Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Hunger Games, Potter fans will enjoy exciting fantasy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Vega Jane, 14, lives in the village of Wormwood, and, as everyone knows, Wormwood is all there is. Everyone also knows that Wormwood is surrounded by a terrifying wilderness called the Quag, home to every horrific beast imaginable (and more that aren't). When one of her coworkers disappears into the Quag, Vega starts to wonder if there might not be more to the world beyond. And the more she starts to question the ruling Council's policies and wisdom, the more determined she becomes to find out the truth for herself by escaping Wormwood and trying to cross the Quag herself -- that is, if she can survive Duelum, where she'll have to fight to the finish against Wormwood's biggest, strongest warriors, who are capable of killing with one blow.
Is It Any Good?
Author David Baldacci's young adult debut is a winner. It's an exciting fantasy that combines elements of the Hunger Games-style dystopia with Harry Potter-type magic in a unique, engaging world. Vega Jane is a compelling action heroine who's loyal and cares deeply about family and friends. A large cast of colorful and well-developed characters round out Vega's world, which is richly imagined and vividly realized. The ending is exciting and satisfying but still likely to leave kids hoping for a Book 2.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why fantasy books are so popular. What do we enjoy about them so much?
Are Vega Jane and Wormwood similar to Katniss and Panem of The Hunger Games? How are they different? If you've read The Hunger Games, which did you like better?
In what language do you think the chapter numbers are written? Why aren't they in English?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic Press
- Publication date : March 4, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 14
- Number of pages : 512
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (abridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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