Heidi Lang

Tension and action mix with enough emotion to drive this tale forward from beginning to end.

Usually, I start with a quick overview of the story...or at least, enough to get readers going. This time, I'm just going to skip out since there is really that much going on. Plus, I didn't hit this series until this fourth book, which means that the other three books have already built up tons of background and world-building. While I did miss some information and had to just accept some things at face value because I hadn't read three books, it was actually fairly easy to jump into the story and get a grip on the characters. Still, I would recommend reading this series in order, since each book builds on the last.

This is an exciting and packed read, which doesn't talk down to the age group nor try to soften the blow for them. These characters have tons to deal with (aliens, sinister organizations, secrets and more) and each of these problems scream real danger and extremely high stakes. There is blood and gore, not super graphic but enough to make fans sink right in. This book doesn't shy away just because the audience is middle grade, but rather, it dives right in and pays only enough attention not to press the borders too far. Sensitive readers should be aware of how tense this read gets, where fans of action and thrillers will thoroughly enjoy the read.

That said, every scene races by and leaves only short space for catching a breath. But it's not too fast, either. Then, there's the monsters and aliens, and other things which seem to tease at the border of a horror novel. I see why this is a popular series and imagine fans will enjoy this latest edition quite a bit. I received an ARC and found this to be an exciting read.… (plus d'informations)

OH. MY. GOODNESS!
This book was just SO MUCH and yet not enough! I'm already clamoring to find out when the next one will come out because THAT ENDING just wasn't fair! I HAVE to know more! Okay, so dialing back my enthusiasm for a second to talk more about this book...

From the start, your CREEPY meter will be set on HIGH. From the creature with TOO MANY TEETH to the unusually chipper, perfectly groomed Patrick of GREEN ON, Dr. Anderson the collector of stories (or is he?) to Aiden Price (who is still around but only just!), there is so much spooky, spine chilling strangeness to go around, you won't know where to look! Okay, well actually you will because the story takes you firmly by the hand and drags you along for a breakneck speed ride through the pages that you will finish sooner than you hope and yet not soon enough! Rae is a fabulous character with just enough skepticism to keep her questioning, but not quite enough caution to keep her out of trouble. Caden was meant to counterbalance her forward motion with his cautious think first nature, but when it comes to helping those he holds close, even he has his moments of quick decisions versus contemplation. The pair of them together, along with Vivienne (who I was surprised to see as a friend versus foe...although, what IS with the backpack?!), Alyssa, and Rae's big sister (again, surprised by her turn of character!), make quite a team...now if they can only survive this adventure to continue uncovering the truths that they've BOTH sought all this time...

High recommendation for older Middle Grade readers who don't mind that chill running down their spine because it's definitely not one to miss!


**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own… (plus d'informations)