The Descent into the Maelstrom is Book 4 in the Phantom of the Earth series. The Barao twins, Oriana and Pasha are sent for development which happens at a very accelerated pace to prepare them for the Harpoons which is a combination of tests based on mental and physical capabilities that will allow them to be bid on by the Beimeni citizens in hopes to be placed in the highest capacity. The children have learned very little of their parents, who they were and what they did but discover a few details, their mother is dead and their father is up for his murder trial and sentencing. Antosha is running a campaign and Gwen is overseeing his rise to the top overcoming any obstacle. Connor is reunited with his father, the Liberations leader, and he begins to teach his son about his abilities and heritage. They set off together to confront their enemies in hopes to bring Beimeni society back to what it once stood for. The storyline took a turn here focusing on the children, their schooling and their battle to the top. The acceleration of their growth was unbelievable and appeared added to hurry the story along. It became yet another story about a young female protagonist who tries to prove her worth. ( )