Serwa Boatengs Guide to Witchcraft and Mayhem (FictionMiddle Grade) by Roseanne A. Brown

Serwa Boatengs Guide to Witchcraft and Mayhem (FictionMiddle Grade) Reviews

• 
  Eileen

  This fast-paced novel was an excellent follow-up to the first book, and it focuses on Serwa coming to grips to the fact that she is part obosom and part obayifo, which means she needs to reconcile that she has spent her life learning to fight half of who she is. While the first story took place in Rocky Gorge, Maryland, this story takes place in DC, much of it in the Smithsonian. While the story incorporates some Ghanaian mythology and culture, there are many elements that the author made up, but she does an excellent job of worldbuilding. At one point, one of Serwa's friends refer to the organization of Ghanaian monster hunters as the Ghanaian Illuminati, which made me laugh.
  
  But made up or no, what I love most is that the author uses this story to highlight the history of those in powers using the excuse of witchcraft as a way to wield violence and oppression on marginalized people, especially women. If you read the author's note, she recommends some books that discuss the shameful practice of witch prisoner camps in Ghana. Even as we read about Serwa coming to grips with who she is, we start questioning who the real monsters are.
  
  Unfortunately, this story ends on a cliffhanger, but fortunately, this means there will be another book (but darn it, now I have to wait for the next one!). However, there are enough clues that you generally have a good idea what the next episode will be about.
  
  I highly recommend this series, but if you're someone who hates waiting to find out the ending, you might want to wait for the third book before starting. Personally, I don't like waiting, but this just means that when the third book comes out, I will get to reread the first two books before reading the third. Win-win, right?
  
  I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publishers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
  
• 
  Sandra

  My full review/thoughts:
  https://youtu.be/fj7k4YAtMkM
  
  Honestly, this world and the characters are the best! The things I loved about the first book was not in the forefront, but still cannot wait to see where the story will go.
  
  
• 
  Gretchen

  Serwa wakes up after her blackout in a hotel where her Aunt Effi has created a refuge for black magic creatures. She attempts to learn how to use her black magic, but fails repeatedly. Her divine wisdom also doesn't work correctly. Aunt Effi wants to release her mother from the Midnight Drum, and sources have told her that it is going to be at a secret exhibit at a nearby museum. She enlists Serwa to get the password for the secret room the exhibit will be held in from her nemesis Declan, who may not be as bad as she thought. Unfortunately, things go wrong, betrayed friends return, and Serwa tries to find a way to forgive her parents for lying to her. Will the Midnight Drum be found, and will the most powerful black magic user be released? How will Serwa fix this mess? I guess we'll find out in the next book. #RickRiordanPresentsSerwaBoatengsGuidetoWitchcraftandMayhem #NetGalley
• 
  Ms. Yingling

  E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
  
  Having recently found out her big family secret in Serwa Boateng's Guide to Vampire Hunting , Serwa wakes up and finds herself under the care of her Auntie Effi, in a swanky building in D.C. that is home to many, many creatures with more in common with obayifo (vampires) than with the Abomofuo (vampire slayers) organization in which Serwa was raised. Unable to contact her parents, Serwa decides to stay with her aunt, and is willing to help her find the Midnight Drum, and bring back her grandmother, whom she has been raised to believe is evil. Aside from teaching her valuable skills (hotwiring a car, assembling a makeshift catapult, laundering money!), her parents lied to her about many things, and she doesn't know what to believe. Sneaking out of the Luciole Hotel to case the Smithsonian's Museum of African Art, she comes across her nemesis, Declan Amankwah. She finds that she now thinks he is... a little bit cute! When he invites her to hang out while she is in D.C. (she claims to be hiding after previous incidents), and she later runs into him when involved in some espionage, she pretends that she wanted to hang out as a cover story, and finds she enjoys being with him. She isn't as thrilled with him when she finds out he loaned her a jacket that had a tracking spell on it, which complicates getting the Midnight Drum, especially since its location was a trap. Her friends Roxy, Mateo, Gavin, and Eunju, whose memory she had to wipe in the first book, show up again, still in the know about her secret background as a half vampire/ half slayer! There's a huge Ghanian Gala at the art museum, and it seems like the best time to get the Midnight Drum back, but things get very complicated, especially after her father is turned into a vampire. Serwa goes head to head with Owuo, the god of death, and finds that she has nine weeks to find him a companion... or the job falls to her. Clearly, there is at least one more book of Serwa's adventures on the way.
  Strengths: It makes perfect sense that this is published by the Rick Riordan Presents Imprint, because it has a lot of the same type of humor that Riordan's books have. There are even fun chapter titles. Brown's style is her own, of course, but it made me smile. Serwa recaps her previous adventures, referring to them as the flaming carousel of her life, and her reaction to having to deal with Owuo is the VERY middle grade "Cool. The sadistic god of death knows who I am. Cool. Cool, cool, cool". There is plenty of action (the statue of the two creatures that comes to life on the cover is just one pivotal scene!), a multitude of magical creatures, some of whom are deliciously evil, strong friendships, and even a little bit of romance. This was a fun read, and surprisingly quick for 400 pages!
  Weaknesses: I am not a fan of the enemies-to-romantic-interests trope in books or in real life. No wonder Serwa is conflicted about Declan; how on earth would their relationship work?
  What I really think: The first books has circulated well, due to the humor and the Ghanaian mythology and culture, so I'll be looking forward to having this book to hand to readers who liked the first title or vampire books with more action in them, like Henderson's Alex Van Helsing: Vampire Rising series.
• 
  K.M.

