After discovering they are aliens on earth, eight young people are struggling with their new identities and abilities. The young Octos struggle with loyalties, resentments, and coming to terms with their new powers. With planet Earth at risk of being destroyed, the Octos must discover what happened to their home planet. The group’s only hope for learning about their powers and past is from Maureen. Unfortunately, Maureen has taken off in a rocket ship to the moon and has no intention of helping. Meanwhile, the evil Yaks are on the moon. To stop the Yaks and get Maureen’s help, the Octos will have to infiltrate a summer camp and compete in the Yaks’s Cosmic Games. Can the Octos stop the Yaks from destroying Earth? Will they learn to control their powers? Will they convince Maureen to help them?

The plot is engaging, well written, and full of mystery. The characters are believable, likable, and easy to relate to. The world building is well done and draws the readers into the story. Readers who like science fiction, adventure, and saving the world books will want to pick this one up. Characters are diverse. The book continues where the first book ended; readers will need to read the first book first. Recommended for most library collections. 5 stars, Gr 3 to 7.

This is the second in the series, so if you haven’t read the first, please do that before picking up this book. I hadn’t and found it very difficult to get into.

4.5 Stars

The Super-Secret Mission to The Center of The Moon (Pie) starts right from where The (Super Secret) Octagon Valley Society left off. That is to say, jumping straight into more unbelievable adventures.

And these adventures are sure to grasp even the most reluctant of readers’ attention. As with the first novel (you really do need to read them in order) author Melissa de la Cruz has let her imagination go wild. She incorporates new ideas, tech and problem-solving skills throughout.

There’s an energy to de la Cruz’s writing that sets this series apart from its contemporaries. De la Cruz’s has the immediacy of your best friend sharing gossip with just the right amount of snark to raise your eyebrows in interest.

The Super-Secret Mission to The Center of The Moon (Pie) is a fast-moving read that will hold interest. Its characters are varied and engaging and the adventure is out of this world.