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The Lands of Luxury #2
Welcome to the Lands of Luxury
A new world. A lost hope. A choice that will define him.
After his escape from the island of trash, Rodney faces unexpected challenges in the Lands of Luxury. Because of the scar on his face, he fears he doesn't belong in such a picture perfect world.
Things go awry when he meets a man named Mr. Ottenfox who offers him the opportunity to make his scar disappear forever. But Rodney soon discovers Ottenfox isn't someone he can trust.
How far is Rodney willing to go to make his scar disappear? Will he listen to his friends before there are dire consequences?
Welcome to the Lands of Luxury is the second book in this exciting series. Join Jane, Rodney, and Timothy as they face new robots, encounter strange creatures, and learn to do what's right, even in a world that values appearance over truth.
After his escape from the island of trash, Rodney faces unexpected challenges in the Lands of Luxury. Because of the scar on his face, he fears he doesn't belong in such a picture perfect world.
Things go awry when he meets a man named Mr. Ottenfox who offers him the opportunity to make his scar disappear forever. But Rodney soon discovers Ottenfox isn't someone he can trust.
How far is Rodney willing to go to make his scar disappear? Will he listen to his friends before there are dire consequences?
Welcome to the Lands of Luxury is the second book in this exciting series. Join Jane, Rodney, and Timothy as they face new robots, encounter strange creatures, and learn to do what's right, even in a world that values appearance over truth.
250 pages, Paperback
Published March 21, 2025
2 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 6, 2025
4.5 stars (rounded up to 5)
(The Lands of Luxury: book 2)
I had so much fun revisiting the Lands of Luxury! The unique setting, adventurous plot, and middle-grade characters are all so good!
This sequel focuses on Rodney (a prominent character from book 1: Please Return to the Lands of Luxury). Right from the first few pages, his personal struggles are clear - the imperfection of his scar, finding an adoption family, etc. He does make a lot of poor decisions, but I could see how everything points toward an overall message as he works toward healing.
Rodney's friends also have POVs, and Jane is still one of my favorite characters! Her life lessons through art are SO good! Her perspective connects well with Rodney's emotional journey too (a few scenes in particular definitely tore at my heart). And bookworm Timothy is great! I'm hoping he'll have more spotlight moments in the next book.
Now, the SETTING! This is also one of my favorite parts of the story. Vivid nature details are blended into the city and its buildings in so many ways. Reading this feels like stepping into a utopia, but aspects of the plot make it feel dystopian at the same time. Such a unique mix!
If you're interested in middle-grade adventure with strong character growth, colorful settings, and deeper themes (including adoption), this is definitely a series to explore!
*Content to note*
.....May contain minor spoilers.....
Scenes with animals that were genetically modified/blended by scientists. Characters battle predatory animal/minor buildup scene to predator attacking rabbit (attack not shown). Robots with lasers/character and objects zapped to ash (not graphic).
(The Lands of Luxury: book 2)
I had so much fun revisiting the Lands of Luxury! The unique setting, adventurous plot, and middle-grade characters are all so good!
This sequel focuses on Rodney (a prominent character from book 1: Please Return to the Lands of Luxury). Right from the first few pages, his personal struggles are clear - the imperfection of his scar, finding an adoption family, etc. He does make a lot of poor decisions, but I could see how everything points toward an overall message as he works toward healing.
Rodney's friends also have POVs, and Jane is still one of my favorite characters! Her life lessons through art are SO good! Her perspective connects well with Rodney's emotional journey too (a few scenes in particular definitely tore at my heart). And bookworm Timothy is great! I'm hoping he'll have more spotlight moments in the next book.
Now, the SETTING! This is also one of my favorite parts of the story. Vivid nature details are blended into the city and its buildings in so many ways. Reading this feels like stepping into a utopia, but aspects of the plot make it feel dystopian at the same time. Such a unique mix!
If you're interested in middle-grade adventure with strong character growth, colorful settings, and deeper themes (including adoption), this is definitely a series to explore!
*Content to note*
.....May contain minor spoilers.....
Scenes with animals that were genetically modified/blended by scientists. Characters battle predatory animal/minor buildup scene to predator attacking rabbit (attack not shown). Robots with lasers/character and objects zapped to ash (not graphic).
March 25, 2025
While nothing could be as good as the first book, this book got as close as it could. It was delightful to see Timothy, Rodney, and Jane again, all getting used to their new lives in the Lands of Luxury. The author does a brilliant job of showing a world very different than our own, but very easy to understand. It painted a vivid picture. Marc is probably one of my favorite characters for being such an unlikely hero type, but the most perfect dad ever.
I loved the book! My only complaint is that I have to wait to figure out what happens till the next book is released.
I loved the book! My only complaint is that I have to wait to figure out what happens till the next book is released.
August 4, 2025
I love this book so much!
