*'Well-paced-just like the previous installment-this sequel focuses on themes such as the meaning of diaspora and the effects of trauma, making for a more nuanced and stronger story than the first. Anansi, now a 'web developer' in Tristan's phone, is close at hand to offer advice, and several new folk heroes will aid Tristan in his quest, but he will only succeed if he can figure out a way to sew broken souls back together. Tristan must return to Alke-and reunite with his loud-mouthed sidekick, Gum Baby-in order to rescue Nana and stop the culprit from creating further devastation. But there's no rest for the weary when his grandmother is abducted by a mysterious villain out for revenge.

Tristan Strong, just back from a victorious but exhausting adventure in Alke, the land of African American folk heroes and African gods, is suffering from PTSD. When Tristan's Nana is abducted from the Strong family farm, our hero has to return to Alke to rescue her from a folktale villain with an ax to grind-er, make that a hammer. 'Mbalia's universe continues to excite through sheer conceptual brilliance, nonstop action and adventure, and-let's be honest-the comical aggression of sidekick god Gum Baby.'-Booklist

Catalog Copy: Bestselling author Rick Riordan presents the second book in the New York Times best-selling and award-winning Tristan Strong trilogy by Kwame Mbalia, now in paperback.

Trystan strong