To be honest when I first started this book I was annoyed. In the first book I was very happy to see the growth in Max - he matured so much. But when this book started it seemed like he had slid backwards. He was almost back to his self-centered annoying ways. When him and Lola join up again it became really clear. I wanted to shake him and remind him of all that he had learned! Thankfully as the story went along he gained by the mature growth I'd see before. If he hadn't I fear I might have given up on the book!

Ok beyond Max's behavior the story was really strong. Once again it took the reader on a roller coaster ride through action packed adventures. The action started strong, and it really pulled me through the story. I found myself on the edge of my seat a few times wondering how they were going to get out of their current situation. I also liked that this one didn't just follow the same pattern as the first book. It went off on it's own, going places I never saw coming. I liked that because it made the story fresh. So many times I read a sequel and it's just the same story pattern repeated. The End of the World Club had events that I would've never thought could happen. Seriously a few times I really did think "wow didn't see that coming!". How fun is that when reading a book!

I want to comment on Lola just because I love her character. She was just as great in this book but in new ways (see it really kept thing fresh!). I so loved how she was able to just keep calm in situations where Max was kinda freaking out or, at the beginning of the book, sulking. It's because of her character that I recommend this series to girls in my class. She's a fantastic role model.

Final thought: Once again action packed with great fresh twists
Best stick-with-you image: The wedding announcement "party".
Best for readers who: Like action mixed with ancient history
Best for ages: 10-14

Sequel to Middleworld with more of the same. Kids who like that book will enjoy the sequel. ( )

The End of the World Club is the second book in the Young Adult Jaguar Stones trilogy. Max is back in Boston living with his parents, but things are anything but normal. Boston is in the middle of the longest dry spell in years but the Murphy household has had non-stop pouring rain for weeks. A tropical jungle seems to be growing in their house with real flora and fauna from San Xavier (the location of his last adventure). Max’s mom has been reading books and is trying to be a ‘good’ parent and wallowing in self denial about everything she went through in San Xavier. Then Max gets a visit from the Mayan Death Lord's emissary, requiring Max to pay back his debt. Once more, Max is looking for the easy way out of his predicament when he gets duped AGAIN! Those Lords of Death are tricky!

I think the Voelkel’s have written a great addition to The Jaguar Stones. One of my favorite parts was the group going to a village in Spain where lying was forbidden (magically enforced). Lord 6-Dog and his mother Lady Coco, Max and Lola are back as a team trying to thwart the Mayan forces of evil. The story is funny and thought provoking, a teenage story of maturing, taking responsibility and making the right choices . I enjoyed reading it and I am eagerly awaiting the last installation. ( )