Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

My name is Elisabeth, and I always wanted to become a warden for the Great Libraries. I was left on the doorstep as a baby, and I didn't know much beyond the magical grimoires kept within the walls. Then, my world was turned upside down when a deadly grimoire escaped, and I was accused of murdering the Director. I was sent to the Magisterium for questioning, but the sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn and his demon Silas made me wonder about everything I thought I knew. Maybe sorcerers and magic weren't the terrible things I'd been told. Little did I know that a terrible plot was in motion, and it would most likely destroy everything on earth. I'm not sure why magic doesn't affect me, but I have a feeling it will help me in the days ahead. But will it help me with Nathaniel Thorn?

This book is for mature middle grade readers. There's nothing terribly inappropriate, although there is one scene of passionate kissing. The narration isn't directed toward younger readers, and the relationship of magic, demons and sorcerers is unusual. Elisabeth is the main character, and she's thrust into the middle of an age-old conflict that isn't clear until later in the story. She has a resistance to magic which makes her relationship with Nathaniel all the more intriguing. She also has a strange connection to the grimoires. The Great Libraries exist to protect society from the power of the books, but Elisabeth doesn't view them as threats. Silas is my favorite character due to his nature as a demon. Sorcerer's get their magic by bargaining with demons, but Silas seems to have a fondness for Nathaniel. However, he's quick to remind Elisabeth that he's not a nice demon, and that he'd be very dangerous if freed from his bond. His character is a paradox between good and evil. Overall, I really enjoyed this book, as it introduced an unusual world of magic. I don't read many romantic books, but the budding affair between Elisabeth and Nathaniel was secondary to the big conflict. I recommend you give this book a shot. 

The Prince Warriors #2 and the Unseen Invasion by Priscilla Shirer with Gina Detwiler

My name is Manuel, and there's no scientific explanation for the existence of Ahoratos. This alternate world is real, and I only discovered it after being rescued from a bully. I wish I enjoyed the quests as much as Evan, but I guess I'm brave when I need to be. Ruwach says the enemy is angry after his last defeat, so our team has been given little red seeds to defend ourselves. He says we need to have faith, but I'm not stupid enough to believe a seed can protect me. My mom had one too, but my experiments on it haven't revealed anything special. The enemy is planning something extra evil for us, but who knows what it will be? I can only imagine the chaos they could unleash on earth if they ever find a way between the two worlds. 

You should probably read the first book to fully understand what's going on. The books have a religious feel, as the kids are led by the teachings of the Source and its guidance in The Book. The characters don't carry weapons but are told they have all they need to succeed if they trust and have faith. After reading book one, it's surprising this is a challenge for them, since they witnessed the occurrence of impossible things. However, two of the kids quickly forget, and Evan's lapse is especially serious. I guess this represents the difficulty of having faith and hope in real life. This book has more direct battles between good and evil with violent attacks from the enemy creatures. Additional characters are added to the group of protagonists, and the cast is becoming more diverse. The kids are upper elementary to middle school age, but a high school student, young adult, and a grandparent have joined the cause. They're all good at supporting each other in times of need if they are aware of the problems. One character is especially vulnerable, but the others don't fully understand until it's almost too late. As a side note, I find myself questioning the name of the series. In this time of awareness of diversity and gender equity, why is the series called Prince Warriors? Two of the main characters are princesses. Strange. I enjoyed this book more than the first, and I've already started reading the trilogy's conclusion, The Swords of Rhema. Give it a shot.

Explorer Academy #5: The Tiger's Nest by Trudi Trueit

My name is Lani, and the Explorers traveled to another section of Africa to help endangered wildlife. Our team was hoping to work with the sea turtles, so Emmett could test out his new invention. However, no one but me was excited to work with plants on the side of a mountain. Sure, cutting down trees and pulling out shrubs was hard work, but then we got to replace them with new trees to help the habitat and birds recover. Actually, we were lucky to survive when our teacher fell down the mountain, and we were forced to battle a violent tropical storm. Now back on the Orion, we've figured out the next clue in finding the formula hidden by Cruz's mom. Nebula is still trying to stop us, and they've already tried killing Cruz and kidnapping his father. Another Explorer is secretly telling Nebula our plans in the search, but I think I've figured out a way to discover his, or her, identity. 

