Vega Jane, her gentle giant best friend Delph, newcomer Petra Sonnett, and loyal dog Harry Two have made it across the Quag. It was far from easy or quick with a world of knowledge to be obtained before they could do so. Monsters, magic, mayhem mixed in with betrayal have shaped these young people into completely different ones that left the small village of Wormwood.

They soon come across a village that looks perfectly normal but quickly realise it is anything but. There are no monsters which is a surprise as they were expecting Maladons, but watching closer reveals the truth. The Maladons are hiding in plain sight, and are many more times evil than the worst monster they ever encountered in the Quag.

Vega Jane and her friends discover her ancestral home. It is safe from the Maladons, unable to be seen by them, and is soon a pivotal part of a plan to fight back. Vega meets ancestors long gone from this life, and even one she has pined for since the age of six. Although sweet, these meetings are all too short for Vega after waiting for so long. They do have advice for her though, especially helping when her self confidence is low.

She’s still struggling with Delph and Petra’s seemingly close friendship, nearly buckling to rising jealousy. Her plan to fight the Maladons is a worthy one but progress is excruciatingly slow, and the delay results in the most devastating news of them all.

Vega is shocked. Vega is crushed. Vega is angry – and will take her revenge – no matter what.

No. 3 in this renamed series is a different world again from the village of Wormwood in Vega Jane 1, and the brimming with monsters world of the Quag in Vega Jane 2.

Finding the Village of True and a bigger one of Greater True was meant to be a better life after the Quag. What it is, is another battle to be faced, 100 times more dangerous than the monsters of the Quag. It takes a while for this to fully materialise in this episode but the intense ending made me want to dive straight into the last book of the series – Vega Jane (4) and the End of Time.

Vega’s feelings about Delph are pushed aside by all that she must do and the people she must lead, until he takes things into his own hands – finally! Still, nothing is certain to the reader about any future together for these Wugs from Wormwood.

Petra plays a smaller part in this episode and I’m still not sure I trust her. I think, given half the chance and opportunity, she will take all for herself, including Delph. I won’t find out until I dive into the final in this quartet of imaginative fantasy novels – called Vega Jane and the End of Time.

Author – David Baldacci

Age – 10+

Read a review of the previous books in this exciting series (Click on a Cover)

1) Vega Jane and the Secrets of Sorcery (Originally published as – The Finisher)

2) Vega Jane and the Maze of Monsters (Originally published as – The Keeper)

3) Vega Jane and the Rebels Revolt (Originally published as – The Width of the World)

(2021, Hachette, Fantasy, Evil, Slavery, Monsters, Battle, Spells, Magic, Courage, Jealousy, Friendship, Truth, Train to a better life, Lies, Secrets, Adventure, Action, Animals, Dog, Trust, Fight, Invisibility Ring, Ghosts, Ancestors, Family, Grief, Growing Up, Murder, Series)