Ruzo, the cat, is missing. How this could happen at a special celebratory event in plain view of everyone at the palace is a mystery. But Marty, ever resilient and willing to do anything and everything to save her friend, is determined to find a way. With royal assistance and the former adversary, General Tusk of the Lutabeast army (an unlikely and untrustworthy ally to be sure), Marty recruits more friends and allies and is set on an adventure that will unveil more mysteries and dangers than she ever thought possible. There is evil afoot with the witch and the Lutabeasts and there is a lot at risk, including Marty and Ruzo. And, just when she thinks everything is resolved, more danger lurks and threatens.

E.W. Choate Jr.’s young people’s novel, Marty 2, is the second book in the Marty series. The first book left readers with a cliffhanger and that’s where this story begins. The author cleverly rehashes the most relevant details of the first book, which is helpful for a reader who may not have had the opportunity to read the first book. There is a lot of thrilling excitement as animals and humans battle together to fight the evil forces that keep resurfacing and causing havoc. The author has developed a lively plot with believable characters (even if most of the characters are talking animals) and an excellent descriptive narrative to establish the setting. There’s nothing as good as a riveting adventure to keep the reader spellbound to the very end. But, is it the end? Oh no! Another cliffhanger?

Though they had only known each other for a short while, Marty and Ruzo had become close friends. They had encountered many harrowing experiences in the past which had drawn them even closer. E.W. Choate Jr. begins the second installment in the series, Marty 2, with the disappearance of Ruzo. Marty is angry at Ruzo for taking off without warning. When Marty recounts to the king details of the last time she had seen Ruzo, the king becomes alarmed. He orders the immediate search for Ruzo in the castle and its grounds. More details about the Blue Witch, who they had defeated earlier, reveal more dangerous possibilities. As a search team looks for Ruzo, the antagonists in the story organize an even more frightening plot. The team has to work together to survive and defeat their enemies.

The story begins with a clear summary of the events in the last book that help explain the scenes that follow. It follows fascinating main characters who include Marty, who is a bird, and her friend Ruzo, who is a cat. Along the way, the main characters encounter other intriguing characters. I liked Marty and Ruzo's lovely friendship. Both are loyal to each other as seen when Marty endangers her life to find and save her friend. There is a feeling of tension throughout the book as unexpected twists arise. The team is also unsure whether they can trust one general who might turn on them at any moment. Thrilling supernatural events and abilities are also featured such as Marty’s ability to communicate with the moon. Marty 2 by E.W. Choate Jr. is a fascinating children’s story with thrilling adventures and interesting characters.