Lord of Monsters

This second book in the Out of Abaton series continues Pinocchio's reimagined journey as he navigates his new royal life and responsibilities in the magical Moonlit Court. When an ancient monster escapes, Pinocchio and Princess Lazuli must embark on a dangerous quest to prevent further chaos. The story is an action-packed adventure filled with magic and peril, but it also deeply explores themes of friendship, empathy, and the crucial power of self-acceptance, especially as Pinocchio struggles with his identity, fearing he might revert to a wooden puppet. It's ideal for children aged 7-11 who enjoy fantasy, fairy tale retellings, and stories about finding courage and self-worth.

Pinocchio can't believe the Moonlit Court is his home With royal banquets, a regal wardrobe, and a whole new set of rules, Pinocchio has a lot to adjust to in his new life as prester alongside Princess Lazuli. But before they can get comfortable in their thrones, a fancy dinner at the palace is interrupted by an unwelcome guest-a monster And this isn't just any monster; it's a manticore, a beast that was imprisoned centuries earlier. Desperate to locate the prison and make sure none of its other monsters were able to escape, Lazuli, Pinocchio, and the knights of the Celestial Brigade set out to save Abaton from these ancient beings. Their journey requires intelligence, strength, and a dash of the magic only presters control. But when Pinocchio tries to use his powers, they have an unintended effect: he is turning back into a wooden automa. And if he's not careful, he may lose his humanity forever. The second book in the Out of Abaton series continues John Claude Bemis's reimagining of Pinocchio in an action-packed adventure that celebrates friendship, empathy, and the power of being yourself.