Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Wand magic at the forefront of action-packed sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Vega Jane; her dog, Harry Two; and her best friend, Delph have escaped the safety of their home village of Wormwood and entered the wilds of the Quag. The Quag is a deadly wilderness that surrounds Wormwood, and everyone in Wormwood knows there's nothing beyond the Quag. But Vega's family history hints that there really is more to the world. If Vega wants to know and understand the truth about her world, she and her companions will have to face THE KEEPER, an evil king, monsters galore, and even death itself.
Is It Any Good?
David Baldacci's sophomore young-adult effort suffers a bit of a slump, but fantasy lovers will enjoy the imaginative creatures and emphasis on wand magic. If you haven't read The Finisher, Vega Jane's sterling qualities won't be as obvious; her temper has gotten shorter as she takes on a leadership role while lives are at stake. Baldacci also holds the reader's hand a bit too much here, overexplaining things and broadcasting some events and motives.
But readers who fell for Vega Jane in the first book will enjoy her continuing adventures beyond Wormwood. There's still lots of action, suspense, and adventure, and the wand magic adds an exciting new element to the series.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why so many young adult books are part of a series. What would Vega Jane's story be like if it all had to fit in one book?
Did you read The Finisher? What did you think would happen next to Vega Jane, and did that come true? Would you like her adventures to continue in a third book?
Vega Jane thinks the truth always matters and that without the truth we have nothing. What does she mean by that? Do you agree?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic Press
- Publication date : September 8, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 14
- Number of pages : 448
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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