Literary Merit: Poor
Characterization: Okay
Recommended: Not Recommended
Reading Level: High School

A group of meddling kids is up against a vast government conspiracy in an action-packed but confusing adventure. The geography of the three main locations explored in the book (the city of Manchester, an otherworldly prison, and a convention center) is important to the story, but is never sufficiently described or developed, leading to a frustrating reading experience – maps would have been a welcome addition. While main character Preston’s personality and motivations are clear and memorable, supporting characters are less relatable. Intriguing subplots come to disappointing and incomplete conclusions, and themes of injustice and human aggression aren’t dwelled upon long enough to get kids thinking. ( )