Review Detail

What worked:
The story is set in the land of Imagine, a combination of reality and magic at Disneyland. Magic has begun leaking into areas where it shouldn’t be found and there’s no explanation as to why. Much of the plot takes place in New Orleans where Jax and Zoe encounter a mixture of humans, animatronics, and holograms. References are made to cultural aspects of New Orleans as well as various sites in Disneyland that may be familiar to young readers. Traveling between the two locations is a magical and hazardous hike with a dancing clown and mermaids presenting the danger.
Zoe and Jax make an unexpected pair of main characters. They’ve known each other since sixth grade but they can’t be described as friends. Jax still hasn’t found anything to like about his lab partner in the three years they’ve been classmates. Zoe has always thought Jax is a slacker but she gets irritated when he acts more responsibly than her in Imagine. She learns Jax’s family is dependent on his support while it’s clear she’s lacking in many life skills. The pair realize they need to work together in order to rescue missing kids and eventually return home to the world of reality.
The author creates a creepy conflict with a blend of strange characters. Many readers have a fear of clowns so presenting a dancing clown as a threat adds an extra layer of anxiety. The wide popularity of video games is a perfect backdrop for the story as the Game Master is changing human children into avatars. The Game Master’s identity and location are unknown so readers will constantly be on guard for his physical appearance in the plot. A group of mermaids presents a danger for Jax and Zoe as characters will be enchanted and captured if the mermaids say their names.
What didn’t work as well:
The plot quickly takes an unusual turn after the kids meet Ms. Ella. They’re told to travel to New Orleans where they should make written lists of things they need to do, find an apartment, get jobs, and complete a budget to account for their money. It’s unclear why the author takes the story in this direction although Jax and Zoe are able to discover the Game Master’s plans in the process. Also, the text includes mild expletives so be forewarned if that type of thing offends you.
The Final Verdict:
Honestly, this book doesn’t work for me. Requiring characters to create a budget and resumes while getting jobs and finding an apartment seems more of a distraction from the conflict. The plot leaves out some potentially exciting confrontations and the “climax” may leave readers wanting more. Actually, the way the book closes leaves the door open for a possible sequel.