A Hero for WondLa (2) (The Search for WondLa)

Another masterpiece from Tony Diterlizzi.
Thrilling plot and wonderful illustration, this is my favorite book now.
English is not my native language, but this book so interesting that I use it to improve my reading skills.
I'm looking forward the continue.

I was a definitely fan of the first book in this series, but A Hero for Wondla takes it to a whole new place. At one level, it's just a darn good read. There is also another level of subtext that speaks to profoundly important ideas of power, corruption, xenophobia, and self-empowerment. This level will be readily appreciated by the adult reader, but will also serve to start the younger reading thinking about issues that are as important to us today as they have ever been. Terrific work, Mr. DiTerlizzi!

This second book brings all that was well done about the first and adds in more details and more depth to the characters. DiTerlizzi continues his wonderful world building and adds in a real sense of danger and menace to this book in the form of the humans Eva Nine finally meets.

Like all good world builders, DiTerlizzi has created a world filled with interesting creatures and cultures that seem to have ancient and complex histories behind them. And just when you begin to think the story might be simple he adds in a twist or a layer of complexity. And yet there is a simplicity and beauty to the story that makes it a real joy to read.

For those who read the first book this is an obvious must read. If you haven't yet read WondLa I highly recommend it before starting the second book.

The only problem? Now the wait for the third book begins ...

This book will answer a lot from the first book.
You find out about Eva's past, where the Humans are on earth. What happened to earth. Who her parents are and she even finds a relative. It's a great adventure and story.

A Hero for WondLa is an absolutely fantastic sequel.

First, a warning. If you're afraid of Sequel Change (in which major things change in the sequel such as characters, setting, etc.) then brace yourself, but don't let it completely turn you away. There's definitely a lot of change in A Hero, but it's a fascinating change. In the first book much of the time was spent outside exploring the alien wilderness, and while there's still a bit of that in A Hero, a good chunk of the story takes place in the human city. So instead of wilderness we get to see more crazy technology, which I loved.

Rovee and Eva are back and they join up with a whole new host of characters. I don't want to spoil anything by talking about the new characters, so I'll focus on Eva. I love how Eva goes from this completely naïve and lost child to a knowledgeable, loving girl with a big heart. You'd think that since she went through that major change in book one that there's not really any room left for her to grow, but A Hero proves that thinking wrong. She continues to grow and become more brave and willing to risk her life to save those that she loves.

One of the things I really love about the WondLa books is that DiTerlizzi isn't afraid to do what needs to be done to make these books fantastic. If someone has to give their life for the good of the story, it gets done. I feel like that's something you don't often see in middle grade (which is also fine) and I appreciate that it happens here. Although, I have to say that I felt one of the deaths in A Hero wasn't quite necessary. I mean, the guy had only been in the story for a short while before he had to sacrifice himself.

The Nutshell: A Hero for WondLa is a great sequel. If you loved The Search for WondLa then you'll enjoy the sequel, and if you haven't read The Search what in the world are you still doing here?! Go read it! We continue to learn about the fantastic world of Orbona, meet new characters, reunite with old characters, and continue on the journey with Eva and Rovee to save the planet.

Hit

I read the first book in this series, "The Search for WondLa" back in November 2010 and I have been counting down the days for the second book to come out, "A Hero For WondLa" by Tony DiTerlizzi. The wait was very long but I was NOT disappointed once I finally got my hands on this new book (Picked it up the day to came out). I read the book in two days and I can't wait for the third book to come out.

Eva Nine in the last book was pushed from the only home she knew and the only place she had ever seen when a beast came and destroyed it. She went on a long adventure looking for another human like herself. Along the way she made a lot of new friends, not of her kind. And was viewed as one with a kind heart.
In book two, "A Hero For WondLa", Eva Nine's dream finally comes true, she meets others like her. But the thing is, she realizes they aren't really like her. They all have been sheltered all their lives and have no clue of the alien world outside of their city. She feel uncomfortable and in the end needs to leave to help save her friends (the creatures not of her kind) from an evil man, trying to take back the world, by killing and hurting others.
Eva Nine learns more about herself and others around her in this book. You are left hanging and wanting more of the story. You're hoping that Eva is able to help everyone and you hope the world can live in peace together.
"A Hero for WondLa" is a great page turner. There are a lot of great illustrations to help you imagine the world Tony DiTerlizzi had created. And the fun thing with this book is if you have a web cam you can use the book to explore even further through what they call, ""Augmented Reality". I would totally recommend this book. It's for kids ages 12-+100. Fast action, heart pulling, on the edge of your seat story. I LOVE it. My question to Tony is, how long til the next one? I'll be waiting.

This book was a great follow up to The Search for Wondla. Eva Nine really grows into her own. I cannot wait for the third installment!

Book two, A Hero For Wondla, just came out in May, 2012. The story picks up right were it left off, with Eva Nine learning about the existence of other humans. But, what should be a welcome homecoming turns into a nightmare, and Eva is forced to choose between her new alien friends and the humans.

The book brings up a common theme I find in lots of sci-fi/fantasy lately. The idea that the aliens are the good guys and the evil humans are there to take over the world. I'm getting a little tired of that plot. However, Eva's journey into the human city, and her escape are very interesting. Plus, we find out about the spirit of the planet, and learn just how special Eva Nine is.

I highly recommend this books to all readers. Middle graders will love it, and adults will be sucked in also. I can't wait for the next book.

Forever my favorite author!

Excellent illustrations and storyline. Looking forward to reading other books by this author.