Kirkus Reviews QR Code
SHATTER CITY by Scott Westerfeld

SHATTER CITY

From the Impostors-Westerfeld series, volume 2

by Scott Westerfeld

Pub Date: Sept. 17th, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-338-15041-4
Publisher: Scholastic

Frey will do anything to find her twin sister as their father works to conquer more unsuspecting cities.

After once again assuming the role of her sister, Rafi, Frey toils in her father’s tower, easily fooling him and playing up the drama of her engagement to Col Palafox for the feeds. But she’s a prisoner; both she and Col wear bomb collars that will explode if they attempt escape. Meanwhile, Rafi has taken on the mantle of Frey, working with rebels in the wild who are demanding their father’s punishment. But their father has plans: He’s set his focus on the destruction of the city of Paz, the last place Rafi was seen. But once Frey and Col set out on their mission, it becomes clear that Rafi doesn’t want to be found. Even so, Frey will do anything to locate her, though she’ll have to confront the fact that maybe she doesn’t know her sister at all, and she certainly doesn’t know herself. Propelled by intricate worldbuilding and heart-pounding action, there’s never a dull moment. Frey’s journey to self-discovery takes the forefront, and it’s hard-won, thoughtful, and complex. Readers will jones for the next installment, eager to witness their heroine take on more thrilling adventures. As before, race is not defined in this European-inflected fantasy world. A nonbinary character has a larger presence in this book.

Page-turning action made even more engrossing by a rare emotional core.

(Science fiction. 12-18)