Overpowered

August 26, 2013
When Nica Ashley's mother travels to Antarctica for work, Nica is sent to live with her estranged father in the small town of Barrington, Colo., a far cry from the lively overseas locations she's used to, like Bangkok. Barrington is a Stepford community, with a nightly curfew, private security everywhere, and disconcertingly friendly residents. Nica's travels have helped her hone her observation skills, and she soon discovers the town's bizarre secret: nearby Barrington Tech is conducting strange experiments, which somehow imbue Nica and several other teens with superpowers. Forming an unlikely alliance with a peppy cheerleader named Maya, geeky Oliver, and rebellious love interest Jackson, Nica sets out to get to the heart of a mystery that started before she was born, while aware that Bar Tech is ruthlessly hunting those with powers. Though Nica's voice is at times stiff, screenwriter Kruger brings big-screen sensibilities to his debut novel. Comic book tropes, conspiracy theories, intrigue, and romance all come together, fleshed out with memorable characters. Ages 12âup. Agent: Margaret Riley, William Morris Endeavor.