WITCHLINGS #2 by Claribel A Ortega: THE GOLDEN FROG GAMES

SCHOLASTIC. Paperback. NEW. Every four years, the Twelve Towns come together to partake in the highly anticipated Golden Frog Games, a magical tournament that has garnered legendary status. This year, the honor of hosting the games falls upon Ravenskill, putting the spotlight on three individuals who have become the most famous Spares in the Twelve Towns: Seven Salazar, Valley Pepperhorn, and Thorn Laroux. Amidst the excitement surrounding the tournament, all eyes are on the trio as they aim to showcase their unique talents and abilities. Thorn Laroux, in particular, is eager to compete as a fashion champion, ready to dazzle the audience with her creative designs and impeccable style. However, the Games take an unexpected turn when a forbidden hex is cast, turning Thorn's fellow champions to stone. Suspicion swiftly falls upon a group of individuals known as the Witchlings. They find themselves at the center of attention as they attempt to untangle the mystery behind the stonifications. Determined to clear their name, the Witchlings embark on a perilous journey to uncover the truth and find the real culprit behind these sinister acts. Meanwhile, another significant character, future Uncle Seven, is harboring a dangerous secret. Despite possessing the ability to communicate with animals, Seven's magical powers seem to be failing her. Instead of connecting with friendly creatures, she finds herself hearing the voices of monstrous beings. Among these dark voices, one in particular stands out, sending chills down her spine with its intensity. As the events unfold, Seven is determined to fix her broken magic, for it holds the key to unraveling the mysteries that have befallen the Golden Frog Games. She yearns to discover the identity of the person responsible for turning the champions to stone before Thorn, her fellow Spare, becomes their next victim. With time ticking away, Seven and her companions race against the clock, using their combined skills and knowledge to unravel the web of deceit and deception shrouding the Twelve Towns. As they dig deeper, they uncover a convoluted plot, implicating unexpected allies and unveiling hidden agendas. The fate of the Twelve Towns rests on the shoulders of these courageous individuals. Will Seven manage to mend her broken magic and navigate through the maze of secrets in time? Can the Witchlings clear their name and bring the true perpetrator to justice? And most importantly, will they be able to save Thorn from a dreadful fate? The Golden Frog Games have become more than just a spectacle; they have transformed into a battle for survival. As alliances are formed, friendships tested, and secrets unveiled, the true power of magic and the resilience of the human (and non-human) spirit are put to the ultimate test. Join the Twelve Towns on their thrilling journey as they face a multitude of challenges, encountering formidable foes, and discovering the true extent of their own abilities. In a world filled with enchantment, treachery, and the ever-present threat of darkness, only the determined and the brave will prevail. The fate of the Golden Frog Games lies in their hands, and their triumph will shape the future of the Twelve Towns forever.