On a dare, four kids decide to go to the creepy Churn Zone at night, proving that they are each adventurous and brave. But the unthinkable happens while they're there: they're transported to another world, called Zarox. In Zarox, they're the only ones that can save the world from the Glothers. Supported by Rotlier, the wizard Lupar, and the Book of Zarox, the children are off on a magical adventure that they're not likely to forget.

The beginning was a bit of a rocky start for Zarox, but once you get into the story and the children start their training to save the world of Zarox, you're able to transition easier into the world. And what a magical world it is.

One of my favorite things about this book was the uniqueness of the world. While some of the plot points were familiar, the world of Zarox felt unique to me. This could especially be seen with the different characters that the author created, like the Glothers and Rotlier. Once we get a sense of these characters, it's easy to fall into the world Smith has created. It's magical and fast paced, and you'll hand on until the very end.

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This second book is my least favorite of the series. To me, it just felt like filler in order to get to the ending that Shusterman eventually wanted to have. Sure, things happen in this particular installment, but I've lost that sense of urgency that I had in the first book. The Graveyard might be raided by the Juvies. Risa and Connor are having relationship issues. Lev is basically a nomad (kind of?). I suppose I get why this book is necessary, but I think jumping to the events of the next book might have been more effective, story wise. This one didn't hold my interest as much as the first book or the ones that follow.

Read more of my thoughts at between-the-shelves.com!