Review: The Lost Compass (Joel Ross)

Title: The Lost Compass
Series: The Fog Diver, Book 2
Author: Joel Ross (site)
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: May 24, 2016
Genre: Middle Grade Dystopian Action-Adventure
Told: mostly First Person (Chess), Past Tense
Content Rating: Older Middle Grade (some violence and scary situations)
Format Read: ARC (author/publisher)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary:

In the high-stakes sequel to The Fog Diver, thirteen-year-old Chess and his crew must stop the deadly and mysterious Fog from enveloping the city of Port Oro and destroying their world.

Chess and his crew—Hazel, Swedish, and Bea—may have escaped the slums, but they cannot escape the Fog that threatens to swallow the entire mountaintop city of Port Oro.

Only one thing can stop the fog: an ancient machine known as the Compass. Only one person can find it: Chess. With the help of his crew, Chess faces dangerous encounters, brutal battles, and deadly driftsharks to unearth the hidden instrument. It’s a race against time to save this high-altitude sanctuary.

With adventure at every turn, peril behind every corner, and a few determined slum kids who are up to the task, Joel Ross presents a fantastic world in this fast-paced follow-up to The Fog Diver.

*          *          *

Review copy provided for an honest review. Thank you, Joel & HarperCollins!

Series: This is the second and final book in the Fog Diver duology. You can read my review of the first book, The Fog Diver, here.

In a Sentence: Another adventurous read with a fun cast, thrilling climax, and strong series end.

Chess and crew have finally made it to Port Oro, and although they are wary at first it is everything they dreamed of and more. But with Lord Kodoc still determined to get his hands on Chess and the legendary Compass that controls the deadly Fog, the safety of Port Oro can only be maintained if Chess helps the Subassembly find the Compass first. When Chess acquires the legendary map to the rumored location of the Compass things seem to be looking up, but after Lord Kodoc obtains the map as well the crew must race him to the Compass or lose everyone they hold dear.

The first third of the book was a bit subdued with lots of exploration and little action, but it was the calm before a storm of tense action and surprising twists I did not see coming. The climax was a thrilling ride of frying pan to fire to the whole world burning that had me on the edge of my seat, and the end left me wanting more even as the duology wrapped up well.

The crew continued to be the fun and eclectic group I'd come to love in the first book, and although their conversations were so quick at times I had difficulty keeping everyone straight there was never a dull moment or lack of wit with them. Chess's insecurity and slight cowardice also carried over, but with a new situation and responsibilities he discovered some real strength and power in himself when it counted. Tech-whisperer Bea remains my favorite, although brutish and mouthy Loretta is tied with Captain Hazel for second favorite, and conspiracy theorist Swedish grew on me even more.

Conclusion: While it began a little quiet, the action and twists and climax were intense, and the strong end was satisfying even as it left me wishing for at least one more book. Definitely recommend this duology for readers who enjoy thrilling adventure and great casts of witty young characters.

Scribble Rating: 

3.5 of 5 Scribbles