With the support of friendship and a wholesome, girl organization, this adventure opens up the world of multiverses in an unexpected and exciting way.

Maggie has been a member of the Wayfinders for years, but she's still not sure about the idea of an 'apocaypse' training camp, when she isn't exactly a 'rugged' person. With her medicine pack, epi-pen, special made meals, and best friend at her side, she embarks on the adventure, only to discover a green person staring back at her during the registration. No one else can see this being, which is very confusing. But when the four 'best' girls from the first camp day are told to attend a special meeting and Maggie, for very unclear reasons, is invited with them, she learns that there's a secret group running within the organization, whose purpose is to protect Earth from other realms and worlds. And she knows she's the last person who should be doing this.

I was surprised at how mild and normal the setting is before diving into science fiction and multi-worlds. First, there's a foreword, where the author explains what Wayfinders is and where it can be found (fact in reality, not fiction). Then, Maggie is introduced as she and her best friend attend a very normal camp (reminding me a tiny bit of Girl Scouts and such) and are quickly yet smoothly brought into this fantastic adventure. It's an odd mix of calm normalness with delightful aliens, pending end-of-the-word, impossible heists, working together, and friendship...and all of that with a girl, who isn't exactly an adventurous type and constantly needs to watch out for allergic reactions. And it works very well.

Maggie and her best friend make a wonderful duo and have an inspiring relationship, but then, their entire group is very good at working together. The entire 'fight the world against aliens' might involve high stakes, but it's still gentle enough that even the most sensitive readers won't feel uncomfortable. The aliens have a touch of silliness, and readers will wish they could meet these themselves.

Of course, Maggie has a lot to learn about herself and must step out of her comfort zone to learn that she's capable of more than she thinks. But there's also a well-woven plot around the aliens and invasions, and this promises much more still to come. I received a DRC and found this to be a well-done, nicely paced read. ( )