Inheritance

August 1, 2013
The second part of Lo's science-fiction duology picks up right where the first volume (Adaptation, 2012) ended. Reese and David nearly died in the June Disaster, until the Imrians saved them by adapting them with alien DNA so that they can hear thoughts and heal faster. Now the secret is out, but things aren't any clearer. Reese is with David, but she still has feelings for Imrian Amber; the teens escaped government imprisonment in Blue Base, but now, altered soldiers working for a shadowy behind-the-government agency have been spotted; on top of everything else, Reese and David are targeted by protesters for and against the alien "invasion." As in the first book, dialogue rings true, and the characters are appealing--even too-perfect David comes off as a bit more human. The alien and political machinations provide menace, a brisk page-turning plot and lots of fun. Sadly, it's not all science fiction: Didactic conversations betray an authorial message, and the love triangle turns into an unlikely polyamorous relationship, although these are minor blips in a generally satisfying, sometimes-thoughtful aliens-on-Earth story for today's teens. Start with Book 1, and prepare for a lot of pages, but there's plenty to keep readers engaged. (Science fiction. 13 & up)

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November 1, 2013

Gr 10 Up-Reese, David, and Amber first met in Adaptation(Little, Brown, 2012). After a car accident, mortally injured Reese and David are revived by an injection of alien DNA that has given the teens special abilities. They are kidnapped by brutal government forces and released after a video of their kidnapping is leaked to the public. Returned home, Reese and David are caught in a web of intrigue and lies as they try to discover who, if anyone, is telling the truth. The fate of the world seems to be at risk as the government, a secret faction of the government, and the aliens square off at the United Nations. Ever present is the failed romance between Reese and Amber; when Reese learned that her new girlfriend was an alien sent to observe her, she ended the relationship. In Inheritance, Reese finds herself having feelings for David. Another kidnap attempt forces Reese, David, and Amber to flee together. As the trio fend off G-men and alien hate groups and stand for the First Amendment, they grapple with bisexuality and monogamy. The book's main problem lies in becoming invested in a protagonist who reeks of stereotypical teen angst, and the plot's lack of credibility removes readers from any tenuous connection they may develop with secondary characters. They will marvel at how the unique story line can seem so cliched in this implausibly plotted sequel.-Cindy Wall, Southington Library & Museum, CT

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