  Serwa Boateng’s Guide to Vampire Hunting was one of my favorite Rick Riordan Presents books of last year, and so it was with bated breath that I waited for the sequel to hit shelves. With a title like Serwa Boateng’s Guide to Witchcraft and Mayhem, plus the image of a two-headed crocodile on the cover, I knew this one was going to be just as fun and magical as the last.
  
  Not only did this sequel continue Serwa’s story with the same humor and wit as the first book, it also exponentially raised the stakes. More than anything, Serwa grows up a lot in this book. Guide to Vampire Hunting laid the groundwork, introducing us to this world and a cast of memorable characters. Guide to Witchcraft and Mayhem, on the other hand, digs deeper into what makes Serwa tick as a person, a Slayer, and an obayifo. Her entire world came crashing down around her at the end of the last book, and for the first time in her life, her parents aren’t there to help set her back on her feet. She must do that on her own.
  
  It’s a difficult and lonely journey, to be sure, but my favorite part about this book is that we can see Serwa becoming her own person. Now that she knows the Slayers have fed her lies her whole life, she must analyze the data herself and come to her own conclusions. Who determines what is good and bad? Who gets to decide whether a creature will live or die, when their only crime is being born different? How far is Serwa willing to go to fight for her own freedom and the freedom of other people like her? And will anyone listen to what she has to say?
  
  Not all sequels live up to the magic of the first book in a series, but this one certainly does. Not only did it build on what came before, but it dug deeper into the titular character in a way that was equal parts heart-wrenching and satisfying. Given how this book ends, I simply cannot wait to see what happens in the final installment, Serwa Boateng’s Guide to Saving the World.
• 
  Mary Beth

  I was excited to read this sequel to Serwa Boateng's Guide to Vampire Hunting. While you could enjoy this book without having read the first, I wouldn't recommend it! You would be really lost without knowing the background.
  
  Serwa has left her parents and friends to live with her Auntie Effi in her vampire lair. Serwa just found out she is half vampire, half slayer, which is a really bizarre combination. Her parents and the organization they're a part of, the Obomofuo, put a Seal on her at birth to lock up her black magic, but now her aunt has freed her from the seal. She doesn't trust her, but she has nowhere to go.
  
  Serwa and Effi are working together to find the Midnight Drum, which will free Effi's mother (and Serwa's grandmother), who was banished to the drum by the Obomofuo years ago. Effi is certain she was wrongly accused, even though she wasn't a great mom or person. Upon hearing her grandmother's story, Serwa agrees to help because she has seen how high-handed and officious the Obomofuo can be.
  
  They find some clues to where the Midnight Drum might be, but the area of the Smithsonian Museum of African Art where it might be is guarded by a two-headed alligator, and has a password that only two people know. And one of them is her nemesis, Declan Amankwah. Hanging out with Declan will bring up some hard-buried truths in her life, and cause her to question things she has always believed.
  
  This is the middle book of the series, which means it ends on a cliffhanger. I know some people don't like to read a series until it is completed. I know I will be eagerly waiting for book 3! I love how this series demonstrates that secrets within families can lead to major chaos (even if you aren't vampire slayers), and friends are worth their weight in gold. Serwa doesn't trust her friends nearly enough, and lives to regret it.
  
  Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy of this book!
• 
  Karen Cohn

  This is the sequel to Serwa Boateng's Guide to Vampire Hunting, and it is just as good as the first book. This volume picks up where the first volume left off, with Serwa having discovered the full extent and sources of her magic, and struggling to learn how to control both types of magic. Because she was so upset with her parents over the information about her magic that they kept from her, she is living with her Auntie Boahinmaa, an obayifo whose powers come from dark magic - and who wants to rescue her own mother, Nana Bekoe, who was imprisoned in the Midnight Drum for her actions.
  
