Villains Rising

August 1, 2013
Fugitive young superheroes and former supervillains inch toward an uneasy bond following the opener's climactic disaster (The Cloak Society, 2012). Huddling in a secret hideout, former dastard-in-training Alex and his motley group of junior Rangers of Justice allies work toward rescuing the adult members of the Rangers, who have been trapped in the other dimensional Gloom by the shadowy Cloak Society to which Alex's villainous parents belong. That work is hindered by Alex's nagging fears (justified, as it turns out) that not all of his teen and preteen associates are on the up and up. To a cast already well stocked with costumed good and bad guys wielding flashy superpowers and high-tech gear, Kraatz adds new characters endowed with prehensile hair and the ability to control insects. But this episode lags. Though he also trots in a trio of fiendishly clever assassins to provide the episode with a few stylized, indecisive fight scenes and real, or seeming, betrayals, not only does the overarching plotline barely budge, but Alex's continual doubts and frets make for glacial pacing and much waiting around for the action to start. Loyalty issues fuel an emotionally turbulent but slow-moving middle volume. (Fantasy. 11-13)

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February 1, 2014

Gr 5-8-The battle for control over Sterling City has ended and the evil Cloak Society has won. Most of the good-guy Rangers of Justice have been trapped in the Gloom, an alternate dimension. The City's only remaining super-powered protectors are seven teenagers: three young Rangers and four former Cloak members who traded villany for heroism. Struggling to regroup, the teens must learn to work together despite their past differences and rescue the trapped Rangers. Adding to the group's trust issues are two new superpowered teens who want to join the team but whose true motives are suspect. Kraatz does a good job keeping readers guessing who may betray the heroes. Favorite characters from the first book return including telekinetic Alex, shape-shifter Kirbie, and tech genius Gabe. Kraatz continues to please readers who love comic book action with high-tech gadgets, fierce battles, and characters boasting an inventive arsenal of super abilities. Fans of the first installment will enjoy the continuing adventure and eagerly await the next in the series.-Marybeth Kozikowski, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NY

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