I was provided with an advanced reader copy of this work by Netgalley in return for an honest review.

In this second book we rejoin Zhi Ging and her phoenix Mallow. They are on the search for the missing Silhouettes and Reishi Silhouette Scout. She gets lucky and finds them and returns the underwater city and her lessons.
But will her friends ever recover from what Amy did to them

Find out in this exciting and enchanting read. The frist book was brilliant this is amazing. It took me awhile to pick it up but wow! This is turning into an epic journey.

The characters are wonderfully written and you can find things in each of them to like or hate. There's alot of clever word play and so much to love about this incredible story. Loved it and can not wait to see what happens next!!

It was so great to be back in Hok Woh and with Zhi Ging and the gang again. Though this book didn’t blow me away the way the first book did, I still massively enjoyed it and I just think it’s a great series.

If you (or your child) don’t remember the first book that well, I would urge you to reread it. Though I remembered things as I read on, the start has a lot of action that follow directly after the events of the last book and I was confused a bit until I remembered enough to follow it.

The added danger with the sand spirits was really interesting. Though I felt the plot was on hold a bit while we went back to Hok Woh and the school, maybe I’m just not so used to reading books for younger readers anymore! I don’t remember being so impatient for the action to happen when I was a kid, but maybe I got more enchanted in the world and what was happening back then.

This is a solid series for a 9-12 age group. Especially for parents looking to add some diversity to their child’s reading. It’s great for adults too and would be a perfect bedtime book!

Following on from ‘The Fight for the Hidden Realm’, ‘The Rise of the Sand Spirits’ wastes no time and jumps straight back into action for Zhi Ging and her phoenix, Malo. There are still lots of Silhouettes missing, even though Ami is trapped in an underwater waterfall and Zhi Ging is desperate to find Reishi too. With help from Gertie and Jack at the floating market, new friend, Dippy, and lots of familiar faces from the first book, Zhi Ging must help find out what has happened to the Silhouettes and why someone seems to be controlling Sand Spirits.
There are lots of new challenges for Zhi Ging to take part in at Hok Woh and tricky friendships to navigate along the way. Just like the first book, this is full of action and twists and turns for Zhi Ging and her friends.

I adore this series, please tell me there’s more coming! It’s so fresh and standout in a crowded market. 10/10

Paper Dragons: The Rise of the Sand Spirits is a vibrant and imaginative sequel that expands on the rich world introduced in The Fight for the Hidden Realm. Siobhan McDermott continues to build a universe steeped in Chinese mythology, filled with colour, complexity and magic. From the underwater city of Hok Woh to the crowded streets of Omophilli, every setting bursts with detail and originality.

The story follows Zhi Ging, a determined and compassionate young Silhouette, as she and her companions face twelve demanding trials in their quest to become Cyo B’Ahon, apprentices to the immortals. Each challenge tests a different discipline such as Concealment, Perception and Recall, with unexpected twists along the way. Zhi Ging must also navigate a hostile relationship with Iridill, a fellow student from her hometown who is driven to sabotage her progress. As yellow lines appear mysteriously on the walls, suspicion falls on Zhi Ging, threatening everything she has worked for.

The narrative builds on familiar elements we met inn the first book, including jellyfish that assist the immortals, animated paper birds and a mischievous phoenix named Malo. There are dark turns too, as Zhi Ging uncovers that many former Silhouettes have been turned to stone and children across the realm are vanishing under suspicious circumstances. The Matchmakers, once trusted figures, appear to be involved, especially when Zhi Ging discovers grains of sand hidden inside the buns they force upon others. This clue draws the elusive Sand Spirits into the plot and adds layers of mystery.

The novel shines in its creativity and magical world building. The Floating Markets and mystical creatures offer moments of wonder while Zhi Ging's personal journey, including startling revelations about her past, keeps the emotional core strong. I loved the training exercise and when Zhi Ging had to recover the missing students and the expert way the tension builds to the major twist that sets up an exciting next instalment.

The Rise of the Sand Spirits is a compelling read. The blend of folklore and original fantasy makes for a thrilling and thoughtful adventure. Zhi Ging is a strong lead and her world is one readers will want to return to. Fans of the series should definitely read, or even like me reread, the first book before diving into this one but they will likely find themselves, again like me, eager for book three.

