Violet Eyes

January 1, 2001
Despite Luiken's intriguing premise, she leaves too many unanswered questions to completely pull off this science fiction story. Angel Eastland, a feisty 17-year-old, knows something is going on in the town of Chinchaga. After she meets Mike, who shares her violet eyes and quick brain, she eventually realizes that they are somehow linked, and teams up with him to discover the truth about her town. Though the mystery is slow to unfold, Luiken drops well-placed hints ("Did you know him Before?... Or should I say After? Get it?" Angel's friend asks her after they meet Mike). Actually, the year is 2098, and Angel and Mike are among a few surviving genetically improved children born under the secret government project, Renaissance. (Another clever touch: the names of the Renaissance babies connect .) Chinchaga is an elaborate Historical Immersion class made to resemble life in 1987, and Angel and Mike seem to be the only two who have never seen life outside. They decide to escape, but the project leader, Dr. Frank, is just as determined to stop them. Unfortunately, Luiken uses clunky psychoanalysis to clarify some mysteries, such as the reason behind Dr. Frank's cruelty (he was jealous of his handsome younger brother), and never fully explains others. The Historical Immersion class seems too complicated to be believed, and, despite many suspenseful moments along the way, Luiken's novel does not quite succeed in transporting readers back to the future. Ages 12-up. (Jan).