The Golden Specific

This thrilling middle-grade adventure plunges readers into a richly imagined alternate world fractured by the Great Disruption, where different historical eras now exist as separate, shifting lands. Thirteen-year-old Sophia Tims, a determined and resourceful protagonist, continues her perilous quest to find her missing explorer parents, navigating treacherous borders and complex political landscapes with her steadfast friend, Theo. The novel masterfully blends elements of historical fiction, fantasy, and mystery, creating a compelling narrative that explores themes of loyalty, discovery, and resilience against a backdrop of a world profoundly and permanently altered.

The book's greatest strength lies in its intricate world-building and the palpable sense of adventure that propels the plot forward, making it an excellent choice for young readers who have graduated from introductory chapter books and are ready for more complex, multi-layered stories. Fans of the first book in the series will be deeply satisfied by the continued character development and the expansion of the map, while the central mystery of the missing parents provides a powerful emotional anchor. This is a thinking child's adventure, one that rewards curiosity and will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in this captivating series.