Gr 3-7 In the second book in the "Elements of Genius" series, Nikki Tesla and her classmates from the Genius Academy are sent to the Galapagos Islands. Their task is to find a ring that allows its wearer to shape-shift; what science calls "cellular realignment." The ring is also a lethal weapon that a criminal mastermind can sell to the highest bidder. During their adventures, Nikki manages to find her father who has been presumed dead for seven years. She must decide if he is the terrible person she believed him to be, or a loving father who acted in her best interest all along. The Galapagos setting could have been more important, but in the end it is just an island where the story takes place. Nikki's reluctance to trust her father is a constant source of conflict, as is the need to capture the bad guy's technology. The plot is definitely action-driven, and sometimes the action moves so fast that it might confuse readers who take breaks during their reading. Nikki's reunion with her father opens new opportunities for future installments. VERDICT While not as strong as the first in the series, this adventure will please young fans of science fiction. Purchase if Nikki Tesla has proven popular with patrons.Julie Overpeck, Gardner Park Elementary School, Gastonia, NC