In book two, the excitement and mystery continue as Timothy, his sister, Sarah, and their friend Jessica journey from America to Edinburgh, Scotland, where they seek the Four Treasures of Ireland, especially the Telling Stone. They must keep the treasures from falling into the hands of Balor, who can use them to deprive the world of good. The children pass through Time out of Time as they undertake their quest and encounter a number of mythic and folkloric characters, including the Tuatha Dé Danann, Gwydon, Cerridwyn, and others. In this book, a code hidden in a map is the key to finding the Stone, and readers work alongside Timothy, Sarah, and Jessica to decode the message. Along with the code, the book includes a glossary of the many historical, literary, and folkloric references mentioned in both volumes. Gr 4–7—In this sequel to Beyond the Door (Abrams, 2014), the action picks up right where it left off in the first installment. Sarah is still in her ermine form, Peter is a ferret, and Timothy is back in the Travelers' Market. A battle temporarily defeats Balor, and finally everyone is returned to human form; however, the Dark isn't finished with them yet. They are only briefly back in the real world when they are given a map that they must decode to find the Four Treasures, one of which includes the legendary Stone of Destiny. Once Timothy steps on the stone, he will know whether or not he is the true Filidh. Of course, Balor and the Dark are attempting to secure the map for their own evil purposes. Timothy and Sarah's parents plan a Christmas trip to Edinburgh, Scotland, and it just so happens that Jessica, the school bully who offered some surprising help in the previous volume, needs to tag along. Many new characters are introduced, both to help and to harm the children, most of whom are not what they seem—a plot device that quickly becomes tiresome. The first quarter of this book belongs at the end of the last one and is rushed and choppy. Once the children finally embark on their adventure to Edinburgh, however, the second book finally comes into its own. VERDICT Readers who enjoyed the first book will likely appreciate this adventure, but purchase only where the first has a following.—Mandy Laferriere, Fowler Middle School, Frisco, TX "This intelligent, engaging series is highly recommended for middle-grade and teen readers, who will eagerly look forward to the next installment." -- Morgan Brickey ― VOYA Published On: 2015-02-01 "The overlap of mythical and present is nicely realized, with adults especially not what they seem, whether representative of good or evil. [R]eaders...will be looking for the next in the series." ― Kirkus Reviews Published On: 2015-03-01 "A code embedded in an old map adds an interesting element and gives readers a chance to play along, while the enticing cover is sure to beckon kids in." ― Booklist Maureen Doyle McQuerry is an award-winning poet, author, and teacher. She has taught for 20 years, specializing in young adult literature and writing. She was a McAuliffe Fellow for Washington State and has published two nonfiction books and numerous poems. She lives in Richland, Washington.