Burn

March 15, 2015
Extinction and survival are a zero-sum game in the conclusion to the alien-invasion plot started in Scan (2014).The action picks up immediately. Tate and Christina are on the run from the H2 alien leadership, who have stolen the scanner that tells whether someone's human or H2, invented by Tate's dead father. They regroup, following clues left by Tate's father to a second lab, where they're joined by Leo who, like Tate, is the last member of one of The Fifty families known to be pure human. H2s draw the three out of hiding by threatening Christina's family-while saving them, the trio's caught. The H2 are desperate to access Tate's father's lab. When the natural enemies overcome their mutual distrust and hatred to exchange intelligence, they put together a terrifying puzzle-the parasitic, body-snatching beings who chased the H2 off of their own planet have arrived on Earth. Unless humans and H2 can figure out how to use Tate's father's plans and technology to defend Earth, both species face extinction. The pacing is tight and tense throughout, and the writing is always cinematic, whether describing action sequences or calm conversations. Unlikely alliances and paranoia about who's been compromised will keep readers guessing as Tate races against the clock to unravel his father's secrets, resulting in a conclusion that satisfies both the plot and the father-son themes. A cover-to-cover thrill ride. (Science fiction. 13 & up)

April 1, 2015

Gr 7 Up-This fast-paced adventure picks up where the suspenseful Scan (Putnam, 2014) left off. Tate is on the run from the Core, a group of H2 alien agents who killed his father in order to obtain the scanner. This alien device is the only way to differentiate between humans and H2 and may also be the key to human and H2 survival. With the help of his mother, his H2 girlfriend, and a few new friends found along the way, Tate must build unlikely alliances to save the world from an unexpected alien threat. By following the handful of clues left by his father, Tate faces his own doubts while racing to unravel the mysteries in time to thwart the imminent aggressive alien invasion. Jury and Fine artfully craft characters that are complex, flawed, and human-even the aliens. The line between friend and enemy is blurred as Tate struggles to decide whom he can trust. Tate, as well as many of the human and H2 characters, is forced to restructure his mindset in light of the looming threat of the colonization of Earth. The intricate puzzles layered throughout the story make this book genuinely satisfying. With secret lairs, double agents, clever technology, and massive explosions, it is impossible not to be caught up in this thrilling and intense escapade. VERDICT This sequel is just as enjoyable as the first book and is a great recommendation for even the most reluctant reader.-Paige Rowse, Syosset High School, NY

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2015
Grades 9-12 The H2 aliens are the least of Tate's problems in this action-heavy conclusion to Scan (2014). When mysterious attackers start killing both humans and H2, everyone is a suspect, and Tate's only chance for survival is collaborating with his father's assassin. The relentless fighting occasionally feels repetitive, but Tate breaks up the pace by delivering classic action-hero bravado and high-tech wizardry to stay alive, as well as introspective moments of regret over his impetuousness and unresolved relationship with his father. Though less inspired than its predecessor, this sci-fi mystery offers a satisfying conclusion to a fun and very wild ride.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)