The continuing thread through all of the books is Cruz's quest to find all of the pieces to his deceased mother's formula that could change modern medicine forever. However, a ruthless chemical company called Nebula is doing all it can to stop him. Cruz has a close-knit group of friends, but the author keeps stringing along the mystery of a spy among the explorers. Consequently, I find myself suspecting everyone, including Cruz's friends. I anticipate it will be a startling reveal, but I hate that I can't trust any of the characters. Every book in the series finds the explorers traveling somewhere in the world to help protect the environment. It's a good way to learn about plants and animals, and it reveals the different ways mankind is harming them. The series introduces all kinds of impossible inventions that make this book science fiction. The most entertaining invention/character is Mell, a bee-like drone invented by Cruz. It accompanies Cruz everywhere and follows his orders, and it communicates with blinking lights in its eyes. Cruz treats it like a friend which helps generate feelings for the mechanical drone. Overall, I'm enjoying the series, although I feel like it's getting into a predictable pattern. The author is keeping my interest, so far, but I'm expecting a significant change. Cruz has found 3/4 of the puzzle, so the series needs to end soon. 

Spartan Warrior #1: The Fire of Ares by Michael Ford

My name is Lysander and being a slave to the Spartans makes it difficult getting medicine and food to keep my mother alive. I don't know anything about my father, but my mother has told me to always protect the pendant hanging around my neck. The Fire of Ares has belonged to our family for generations, and I can feel its power surge when I need strength. However, I was in the market earlier today when someone held a knife to my throat and stole the pendant from me. I can't let my mother know, but what can I do now? Then, a former Helot slave came to our home, and my world was flipped upside down. He told me that I'm the grandson of Ephor Sarpedon, a leader of the Spartan people. Even though I'm a half-breed, he wants me to train as a Spartan warrior. I've decided this will be the best way to take care of my mother, and I intend to make my grandfather proud.

This book told the underdog story of a Helot slave trying to uphold the memory of his deceased Spartan father. While Lysander knew nothing beyond the stories he heard, the Spartan people remembered his father as a courageous hero. The plot was based on prejudice and slavery, and it effectively described the atrocities suffered by the Helots. The irony of it all was that there ten times more Helots than Spartans. The Spartans knew they needed to instill fear and hopelessness in the Helots in order to keep them from rebelling. The plot followed Lysander, as he tried to survive the warrior training. Being half slave and half son of a Spartan hero created an interesting twist, as other characters weren't sure how to treat him. His courage, strength, and perseverance slowly earned him a couple friends, but he still faced constant prejudice and physical attacks due to his Helot upbringing. This created constant tension for the character and reader. Underlying everything was Lysander's search for the lost pendant, the Fire of Ares. While he thought it gave him power, and his mother said it did, it still wasn't clear if this actually happened. I could chalk it up to increased adrenaline due to his belief in the pendant's power. I guess we'll see in the sequels. Overall, this book was an entertaining story of an ancient culture, and I recommend you give it a shot. 

Max Einstein #3: Max Einstein Saves the Future by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein

My name is Max, and the Change Makers newest mission is to stop world hunger. That's kind of a big problem for a group of young geniuses to tackle. The biggest change this time is that Ms. Kaplan has put Hana in charge instead of me. I don't mind having someone else in charge, but it'll take some getting used to. I'm not sure why Ms. Kaplan doesn't like me, since she constantly reminds me of the change in leadership. The good thing is that we will visit Princeton where Albert Einstein once visited and worked on a time machine. I hope to learn more about my idol and maybe learn more about where I came from. Being an orphan, I always wonder about who my parents might have been. Of course, the Corp is still after me, and they've hired a vicious assassin to get me. I hope he won't interrupt the CMI's plans to finish our mission.

