Vega Jane begins this fantasy tale as a feisty independent fourteen year old. She has to be strong as she is living on her own with her younger brother John. Their parents are both comatose in a ward in the small town hospital (called The Care), and their beloved, strong and wise Grandfather is said to have vanished in what the council calls, “an event.”

Vega has no idea what “an event” might be, but that is how the Wormwood Council runs their town – on a need to know basis. Townsfolk of Wormwood are called Wugs, mostly simple folk who work hard and do what they’re told. Vega Jane works at a building called The Stacks. She is a finisher, putting the finishing touches on all manner of creative things that only the wealthy can afford. She is also the only ‘female’ on staff, which also brings much animosity from many ‘males’.

One morning on the way to work, Vega sees her friend and work mentor Quentin running in the opposite direction. She’s not sure if he is being chased or if he is fleeing something, but he was heading for the Quag – thick forest surrounding Wormwood. Anyone with any sense knows you don’t go into the Quag. The Outliers will get you! What are Outliers? The Wugs aren’t really sure of that either, except that they’re really horrible.

More curious than a cat ever was, Vega wants to know more. She searches Quentin’s lodgings and finds a map of the Quag and a book of creatures that roam the heart of the Quag. The Wug Council is right in one thing. These creatures have rows of fangs, lightening reflexes, bulging muscles and can smell better than any dog. There are many different variations, all more terrible than the next.

Hence – no one ever leaves Wormwood. Except Quentin. Where did he go? Is there something else on the other side of the Quag? These are all questions Vega begins to ask. The more she investigates, the more she wants to know, upsetting local council members and soon becoming someone to make an example of.

At first she doesn’t think she will escape the prison fate that suddenly awaits her, but is given a reprieve. She has to fight in a local contest, where all who qualify must enter – females and males. Luckily, she has a friend named Daniel Delphia, (Delph for short). He is a revered fighter and has always been big for his age. His stutter attracts ridicule however, so he’s not as confident as his best friend Vega.

Between the two of them they must figure out a way for her to survive, conquer her enemies and the crooked members of Wormwood Council.

Vega’s not only got grit, determination, smarts and razor sharp retorts for those who taunt her, she has a few special items in her arsenal. A rock. A chain. A small piece of wood. These items are magical and Vega Jane is learning how to use them…

Originally called The Finisher, I wondered why I hadn’t picked up this 1st book in this series before. I loved it! The world building drew me in, not being too detailed or flowery. The Wug language is quirky but easy to follow and the magical elements exciting.

The slow reveal of the truth intrigued me, and the character of Vega Jane is as feisty as Katniss Everdeen (Hunger Games), determined as Triss Prior (Divergent), and tough as Citra Teranova (Scythe Trilogy).

Conspiracy, Loyalty, Fighting and Friendship are just a few of the themes woven through this riveting novel. Rick Riordan fans will love this action-packed fantasy adventure and there’s so much more to come!

Author – David Baldacci

Age – 10+

Read a review for the next book in the series (Click on the 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, Macmillan, Action, Adventure, Animals, Bullies, Courage, Family, Fantasy, Magic, Murder, Mystery, Poverty, Secrets, Brother, Dog, Canine, Hand to hand combat, Competition, Betting, Monsters, Creatures)