4.14 AVERAGE


4.5 stars. I’m loving this middle grade series. It talks about death, the environment, and other themes in such a beautiful way.

I agree with the classic book assessment. This is mid-grade at its best. The alternate reality is great, the characters endearing.

Good solid sci fi for kids; the wonder of the new is there

Holy cow, this was a wonderful continuation in the WondLa series. I really do think it was even better than the first! This book, on several occasions, made me just sit the book down and smile or tear up for a moment. It's a great book for all ages. And don't get me started on DiTerlizzi and his amazing artwork. Egads, I want that man's talent. He is so good at telling a story, creating engaging characters, making them grow and learn, and then making it all come alive with his wonderful illustrations. Seriously, start this series with the first WondLa book if you haven't already!

Meh. RTC

8/8/2018:

I don't really have a whole lot to say about this book. It was good and I definitely enjoyed it, but I had some issues. The slang annoyed me, and a very large majority of the characters just made me mad, but I liked Eva and Rovender. Eva especially had the voice of a twelve year old girl rather than an adult written as a child, and I appreciated that. All in all, this book is not quite my cup of tea, but I did like it and will pick up the third book.

Absolutely loved it.

DiTerlizzi's WondLa books are the kind that make you forget where you're standing. I wasn't sitting on my bed reading, I was in Orbona (and I quickly learned to read this book behind closed doors lest the illusion abruptly disappear after being interrupted by someone).

The illustrations did not disappoint this time around either. They are just as plentiful and detailed as in the last book. Originally I thought that the blue was a tad too dark, but eventually I realized that the mood of this book is darker and sadder than the first, so therefore, the dark blue fits it perfectly.

I felt this second book more strongly addressed the topic of "Where is home?" than the first one did. This is especially seen in Rovee's wisdom and what we learn about his past experiences in his village.

At points the story seems like it will become a stereotypical journey, where a ragtag group of insurgents embarks on a dangerous trip to save the world. However, by adding unforeseen twists and bumps to their journey, he keeps the story exciting and unpredictable. DiTerlizzi does not disappoint.

I also really enjoy guessing or realizing where he may have drawn his ideas from. At points, the frivolous customs of the citizens of New Attica didn't seem quite too farfetched from our present reality.

The only part I found unclear and I wish had been addressed more is
Eight's timeline. How is she over 100 years old? How long did she wait to go back to the Sanctuary? It sounded as if she came right back after being released. But she said she's waited for Eva for 13 years. And Eva saw a clip of Eight arguing with Muthr, which she originally thought was a clip of herself. Wouldn't Eight have had to be quite younger for Eva to mistake Eight as herself? How far apart is each generation born? Would Muthr have started the necessary procedures for Eva Nine's embryo right after expelling Eva Eight? The numbers don't seem to add up (but then again I'll admit I'm not the best at math).
I don't know, if someone can explain this one to me I would be very grateful.

I shall eagerly await the next one.

p.s. I recently went to a signing and heard everything DiTerlizzi had to say about WondLa. He is an immensely inspiring human being and a great public speaker.

AGAIN! This story has me wrapped up around its little finger. The drawings are a true marvel. I love everything about this series. I need the next book NOW.

Also.. the most exciting chase scenes happened while I was commuting on the bus. I was very tempted not to get off at my stop so I could continue reading.

I was skeptical about the book in the beginning. I really had no clue where it was going to go or what the book was going to be about after the first one, so it took me a little while to get in to it. But honestly this book is such a quick read. It captivates you and you find yourself reading over a 100 pages without even realizing, and not wanting to stop. The illustrations are amazing. Overall I really enjoyed this book, even more than I enjoyed the first one.