In this sequel, Jane and the other "trash children" from Fultrasa have successfully migrated to one of the lands of luxury called Copiacia. Life gets even better when most of them are adopted by loving families. However, Rodney remains unadopted and unloved, and he's convinced it's because of his facial scar. That all changes when a mysterious man with immense wealth and power promises him the world, but are his intentions pure, or does he have other plans for Rodney and his friends?
It's rare that a sequel is as good as the first book in a series, but this was really great! I loved the lighthearted feel of this book even when things take a slightly darker turn. The chapters are nice and short, easy to blaze through for the younger reader or adult looking for a good read.
This book explores the land of Copiacia in more depth, and I really enjoyed learning more about this strange, exotic land.
Jane, Rodney, and Timothy are our main characters this time around and they each had some progression, Rodney's journey being the strongest in my opinion. Healing from trauma, learning how to trust others, and doing the right thing are all themes here, and I enjoyed every minute.
I loved the developments in each chapter and the fast pace of the story. It was really hard to put down, and I can't wait for the next one! Definitely one of my favorite reads from this year so far.
In this sequel, Jane and the other "trash children" from Fultrasa have successfully migrated to one of the lands of luxury called Copiacia. Life gets even better when most of them are adopted by loving families. However, Rodney remains unadopted and unloved, and he's convinced it's because of his facial scar. That all changes when a mysterious man with immense wealth and power promises him the world, but are his intentions pure, or does he have other plans for Rodney and his friends?
It's rare that a sequel is as good as the first book in a series, but this was really great! I loved the lighthearted feel of this book even when things take a slightly darker turn. The chapters are nice and short, easy to blaze through for the younger reader or adult looking for a good read.
This book explores the land of Copiacia in more depth, and I really enjoyed learning more about this strange, exotic land.
Jane, Rodney, and Timothy are our main characters this time around and they each had some progression, Rodney's journey being the strongest in my opinion. Healing from trauma, learning how to trust others, and doing the right thing are all themes here, and I enjoyed every minute.
I loved the developments in each chapter and the fast pace of the story. It was really hard to put down, and I can't wait for the next one! Definitely one of my favorite reads from this year so far.
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June 4, 2025Hmmm...not sure what to think of this yet. I think I'll need the next installment before I can decide. He sure seems to be telling a story about toxic empathy, but I'm not sure he knows that. The word is used only in a positive sense and held up as a virtue, but the bad guy uses a false empathy to manipulate one of the protagonists in a particularly nasty way. If the contrast was intentional, I wish he'd been as explicit on the negative side as he was on the positive. But there really hasn't been a place for that exposition yet, so maybe we'll see it in book three. Hence my impatience. At least it took me a couple of months to realize book two was out, so that'll cut down my wait time a bit. I'll just be over here drumming my fingers till then. In the meantime, I'll hold off on rating this one. I'm sure the author will be so desperate to know how many stars he gets from me that he'll speed up the publication process for the next one, right? 😉
April 5, 2025
After listening to and enjoying Please Return to The Lands of Luxury two years ago on Netgalley, I got on the Kickstarter for the sequel. And Welcome to the Lands of Luxury was another enjoyable and wholesome adventure with a fast paced plot full of interesting characters, an immersive setting, and important life lessons for all ages.
Taking place several months after the first book, this book focuses on Rodney, the only kid from Yarbrough Ridge who hasn’t been adopted from into a new home, believing it’s because of the scar on his cheek. While most of the plot revolves around Rodney, we get chapters following Timothy and Jane, both living with new families. Rodney’s impromptu adventure to the zoo turns into a life changing adventure that has him explore beauty, belonging, morality, and much more! The short chapters kept the pacing brisk, with a lot of chapters ending in cliffhangers. The plot twists were really fun as well!
I loved the expanded and vivid world building; we learn more about the Lands of Luxury and that it’s not as perfect as it looks on the outside. My intrigue was peaked with a more detailed look of these technological advancements.
Once again, Talon David delivers on the narration!
Can’t wait for more from this series and from Jon Tilton!
*I purchased my copy on Kickstarter.*
Taking place several months after the first book, this book focuses on Rodney, the only kid from Yarbrough Ridge who hasn’t been adopted from into a new home, believing it’s because of the scar on his cheek. While most of the plot revolves around Rodney, we get chapters following Timothy and Jane, both living with new families. Rodney’s impromptu adventure to the zoo turns into a life changing adventure that has him explore beauty, belonging, morality, and much more! The short chapters kept the pacing brisk, with a lot of chapters ending in cliffhangers. The plot twists were really fun as well!
I loved the expanded and vivid world building; we learn more about the Lands of Luxury and that it’s not as perfect as it looks on the outside. My intrigue was peaked with a more detailed look of these technological advancements.
Once again, Talon David delivers on the narration!
Can’t wait for more from this series and from Jon Tilton!
*I purchased my copy on Kickstarter.*
April 11, 2025
Great middle grade adventure with tons of tension!
