Anita

Rating: 4.5

Another well-written book by Shusterman, filled with the angst and worries that any teenager would feel under the same circumstances.

We are reunited with new and old friends. In particular, I was saddened to see reference to someone from the novella between the first and second book. Yet, it was inevitable, as I doubt Shusterman would have stressed the importance of a particular part without it being brought back into the series.

There was a lot of character development in this book. With Connor, we see his turmoil at being responsible for all the kids who he wants to keep alive. His relationship with Risa is clearly strained, whether it be due to what happened at Happy Jacks or the burden of being the top dog at base. Lev is trying to grow up as well as he can, but it's difficult when his parents reject him and the ones he loves most are horrifically endangered with him. And Risa wants to help, but is limited in what she could do after losing usage of her legs.

Cam...where do I even...I'm sorry for how he came into existence, but I cannot fault him for wanting to make the most of what he now has. He didn't ask for life, and definitely not in the way it happened. Without the reality check from Risa, it would have been horrible to see him brainwashed by the Proactive Citizenry. I definitely look forward to seeing what impact he has in the series.

Overall, a great read. A dark read with a slight touch of realism.