Kavita, Vik's young sister, has a secret that is rapidly getting out of control as the dragon she stole (in book one) is growing beyond her ability to conceal. Confiding in her elderly and ailing relative, Aunty, eases her worries, as Aunty springs into action, revitalized temporarily by the thought of a real dragon to save, and for a chance to do something meaningful for her family. (Kavita's mother is NOT happy that Aunty is living with them, and disdainful of whatever contributions Aunty has made to the family in the past. I suspect there's also some subtle racism and caste-based superiority going on here, as Aunty comes from a group who, though Hindu, call themselves Siddi and who originally came to India from Africa centuries ago as the enslaved property of Portuguese traders.)

Aunty and Kavita consult with an astrologer friend of Aunty's while Jaxon is desperately trying to find Kavita (and the dragon), while also find a cure for Ma's odd, persistent coma-like sleep she's been in since the end of book one. Jaxon asks Vik for help, and before they get very far, they're found by Kenny O'Connor, a classmate they're both afraid of. Kenny brings them to his home, and soon the three boys discover that their perceptions of each other is wrong, and the three embark on Jaxon's mission together.

Zetta Elliott expands Jaxon's world further, by introducing a new friend, and bringing the wonderful Aunty into the story. I love how Elliott weaves history into this tale, while also expanding the magical world to include some dubious individuals, who will no doubt figure in coming book(s).

I also loved how Jaxon grows and deals with some of his pain over his father's death, which was sudden and horrible and occurred before book one. I also like how Trouble, Jaxon's grandfather, is making overtures to Jaxon's mother and trying to become more a part of their small family.

This book was lovely.