So I started reading this series when I was in Elementary School. Finished it, didn't realize it had a second set of six books until around mid-high school, and then I went to finish the others.

If you read this when you were younger, check back for the NEWER editions of the books. Roberts actually rewrote/added sections of books 1-10, so it's literally not the same story (somewhat) that you read before. I'm doing a reread of the whole series because I didn't realize this recently so that's interesting. I think the rewrites/additions have helped. I certainly like the pictures. I've actually met the artist who illustrated the covers and drew the inside illustrations. Great lady. You should check out her stuff, sometime. While I love her work by and large, I am a bit confused on a number of the drawings, since they're not depicting what's going on in the story. For instance, the scene where Adriane and Emily are trying to move Phel off of Ozzie. The picture depicts Adriane and Emily on either side of Phel, but in the story, Adriane stands beside Emily and they push together. Which makes a lot more sense; if they were on opposite sides, they'd simply be squishing him. There's another image where Ozzie is supposed to be on Phel's shoulder, but in the picture he's on Phel's head. So... a bit of confusion there that I hope clears up as the books go on.

While I think the newer covers have an overall better look than the kind of cheesy tie-dye explosion photoshop ones of old, I am a bit concerned that the three protagonists look like stick figures. Kids can be skinny but middle-class American ones tend to be on the chubby side. And even skinny teens aren't THAT skinny. Artistic license is one thing but it's just a bit awkward. And since the girls on the old covers actually looked like real people (if not quite 12-year-olds), I almost prefer them for that.

The story is very much a young adult story. The protagonists are all 12 and well... the dialogue has not aged well, but for kids at that age, maybe it still works. I think it might be better for 90s kids than post 2000, but who knows? I do still love the magic system and I think the ways the girls bond aren't corny, but maybe that's nostalgia kicking in.

All in all, a good story for kids in the 8-14 range who like stories about magic and magical animals and traveling between worlds. ( )

My daughter was reading this, from her school library. The school year ended before she could finish, so I went to borrow from our public library. They didn't have it, so I got it from Inter-Library Loan (a whole state away!), and once she finished it, I read it.
It was a pretty fast read, for me. Took only two days. However, it was well written and very interesting--I'd like to read more in the series. ( )

Two strange girls find magic that could change their lives. They speak to awkward animals that they can hear, but other people can't. Rachel Roberts does a fantastic job with details. Details so good it will keep you reading. This book is recommended for ages 8 and up, also people who love fantasy. ( )

Three very different girls (one an animal-loving vet, one an outcast, and one a stereotypical popular girl) find themselves joined to save magical creatures from the dark forces that have taken over their world and forced them to flee into this world through a portal. Emily and Adriane quickly join forces to discover secrets and do what they can to help, but Kara needs a lot of convincing. Emily has to turn peacemaker between Adriane and Kara in order to get her to join them. ( )

Unique story with the depth of any other fantasy novel. ( )