DUNGEON RUNNERS

Internal struggles—and a hindersome imp—complicate our heroes’ chances in the Dungeon Run.

Forming the team Triple Trouble, Grotville’s underdogs Kit, Sandy, and Thorne have leveled up and are ready to compete in the next challenge. As in the trial that came before, they’ll have to battle beasts and outwit their competitors in a dungeon race. They’re part of “an actual league with actual teams and actual dungeons”—who cares if it’s the Bottom Feeder League? With a flapping of dragon wings, the team is on their way. Only this time, Kit, who’s a gnorf (part gnome, part dwarf), is feeling less confident. He’s painfully aware of the team’s ragtag appearance, subpar weaponry, and mismatched, hand-knitted tunics. When the team arrives in Cloudroost to find that their only sponsor is Troll Boogers, makers of a glue made of…well, troll boogers, and their hotel room is actually the boiler room, Kit can’t help but feel defeated. It’s soon clear that, aside from the actual foes in the game, Kit’s toughest challenges are his own self-doubt and attitude. As in the first book, the fast-moving plot, relatable characters, and interactive elements will captivate young readers. Todd-Stanton’s plentiful and delightful illustrations add much to the story, inviting in kids who are less confident about reading chapter books and fans of graphic novels alike.

A well-executed sequel that will leave fans howling for the next episode.