FALLS THE SHADOW

Clones are being created for war; one girl battles back in this dystopian-thriller debut.

It’s been four years since Catelyn Benson’s older sister, Violet, got sick, died and was replaced with a clone that was kept ready and waiting for just this type of situation. But cloning is not without its opponents, most notably the Clone Control Advocacy. They have Cate’s family in their sights, due to the political prominence of Cate’s dad, the mayor, and the apparent instability of New-Violet. When New-Violet becomes the primary suspect in a murder and Cate is questioned by the CCA, Cate discovers alarming secrets concerning both the CCA and Huxley, the company that creates and maintains clones. For starters, Huxley is preparing clones to wipe out their “origins,” or original bodies. Not sure whom to trust—including her own sister or Jaxon, her cute classmate who also happens to be the son of the CCA’s president—Cate tries to outrun and outfight every opponent. Although the story is formulaic, with a kick-ass heroine, nonstop action, a tentative romance and plenty of moral dilemmas, the teen’s first-person narration remains solid, and the murder-mystery presents enough twists to keep readers engaged. The most intriguing aspect of the story, however, is Cate and Violet’s unusual and evolving relationship. A complete ending nevertheless leaves room for a sequel.

For die-hard fans of Divergent and The Hunger Games looking for the next read-alike.