Conspiracies abound in this tension-filled series starter from a master of many genres, catching two teens up in the secretive Knights of Themis’ plot to dominate the world and casting them into a maelstrom of danger.
Em (short for Edward Michael) Goverton is being hunted by a man with a gun whom he spotted at the funeral of his father, a noted expert on Nostradamus, and again on a sightseeing jaunt in Paris. Back from France and still being hunted, he meets I Ching devotee Victor, who rescues him and teaches him about both the Knights and his employer, the supersecret agency Section 7, which has tracked the Knights for over 50 years. The ensuing mayhem—tightly narrated, with cliffhangers, red herrings and a deliciously complex wheels-within-wheels conspiracy—is spellbinding. The final chapters and outstanding ending must be read in one sitting. Thoroughly believable, Em is suitably fearful about the chaos but is decisive when tough choices are needed. His friend Charlotte is smart, funny and helpful. This well-constructed thriller will appeal to all fans of suspense.
Middle schoolers—male and female—will enjoy this novel and hope en masse the next book comes soon. (Adventure. 11-14)