The book concludes the trilogy and answers many questions about Max. The series has been based in "reality" with the young geniuses doing improbable, but not impossible, things. However, this book introduces a bit of science fiction to explain past events. The book is a fun mix of dealing with world issues while dealing with the adventure of an evil organization trying to stop the CMI. Dr. Zimm has been leading the bad guys' efforts, and he's hinted that he knows Max from the time she was a baby. The mystery of her past has been a lingering mental conflict for Max and readers, but this book answers the question in an unexpected way. The CMI kids have worked well in the past, but this book introduces some conflict that goes beyond personalities. The most enjoyable character is an AI named Leo. He was taken from the Corp in the second book and reprogrammed by one of the CMI geniuses. He has all the abilities one might expect from a super robot, but his interactions with others come across in personal, yet robotic, sort of ways. He plays a major role in the plot of this book. Overall, this is an entertaining series that should appeal to lovers of science fiction, adventure, and helping the planet. I highly recommend you read this series, starting with the first book. Oh yeah, the group finds a way to end world hunger!

Rival Magic by Deva Fagan

My name is Antonia, and I don't know how I'll become a Grand Wizard with Moppe around. She's supposed to be working for the cook, but Master Betrys has made her another apprentice like me. Ok, she seems to have more magical power than me, but I've read all the grimoires and know the spells and magewords. My mother showed up after six months and said she'd only let me stay here if I spy on Master Betrys. Mother thinks Master Betrys knows the location of the crown of Medasia that will allow its holder to control the Black Drake. The Liberationists will use that control over the giant sea monster to start a rebellion. With Master Betrys now in prison, I can't believe it's up to Moppe and me to locate the crown and bring peace to the entire island.

This book was the winner of the 2020 Cybils Award in Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction. The core of the story centered on the rivalry/friendship between Antonia and Moppe. Antonia worked tirelessly to perfect magic, but she was envious and jealous of Moppe's natural power. However, Moppe had secrets and couldn't master her powers without Antonia's help. Both girls had demanding, controlling mothers who applied internal conflicts within their daughters. The mothers also happened to be leaders of opposing political groups. Ancient history and politics created external conflicts that placed the whole island on the brink of war. The plot found Antonia and Moppe traveling across the island while facing their greatest fears and untold dangers. They each held great potential that could only be unlocked together, and they didn't understand how to use a secret word in magespeak. This created aniticipation for the moment it would all click together. It took the girls awhile to figure out how to work as a team, as their friendship shakily grew. The author included several twists along the way that complicated matters and changed the focus of the plot. Overall, this was a wonderful book of magic and friendship, and I highly recommend you give it a shot. 

A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat

My name is Pong, and my greatest fear is being sent back to prison. It wasn't fair that I lived in one only because of my mother's crime, so I escaped when I had the chance. These past few years, I've enjoyed living with the monks at the temple, and Father Cham has taught me so much. He even braided strings to cover the prison tattoo on my wrist. He makes wishes to go with every braid, and they always come true. He told me I notice things others miss, and that I seem to be searching for something. His last wish was that I'd find what I'm looking for. That will be nice and all, but right now I hope I can stay out of prison. The warden and his family have come to visit the temple, and I'm afraid one of them will recognize me. Their daughter Nok is especially intense and observant, and it seems only a matter of time before I'm discovered. 

This book was a finalist for the 2020 Cybils Award in Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction. Pong believed in doing what was right even if it happened to be illegal. His best friend Somkit didn't understand how Pong couldn't ignore victims of unfairness even though it usually got him in trouble. I didn't fully understand the governor's motiviations when he seemed to spout positive messages about society. He had saved the city after the Great Fire, but that seemed to give him the right to do whatever he wanted. The concept of fire itself symbolized the old way of life, and everyone believed fire was bad. The focus on light colors was unusual and symbolized the different status levels of citizens. The poor could only afford the dim violet ones, while the wealthy were the only people who could afford gold. The different societal levels were at the core of the conflict, and the story shared the message that all people have value. 

