4 BIG Stars Return to Cardamom is more exciting than Escape from the Forbidden Planet, which was a very good debit novel. The adults in Caramel’s life ignore her when she suggests the culprit to the lost pods of cardamom. Adults can become myopic about “adult events” and ignore a younger vo... more

4 BIG Stars Return to Cardamom is more exciting than Escape from the Forbidden Planet, which was a very good debit novel. The adults in Caramel’s life ignore her when she suggests the culprit to the lost pods of cardamom. Adults can become myopic about “adult events” and ignore a younger voice. Caramel does not let that stifle her, and with the help of friends, she decides to check her hutch: Alexander222 and Isabel are the culprits. The loss of an entire cardamom crop, and the resultant loss of the contract to supply the entire intergalactic galaxy with this vital energy source, could destroy the Planet Cardamom’s economy and in turn the planet. The stakes have definitely increased in book 2. Ms. Grasso’s writing was good for a debut in Escape from the Forbidden Planet—which is Earth for those not having read book 1. Her abilities did not rest there. This story is tighter, the plot easier to follow, and the ending had two twists, both surprises. One thing that bugs me with Return to Cardamom: Caramel Cardamom is perfect. She is the hero and as such, she pulls off some mighty fantastic stunts (no spoilers). Doing all of that as a disabled individual makes them all the more spectacular. My problem with Caramel is she does everything correctly, making her inaccessible and difficult to identify with. Return to Cardamom has a few twists that will turn your head and the extended ending involves a major plague on Earth. Kids who love fantasy and new worlds that clash with our own will love Return to Cardamom. This is the perfect book for a rainy day, lounging by the pool, or reading by flashlight under the bed blankets. The 156 pages make for a fast read, but not one word is wasted in this second volume of The Adventures of Caramel Cardamom. Originally reviewed at Kid LIt Reviews: http://kid-lit-reviews.com/2013/08/05/review-return-to-cardamom-by-julie-grasso/