What are the Gifts of Happiness? Inside this book hides a magical town of tents that have found something special. After their struggles in Everbreen, Faith discovers an old friend. And although he survived the attacks in Kelton Whide, something tragic haunts his past. Inside their town, Bailey keeps the peace between the talking animals, the townsfolk and the spirits. However, when receiving the news of the melting boy, he is swept on another journey. Inside Central City, Perry discovers an assassin. A man who wears a paper cloak with two katanas and a deadly eye. This Papercut will kill anything that gets in his way, including the White Wolf. Along the train tracks, the group is in shambles. Perry and Faith must save the Blue City from the menacing Masked Ones. But the world is different once under the summit of the ocean. From the waterways of the Orange City to the dark depths of Drewmora, political intrigue has reached its peak. Only those with open eyes can see the truth. And in the end, when happiness is sacrificed inside this book, the world will be left in darkness.
When Smuhar reached out about his second book I got all excited like a school girl learning her crush was in her class. I was slightly embarrassed by my own reactions but hey, when a good book crosses your path – my oh my.
The story starts with the teenagers from book one from Tent City. Yet, they are not in Tent city anymore but in the underwater city called Dremora. Of course there is the siblings, friends and a killer of a well known political figure continuing into the second book. The Gifts of Happinesshave so many twist from who was behind the assignation, truths in plain sight and sadness breaking in the story. I was sitting on the edge of my bed a few times reading this and stayed up WAAY to late – No self control I swear.
Of course the fight scenes break out, bonds rip before your eyes and before you know it tears will form. Between the talking animals and magic users Im not sure how our young heros did it. Yet soon your heart with skip with happiness as the next twist or turn appears.
The Gifts of Life was still lingering in my head as The Gifts of Happiness appeared in my hands. Between the surreal world to the characters growing over challenges I loved every second of it. Smuhar writing enriching with every page, with every book it seems into more depth of color and descriptions as he grows with the characters. The words almost come off the page in a buttery fashion and I absolutely adored this book. With everything that happened in this next installment i’m so impressed with how Smuhar has written this.
Cudos to everyone on his team and to him for his growth. I loved it and I can’t wait to read the third book – I hope there is a third book..
Five stars guys.. Five fricken stars. I can’t.. Please hold as I reread this lovely book.
An epic adventure that takes the teenagers of 'The tent city' to the underwater city of Dremora. The siblings unite, along with their friends and set off on a hunt for the killer of a well known political figure. The discovery of who was involved with the assignation has so many twists and turns you will be on the edge of your seat. The battles that unfold and the bonds that are made will bring tears to your eyes and happiness to your heart. An amazing sequel to ‘The Gifts of Life’. I absolutely loved the characters and the surreal world that challenged each and every one of them. Looking forward to reading book three.
Political intrigue, truths hidden in plain sight for those who will look and darkness threatening to suck away any happiness to be found. Welcome back to Oliver Smuhar’s world with THE GIFTS OF HAPPINESS where young heroes fight an uphill battle against evil.
Magic users, talking animals, and a ragtag group determined to set their world right, one city at a time, if necessary. Heroes are made and if becoming a hero means returning happiness to the land, this group is willing to take any journey necessary. A fascinating adventure filled with so many subplots and stories, this young adult read is the perfect follow-up to THE GIFTS OF LIFE.
Oliver Smuhar has an imagination rich with color and descriptions, wonderfully endearing characters and best of all, it is told in a smooth and flowing way, even with all that is going on!
