DiTerlizzi is the master of the modern fairy tale. The Search for WondLa opens up in an underground Sanctuary, and we meet Eva Nine--a human being--and her robot caretaker, Muthr (aka, Multi-Utility Task Helper Robot). Eva has never seen the outside world, has only prepared for the day when she may leave the Sanctuary. But an attack on their little home leaves Eva scrambling to the surface, leaving Muthr behind, and exposing herself to a world for which she was unprepared. 
 While it's in a fairy tale format, with fantastic creatures and a journey for self-discovery, it's set in a futuristic society. I love a good futuristic society, and this one has it. Eva learns of no other humans on this world, feeding her desire to learn more about her people. She befriends Rovender (coolest name ever) and Otto, two being so unlike her, but they travel together toward a common goal. 
 As a bonus, the illustrations throughout are beautiful. They add a little something extra to the story, helping to future the mental image of this unknown world. There are also spots where, if you had a webcam, you can pull up a 3D map of Eva's world. I, unfortunately, live in the dark ages and don't have a webcam. But the concept is really cool. 
 I knew this was a series, but still through everything would be happy & resolved at the end. I wasn't sure if I'd continue onto the next book. But then there's this crazy cliffhanger thrown at you, and the debate over whether to read book two was resolved for me. Of course, now I'm left impatiently waiting for it.