A Hero for Wondla

Gr 4–7—Picking up where The Search for Wondla (S & S, 2010) ended, Eva Nine, along with her close alien friend Rovender, is on her way to a human city for the first time. She is torn between suspicion of the young pilot named Hailey, who has come to transport her, and wanting to feel as if she belongs among "her people." Appearances, however, can be deceiving. Eva's excitement at being part of a community is soon replaced by dread as she realizes that the mastermind behind the city, Cadmus, is not a benevolent father figure, but a controlling dictator who wants to destroy the alien populations and reclaim the Earth for human inhabitants. She quickly realizes that the human city is more of a trap than a home and she is marked for bigger things. With the help of a newfound sister, she rescues her friends from evil science experiments and sets off to warn the rest of the world. Sacrifices are made and Eva Nine goes through her own transformation, finding out what it means to have family and perhaps where she truly belongs. This installment in the series is as well written as the first and will leave readers wanting to know what happens to all those fighting to save their world. With complete descriptions of scenery, creatures, flora, and cities, DiTerlizzi has created a world that is easy for readers to step into. A strong recommendation for anyone who has read the first volume and motivation for others to start the series.—Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA