Vega Jane and her companions, against all odds, have made it through the labyrinth of puzzles and tests that is the Quag. However, what they have entered is worse than the web of lies that was Wormwood. As they continue on their journey they learn that the people of this new world are enslaved and don’t even know it. They’re controlled by a foe that Vega’s powerful ancestors lost to. This leaves Vega, Delph, Harry Two, and Petra to combat this ancient foe. Life and death are not the only things at stake, so is the freedom of the rest of the world.
David Baldacci is back again with another installment of the Vega Jane series. Each page keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The book keeps enough of a mysterious backstory to make readers turn the page and also lets out many secrets to keep the reader satisfied. The main protagonist of the book goes through much hardship and conflict throughout the book. David Baldacci creates characters which don’t follow the typical stereotypes and are worth rooting for. The humor is well-placed and sprinkled in creative ways throughout the book.
One thing that stays in my memory even after reading the book is the colorful terminology Vega Jane and her friend Delph from Wormwood use. Such as, bowler-hats for the elite fighting force of her foe. Every time they used it I laughed because it was said in such a nonchalant way.
Reviewed by Abhishek, Grade 7, Twin Hickory Area Library
HCPL TeenScene's Read + Review 