Reviews

Kiki Kallira Conquers a Curse by Sangu Mandanna

erinsbookshelves's review

adventurous funny mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

toblerowl's review

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

clumsyqueenie's review

5.0

“Stories are told by the winners, worldbuilder. That
does not make them the truth.”

Rating: 4.5/5.0 stars
★★★★★

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Children's Group, for presenting me with an ARC of this book in exchange of a honest review.

Kiki Kallira Conquers a Curse is a sequel that I enjoyed reading! It was simple and easy to read through. I especially loved the humor—honestly, only a couple pages in and I'm laughing too hard! It also explores Kiki's OCD, now much better though it doesn't completely go away.

The first book is definitely self contained but a sequel doesn't change anything! In this book, we dive deep into Mysore's history and lore—to discover an ancient curse spreading. To be frank, I first thought that it wouldn't live up to the first book, but boy I was so wrong and I'm glad for that because Sangu Mandanna totally blew me away! The writing did feel a little repetitive at points but I was too immersed with what was going on onscreen. The found family only gets better and we also see a character from the previous book (not spoiling) who makes an appearance!

Overall, this was a perfect sequel and I'm definitely recommending this series to everyone now!

helenareadsbooks's review

adventurous lighthearted reflective

4.75

Kiki Kallira Conquers a Curse is the sequel to Sangu Mandanna’s Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom. Kiki returns to the magical world she created in her sketchbook because the kingdom’s main water source, the Kaveri River, has mysteriously vanished. Kiki and her friends discover that the kingdom has been cursed, and breaking this curse turns out to be more complicated than they realize. 

 

Not much time has passed since the events of book one, but Kiki and her friends have grown up a bit and it shows. Kiki is still struggling with anxiety but she’s come a long way in her mental health journey. While Kiki worries that her kingdom doesn’t need her anymore, she learns a lot about herself and finds her strengths. The anxiety representation in this duology is amazing and means a lot to me. I wish I had these books when I was a little anxious kid! 

 

I love the way this book explores the history of the kingdom, as well as Kiki’s family. I also love the way this book discusses being a monster vs. monstrous behaviour. It provides a brief but nuanced discussion about the circumstances, motivations and choices that lead people to do awful things. 

 

Book two is less fun and adventurous than the first book, but it’s full of heartfelt messages and quiet revelations about bravery, power, life, acceptance, and embracing everything you are. It’s a touching sequel and conclusion, and I loved it! 

books_plan_create's review against another edition

4.0

Book 2 was almost as good as book 1, which made me so extremely happy! I love Kiki and everything she does, and who she is, and aaaahhhhhhhg I hope there are many more adventures in the Kiki-verse!

reader_of_books88's review

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

porshea's review

adventurous emotional lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

4.25

A middle grade series to be as appreciated for its scale of storytelling as it is for its well-conceived, alliterative titles, the Kiki Kallira series showcases a world of its main character’s imagination in adventurous book after book. In the latest release, Kiki Kallira Conquers a Curse, Kiki and company explore a curse that has impacted her magical world based on mythology long before she ever drew it. By unraveling the secrets surrounding the curse, which has destroyed the primary water supply for a kingdom that Kiki recently saved, Kiki must confront how much of the worldbuilding she put into the story she drew is based on her own imagination or works entirely on its own. The little differences in these dynamics paired with the frantic pace she and her friends must solve the mystery agitates Kiki’s anxiety, which she works to calm with her counseling lessons—recent addition to her routine after revealing her issues with anxiety to her mother in the first book.

Find full review here: https://blackgirlscreate.org/2022/05/the-plot-thickens-kiki-kallira-conquers-a-curse/

utopiastateofmind's review

5.0

(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.) 

Kiki Kallira Conquers a Curse continues the whimsy and action. The anxiety rep in this sequel still warmed my heart. It's one thing to realize, "oh this isn't just something I have". But to have to actualize it every day. To realize that we are who we are because of our anxiety and it's not just like something we have? That we have to embrace ourselves? Mandanna has done it again! 

Not only that, but I loved the continuing story line. This sequel basically takes place immediately after the first and there are some surprises in here that you will love! In Kiki Kallira Conquers a Curse I loved seeing these side characters bloom. Especially how in many ways, this sequel broaches what happens after a victory. While also having another disaster that Kiki needs to solve!

righter_of_words's review

adventurous emotional lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

3.75