Being a fantasy book, the plot was infused with fantasy elements such as the portal which served as a bridge between the magical world and the real world. The girls discovered this gateway while in the desert and when they got through it, it transported them to the Elemental Realm. Aside from the portal, Alexia and her friends came across some magical companions during their venture into the realm. These companions were elemental creatures such as the fire dragon and the water horse, keepers of the realm.

Chidambaram's description of the magical adventure experienced by the trio made it easier to imagine what it must have felt like to embark on one. Initially, the portal appeared just when they were in the hot desert. At first, the portal looked enchanting and promising, and at that moment, I (as a reader) could already imagine something better awaiting them when they entered. With the way the Elemental Realm was described, I could literally think of a maze-like world brewing with a series of adventures with the elemental creatures. However, what was supposed to feel magical was also dangerous when they met dangers such as a snake and also when they realized they were trapped.

The story is built on an emotional ground as it shares Alexia's bad experience with her foster parents. Being a young girl, I understood her feeling of wanting to be accepted and cared for, but the opposite was what she experienced and that made her flee. However, as time passed by, Alexia came to understand that home was more than just a building, it was being surrounded by people who appreciated and loved her, and such a home was found in the loving friends she made at the orphanage.

Lizzie and Sophie were also orphans and Alexia friends. They all understood each other since their bond was created due to their similar background and hardship. For Alexia, she saw her friends as an exchange for the family she lacked, and they all exhibited qualities such as loyalty, which became important when they were trapped in the realm. This quality helped them trust one another even when they were afraid.

Apart from being a fantasy book mixed with adventure, I appreciated how the book explored the themes of friendship, belonging, and love. Middle graders would love this book since Alexia, the main character, is also a young child like them. School libraries searching for books with themes mentioned above should also get this, and finally, readers of fantasy adventure books such as Alice's Adventures in Wonderland would love this.