Jumping directly from the cliffhanger ending of The Clones (2002), the latest entry in Skurzynski’s post-apocalyptic series finds the genetically enhanced Corgan piloting a scavenged aircraft across a ravaged continent, fleeing from the uprising fomented by the psychopathic genius Brigand. He finds refuge in the Florida domed city with Ananda, who is training to replace Corgan as the Western Hemisphere’s champion. Corgan, at loose ends, starts studying with the aged scientific genius Thebos, learning of a secret spacecraft built before the Devastation. Suddenly Brigand (literally) crashes in, with Corgan’s beloved Sharla, plotting to spread his revolutionary rule. Should Corgan stand and fight? Or escape again—this time to the stars? Corgan finally shows some character development, becoming marginally less clueless and self-centered, although the secondary characters remain more appealing. The action piles on at a frenetic pace, almost distracting readers from the inexplicable appearance of one miraculous gizmo after another as the plot demands. Nothing will assuage their howls of frustration, however, as the book concludes on yet another cliffhanger. Purchase as interest in the series demands. (Science fiction. YA)
