The Candy Shop War, Book 2: Arcade Catastrophe

I liked this book even more than the first. You'll find yourself in an arcade and you won't want to leave.

I have really enjoyed reading Brandon Mull's books. They are interesting, inventive, and always clean. I know that I can purchase any of his books and allow my children to read them without concern about inappropriate content. However, what stands out to me about Mulls books is the relationship between young adults and adults, and the consistent value placed on virtue. As is common to YA fiction, the heroes in both series are young adults. Mull's books offer a refreshing departure from the YA equivalent of the TV drivel from companies like "It's A Laugh", wherein the adults are incompetent, inconsistent, and not to be relied upon. Children and young adults in many of those stories regularly lie to, are disobedient to, and are generally smarter and more capable than the adults in the stories. The writers try to justify their weak stories and undermining of the role of adults by having the youth resolve one dilemma by the end of each episode or book. Yet, these dilemmas are often caused by the dishonesty or lack of obedience of the youth in the stories, and the resolution of the story rarely involves a change in the character of the youth - a decision not to be dishonest, to be more obedient, and to make amends for their bad deeds. Mull's books are different. There are young adults who are consistently kind, helpful, and honest. Though they experience the central conflict in the story, they triumph though hard work and persistence. There are also young adults who are disobedient, but they suffer "real" consequences for their disobedience. Over time, some of these young adults see the terrible consequences of their disobedience, and change who they are as a result of their experience. Some do not, and in these books, those who do not grow never win. The youth see adults who have a similar character arc. Some of the adults in the stories are good, honest people, but suffer tragedies or hardships anyway. Those adults consistently continue being good, honest people, and they work through their trials. Some adults are evil, and they introduce into the lives of the young adults conflicts and suffering. These adults, eventually, suffer the consequences for their wickedness. Their behavior is never glorified. There are also adults who are not intent on harming others, but who are also not working actively to help others. These adults eventually have to choose sides, and provide a vehicle for the author to explore the motivations of adults in choosing who to be. Children and young adults often have people in their lives who are, an a more realistic setting, like each of these types of adults. Mull does a superb job illustrating the motivations, flaws, and consequences faced by the adults in each of these roles.The Candy Shop War, Vol 2. "Arcade Catastrophe" added a new twist which also teaches the value of virtue. In the end of the "Candy Shop Wars", Belinda White, the wicked candy making witch, has her mind wiped and also becomes a young woman. In the second book, she is a good person who becomes part of the group of virtuous young adults. They try to protect her from the secret of who she was. The storyline of who she is before she finds out who she was, and how she behaves after this discovery, is my favorite part of this book. The way that her friends treat her in the book is a tribute to forgiveness and the capacity of children and young adults to see the good in others.

Brandon Mull is getting better and better! The Arcade Catastrophe is packed full of good, clean excitment and suspense. The story was engaging, the message was positive, and the characters are strong, honorable, and brave.If you haven't read The Candy Shop War, you absolutly need to read it first. The Arcade Catastrophe references back to that first book several times, and some key plot points are dependent on a knowledge of what's happened in the past. This time, Mazog and John Dart are missing . . . and for those of you who are still uninitiated to the world of magical candy, this is a VERY bad thing. With the worlds most powerful magician and the worlds best magical law enforcer M.I.A, there isn't much to keep magical bad guys from doing what they do best--using kids to do their dirty work by giving them magical powers! That's why is lucky for the safty of the whole planet that Nate, Trevor, Summer, and Pigeon are once again up to the task of beating the bad guys and saving the day. Mr. Stott is back to help, and we get to meet several new friends too, including Lindy, Mr. Stott's adopted daughter--who has a secret past that must be kept from her at all costs!Not long after I got into the book I began to get nervous about an unresolved ending . . . because of Harry Potter it's my personal mission to avoid reading any book series until all the books have been written, thus avoiding the agonizing wait for a new book to resolve the conflict. The first Candy Shop War was written as a stand alone story--Brandon Mull wasn't planning on more. It received such good feedback though that he found more story to tell, and I was worried that his "more" would become a series like Fablehaven where you don't learn the whole story until you've read all the books. I needn't have worried, everything is wrapped up with a nice neat bow at the end. This time around though, there is the briefest of set ups for the next story--and I can handle that.I'm excited for my kids to read The Candy Shop War, and I give my highest recommendation that your family join in on the fun!

I guess I am still a kid at heart. I like these books. They are good clean fun with decent morals. It was a fun read.

My 13-year old is not an avid reader. In fact, it's like pulling teeth trying to get him to read anything besides comic book or Pokemon books. This book is now officially hashed because he has read it MANY, MANY times. He laughs while turning the pages, and will frequently thumb through it to re-read his favorite parts. Definitely the best purchase EVER!

Really sweet sequel. This book picks up right after the first ends. Great reading.

I got this book when it was released on the 23rd. I was only able to read some of it that day and then the next day (thursday) I was pretty busy. So I stayed up really late last night and just about have it all finished up and I'm gonna start it again! I'm a huge fan of Brandon Mull and have read all of his books at least 5 or 6 times. Most of them more. He keeps the pace high, the suspense really suspenseful and all his books are full of action. The Arcade Catastrophe is no exception. I'm not gonna give any spoilers and I'm not gonna tell you a whole lot about it. But I'm 16 and loved the candy shop war. I highly reccomend reading the Candy Shop War first (especially since its the first book in the series ;) because then everything in the second one makes sense. Also, the book is clean and I can't wait for my little sisters to read it :) Highly recommended for all ages and everyone who likes an epic adventure. :)

Another great Brandon Mull adventure; highly recommend. And it tees up a third to come, goody!

A good read but an early Brandon Mull. He is even better with his more recent offerings.

As with anything by Brandon Mull it was a very good read, especially good for the young reader although I believe it is for all ages.I look forward to anything Brandon does.

The characters were good. It was a lot of fun and a neat book. I like Brandon Mull and his books are great. I am looking forward to the next.

Very happy with purchase.