The newest offering from Tony DiTerlizzi (The Spiderwick Chronicles), is all about the illustrations. Every 4 to 5 pages contains a full page or even double-page illustration done by DiTerlizzi in detailed black and white. They are really well done - he has quite a talent for graphic illustration. Five stars for the artwork.

The story begins with a human child, Eva Nine, existing in an underground home. She is tended and taught by a maternal-like robot, called MUTHR. Her lessons include how to survive "on the surface" if she ever is allowed to leave her sanctuary. One day, as Eva dawdles in an outer corridor, explosions rock the pod, and she is forced to escape into the wilderness above. But her hand-held computer, her Omnipod, finds no recognizable plant or animal life. It's as if she emerged onto the surface of a strange and distant planet instead of Earth. Eva begins her search for another human, but it is unfamiliar and dangerous going.

The plot is somewhat simple, at times the writing is a bit awkward, but I would say it is perfect for the juvenile audience. There is lots of action and danger, and a great big hook at the end to make you want to read the next book in the series. I would recommend this story to any elementary to middle schooler who has enjoyed the Percy Jackson series, or Sanderson's Alcatraz books. Keep in mind, however, that this one has a girl as its strong central character. Yay for strong female protagonists!