Title: Peregrine Quinn and the Mask of Chaos

Written by: Ash Bond

Cover by: Katie Foreman

Published by: Picadilly Press

Peregrine returns, and the quiet life her famous mother wants for her is not to be. Recruited by Olympus Inc as a spy, she is tasked with uncovering the identity of the thief who broke into a supposedly secure laboratory.

We see the return of some great characters and the narrative is once again shared between Peregrine, Cal, Rowen and Hekate, with chapters shifting between their viewpoints. Cal’s role is more prominent this time, and his character feels deeper and more developed. The sequel also introduces intriguing new figures, including the enigmatic Linus and the devious Dionysus.

While Peregrine competes in the high-stakes Cosmic Games and tries to persuade the other contestants to work as a team, Cal and Rowen pursue leads in the hunt for the thief. The tension is heightened throughout, and the antagonist’s storyline carries more weight. Alongside the plot, we gain further insight into Peregrine’s relationship with her mother and continue to see Peregrine’s distinct character take shape.

For me, the world building was particularly compelling, linking the familiar Terran Realm with the mythical Mount Olympus of the Cosmic Realm. The fusion of ancient mythology with futuristic technology gives the novel a unique science fiction feel. Again the beautifully detailed maps at the front of the book were appreciated as they add a useful extra layer to this incredible and immersive setting.

Although, I was initially concerned that the build up to the Cosmic Games might not live up to the initial hype. They turned out to be inventive, unpredictable and thoroughly entertaining. They held my attention right through to the dramatic conclusion. A standout moment for me was their atempts at retrieving the golden apple tree, which was vividly portrayed and full of atmosphere.

You can read my review of he first book in the series here: Book Review: Pergrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm.

You can buy copies of Peregrine Quinn and the Mask of Chaos by Ash Bond from your local bookshop, or online at uk.bookshop.org which supports local, independent bookshops.