Middle school student Sam London is a young agent of the Department of Mythical Wildlife (DMW). In this adventure, Sam has to help a fashion model and popular social media star avoid a “crazed fan” and regain her memory, negotiate with several species to save the mythical and human worlds from a massive war, and learn the identity of his parents. To accomplish these feats, Sam travels around the world on the dvergen subway, “a centuries-old bullet train” built by dwarves. On his journey, Sam makes sever stops, including to the lost city of Atlantis. He is aided by several human and mythical beings including his mentor Dr. Vance Vantana, his personal guardian Tashi, Nuks, the shape-shifting raccoon-dog (who assumes Sam’s image to hide his absence at school and home) and other agents of the DMV.
The most enjoyable aspect of this story (book 2) is its introduction to real locations of cultural, mythological or environmental importance (Orkney, Antarctica) as well as myths and mythical creatures that are often overlooked in modern fantasy (Nupeppo and the Salmon of Knowledge). This is a very original tale. ( )

(A Sam London Adventure)