Zeroes

May 25, 2015
Westerfeld (Afterworlds), Lanagan (Yellowcake), and Biancotti (Bad Power) weave a sprawling adventure about a group of superpowered teenagers who call themselves Zeroes. When one of their number, named Scam for his ability to tell people exactly what he needs them to hear, is detained after being in the wrong place at the wrong time, the others reunite after months apart, some less eager than others. Events quickly escalate, and soon half the group is in hiding, while the authorities and the mob hunt for them. The plot meanders, but the authors give their characters plenty of depth, skillfully blending human dilemmas with superhuman abilities. With the exception of Crash, who can bring down technology with a thought, these aren’t flashy, cinematic powers; subtle yet powerful, they largely revolve around coercion and manipulation. Mob and Bellweather can influence the emotions of crowds; Anonymous is nearly impossible to perceive or remember; and blind Flicker telepathically sees through the eyes of those around her. With action, romance, and thorny ethical questions, it’s a book with a little something for everyone. Ages 14–up. Agent: Jill Grinberg, Jill Grinberg Literary Management.

June 15, 2015
A sextet of mutant superhero teenagers just want to be safe in this weighty tome. Last summer, Ethan had so antagonized his fellow Zeroes that their friendship ended. Now his own carelessness has made him a material witness in a bank robbery, and only the Zeroes can rescue him. Ethan, you see, has a secret power: "the voice." The voice knows more than Ethan himself ever could and uses Ethan's mouth to tell people what they need to hear in order to get Ethan out of the frying pan-though there's often a nearby fire. The other Zeroes have equally strange abilities, including Nigerian-American Chizara's ability to crash the myriad technological gadgets that cause her chronic pain; rich, Latino Nate's "Glorious Leader" charisma; and blind, white Riley's (overdone and too-obvious) extraordinary vision. The teens undergo no particular quest; the story's driving force is the desire to escape drug-dealing mobsters. Given the fizz superhero teens could contribute to any narrative, this tome is oddly weighty in both tone and heft. These solidly characterized 16- and 17-year-olds all have younger siblings who seem quirky enough for sequel-bait; hopefully they won't become more noise in the already-crowded premise. In this series opener by three acclaimed authors, intriguing protagonists and cinematic powers will surely please adventure fans who don't mind an ensemble developed at the expense of the individual. (Science fiction. 13-15)

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Starred review from July 1, 2015

Gr 9 Up-This may not be the first tale of a group of crime-fighting teenagers with supernatural powers, but its talented writing team get points for creating some fresh and original superpowerd abilities. Scam has a seemingly omniscient inner voice, which can speak for him and get him out of trouble or, all too often, into it. Flicker is blind but can perceive what others see. Crash can take down any computer and finds the experience embarrassingly-and dangerously-enjoyable. Bellwether can control the energies of the group and unite them in a common purpose. And Anonymous-well, never mind, no one seems to remember anything about that guy. These five, plus one unpredictable new addition, make up the Zeroes, a team that split up due to infighting but get called back together to fight a baddie and come to terms with their talents and their place in the world. Told from six different points of view, the plot of this hefty tome slows down at times, but the effort taken to develop each character pays off. With two sequels planned, readers can look forward to spending more time with the Zeroes in the future. VERDICT For fans of superhero fiction looking for a character-driven tale and those who enjoy stellar writing.-Eliza Langhans, Hatfield Public Library, MA

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2015
Grades 8-11 Science fiction powerhouse writers Westerfeld, Lanagan, and Biancotti join forces to create a group of teen superheroes living in Cambria, California. Socially awkward misfits, the six protagonists have powers ranging from crowd control, the ability to crash computer systems, a voice that can talk anybody into anything, and more. Glorious Leader Nate uses his powers of persuasion to reunite the group after a disastrous rant by Ethan (code name Scam) in which he alienates every member. They succeed in rescuing Scam from police questioning and acquire a sixth member in the process. There is a comfortably predictable flow to the cinematic, nonstop action; the multiple and intersecting story lines; and the archetypal characters. These heroes see themselves as zeroes, but by the story's end, they have realized their powers are in fact valuable gifts, formed alliances and romances within the group, and seem poised for more adventures. It's a fat but quick read, with an abrupt ending that will leave fans ready for a sequel.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Westerfeld's name alone draws a crowd, following the success of his Uglies series, Leviathan series, and Afterworlds (2014). Add Printz Honor Book author Lanagan, Biancotti, and a major marketing campaign to the mix, and this collaboration will fly off the shelf.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)