Hoax for Hire by Laura Martin

My name is Grayson, and I don't want to be part of the family hoaxing business anymore. I'd love to attend a private academy to learn photography, but I need to complete a project to possibly get a scholarship. However, I know we may lose our home if we can't finish an impossible hoaxing job by next Tuesday. Four huge hoaxes in four locations around the world. I'm not sure what my brother and I are going to do now, since our dad and grandpa have gone missing. A rival hoaxing family is behind it, and I'm not sure how we can possibly finish the last hoax and save our dad and grandpa. I can't miss another day of school, and my project is due on Wednesday. I want to pursue photography, but I'm slowly understanding the importance of continuing our hoaxes. What am I going to do?

I never knew there was a career in tricking people to believe in the Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot and other creatures from folklore. Like Grayson, I wasn't crazy about a family business based on breaking the law, so that may be the reason I had a hard time getting into the story. The brothers made an interesting team. Grayson was the one taking the biggest risks even though his heart wasn't into it. His brother loved the business and kept telling Grayson about how important it was to the family. Grayson had a big internal conflict, as he struggled to separate himself from the family's hoaxing business that had existed for generations. The tension amped up when the competing hoaxers entered the story. Their efforts created life and death situations, and it was unclear what two brothers could do about it. Grayson's school life was a subplot, but a classmate created an unexpected twist later in the story. Overall, I enjoyed how the book was resolved, and the premise of the plot was novel (pun intended). Give it a shot.

Emblem Island #1: Curse of the Night Witch by Alex Aster

My name is Tor, and I'm starting to regret my wish for a different legend. I never believed I'd be cursed by the Night Witch, because I didn't think she was real. I'm forced to complete a quest to find her along with my friends, Engle and Melda, and we only have a week before our lifelines say we'll die. Oh, and now I'm supposed to kill the Night Witch. The good news is I think we've figured out a map to locate her, but the bad news is we'll need to face impossible monsters and challenges. The worse news is that no one who has searched for the Night Witch in the past has ever returned alive, so we're guessing about everything we "know". I can't believe my friends are risking their lives because of me, and I wonder if it's worth it.

This book was a finalist for the 2020 Cybils Award in Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction. The concept of three kids being sent on an impossible quest was fairly common in middle grade novels, and even the idea of them having special abilities wasn't unusual. Legends were marks found on newborns' skins and identified their talents. Engle had super vision, Melda was a leader, but Tor gave up his leadership emblem for the curse. Being emblemless was very rare and Tor wanted a new one, so it was easily predictable that he would get an extraordinary legend in the end. However, the ramifications of his new abilities will affect the book's sequel. Tor's insecurities made him vulnerable and identifiable to middle grade readers. Engle was the most entertaining character, as he was very impulsive and obsessed with food. If he disappeared, the others just needed to find a food source and they'd find him. The kids followed the progression of terrifying stories in a book in order to find the Night Witch, so these tales became introductions to upcoming chapters. It helped to predict events, but they weren't needed. Some chapters felt almost redundant. Overall, I enjoyed this book and recommend you give it a shot. 

Eva Evergreen #1: Semi-Magical Witch by Julie Abe

My name is Rin, and I met Eva on a boat headed to Auteri. It was the first day of her quest to become a Novice Witch, and I could identify with her feelings of being different and lost. I'd never heard of a witch fainting after casting a spell, but that was Eva. I agreed to be her guardian, since she needed approval from the mayor, my mother. My mother expects Eva to find some way to protect us from the Culling even though the most powerful witches and wizards can't do it. I have faith that Eva will do her best, and I'll do my best to support her. She has a wonderful heart that will spread kindness among the citizens. At least most of them. She must learn to ignore the haters and focus on becoming the best witch she can be. We need someone with her abilities, and I know she need us too. 

