Everworld is a wonderful place for adventures, another one of author Applegate's remarkable imaginative creations. In Land of Loss, the narrative clarifies some of the background of the four youngsters: Christopher, David, April, and Jalil. They are from Chicago, and the lake where they were pulled into Everworld is Lake Michigan. One of the special complications in their adventures is that they are simultaneously living in both Chicago and Everworld.

Whenever they fall asleep in Everworld, they merge with themselves on earth, and their memories mingle. At home, they are living their ordinary lives while their Everworld selves are struggling to stay alive.

When they merge, they take advantage of the possibilities living lives on two different worlds at the same time offers: On earth, they research the cultures they have encountered in Everworld and try to find answers to questions they have about how to survive in...