The Shadow Returns: A Branches Book (the Last Firehawk #12) - by Katrina Charman

About the Book

Skull, the Shadow, and a few of the rat army escaped into Perodia, and now Tag and the other defenders must locate them, and also find their friend, Bod, who is still trapped in the Underland with the rest of the rat army.

Book Synopsis

Tag's greatest enemy has returned to Perodia!

Pick a book. Grow a Reader!

This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

The Shadow has come back to Perodia! Skull, his evil army of rats, and The Shadow are now hiding in secret as they plan their next move. Tag, Skyla, and Blaze need to find The Shadow quickly before it turns the creatures of Valor Wood into its army of spies. But their friend Bod is still trapped in the Underland! Can Tag and his friends rescue Bod before it's too late? The Shadow's dark magic is growing stronger...

With nonstop action and adventure, this fully illustrated series makes a great introduction to fantasy and will have younger readers on the edge of their seats!

Review Quotes

A Publishers Weekly bestselling series!

Praise for The Crystal Caverns (The Last Firehawk #2):

"The myriad black-and-white images and easy-to-read text make this an apt read for those making the transition from early readers to longer books. The book includes reading comprehension questions and activities to help readers immerse themselves in Tag's world. A nifty addition to the series." -- Kirkus Reviews

Praise for The Ember Stone (The Last Firehawk #1):

"The first book in this new series brings the animal fantasy genre to early chapter book readers... The adventure is nonstop, making this an ideal choice for reluctant readers. VERDICT: A strong beginning to an adventure series for chapter book readers, especially those who are not quite ready for Erin Hunter's Warriors or Kathryn Lasky's Guardians of Ga'Hoole." -- School Library Journal

"A promising start to a series for fledgling fantasy readers." -- Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Judit Tondora was born in Hungary. She is an illustrator and graphic designer who has worked for various clients in the world of publishing and commercial design.
Katrina Charman was the recipient of the SCBWI British Isles' Margaret Carey scholarship for fiction in 2013, and in 2014 she was one of the winners of the SCBWI's Undiscovered Voices competition. Katrina's first children's book, the early reader The Ninjabread Man, was published with Franklin Watts (UK) in July 2015. The Last Firehawk is her first early chapter book series. Katrina lives in South East England with her husband and three daughters.