  In the beginning of the novel, Serwa is alone with her aunt, in the compound she maintains for herself and other obayifo and adze (vampires). Eventually, Serwa leaves the compound to follow her aunt - okay, to spy on her - and finds herself in the company of Declan Amankwah, the second-younger person ever to complete Slayer training, a goal Serwa had set for herself before discovering her other side. Declan is setting up security to ensure that no one at the upcoming gala to celebrate the new Ghanaian art exhibit can access the Midnight Drum - the very item that Serwa's aunt wants desperately to find, so she cand free Nana Bekoe. Caught in a web of conflicting loyalties, to the family and culture than raised her, and the aunt to is teaching her about her dark magic, Serwa is lost, confused, and alone, without her family or her friends. When they appear as well, her loyalties are called to the test.
  
  As with the first novel, this is a complete novel in itself, but one that leaves an opening for a third book in the series - one I hope will be quick in coming. Recommended for ages middle school to adult.
  
  I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
• 
  Robin Pelletier

  Serwa's first adventure left off on such a HUGE cliffhanger.. I knew I needed this book as soon as I saw its cover! Serwa had just discovered that her mom is an obayifo... a vampire. And her mom knowingly fell in love with, married and had a kid with a vampire slayer. Talk about complicated and confusing. When Serwa's dark magic is released, the only one around to help her and guide her through the confusion is her Auntie... an abayifo. Serwa is left questioning everything her slayer upbringing taught her. Can she navigate life trying to help both sides? Can harmony be achieved between two people who HATE each other and have done unspeakable things to each other?
  
  Read on to find out! Fair warning: this novel leaves off on a HUGE cliffhanger too... ahhhh!!!
  
  What I loved most: Who doesn't want to read about a two headed crocodile who shares a stomach? Funtunfunefu-Denkyemfunefu is a fun name to pronounce, but you don't want to get on this guardian's bad side. Without a password, they may decide to eat you! The misunderstanding between Serwa and Declan and their attempt to repair the damage. The honest feelings about friendship in Serwa's friend group, the complicated family allegiances.
• 
  Trisha

  Serwa is trapped between the world of slayers she has trained her whole life to become, and her newly found vampire side all while going through puberty. Serwa is with her aunt, her only ally and the one person who encourages her to try and use her vampire side. But she also has a job to do as the midnight drum that they need to get her grandmother back is hidden in the Smithsonian and a slayer she knows Declan is the one doing most of the guarding, Serwa must get the alarm code to get into the room so they can steal the drum, can she do it?
  I don’t think I have read a Rick Riordan presents book I didn’t like and I still haven’t as I loved this one too. I like how the lore and heritage that each nationality is used and enlightening. There are parts of the book where you feel sorry for Serwa and times you will be laughing, but I think I felt more concern for this poor girl going through and caught in the middle of all this mess. This is still a very fun book and I can’t wait to see where Serwa goes from here.
  
• 
  Joan

  I read this in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down! Then Brown ends it on a cliffhanger! I HATE cliffhangers! Serwa doesn’t know how she feels now that she knows just who and what her Aunt is, and what Serwa herself is! But she does know her Aunt Effie isn’t the monster she was taught to believe and has high loyalty to her family. She tries to help find the Midnight Drum that her grandmother is imprisoned in but gets trapped by a leading family of her likely former organization. Can she find the Midnight Drum, save her friends and family and fix the two opposing parts of herself while coping with a deadline (word chosen intentionally) from the god of death? Find out in the next book! Grrrrr! I would love to know who came up with the title. “Mayhem” is a perfect description of this book!
  
  Be sure to read the author’s note to readers. She has more in mind than just a wonderful story: she is also trying to right real injustice in our world too.
  
  Highly recommended but definitely read the first book first!
• 
  Caylie Ratzlaff

  Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4/5 stars.
  
  I LOVED the first one in this series, so I was excited to read the sequel. The cliff hanger was...a LOT though, so I'm already waiting for the next one. I love Serwa's journey as she grows up, and I love how this one had so much of her learning about herself and her family, especially after the shocking revelations in the first novel. I also loved all the references to other Riordan books (like the pen sword LOL) and the pop culture references. The Rick Riordan present novels echo the humor of PJO, but there are still lines in it that make it seem like they know the OG PJO kids are reading these for nostalgia (and because they're good).
  