This book was a finalist for the 2020 Cybils Award in Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction. It was a cute story with an endearing, underdog main character. Eva lacked confidence, her mother was a Grand Master, and she described herself as a semi-magical witch. She couldn't see that she was helping the town, but readers will identify her positive effects. However, Eva finally realized it was okay to do things her own way, and I liked the creativity she displayed in her spell-casting. What witch would ever use pet hair or seaweed in a spell? She was joined by two other characters with their own issues, but they became loyal supporters. Eva's pet also became an unpredictable, impulsive character. The mayor was a mini-antagonist, since the success of Eva's quest depended on finding a way to protect the seaside town from the Culling. Other powerful wizards couldn't find a way to stop it, and it was predictable that the storm would arrive early. The source of the Culling was unknown, although I had a strong suspicion. This resulted in a plot with layers of conflicts that created different types of tension, and Eva's likability made her easy to root for. Overall, I loved this story of a misfit witch, and I recommend you give it a shot.

Thirteens by Kate Alice Marshall

Who would have known my death had been planned since my birth on Halloween Day, thirteen years ago? Probably my mother, but everyone thought she was crazy and that she tried to kill me. I might never have known if I'd hadn't met Pip and Otto after moving to the small town of Eden Eld. Of course, I wouldn't have been in danger if I'd never come here in the first place. The three of us have the same birthday, same birthmark, and we have palindromic names. We've learned the town founders made some kind of deal with Mr. January to ensure their prosperity, but it came at a horrible cost to their ancestors. Pip, Otto, and I can see things that others cannot, but it means we'll be sacrificed in a few days, on Halloween. Maybe we can figure out a way to undo the curse, but where do we start? The backward clock is ticking.

This book was a finalist for the 2020 Cybils Award in Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction. The three kids made an entertaining team, as they found themselves with a common problem. They were going to lose their lives to maintain a curse that kept the town prosperous. They weren't going to let that happen which put them in conflict with their own parents, except for Eleanor. She didn't know what happened to her mother, but the story seemed to imply she wasn't actually dead. Pitting the kids against the parents and adults of the town created an unusual conflict and complicated matters. The author did a wonderful job of developing suspense, as the kids tried to understand what was happening and the futility of trying to stop it. However, I was very unsatisfied with the book's ending. I expect this book was only the beginning of an exciting series, but it left me wanting a more developed resolution to the plot. Overall, I liked the book very much but wish the ending had been different. I still recommend you give it a shot.

Mulan: Before the Sword by Grace Lin

My name is Mulan, and my sister Xiu has been attacked by a nine-legged spider. The healer I found is actually the Jade Rabbit, and he says there's only one medicine that might save Xiu. However, the ingredients can only be found in the garden of the Queen Mother of the West, Queen of all Immortals, and we must have it before the night of the new moon. I know Black Wind can carry us there in time, but Rabbit thinks the Immortal White Fox named Daji will try to stop me. A prophecy has foretold that Xiu or I will one day save the Emperor. Rabbit and I were making good time on our quest, but Rabbit believes someone is now trying to slow us down. All of our supplies were stolen in the night, and we are so hungry. Maybe I should share the honey I received from the kind woman, but for some reason I can't tell the Rabbit. 

This book was a finalist for the 2020 Cybils Award in Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction. I must admit I have mixed thoughts on it. The main thing that bothered me as a reader were the Rabbit's numerous tales of folklore about other characters and events, and the chapters told from different points of view. The stories were related to the conflict, but for me, they interrupted the flow of the plot. With that being said, this was a great book! Mulan and the Rabbit were on an exciting quest to save Mulan's sister, while Daji did all she could to stop them. Daji was a wonderful antagonist, since she was tricky and took many different forms. Her presence challenged Mulan's faith and loyalty, which added to the story's conflict. Daji had an assistant (slave) who helped with the schemes, but her forced servitude created sympathy for readers. Her circumstances also mirrored those of Mulan, so her story offered potential foreshadowing for the main character. Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and I highly recommend you give it a shot. I've never seen the movie of Mulan, so I can't comment about how closely it might compare to the book.

