The Nixie’s Song by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi is the first book in the sequel series to The Spiderwick Chronicles. It brings back the magic, mystery, and fae creatures—but does it go too far with its tone?

In this episode of Fortress Fiction, I explore what worked, what didn’t, and why one jarring insult nearly pulled the whole story apart for me. I also talk about how the book handles character growth and whether it's a good fit for young readers.

SHOW NOTES - https://mjmunoz.com/2025/08/07/ff18/

What I cover:

– Nick’s arc and the story’s potential

– The infamous “Lard Mass” moment

– What makes a book belong in Fortress Fiction

– How this compares to Mockwing Mayhem, my own creature-led fantasy

Mockwing Mayhem is available now -

Stick around at the end for a special trailer—and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe.

#SpiderwickChronicles #BookReview #MiddleGradeFantasy #FortressFiction #MockwingMayhem

Looking for clean, powerful, age-appropriate books for your kids or students?

Author and parent MJ Muñoz shares his personal audit of 30+ middle grade books—including classics, modern titles, and unexpected picks.

Books that inspire.

Books that disturb.

Books that should come with a warning label.

If you care about what kids are reading, this is for you.

Featuring books by:

– Louisa May Alcott

– Lloyd Alexander

– Frances Hodgson Burnett

– George MacDonald

– Tui T. Sutherland

– Katherine Paterson

– J.M. Barrie

– More!

Learn what makes a story worth reading—and how Mockwing Mayhem brings those values into battle.

#amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #FOTRESSFICTION

SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2025/07/22/middle-grade-book-audit-review/

SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

What did you think of Wings of Fire Book 1 The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui T. Sutherland?

#amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #FOTRESSFICTION #Fantasy #WingsofFire

SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2025/07/14/ff16/

SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

What did you think of The Book of Three Chapter 9 by Lloyd Alexander?

#amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #TheBookof Three #FOTRESSFICTION

SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2025/04/24/cxc44/

SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

What did you think of The Book of Three Chapter 8 by Lloyd Alexander?

#amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #TheBookof Three #FOTRESSFICTION

SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2025/04/18/cxc43/

SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

Does Frances Hodgson Burnett hold a place of honor or scorn in the Fortress Fiction? What do you think and why?

#amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #TheSecretGarden #FOTRESSFICTION

SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2025/04/11/ff15/

SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

What did you think of The Book of Three Chapter 7 by Lloyd Alexander?

#amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #TheBookof Three #FOTRESSFICTION

SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2025/04/04/cxc42/

SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

What did you think of The Book of Three Chapter 6 by Lloyd Alexander?

#amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #TheBookof Three #FOTRESSFICTION

SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2025/03/21/cxc41/

SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

What did you think of The Book of Three Chapter 5 by Lloyd Alexander?

#amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #TheBookof Three #FOTRESSFICTION

SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2025/03/07/cxc40/

SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

What did you think of The Book of Three Chapter 4 by Lloyd Alexander?

#amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #TheBookof Three #FOTRESSFICTION

SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/12/13/cxc39/

SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/