September 15, 2015
Teenagers who test positive for a gene linked to violence must go through a government program before being allowed back into society. Halfway through his stay in a facility for psychological testing on teenagers with a mutation of the "warrior gene," Lucas is barely holding on. His only advantages are roommate Chris, who has become a loyal friend, and Lucas' inside information about the tests. The price of that information was too high: Lucas' older brother survived the program only to kill himself once released. Suddenly, Lucas' cohort is being moved out of the facility weeks early. The van ride to the next phase of the program is disrupted by a blizzard and by strategically downed trees in the road. When tragedy strikes, Lucas and Chris meet up with a small rescue party and-due to a surprising (and implausible) connection-the boys agree to return to the facility to complete the rescue and smuggle information about the true impact of the program to someone who might be able to stop it. Once back in the building, the boys must contend with their brutal guards, power outages, and chaos in a buildup to an anticlimactic climax and a tidy, glossed-over epilogue. Lucas and Chris' natural and appealing friendship can't overcome other characters' illogical motivations and decisions. A promising premise and strong start are squandered by sloppy plotting. (Science fiction. 12-16)
COPYRIGHT(2015) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
August 1, 2015
Gr 9 Up-Seventeen-year-old Lucas tests positive for the violent gene, just like his brother. He is sent to a rehabilitation center, where the goal of those in charge is to push his limits to see if he will become violent. His saving grace are memories of his brother's stories on how to survive and a roommate, Chris. Throughout, he is constantly challenged by his deep anger about his brother's death and his hatred of the center and all it stands for. This fast-paced, not-so-distant dystopian futuristic tale will appeal to teen readers. Reminiscent of Pete Hautman's Rash (S. & S., 2006), this title will appeal to teens because of its dialogue, relentless pace, and the choices Lucas makes as the story unfolds. Readers who enjoy strong male characters, like Tucker in D.J. Machale's Sylo (Penguin, 2013), should also read this novel. The action is constant and the settings believable. Some scenes are brutal and bloody but appropriate for most young teens. VERDICT A must-have for libraries seeking dystopian futures packed with action, violence, and moral dilemmas.-Cathleen Ash, Manor High School Library, TX
Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.