Gods of Manhattan 2: Spirits in the Park

by Scott Mebus

Overview

Rory has known about Mannahatta—the spirit world filled with the "gods" who ruled New York City in its early days—only a month when an earthquake strikes. This is no ordinary earthquake, though—it is the island's attempt at breaking the Trap around Central Park. The Trap must open or the balance between Mannahatta and Manhattan will be destroyed—and only Rory can open it. But it will take help from Rory's newfound friends, including the band of children of the gods—aka the Rattle Watch—and encounters with some of New York's famous figures, including Washington Irving, Captain Kidd, and Bill the Butcher, to help him figure out how to do that. And the answer may just surprise him. . . .

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780142416457
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	05/13/2010
Series:	Gods of Manhattan (Paperback)
Pages:	400
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 7.70(h) x 1.20(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Scott Mebus lives in Manhattan.

Editorial Reviews

Gr 5–8—In this sequel to Gods of Manhattan (Dutton, 2008), 13-year-old Rory, his sister, and the spirits of Manhattan lock wits over Central Park, where the spirits of the Munsee Indian tribe have been trapped for the last century. Rory struggles to find the clues that will allow him to understand the history of the mystical Mannahatta and the future that his powers as the Light will create. Bridget is no meek little sister following her brother's lead. She is strong and mischievous and integral to the tale. Off to a slow start, the story builds to a hectic and satisfying conclusion while leaving room for, but not making necessary, future books. History buffs will enjoy how figures from different eras all come together as gods in the spirit world of New York City, including Walt Whitman, God of Optimism; Jimmy Walker, God of Leaders Who Looked the Other Way; and Aaron Burr, a fallen god. Less-well-informed readers should still be able to follow and enjoy the novel on a different level. Mebus provides enough information for those new to the series, although certain characters take a lesser role here and have more depth if both titles are read.—Cara von Wrangel Kinsey, formerly at New York Public Library

School Library Journal

Mebus's romp through mythical "Manahatta" (Gods of Manhattan, 2008) becomes more of a slog in this sequel, but there are still enough oddball characters, scary villains and inspired one-liners to keep the plot ticking over. With the magical Trap that has long confined the indigenous Munsees in Central Park about to open, bloodthirsty schemer Willem Kieft is hard at work fomenting fear of the consequences among the spirits inhabiting the rest of the island. Meanwhile, young Rory's search for his father takes him into remote reaches of New York Harbor, and Rory's kick-ass little sister Bridget sets out to find the Mayor's long-lost daughter. Not only does the tale progress in fits and starts thanks to frequent shifts among multiple points of view, but the action grinds to a halt with tedious frequency for wordy explanations of motives, past actions and background history. Fans of the opener will be delighted to see Rory, Bridget, the awesome Spirit Dog Tucket, the clan of intrepid Battle Roaches and the rest back in action-but can only hope for less talk in future episodes. (Fantasy. 11-13)

Kirkus Reviews