Book 2, a great series! I am reading with my 7 year old and we can't put it down.

Coming from a long, genealogical line of beastologists (whose mission it is to save mythical creatures, not kill them) young Nathaniel sets out alongside his Aunt Phil to return the escaped "king of serpents" to its cave in the cliffs near the Niger River. Nathaniel watches his aunt in awe as she wheels and deals Indiana Jones-style to get them onto a mail plane and then on a small canoe up the river, and then speaks to the Dolan of the village near the caves. But Aunt Phil needs his help, too, to navigate the furrows over the desert, draw a map of the basilisk's path across the land, and to save her when their basilisk mission goes awry. Nathaniel often feels embarrassed or scared, since this is only his second mission, and readers will identify with his emotions about trying something new. Short chapters and sentences, broken up with black and white drawings every 3-4 pages, will help emerging readers stay on track. A few passages refer unclearly to the events in the first book, so this may be a series that should be read in order. Younger Harry Potter fans will love this series. Recommended for grades 2-5. ( )

Nate is with his aunt in West Africa, when it becomes clear that a basilisk has escaped and must be captured. Together with his best friend, a gremlin, Nate springs into action, despite his doubts about his ability. Exciting. Some somewhat sophisticated language. Unique in that it portrays traditional African Songhay culture in very specific ways.

Reviewed by Joan Stradling for TeensReadToo.com

After saving the Phoenix from extinction, ten-year-old Nate continues his adventures with his Aunt Phil. This time they're headed to Africa to investigate the escape of a basilisk. Nate is supposed to "watch and learn" as his aunt deals with this dangerous and deadly beast that can kill with just a look.

Unfortunately, things tend to go wrong when Nate and his best friend, Greasle (a gremlin), are around. Things won't be easy, especially when it seems someone released the basilisk on purpose. Not only must they recapture the basilisk, but Nate and Aunt Phil must find a way to protect the only copy of the Book of Beasts from a sinister man set on stealing it.

This is a great series for readers of all ages to enjoy. The plot is quick-moving and exciting, keeping the reader turning the pages and hoping for more.

I haven't had this much fun reading a series in a long time! I loved getting to know Nate, Aunt Phil, and Greasle in THE FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX, and was thrilled (and a little scared) to follow these characters into THE BASILISK'S LAIR. I can't wait to get my hands on Nate's next adventure as he scours the Welsh countryside for THE WYVERN'S TREASURE. ( )

What can I say....I read this throughout the course of a day! Why? Because...it's just THAT good! Fell in love with the series after reading book one....book two was a definite joy to read as I stepped back into the world of Nathaniel Fludd and his newly found beastologist duties. Recommended read for all ages....young or young at heart, the magic will sweep you away....Happy reading! ( )