Starred Review Gillian Seagret's dad is obsessed with Dr. Underberg, a Cold War scientist specializing in technologies for surviving a postapocalyptic world, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances. After losing his job as a history professor, her dad is now fixated on solving many of the mysteries of Dr. Underberg and his inventions. What happened to the plans for the 100-year battery? Did he ever make a prototype survival suit? And where is he, anyway? Meanwhile, Gillian is fixated on proving that her dad isn't a paranoid nut. Her skeptical brother and popularity-obsessed BFF don't help her efforts, but when she discovers that her dad's new lady friend is in possession of stolen files and may be after the same answers, only for different reasons, Gillian knows she is onto something major. Enlisting space-savant Howard and his brother, Nate, the kids solve the puzzles left by Dr. Underberg and find themselves deep underground in Omega City t even deeper in trouble. With seamless writing, a thrilling plot, lots of engaging science puzzles, and remarkable characterization, Peterfreund's exciting tale keeps the adventure solidly in the foreground. Young readers looking for a page-turning quest should get into this planned series on the ground floor.

Gr 4-7 Omega City narrowly avoids being a cliché among adventure books for the preteen set. It has a clueless professor dad, a villain so obvious that kids will spot her the moment her four-inch heels click onto the scene, preternaturally intelligent kids, and a secret that could save civilizationif the heroes can get to it first. But Peterfreund packs the novel with so much suspense, history, and science, readers can't help but overlook the traps of the genre and get enthralled in the story. A group of kidsGillian; her younger brother (by 11 months) Eric; their friend Savannah; space savant Howard; and Howard's older brother Natefind themselves in a race to discover an invention that could change the world. Their search leads them to an underground city built during the height of the Cold War. There the young heroes are chased and put into life-threatening situations by the villain and her henchmen. The plotting is fast paced and exciting. Readerslike Gillian and her friendswill hardly have time to catch their breath before each new twist and turn. VERDICT Peterfreund mixes science and history in a way that may appeal to nonfiction readers as well as to action fans. Marie Drucker, Malverne Public Library, NY

Gillian Seagret's life has come upon hard times. Her dad's conspiracy theories and his unfinished and sabotaged book about the inventions of Dr. Underberg (a Cold Warûera rocket scientist) have cost him his marriage, his job, and Gillian's comfortable, happy family. When working to clear her father's name, she discovers a page from Dr. Underberg's missing diary. Working with her friends, they soon decipher the location of the door to a hidden city. Hot on their heels and shooting at them are some mysterious strangers, who are soon joined by Gillian's father's new girlfriend. Once in the city, Gillian and her friends are in a race to discover Dr. Underberg's secrets and the bad guys are trying to get those secrets for themselves. What they find in the city could restore her father's reputation, if they can survive.Omega City is a treat. Conspiracy theories, mysterious fires, lost diaries, suspicious grown-ups, pesky younger brothers, and a loyal and supportive group of friends, including the cute pizza delivery guy, fill the story.áWhile comparisons to the movie The Goonies are inevitable, this title certainly stands on its own. It is an exciting read, hard to put down, and just plain fun. Some plot points are not expanded on, some characters' motivations are not explained, and clearly, readers will have to suspend disbelief. While solidly a middle school title, this may appeal to junior high students who want to escape into some fun. This is a first in a series.Sharon Martin.