DEFECTOR

Tessa is a Variant, a human who can absorb someone else’s DNA and become that person. This makes her the perfect spy, as readers found out in Imposter (2013).

Tessa has grown since her first mission—she’s more confident about who she is and her special skill. She’s sure she can handle her next mission, but everything goes horribly wrong. Her cover is blown, and Abel’s Army, a band of Variants who are determined to overthrow the government, tries to kidnap her. Worse, her best friend is missing; was Holly kidnapped, or did she just run away? Suddenly, Tessa is not sure of what she knows or whom she can trust. Everyone has lied to her, manipulated her. Everyone is always watching her. By accident, she finds out why: Abel of Abel’s Army and she have a remarkable connection. She can’t stay locked away at headquarters any longer. She needs to find out the truth about her past, rescue Holly and learn exactly who she herself is, with only Devon, her “brother” from her first mission, as companion. This novel picks up the threads left dangling at the end of its predecessor almost immediately, conspicuously maintaining its shadowy and mysterious tone. Clichéd dialogue and plenty of telling, not showing, characterize the narrative.

Just another on an already crowded shelf