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EVIL STAR by Anthony Horowitz

EVIL STAR

Book Two of the Gatekeepers

by Anthony Horowitz

Pub Date: June 1st, 2006
ISBN: 0-439-67996-6
Publisher: Scholastic

Matt Freeman, hero of Raven’s Gate (2005), returns for another supercharged adventure tale from a master of the trade. In this sequel, Matt leaves England, meets Pedro, the second of the gatekeepers, and attempts to prevent an evil ancient god from reaching earth through a gate in the Peruvian desert. Sustained suspense beginning in the prologue and doesn’t let up, providing for a compulsive read. Danger abounds for the two boys. Dead bodies line the paths they travel. Plenty of gore—gently described—place this in the Indiana Jones genre of adventure tale. Lots of cool details sustain interest; among them are the boys’ mystical mental powers, golden treasure hidden in the walls of Cusco and a visit to the lost city of the Incas. As in some plot-driven stories, stereotypes provide an easy shortcut. Horowitz, however, does reverse some roles—in this case, the Incans are the good guys. The climax, littered with dead heroes and villains alike, guarantees a suspenseful start for the next installment. Bring on gatekeeper number three—soon. (Fiction. YA)