SILVERWOOD

A time-traveling, portal-jumping sci-fi with multiple narrative perspectives.

The flap claims Helen Silverwood, a 14-year-old with a knack for hacking, is the protagonist of this tale, but her father, Gabriel, her mother, Kate, and various others share narrative space. After a bumpy start with clunky descriptions, readers learn that both Silverwood parents are ex-agents—people who protect the general population from the Tromindox, age-old predators of humans. Before the book’s action begins, a fallout with the Council (which controls the agents) landed Gabriel in prison, and Kate fled with Helen and son Henry to another time. Kate scrapes by bounty hunting Tromindox, but both Helen and Henry—unaware of the circumstances that necessitate their constant moves—are frustrated. When a disgruntled Council member allies with the Tromindox, both Silverwood children—who have special gifts: Helen can heal the humans on which Tromindox prey, and Henry can draw the future—are in danger. All the Silverwoods end up in an old ghost town where they discover an evil Tromindox plot. The third-person narration sometimes feels awkward, though the multiple points of view keep the pace moving. Additionally, some characters (Henry in particular) can feel inauthentic at times.

Nevertheless, Streeter’s world is interesting and has potential; here’s hoping the writing will improve as the series continues.