Highly recommended for readers who enjoy magical schools, mythology-inspired fantasy and determined heroines.

Part of a series, this story fuses ideas from from Chinese mythology with entirely original fantasy elements to create a unique world building that transports the reader to a different realm altogether.

There is a lot packed into this story about a young apprentice Silhouette, her pet phoenix Malo, and her friends, enemies and frenemies.

There's plenty of action, a dramatic storyline, and many clever little touches which showcase the writer's imagination and activate that of the reader. Highly recommended.

This book dives back into the magical underwater world of Hok Woh, where Zhi Ging is on a mission to save her friends and uncover dangerous secrets. The story kicks off with action, slows a bit in the middle with training and school drama, but then ramps up again with wild desert adventures, sand spirits, and dragons.
I loved the creativity! Phoenixes, jellyfish assistants, paper birds that come to life—it’s all so fresh and fun. The magic system is cool, and the mix of Chinese folklore makes the world feel rich and unique. Zhi Ging is a great lead—determined, brave, and finally getting some answers about her past. Plus, her little troublemaker phoenix, Malo, adds humor and heart.

The mystery around the missing kids and the shady Matchmakers keeps you hooked. Why are sand spirits involved? What’s their deal with the ceremony? The twists pile up, and that ending? Chef’s kiss. It sets up the next book perfectly.

If you’re into magical schools, mythical creatures, and heroes who won’t back down, this one’s a blast. Just start with The Fight for the Hidden Realm first. Can’t wait for the next installment!

You jump straight into the action as you return to the world of Paper Dragons! In this incredible sequel there's new challenges to face, more mysteries to solve and new characters to meet. I absolutely loved it and I'm already looking forward to the next book!

Siobhan McDermott’s The Rise of the Sand Spirits is a thrilling and enchanting sequel that plunges readers back into the magical underwater realm of Hok Woh. This highly anticipated follow-up to The Fight for the Hidden Realm delivers a captivating blend of adventure, mystery, and heart, as Zhi Ging embarks on a perilous mission to save her friends and uncover the truth.

Following the infiltration of Hok Woh and the possession of her friends, Zhi Ging sets out to find Reishi, the Silhouette Scout, who she believes has been lured into a dangerous trap. Accompanied by her adorable phoenix companion, Malo, Zhi Ging must navigate treacherous landscapes, battle formidable sand spirits, and outwit power-hungry enemies. Along the way, she encounters magnificent dragons and uncovers secrets that challenge her understanding of the world of the immortals.

McDermott’s world-building is as vivid and imaginative as ever, bringing the underwater realm of Hok Woh to life with lush detail and vibrant imagery. The novel’s exploration of themes like trust, loyalty, and the courage to face the unknown is both poignant and inspiring. Zhi Ging’s journey is compelling, her determination and resilience making her a heroine to root for.

The supporting cast, including the ever-loyal Malo and the enigmatic Reishi, adds depth and richness to the narrative. The action sequences are dynamic and thrilling, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. McDermott’s prose is lyrical and evocative, capturing the beauty and danger of Zhi Ging’s world with equal skill.

The Rise of the Sand Spirits is a story of bravery, friendship, and the enduring power of hope. It’s a tale that will captivate fans of fantasy and adventure, leaving them eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Zhi Ging’s journey.

Having read book 1, I was excited to return to the world of Zhi Ging, Malo and the rest of their friends. I was not disappointed as they embarked on a a seemingly impossible mission to answer multiple questions which remained from book 1, not to mention the waterfall challenge. I was completely hooked by the pace and desperate to know how this was going to conclude. Revelations came thick and fast and from unexpected directions which kept me guessing and wondering. I can't wait to share this with our reading group and will be keeping my eyes peeled for book 3.

As this was the second book in a series, I decided to read the first one before reading this. I am so glad I did. I loved them both and look forward to the third book, hopefully soon.
The world building is excellent and the characters are well crafted. I love the jellyfish communication system, the boats and the trials. The floating market is a place I would love to visit too.