Killer Genes

Gr 5–7—In Killer Strangelets (Inside Pocket, 2011), a group of cousins first came together to save a kidnapped relative and the entire world from a mad scientist bent on world destruction. Now the intrepid teens find their peaceful camping excursion interrupted by shocking news: a killer virus is attacking select portions of the world's population, including several world leaders who have gathered nearby for a peace summit. While the President of the United States fights for his life, the ARCTIC6 fight to stop the virus before it's too late. Each book is told by a different member of the team, and Genes is narrated by Tara, the team's blogger. It's computer genius Renny's turn in Star. Recruited by a shady government agency, the members of ARCTIC6 must discover the true motives behind their mission or risk setting the cause of clean energy back decades. This book is not as strong as Genes; the story bogs down in the middle and the climax stretches the limits of even its own considerable suspension of disbelief, but it still provides excitement, escape, and entertainment. None of the characters stands out as being particularly unique in either title, each one filling a stock need and not much more. Still, the books offer action, adventure, and fun, in spite of the generally improbable plots.—Erik Knapp, Davis Library, Plano, TX