Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Predictable but thoughtful ending to sci-fi trilogy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
After fleeing the human city and its leader, Cadmus Pryde, Eva Nine is on the run with Hailey, hiding from both aliens and humans. She heads out to find Zin, an alien she hopes will help stop his treacherous brother, Loroc. Her quest puts her and those she loves most in grave danger, but they step forward bravely to help Eva try to bring peace among the aliens and humans battling over Orbona's future.
Is It Any Good?
THE BATTLE FOR WONDLA starts very slowly, but the pace picks up once Eva and Hailey finally get to the ruins of New York City. Eva has newfound maturity and patience to go along with her ability to communicate with the flora and fauna of Orbona: She's evolved into a quietly powerful hero. The best moments of the story focus on Eva's close relationship with Rovender Kitt, whom she sees as a father, and to other animals she embraces as her "herd" or "flock," underscoring themes of finding connection and community across differences.
Like the earlier books in the series, the writing isn't nearly as rich or compelling as author Tony DiTerlizzi's imaginative full-page illustrations. Fans will enjoy the Orbonian alphabet and map at the back of the book, and a lengthy glossary will help readers decode the technology and terminology of Orbona.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the idea of respecting Orbona as a second-chance planet for both the recently arrived aliens and long-concealed humans. How is that theme relevant to life on Earth today?
What does Antiquus mean when he speaks of "their truth" and says "truths can change"?
Why are sci-fi stories set on a future, barely recognizable Earth so compelling?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Tony DiTerlizzi
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster
- Publication date : May 6, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 18
- Number of pages : 496
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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