  There were some parts I didn't like, especially with parts of the plot and the whole Declan situation (like...do we have to have a romance?) and some of the pacing seemed off at the end...but it was still an absolute delight to read.
• 
  Christine Piepmeier

  Serwa is back again in this sequel! Picking up where the last book left off, Serwa is now with her Aunt Effi after realizing she is half vampire. Effi tells her about her grandma who is trapped in the midnight drum. Serwa decides to help free her while she tries to figure out who she is.
  
  The cliffhanger from book one does get resolved here but pretty late in the book! I missed all the characters we came to love from Book 1 for most of the book when they weren’t there. It leaves on another big cliffhanger. I didn’t love this one as much as Book 1, but I still was drawn in! Brown’s writing is really engaging and her incorporation of Ghanaian folklore is great.
  
  I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Carli

  Thanks to @netgalley and @disneybooks for the advance Kindle copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
  •
  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. No sophomore slump for this series - Serwa is BACK. Having just learned that she is half vampire, Serwa is now with her Auntie Effi, aka Boahinmaa, who drive Serwa and her parents from their safe house in the first place. Now they are searching for the Midnight Drum, in which Serwa’s grandmother is trapped, and with this new conflict in her life she believes her aunt that this is a good thing, just a misunderstanding. Serwa grows a lot in this one, and it leaves us ready for an epic book 3. Highly recommend - it’s out 9/12!
• 
  Michelle

  Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing for this DRC.
  Serwa is back and in deeper trouble than ever. She is trying to learn to with the distinct duality of who she is half vampire and half Slayer. Things are constantly blowing up around her, including her relationships, as she has to realize that everyone is just not one thing.
  I enjoyed her relationship with Declan, her nemesis – who had no idea he was her nemesis! The book flung me from one exciting moment to the next with great pauses to build relationships. Can’t wait for book 3.
  
  #RickRiordanPresentsSerwaBoatengsGuidetoWitchcraftandMayhem #NetGalley
• 
  Timothy Pitkin

  I am a little disappointed in that we were promised that Serwa would be learning about the Witches side of the story as she joins them after finding out that she is half witch and half slayer. But we really do not get that. Sure she does interact with them and we do learn a bit about their side But she still spends most of her time with the Slayers or on her own. It is also a little disappointing that the witches by the end of the story are still presented as the villain as I was hoping it would be a bit more complicated then that but we still get some good development for Serwa as she is coming to terms with what she is and some of the new characters are good and fun.
• 
  Grace

  Thanks to NetGalley for an eARC of this book.
  
  Oh, Serwa. She has quite a knack for getting herself (and others) into some chaotic situations, of which there are plenty during this book. Without getting into any potential spoilers, if you enjoyed Book 1 of this series, you will enjoy this one as well! The writing is funny and will be relatable for middle-grade readers and adults alike, especially as Serwa navigates the difficulties that come with family. After that cliffhanger ending, I can't wait for Book 3!
• 
  Marisa Pierucci

  I LOVE this series! I truly enjoy learning about different mythologies and Ghanaian mythology is incredible and rich! I adored the first book so was incredibly excited to be gifted the ARC of this one from NetGalley. Serwa is a strong FMC and seeing her grow from one book to another and then within the book has been a great journey. I can’t wait for another installment as it seems to have led right into a book three!
• 
  Corrie

  Having not read the first book in this series, I was a little lost. I also am not a big fan of vampire stories,but wanted to give this a try to step out of my usual reads. This book is definitely well written and i enjoyed the humorous parts. It's definitely a fun read that I will suggest to our middle grade readers.
  
  
  I received a free E-ARC from Disney Publishing Worldwide & Rick Riordan Presents for my honest review.
• 
  Educator

  NetGalley ARC Educator 550974
  
  
  We're back in this exciting sequel. Serwa is wrestling with being a half vampire, her grandmother is trapped and she's trying to deal with family dynamics. It is an easy read and would make a great bedtime story. The book can be used for reading challenges as well.
• 
  Stephanie

  Wow. Couldn’t wait to start this book after finishing the first one, and it did not disappoint. Twists and turns, still love the protagonist, and also love the message that things are not always what they seem. Looking forward to Book 3. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
• 
  Megan Mann

  I LOVE SERWA BOATENG. This series is so, SO good and this one was even better than the first! And I loved all of not only the pop culture references, BUT the nods to Percy Jackson. So fun! I really enjoyed this and am SO excited to see where this goes from here! I mean, her friends can’t bail now!
• 
  CryptCreeperCamille

  Loved it! Can't wait for book 3!