Siblings Emma and Alex fall deeper into the magical world of the Conjurian--a place where illusionists called conjurers can perform actual tricks--in book two of this new highly-illustrated fantasy adventure series that's perfect for fans of the Land of Stories. The hunt is on for the Eye of Dedi--the legendary object that stores magic untold--and siblings Alex and Emma are determined to get it first. The only problem? They're not the only ones looking. Hot on their heels is the evil Shadow Conjurer who will stop at nothing to get his hands on the Eye and finally control all of the Conjurian world. It's up to Alex and Emma to outsmart the Shadow Conjurer and his league of ghastly monsters, or risk losing magic forever. Fall under the spell of the Conjurers. Masterful storytelling and over 100 captivating black-and-white illustrations fill the world of this story with charm and intrigue. Gr 3–7—Anderson's "Conjurers" sequel opens with siblings Emma and Alex separated in the Conjurian, the magical city, and facing danger at every turn. They are reunited along with their ragtag team and their trusted Jimjarian, Pimawa. Pim, a rabbit-like being, and the other Jimjarians are devoted to magicians, and he guides Emma and Alex to his home to regroup. The two had been living with their Uncle Mordo following the disappearance and presumed death of their magical artifact—hunter parents. The kids fled to the magical world when Rag-o-Rocs, flying skeletal creatures, attacked them at the behest of the Shadow Conjurer. Putting their clues together, Emma and Alex realize that the Shadow Conjurer is after them in hopes of getting to the Eye of Dedi, an artifact their parents had found that separated the magical world from the mortal Flatworld. The Shadow Conjurer wants the Eye, the most powerful magical artifact, and will destroy anyone or anything to get it. This second book can be enjoyed alone, but would be better with the first work. Neither Emma nor Alex nor any supporting characters are physically described, though black-and-white illustrations suggest they are white. VERDICT With elements of John Stephens's The Emerald Atlas and Lemony Snicket's "Series of Unfortunate Events," this magical adventure series is an exciting addition to middle grade collections.—Sarah Voels, Cedar Rapids P.L., IA Praise for The Conjurers Series: "Part A Series of Unfortunate Events, part Tony Abbott’s The Copernicus Legacy, this adventure has impressive tricks up its sleeve." –Booklist Middle grade fans of magical mysteries will enjoy this exciting and well-paced series debut ." –School Library Journal "Magnetic and inviting. It's rare that a cast of characters is just as magical as the world around them. This story--especially with its brilliant illustrations-- succeeds in luring readers into another world.”  – Scott Reintgen, author of Saving Fable Brian Anderson is the creator of the syndicated comic strip Dog Eat Doug, which enjoys an international fan base both online and off-line. He is an optioned screenwriter and the author of several children's books, including Nighty Night, Sleepy Sleeps; The Prince's New Pet ; and Monster Chefs. Brian's uncle was a charter member of the Magic Castle and taught him his first card trick in second grade. He has been practicing magic ever since. @dogeatdoug theconjurers.com I’m blind, thought Emma, instinctively rubbing her eyes. She opened and closed them. No difference. This was not good. She detected damp earth, tasting it, crunching it between her teeth. Every breath scratched her throat. She tried calling to the others, but no sound escaped her grime-coated mouth. I’m buried alive! Panic crept through her. What had happened? She remembered Clive Grubian picking her up and carrying her under one enormous arm—his brother, Neil, under the other—as the Conjurian Detention Center shook around them. The boy, Savachia, had been behind them, dragging his father. Then Clive had let her fall and collapsed on top of her, a second before a wave of dirt exploded down the corridor, destroying all light and sound. Clive had saved her. If you counted being buried alive as safe. But she couldn’t see. She couldn’t move. And what about her brother? What about Alex? She’d bluffed her way into this prison to find and rescue Alex. But she hadn’t been able to locate him. Had he been locked in one of the cells? Had he been crushed when the earthquake hit? Did that mean Emma had been left completely alone? No family at all? Something grunted and moved above her, and suddenly Emma could breathe more easily. A hand seized her arm and pulled her up through a few inches of loose dirt, and she was standing in the corridor, coughing and gasping. “Neil? Clive?” she sputtered. “I hope they’re crushed under the debris,” muttered an irritated voice—Savachia’s. He coughed. “Some help they turned out to be.” “Neil!” Emma called again, ignoring the boy. Sparks flickered before her eyes