To elaborate on the content warnings: There are some micro-aggressions and moments of normalized sexism that don’t come as a surprise from a book published in 2008. Nothing explicit or graphic, but definitely worth calling out.

I gave it a 3 for that and the fact that the writing isn’t the strongest (it has its witty moments, but sometimes feels a bit clumsy/rushed/boring). I will say, however, that the twists and turns were a lot of fun. I LOVE sci-fi mixed with a bit of fantasy, and this plot does “magic kids get tangled in government conspiracy” very well. Some loveable character development, too!

It was fun to find this book from my 6th grade book fair and let it take me on fast-paced adventures to balance out the philosophy I’m reading. I enjoyed the plot twists and character bonding. That being said, I wouldn’t go out of my way to recommend it.