Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 02/01/2026 Anya can only withstand her brother’s abuse and parents’ fighting with the support of her best friend, Lizzie, so it’s no wonder that she’s devastated when Lizzie moves away. It also explains why the usually timid Anya is willing to steal magical keys from the neighborhood witch in order to open a portal to Lizzie’s new place. But when it turns out that using those keys breaks a law decreed by Zeus himself, the girls tumble into the dangerous underworld, where they must face the consequences. Only a chance run-in with Senka, Charon’s ward, means that Anya might have a chance to survive the terrifying new territory and set things right. The stellar sequel returns readers to the same vibrant, unsettling (under)world, but the outsider’s perspective makes it feel fresh. Thoughtful discussions of abuse and loneliness are bolstered by gentle humor, fierce friendships, and compassionate characters, and frequent subverting of expectations will keep readers on their toes. A fantastic follow-up that revels in the gift of found family and the power in taking control of your own story. - Copyright 2026 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 03/20/2026 Gr 6 Up—This middle grade fantasy returns readers to the hauntingly beautiful world of the Underwild, where danger, magic, and ancient gods collide. Anya is at the center of the story, driven by fear and guilt as she played a role in getting Lizzie, her best friend, trapped as a prisoner of Hades. With the stakes higher than ever, Anya must navigate a world filled with curses, gods, and impossible choices. Senka arrives to help Anya on her journey, but this is not a story where rescue comes easily. Before Anya can save Lizzie, she must first confront her own doubts and fears and discover her inner strength. This emotional arc gives the story depth and makes Anya's journey feel personal and relatable for middle grade readers. As with the first book, the true beauty of this novel lies in its worldbuilding. The author's use of vivid imagery fully immerses readers in the Underwild, making the gods, magic, and dangers feel tangible and real. Every setting is richly described, pulling readers deeper into a world that feels both mythical and alive. The main drawback is the frequent use of internal monologue and stream-of-consciousness narration. While this approach offers insight into Anya's thoughts, it can sometimes pull readers out of the action and disrupt the pacing of an otherwise gripping story. VERDICT This is a visually rich and emotionally driven fantasy that will appeal to readers who enjoy mythological worlds, high stakes, and character-focused storytelling.—Jessica Calaway - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.