Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

When the magical rainforest of Caldera is threatened by a terrible evil, four young animal friends must overcome their differences to save the rainforest from destruction.Mez, a young, orphaned panther is called to leave her home and join other animals born during the solar eclipse to fight the rising Ant Queen. But even if what the mysterious boa constrictor says is true—that she is one of the shadowwalkers, those born with magical ability—what difference can one young panther with a mottled coat make? During her journey to the Ziggurat of the Sun and the Moon, she is joined by Lima, a bat with healing powers; Rumi, a tree frog who can control the wind; and Gogi, a capuchin monkey with the power of fire. Even though she fears she is ungifted, Mez chooses to fight anyway. But the Ant Queen is not the only foe they must face. The rainforest is full of danger, betrayal, and long-held grudges. While the story is pure fast-paced fantasy, the underlying issues are real. Ignorance among the species, racism, and intolerance of differences are rampant. An author's note highlights the beauty and importance of the rainforest.Magic with depth in this new series stunner. (Fantasy. 9-12)

ALA Booklist (Wed Nov 01 00:00:00 CDT 2017)

Deep within a tropical rain forest, Mez, a panther cub, possesses the odd ability to be alert during the day, when other nocturnal creatures are sent into a deep, magically induced sleep. One afternoon, she ventures from her den and is approached by Auriel, a boa constrictor and fellow "nightwalker," who reveals the incredible reason for their unnatural wakefulness. They were both born beneath an eclipse, which allows them to move freely during the day and night and has granted them a magical power. Auriel has been scouring the forest for eclipse-born, whose powers might prevent the legendary, cruel Ant Queen from escaping her enchanted imprisonment. Astonished by this news, Mez follows Auriel, not only to discover her magical talent and help suppress the queen, but also to prove herself to her family. This action-forward animal fantasy tends toward quirky stock characters within Mez's oddball friend group ch of whom will get their own book in this new series t most kids will find them funny or endearing. Give to readers up for a journey or enchanted adventure.

Horn Book

Panther Mez discovers she is a "shadowwalker," gifted with hidden magic. Boa constrictor Auriel asks Mez to join other "eclipse-born" and prevent the evil Ant Queen's return. Mez befriends some fellow recruits but soon discovers Auriel's ulterior motives. While the plot drags, the story's engaging friendships, action, and suspense may garner fans for this new animal-fantasy series. Includes a Q&A about Schrefer's research in the Amazon.

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

When the magical rainforest of Caldera is threatened by a terrible evil, four young animal friends must overcome their differences to save the rainforest from destruction.Mez, a young, orphaned panther is called to leave her home and join other animals born during the solar eclipse to fight the rising Ant Queen. But even if what the mysterious boa constrictor says is true—that she is one of the shadowwalkers, those born with magical ability—what difference can one young panther with a mottled coat make? During her journey to the Ziggurat of the Sun and the Moon, she is joined by Lima, a bat with healing powers; Rumi, a tree frog who can control the wind; and Gogi, a capuchin monkey with the power of fire. Even though she fears she is ungifted, Mez chooses to fight anyway. But the Ant Queen is not the only foe they must face. The rainforest is full of danger, betrayal, and long-held grudges. While the story is pure fast-paced fantasy, the underlying issues are real. Ignorance among the species, racism, and intolerance of differences are rampant. An author's note highlights the beauty and importance of the rainforest.Magic with depth in this new series stunner. (Fantasy. 9-12)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

In a captivating fantasy set in the mythical rainforest of Caldera, magic-imbued creatures come together to save their home. Advised by a knowledgeable boa constrictor, a calico panther named Mez joins other -eclipse-born- creatures, which include a tree frog, bat, kinkajou, and capuchin monkey. Unlike more typical members of their kind, they are able to -cross the Veil- and remain active at both day and night; together, they seek to prevent the dreaded Ant Queen from escaping her prison and once again conquering the land. This unusual alliance of -shadowwalkers- hopes to achieve their goal by traveling to an ancient ziggurat, discovering their individual magical powers, and learning how to imprison the Ant Queen. With a memorable, quick-bantering cast, this kickoff to the Lost Rainforest series, a playful departure from Schrefer-s ape novels, brings fresh perspective to the magical animal subgenre. And, despite the fantasy setup, readers will come away learning quite a bit about this ecosystem and its inhabitants. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8-12. Author-s agent: Richard Pine, Inkwell Management. (Jan.)