This author is so skilled at building tension. The kids in this book make mistakes and the author lets those mistakes play out as the tension builds and builds and the reader wonders if anything will ever be right again! So well done and such a great way for kids to "live" through the ups and downs of life on the page without having to make those mistakes themselves. Great villain, wonderful kid heroes who find what it takes to be brave. This was just a great read!
This author is so skilled at building tension. The kids in this book make mistakes and the author lets those mistakes play out as the tension builds and builds and the reader wonders if anything will ever be right again! So well done and such a great way for kids to "live" through the ups and downs of life on the page without having to make those mistakes themselves. Great villain, wonderful kid heroes who find what it takes to be brave. This was just a great read!
May 14, 2025
An extraordinary portrait of what it means to be loved by others, despite our scars, as well as a timely, or perhaps timeless, case study on integrity and the bravery to tell the truth, even if it hurts. With absorbing dialogue and intrigue, brought to life with colorful creatures and vivid dystopian details, the infectiously likable, meek yet mighty characters will keep fans eagerly awaiting more.
October 19, 2025
I love this book! This story picks up about 5 months after the ending of the first book, and there’s a lot that has happened. I love seeing Rodney’s journey with his self esteem and body image. I love all of the good lessons that each character learns throughout the book. The power of friendship and choosing to see yourself as what you hope to be. These books feel like a Pixar movie and it’s enjoyable for all ages!
May 5, 2025
Another fantastic Lands of Luxury book to share with children! Great writing with solid character development. I loved the messages of confidence, friendship, and acting ethical throughout these pages. I look forward to the next book in the series. Highly recommend this book!
November 13, 2025
In all honesty, I didn't enjoy this one. The whole story centres around a man manipulating a young boy. I found it a really uncomfortable read.
The adult characters who could protect the boy, don't. He's alone and vulnerable.
Why Marc didn't twig that the horrid man would be manipulating Rodney when he'd manipulated him and Jane, I don't know?! It felt like a pretty big oversight.
I also think this story highlights that the first book should have been a standalone. It doesn't have the charm or interest that the first one had. And it started to both feel saccharin in places with all the discussions over empathy, and deeply uncomfortable with the manipulative man, so it wasn't enjoyable for me.
CW:
- Lang - who in the blazes-?, what in the trash heap?, dimwits, jerk, for crying out loud, good heavens
- a man manipulating a vulnerable child who has no one to protect him
- a man gets vapourised to ash
The adult characters who could protect the boy, don't. He's alone and vulnerable.
Why Marc didn't twig that the horrid man would be manipulating Rodney when he'd manipulated him and Jane, I don't know?! It felt like a pretty big oversight.
I also think this story highlights that the first book should have been a standalone. It doesn't have the charm or interest that the first one had. And it started to both feel saccharin in places with all the discussions over empathy, and deeply uncomfortable with the manipulative man, so it wasn't enjoyable for me.
CW:
- Lang - who in the blazes-?, what in the trash heap?, dimwits, jerk, for crying out loud, good heavens
- a man manipulating a vulnerable child who has no one to protect him
- a man gets vapourised to ash
May 24, 2025
Another wonderful, heart-warming adventure story by author, Jon Tilton!
Book 2 continues the story of three kids from Yarborough Ridge who now live in the Lands of Luxury. While Jane and Timothy are adjusting nicely to their new homes, Rodney is discouraged as he waits to be adopted, sure that his appearance is to blame for his being left behind.
This sequel mainly focuses on Rodney and his quest to rid himself of his unsightly scar but engages the other two main characters, developing them to deeper levels which help the reader like them all the more. We're also introduced to new characters, robots, a villain, and some very interesting zoo creatures.
The author's vivid descriptions bring to life all that the characters see and feel. I especially enjoyed Rodney's food experiences. I could almost taste the mouth-watering flavors and feel each unique texture so masterfully communicated in the restaurant scene.
This adventure is a fun, exciting page-turner, and the moral dilemma is one that is relatable to all ages, making it a book for everyone.
Book 2 continues the story of three kids from Yarborough Ridge who now live in the Lands of Luxury. While Jane and Timothy are adjusting nicely to their new homes, Rodney is discouraged as he waits to be adopted, sure that his appearance is to blame for his being left behind.
This sequel mainly focuses on Rodney and his quest to rid himself of his unsightly scar but engages the other two main characters, developing them to deeper levels which help the reader like them all the more. We're also introduced to new characters, robots, a villain, and some very interesting zoo creatures.
The author's vivid descriptions bring to life all that the characters see and feel. I especially enjoyed Rodney's food experiences. I could almost taste the mouth-watering flavors and feel each unique texture so masterfully communicated in the restaurant scene.
This adventure is a fun, exciting page-turner, and the moral dilemma is one that is relatable to all ages, making it a book for everyone.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews