. Unfortunately, the problem is only going to worsen, as every giant is waking up all over Florida. Nick feels hopeless while Laurie is optimistic, but they both agree that they can't do it on their own. Deciding who to tell is a challenge - clearly not their parents, whose fights are escalating. When Laurie tells Jules in a sneaky fashion, Nick is irate, but at least now they're not alone. The three Vargas children have to figure out how to work with unfriendly mermaids, handle their parent's anger, and stop an army of giants from destroying their homes.

These fantasies where they blend the fantastic into a real world setting are some of my favorites. Much like the Harry Potter books, both Spiderwick series center on regular children who discover that there is much more to their world than they originally suspected. The field guide allows them to see a universe others don't: a place where mermaids threaten surfers, rumbling thunder is actually the noise of giant's fighting, and nixies live in a lake by the new development. The blend of faerie creatures into our homes and streets and forests makes the reader feel like she might stumble upon magic in the most mundane of places. It reminds me of a lot of my imaginative play when I was a girl.

Nick and Laurie are compelling children that have big hearts and childish vices. They are definitely not perfect, and that is what makes us root for them more. They come from a troubled family, and much like the Grace children from the first series, they have to learn how to form a new family even as they confront supernatural threats to their existence. I read this book in two days, and would have finished faster if I didn't have a family of my own to care for. The story combines wonderful creativity, realistic family tension, problems that are completely normal for a child living in America today and problems that are out of this world, a well developed plot and setting, and great illustrations. I feel my review doesn't do it justice, so I will end with the simple summary that I had a fabulous time in the reading of it, and am excited to conclude this trilogy. ( )

I liked this one better than "The Nixie's Song". It has a better cliffhanger and overall a better plot. I'm excited about the next book! ( )