Reviewed by Carrie Spellman for TeensReadToo.com

Darrell Connor and friends are back at Eagle Glen School. This time, though, it's for the whole school year instead of just the summer. And none of them could be happier. As always in Darrell's world, the calm doesn't last for long.

The friends' first surprise occurs right after orientation. Their arch-enemy, Conrad Kennedy, has reappeared. And he's attending Eagle Glen, too! The school year is already going downhill, and it's only the first day.

As far as the surprises that time has in store for them, they intend to be more prepared this time. They're doing their own investigating of the cave and its mysterious glyphs. There's even a new glyph that leads them to the old lighthouse. From there they find themselves flying through time, again, and ending up in Italy during the Renaissance. Darrell even gets a chance to meet some of her artistic idols. Unfortunately, Darrell is about to learn that even when dreams come true, it's not always quite what you imagine. And some dreams can only ever be dreams, no matter how much you hope.

Traveling back and forth in time might make learning history easier, but it doesn't make life any easier for Darrell or her friends. In fact, they're all about to learn what kind of risks and danger time travel can really have.

KC Dyer doesn't miss a step in this sequel to SEEDS OF TIME. It doesn't even feel like most middle books of a trilogy. You know, where it's just information you have to get through to get to book three. This is a great story in its own right. More than just a really interesting look at the Renaissance, it's an a great example of "careful what you wish for."

If you aren't going crazy to read the next book by the end of this one, I'm a little worried about you. ( )