Fork-Tongue Charmers

The Luck Uglies, Book 2

By: Paul Durham

Narrated by: Fiona Hardingham

Length: 9 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

Rye O'Chanter was shocked to discover that her father was the leader of the notorious band of outlaws known as the Luck Uglies. Now she too has been declared a criminal in her own village, and she must flee to the strange and remote Isle of Pest while her father faces off against the Luck Uglies' bitterest rivals, the Fork-Tongue Charmers, on the mainland.

But all bets are off when the battle moves to the shores of Pest. To defeat the Fork-Tongue Charmers, Rye must defy a deranged earl, survive a test meant to judge the grit of the fiercest men, and lead the charge in defending the island against a strangely familiar enemy, which means uncovering some long-buried family secrets. . . .

The first book in the Luck Uglies series was named an ALA Notable Children's Book as well as a New York Public Library Title for Reading and Sharing, and it won the Cybil Award for Middle Grade Speculative Fiction. This second installment ratchets up the humor, charm, and adventure, taking the series to brand-new heights!

©2015 Paul Durham (P)2015 HarperCollins Publishers

Beautiful Adventure

What a cliffhanger!! I can't wait to read the final book!

I generally go for cute lighthearted middle-grade reads. This one can be cute at times but I would describe it as dark, atmospheric and absolutely addicting.

I first picked up this series in the audiobook version. Fiona Hardingham is one of my top three favorite narrators hence I couldn't resist. I listened to the first book and started off listening to this book, but stopped a few chapters in as I really wanted to savor it first hand. I'm really glad I did.

There's one theme that I both love and kind of, if ever so slightly, resent. That is the fact that Harmless is an absentee father--BUT he is a warrior. He is loyal, hard working, determined, and dependable when needed. I see him as taking on the role of a true soldier; one who's calling is to defend country first and then family. Which makes sense as he is the high chieftain of The Luck Uglies. I resent this role as it's hard to read about a family going without a father figure, but the truth of the matter is, it happens. It is part of our society, and it is often presented through a dark lens. It isn't the ideal situation for a family, but it accentuates the importance of solidarity, hope and the role of a strong maternal figure--which Abby O'Chanter so gracefully embodies.

Paul Durham has done such a wonderful job with this series. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a middle-grade adventure with a bit of a bite and a lot of heart.

A marvelous tale of adventure !

A great sequel to the Luck Uglies! A wonderful romp. So happy to have found it.

Great story and great series!

The second book in a series can sometimes be hit or miss, but The Fork Tongue Charmers does not disappoint. Imaginative and well-written, this is a story for adults and young readers alike. You'll find yourself immersed in the world of Rye O'Chanter and rooting for this special young heroine, and her friends and family, every step of the way.

As an audiobook this story is also wonderfully narrated and the pages are brought to life.
Highly recommend this listen and that you start with The Luck Uglies, Book 1 if you haven't already. A terrific series. Can't wait for Book 3!

excellent audiobook

my daughter and i both loved this sequel and ready for the next installment in the series.

Absolutely captivating!!!

My husband and I are going on our third of this series. We were completing a trip across the USA came across this series and we are obsessed!

wow what an author!!