The Shadow Mask (Sound Bender #2) (2) Hardcover – January 1, 2013

Again Leo hears sounds that take him on another adventure. This time to uncover a mask shrouded in legends and death. I didn't really care for this storyline. The author attempted to have you thinking that circumstances and people were evil and then tried to give them redeeming qualities but it felt forced and unrealistic. Leo has an out of body experience that is later considered fake and a lie but not explained how that could be. It's like they opened all these doors of mysterious happenings then just rushed to shut them by saying they weren't true when they had gone to such lengths earlier to get you to believe there was some truth to them. Also the characters, especially Crane, were too transparent and straightforward. Crane often bluntly said what his motivations and plans were. There is no conflict or other possible explanation for his actions when he states his motivation outright. I like the premise of the book in that Leo can hear the past and goes on adventures to help right a wrong but the mask lacked a good story and was dark and creepy. The first book was better.

This was a very good book for young people to read. The story is exciting all the way through and the lessons it teaches are good for us all. As a teacher of students in 6, 7, and 8 th grades. This is a book I would read with my class if we had enough copies. Can hardly wait for the next sound bender adventure.

After reading the first Sound Bender, I had to read the second. I was disappointed, initially. When books/characters get darker, I hesitate to continue a series. This had a redeeming twist and superb ending that made up for the jerk Leo had become. Now, to wait for number three.

I love this book it was fantastic. Everybody from every age group should read the series. It is an incredible story of adventure and friendship.

I really thought it was a great book for a kid like me. The suspense was fast paced and really good. A little slow in the beginning but it picked up. All in all it was a great book

This book is pretty interesting, though you will have to read the first one for this one to make sense.

if your the kind of person who likes adventure this is a book for you. I love how it gets suspenseful in the middle of the book. this book is an awesome book

I read this book to my 10-year old son, and I enjoyed it as much as he did. Fascinating story, great characters. Lots of cliffhangers! I hope there's another book coming soon!