The Sleepwalker Tonic

I quite possibly like #2 better than the first. But doesn't that often happen with a series?
The Sleepwalker Tonic needs little space to acquaint us with backstory, and so what plays out is a well driven story. It flows and moves at what feels a natural pace.

I was notedly shocked at small twists and felt myself tear up at a twist in the ending. It wasn't overly cheesy, but moving enough that I felt invested. (Granted, as an empath I tear up easily 😉).

If I have any small criticism, it is that at times Jack seems to portrayed more like a 5 year old than freshly 8 years old. There are some word choices for the character that make me picture a much smaller more vulnerable kid than I should.
And conversely, Charlie can come across a bit more like a brooding 18 year old than a fresh faced pre-teen.
(I have kids age 5 and 9, so I'm judging from my real life experiences.).

All that said, I still can enjoy the story and appreciate being able to glide through an enjoyable book in a day.