Maximillian Fly by Angie Sage

You can call me Max, although most of you Wingless ones call me Roach. I usually keep a quiet, peaceful life, but I decided to help two young SilverSeeds being chased by Enforcers. I'm not sure why I did it, but it's too late to change things now. Maybe it's because I dislike the Guardian up in the Bartizan, or the rumors of SilverSeeds being killed. Regardless, I feel responsible for the children called Katie and Jonno now, and I won't let harm come to them. Jonno is too hurt to move right now, but Katie seems to be hiding something. I have one of the Vermin chasing them locked in my basement, but maybe I should kill him now. I can't understand why the Enforcers are so determined to recapture these little kids? 

This is a strange book like some of the others written by this author. Max has some human features but with extra legs, wings, and a hard shell like roaches. The narration is uncommon, as Max and a Roach friend of his speak directly to the readers. This creates some amusing side comments, as the Roaches blame us readers for getting them into the whole situation. Oppression and fear are big parts of the plot and conflict. The citizens of Hope are trapped inside an Orb that supposedly shields them from the deadly Contagion outside. They fear the Enforcers, as they search for children around the city. Night Roaches are especially fearsome, as they capture anyone they find after dark. Max is sometimes mistaken for a Night Roach, and he's learned to use this to his advantage. The most engaging aspect of the story is the strange family dynamic that slowly emerges. Feelings of prejudice are transformed to combine unexpected brothers, sisters, and parents. Again, the story is a bit odd, but it's very entertaining. Characters tell the story from different points of view, which makes them relatable to readers. I recommend you give this book a shot. 

The Prince Warriors by Priscilla Shirer with Gina Detwiler

My name is Evan, and my brother Xavier and I have been transported to Alhoratos, a land of warriors and monsters. This is so cool, since we get to have armor and shields. The creature in the purple robe named Ruwach said we have all we need to defeat evil, but I wish we could have swords too. I hate that some people think I'm just a little kid, but now I'm a prince warrior! Two other kids from the Rec Center showed up here too, and Ruwach has paired us up to find a castle. He says we should follow our armor, trust our hearts, and the easiest path isn't always the best path. Those instructions can be tricky when we face dangers or have choices to make. I mean, would you follow the door that leads to a castle, a desert, or is completely dark? 

The concept of the story is straight-forward with kids getting swept to a strange world where they'll fight evil forces. Evan has the little brother syndrome, as he feels inferior to his brother Xavier. He's anxious to fight whatever comes his way without really considering the dangers. To him, it's like his book about Alhoratos has come to life. The brothers are joined by another boy and girl from earth, and an adult shows up later. Ruwach tells the kids the enemy in Alhoratos fights in unusual ways, and that's the truth. The whole book has a religious feel to it, as the enemy is trying to get everyone to stop having faith in the Source. There's even the Book, written by the Source, that gives the characters guidance before their quests. The enemy promotes confusion and distraction among people and tries to create doubt in their beliefs. Ruwach says victories in Alhoratos will also be felt on earth, and it's cool how the kids are given second chances. Levi is given another opportunity to deal with a bully terrorizing a kid at the Rec Center. He later discovers something amazing about his own father. Overall, this was an enjoyable book with an uncomplicated plot. I plan to read the sequel, The Prince Warriors and the Unseen Invasion.

Max Einstein: The Genius Experiment by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein

My name is Maxine, Max, and my hero is Albert Einstein. Honestly, I don't know if Max Einstein is my real name, but it's the only one I've ever known. This past twenty-four hours has been crazy. First, two big guys grabbed me and took me to an orphanage, and then I was taken by some other people and flown to Jerusalem along with eight other geniuses. The CMI, Change Makers Institute will choose one of us to lead a group of science experts in solving the world's problems. I probably won't win, since I think answering their questions about things I already know is a waste of time. I only answered two of the fifty questions on the last test, since Einstein said imagination is more important than knowledge. Regardless, as an orphan, I've never had friends before, and I'll miss the other eight kids. I wonder where they'll send me after the leader is chosen.

