Never After: The Missing Sword

Name: Never After: The Missing Sword
ISBN: 9781250866295

by Melissa de la Cruz

In the fourth book of the Never After series, Filomena must journey to a Camelot infused with the Wizard of Oz to find Excalibur. She battles ogres and outwits witches to save her mother from a myster

About This Book

In 'Never After: The Missing Sword,' the fourth installment of Melissa de la Cruz's popular middle grade series, protagonist Filomena faces her most critical challenge yet. Her mother has fallen victim to a mysterious, poisonous illness orchestrated by the evil Olga, and the only cure lies in the legendary sword Excalibur. Filomena and her loyal friends, the League of Seven, must travel to a fantastical version of Camelot, which has unexpectedly merged with elements of the Wizard of Oz. They encounter familiar characters like the Wicked Witches and navigate a world where nothing is as it seems, all while battling ogres and other threats. This action-packed adventure emphasizes themes of family love, friendship, bravery, and perseverance against overwhelming odds, making it suitable for readers aged 8-11, and a compelling read-aloud for younger children.

Return to the land of Never After, where real life and fairy tales collide, in book four of New York Times-bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz's hit middle grade series. To save her mother from Olga's evil clutches, Filomena and her friends will set off for new lands and new adventures. Without a moment to lose, Filomena must travel to the legendary land of Camelot to find the sword of Excalibur - the only thing that can save Fil's mother from Olga's mysterious illness that has poisoned her body. But Camelot is not all that it seems. Fil and the crew quickly realize that there is another fairy tale that has taken hold in the land of Arthurian Legend. . . that of the Wizard of Oz! With the help (and hindrance) of the Wicked Witches of the East and West, lions and tigers and bears will surely be the least of Fil and the gang's troubles. As the League of Seven follows the yellow brick road to retrieve the sword and complete their most important quest yet, they find nothing will thwart the ogres and their mission to destroy Never After. In a land where nothing is truly as it seems, will Fil and the League of the Seven survive the witch's tests? Or will Olga's perilous plans rip Fil's mother away from her forever?

Concepts

Love & Family Resilience & Perseverance Fear & Bravery Friendship & Loyalty Teamwork & Collaboration Good vs. Evil Curiosity & Wonder Justice & Fairness

Discussion Prompts

Filomena shows great bravery in trying to save her mother. What are some brave things you've done, or seen someone else do?

The book mixes stories from Camelot and the Wizard of Oz. What other fairy tales or stories do you think would be interesting to combine?

Filomena relies on her friends, the League of Seven. Why is teamwork important in their quest, and how do you work with your friends or family?

The story has clear heroes and villains. What makes a character a hero or a villain in your opinion?

Camelot isn't what it seems, and things are often not as they appear in the book. Can you think of times when something seemed one way, but was actually different?

External Reviews