QUEST KIDS AND THE DARK PROPHECY OF DOUG, by Mark Leiknes, Union Square Kids, Sept. 26, 2023, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 8-12)
A group of kids set out on a quest to counter a dark prediction in Quest Kids and the Dark Prophecy of Doug, by Mark Leiknes.
It’s been six months since the Quest Kids—Ned, Terra, Gil, Boulder, and Ash—saved a village from a furious dragon (no big deal) and turned their questing efforts toward finding Ned’s parents. But when the crew notices a serious sense of doom and gloom across the Seven Kingdoms, they set out in search of Doug, whose mysterious Dark Prophecy has the potential to send the world into even more dire darkness and dread.
With help from new and old friends, the Quest Kids sail through stormy seas, vacation on the newly rebranded Contentment Island, and venture into the Forsaken Lands to find Doug, whose wicked tunes and even wickeder plans are in full force. Can the Quest Kids get it together to counter Doug’s plans and find Ned’s parents—or must they watch as a triumphant Doug surfs on waves of fire and fulfills his terrible prophecy? —Synopsis provided by Union Square Kids
Quest Kids and the Dark Prophecy of Doug is the second book in the Quest Kids series. My kid fell in love with Quest Kids a year ago when she was 8. She took Quest Kids and the Dragon Pants of Gold and wouldn’t give it back. The same thing happened this time around with Quest Kids and the Dark Prophecy of Doug. So much so that I had to go sneak the book out of her room while she’s at school to write this review.
So, what does she think about this book? She loves it. “It makes it so the adventure continues. It’s funny and easy to read. I like the comics and the writing.” She’s also coloring in the black-and-white illustrations to give it more “style.”
While Quest Kids isn’t the type of book that would have appealed to me as a kid, there’s a large audience that will eat it up. It will appeal in particular to kids who enjoy the novel/graphic novel hybrid setup. The “comic-type” illustrations break up text and add to the overall feel, while readers also get an accessible taste of reading novels.
Like its predecessor, Quest Kids and the Dark Prophecy of Doug features comedy, adventure, illustrations and a bit of harmless bathroom humor that kids will find entertaining. My kid can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Copyright © 2023 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