Max was a very endearing character. She was a genius, but she didn't feel better than anyone else and could identify with the less fortunate. Her idol was Albert Einstein, so she constantly analyzed situations logically. In quiet moments, she even spoke to him in her head to get inspiration. However, imagination was more important than knowledge. The big conflict in the plot arose from a group called the Corp that wanted Max to help them make more money. Some chapters shared their motives and plans for kidnapping Max, but Dr. Zimm seemed to know her when she was an infant. Dr. Zimm and the Corp will be the ongoing antagonists for the rest of the series. It looks like the CMI will undertake different humanitarian missions in each book, while the Corp tries to stop them. Tackling world issues reminds me of the Explorer Academy series without the impossible inventions. Overall, Max Einstein is a fun series, and I recommend you give it a shot. 

Explorer Academy #4: The Star Dunes by Trudi Trueit

My name is Emmett, and I wish I could tell Cruz all of the secrets I'm keeping. I imagine he's already suspicious, since my glasses show him my changing moods. I know he's really worried about Bryndis, and he blames himself for what happened to her. On the bright side, Cruz's best friend Lani has joined our team, and she's been valuable in solving the past clues to locate his mother's formula. It might be able to cure all diseases in the world, but Nebula Pharmaceuticals will do anything to stop us. They've already tried to kill Cruz a couple of times and kidnapped his father! The next clue has brought us to Africa, and the Explorers have already saved a family of gorillas from a deadly human disease. Now, we just need to find the next piece of the formula, but I hope Cruz doesn't do something crazy first. Again.

You should read the series from the beginning to fully understand Cruz's backstory. I like that the author made Lani an Explorer, since she is Cruz's best friend and has been with the series all along. I must admit that I miss her solo missions and the various gizmos she invents. I've been impressed with how the author has managed to save significant twists to the characters and plot to keep things interesting. Some series get stale after a few books. There have been hints that something is different about Cruz, since Nebula wanted him stopped before he turned thirteen. This book provides more evidence regarding that difference, although it should have been foreseeable from previous books. One boy on their team has been difficult to get along with, and this book addresses that conflict. A lesson can be learned from how the team handles the situation. The series continues to introduce impossibly creative inventions that should appeal to lovers of science. An interest in conservation is recommended, since the Explorers primary purpose is to travel the world and protect the environment. Overall, I'm liking the series very much and plan to read book five in the series, The Tiger's Nest.

Explorer Academy #3: The Double Helix by Trudi Trueit

My name is Lani, and I wish I was on the Orion with my best friend Cruz and the other explorers. They get to go on missions in Norway and Spain to save the environment. However, a company called Nebula is trying to force Cruz to give up his mother's journal and the pieces of stone with her secret formula on them. They've already tried drowning him here in Hawaii and burying him under ice in Norway. Cruz is determined to follow his mother's clues in order to complete a formula that could save millions of lives. Nebula isn't ready to give up, and they've upped their efforts to threaten Cruz. His father has gone missing from the surf shop, but luckily, I'm able to investigate his disappearance using my inventions. 

You should read the previous two books in the series first. The title refers to a mark on Cruz's wrist, and its meaning is an ongoing mystery. This time, there are chapters from Nebula's point of view, so you'll be somewhat aware of what they're up to. However, it's still unclear which characters are good and bad. The last book said one of the explorers is working for Nebula, so everyone except for Cruz is suspect. I find myself wondering if a close friend or the cute girl on his team might be working against him. Cruz's roommate behaves strangely at times, although book one seemed to dismiss him as a spy. It seems probable that another staff member will be bad too, since that's happened in the first two books. The question is, which one? The series includes all kinds of impossible inventions, including a multi-sensory virtual room that's incredibly realistic and a PANDA that can analyze objects for DNA. It will then project an image of a moment sometime shortly before the creature's death. The books are easy to read, and I enjoy the science, mystery, and adventure of the stories. The author manages to withhold surprises that can be added if the series' plot ever starts to get stale. Overall, I like what I'm reading and recommend you give it a shot.