Lacks the dramatic pizazz expected from a science-fiction thriller
Violations of time-traveling laws in the year 2123 threaten Ryan and Eden’s relationship.
Their story began in After Eden (2013), when Ryan time traveled back from 2123 to 2012 to complete a mission to save the human race. Success required enlisting the cooperation of 16-year-old Eden, whose knowledge of the future later made her a target of a “clean up” assassin from 2123. This sequel begins as Ryan frantically—and illegally—returns to 2012 to save her. But when the future officials realize what’s happened, they send another operative back to 2012 to retrieve the pair. Upon arriving back in 2123, Ryan is imprisoned and eventually sentenced to life in a lunar mining camp for illegal time travel. But Eden soon becomes something of a local celebrity, enjoying parties and outings with Ryan’s school friends, which readers may feel is disappointingly like life in 2012. This socializing undermines the sense of desperation she claims to feel about Ryan’s fate. In fact none of the characters—including Ryan’s friends and family—seem inclined to do much beyond accepting his fate and moving forward with their lives. Unfortunately, the dull characters and social interludes slow the novel’s pace. Eventually Eden rallies, concocting some escape plans that seem fairly simplistic considering the security technology readers would expect to be available in 2123. Interestingly, Eden and Ryan were depicted as white teens on the cover of After Eden, but this sequel depicts Eden as ethnically ambiguous and with dark hair rather than the red the text describes.
Lacks the dramatic pizazz expected from a science-fiction thriller . (Science fiction. 12-18)Pub Date: July 19, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-61963-410-7
Page Count: 352
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: April 12, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2016
BOOK REVIEW
An ode to the children of migrants who have been taken away.
A Mexican American boy takes on heavy responsibilities when his family is torn apart.
Mateo’s life is turned upside down the day U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents show up unsuccessfully seeking his Pa at his New York City bodega. The Garcias live in fear until the day both parents are picked up; his Pa is taken to jail and his Ma to a detention center. The adults around Mateo offer support to him and his 7-year-old sister, Sophie, however, he knows he is now responsible for caring for her and the bodega as well as trying to survive junior year—that is, if he wants to fulfill his dream to enter the drama program at the Tisch School of the Arts and become an actor. Mateo’s relationships with his friends Kimmie and Adam (a potential love interest) also suffer repercussions as he keeps his situation a secret. Kimmie is half Korean (her other half is unspecified) and Adam is Italian American; Mateo feels disconnected from them, less American, and with worries they can’t understand. He talks himself out of choosing a safer course of action, a decision that deepens the story. Mateo’s self-awareness and inner monologue at times make him seem older than 16, and, with significant turmoil in the main plot, some side elements feel underdeveloped. Aleman’s narrative joins the ranks of heart-wrenching stories of migrant families who have been separated.
An ode to the children of migrants who have been taken away. (Fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: May 4, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-7595-5605-8
Page Count: 400
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Feb. 22, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A contemporary hero’s journey, brilliantly told.
The 17-year-old son of a troubled rock star is determined to find his own way in life and love.
On the verge of adulthood, Blade Morrison wants to leave his father’s bad-boy reputation for drug-and-alcohol–induced antics and his sister’s edgy lifestyle behind. The death of his mother 10 years ago left them all without an anchor. Named for the black superhero, Blade shares his family’s connection to music but resents the paparazzi that prevent him from having an open relationship with the girl that he loves. However, there is one secret even Blade is unaware of, and when his sister reveals the truth of his heritage during a bitter fight, Blade is stunned. When he finally gains some measure of equilibrium, he decides to investigate, embarking on a search that will lead him to a small, remote village in Ghana. Along the way, he meets people with a sense of purpose, especially Joy, a young Ghanaian who helps him despite her suspicions of Americans. This rich novel in verse is full of the music that forms its core. In addition to Alexander and co-author Hess’ skilled use of language, references to classic rock songs abound. Secondary characters add texture to the story: does his girlfriend have real feelings for Blade? Is there more to his father than his inability to stay clean and sober? At the center is Blade, fully realized and achingly real in his pain and confusion.
A contemporary hero’s journey, brilliantly told. (Verse fiction. 14-adult)Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-310-76183-9
Page Count: 464
Publisher: Blink
Review Posted Online: April 30, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2017
PERSPECTIVES
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