After a disappointing start, the second installment of Anastasiu’s (Glitch, 2012) dystopian trilogy will be a welcome surprise to readers returning to find out what happens next to Zoe and members of the Resistance as they battle to free other glitchers and humans being used by Chancellor Bright in her merciless quest for power.
At the newly established Foundation, Zoe and Adrien join other glitchers to hone their individual skills and prepare for the battles ahead. Readers will enjoy not only looking on as Zoe learns to control her extraordinary telekinetic power, but also meeting the other students, each with their own individual gifts. Just as Zoe is coming into her own as a Resistance fighter, her relationship with Adrien grows increasingly complicated. Though their attraction for one another is undeniable and leads to more than a few steamy scenes, Adrien is tormented by disturbing visions of the future that cause him to pull away from Zoe, often at times when they need each other most. Frustrating as it may be, these complicating factors add a depth and urgency to their romance that will keep readers turning the pages.
Several unexpected twists, a compelling love story, high-stakes action and a stand-up heroine worth rooting for rescue this series from the dystopian abyss and make for an entertaining read. (Dystopian romance. 14 & up)
