I received an electronic ARC from HarperCollins Children's Books through NetGalley.
Cervantes introduces some interesting characters in the start to her new series. Readers learn about Area 53 located near Area 51 but with a different focus. At Area 53, Garen and Ollie's parents are scientists who study mythological creatures who are kept there. We meet the two friends when they are playing in a restricted area and discover one of the creatures has woken from their induced sleep. The wyvern had previously connected with Ollie when she was captured and even after two years, it is strong. In the background, readers also see how lightning storms are destroying entire portions of the world and may make connections to the cause from the hints Cervantes offers throughout.
After setting this tone, the author reveals more about the creatures, the humans and the separate worlds they should be living in. When some of the creatures escape, Ollie and Garen follow them to this different world, the Shadowlands, and learn about the creatures home and about themselves.
As is typical in a first book, readers learn background information and slowly learn about the characters. It's a fairly fast read for middle school ages and will connect with those who enjoy fantasy reads. The Epilogue wraps up what happened to those who remained in this world and ends with a clear hint to begin the next book in this series.