Beetle Queen

This book is filled with adventure...!! It also makes us curious of what happens next....

I'm really pleased to say that Beetle Queen is a strong sequel to Beetle Boy. Like the first book, it provides a surprisingly educational novel that aims to teach children how wonderful and interesting beetles can be. Not only does this book focus on the attributes of the insects themselves, but it also broaches subjects such as entomorphagy, insect farming, historical instances of clothing made from insects and the dangers of introducing non-native species in a way that's really easy to digest. The plot is fast-paced and really hits the ground running, as Darkus and his friends hurry to uncover Lucretia Cutter's evil plan. The plot still very much has the feel of a Roald Dahl novel and is wonderfully original, doing a great job of making Darkus's world seem bright and colourful. The story can be a little scary in parts - especially the scenes that focus on Lucretia Cutter - and contain some scenes of beetle endangerment, yet it is always creepy in a good way. Leonard really takes her readers seriously, using many technical terms which are summarised by a helpful glossary in the back. Despite being the second novel of a trilogy, the story is well structured and does form a strong story in its own right. The final battle at the Academy Awards is incredibly dramatic but does leave a lot of questions unanswered, clearly indicating where Darkus's mission will take him in the final instalment. Best of all, it made me want to find out more. I am now completely invested in this series and I desperately want to know how the protagonists will defeat Lucretia Cutter once and for all. In terms of characterisation, the book is very strong. Darkus, Bertolt and Virginia are are unique and likeable characters that make a great team. This book especially gives Bertolt some time to shine as he tries to defend Beetle Mountain by himself. The story also provides some great development for Novak, gradually revealing her surprising history as she spies on her mother. The adult characters also got a bit more development this time around, as we finally learn what Lucretia Cutter's evil plan is, while Humphrey and Pickering steal most of the funniest moments. The good adults also get a bit more time in the spotlight, as Darkus manages to recruit a lot more people to his cause. This felt rather refreshing, as adults tend to get a bit of a bad stick in middle grade novels. It was nice to see some agreeing with and actively helping the young protagonists. All in all, Beetle Queen was a strong and exciting sequel to the equally enjoyable Beetle Boy. I really can't wait to see how this series concludes.

The diabolical “Beetle Queen”, Lucretia Cutter returns in M. G. Leonard’s second volume of “The Battle of the Beetles”. As this segment of the story develops, readers learn of Lucretia’s true intent and of her plans for achieving her evil result. Involving the characters from her former outstanding book “Beetle Boy”, Ms. Leonard also introduces the mothers of both Bertolt and Virginia and gives them significant roles in the story’s development. In this book, M. G. Leonard has continued an intriguing story; she allows the mystery of Lucretia’s intent to deepen. Further, she weaves excitement and humor, both hallmarks of “Beetle Boy”, as well as interesting, educational elements – particularly relating to different beetles – into the text. The result is that the reader does not realize they are learning something. Issues such as genetic engineering, cross-species breeding, and ecology and the environment play important roles in the novel. Characters are relatable – Darkus and his friends Virginia and Bertolt are those ‘tweens who are outside the popular circle, but who support and encourage one another. Their issues with asserting their own independence and with parental involvement/non-involvement ring true. The nefarious Madame Lucretia Cutter – formerly Lucy Johnstone – is a Cruella devil of bugs; she is also proving the term “mad scientist” to take on real meaning. The cousins Humphrey and Pickering are like the buffoonish thieves Horace and Jasper Badun in Disney’s “101 Dalmations”. Young readers will laugh aloud at their antics. Madame Cutter’s daughter Novak continues to evolve. Once an unappealing character, she is now one for whom the reader feels pity. This book is more intense and frightening than “Beetle Boy”. Nevertheless, “Beetle Queen” should appeal to many ‘tween readers, particularly those who are interested in science. It is also a good bedtime read-aloud for older primary-school aged children. The characters are varied in personality and motivation. Strong, independent female characters, whether good or villainous, are as important as the male characters. The story draws the reader further into the intriguing mystery; this is not a difficult book to read, but it is slower than “Beetle Boy”. I enjoyed “Beetle Queen”, but recommend you read “Beetle Boy” first so that you can fully understand and enjoy M. G. Leonard’s latest book.

Is so amazing there is also a LOT of plot twists

This is an amazing , Adventurous book .loved it a lot. Waiting for the next book .