The Ascension

Starred review from May 1, 2011

Carroll heads back to the world he created for Super Human (2010) for a second adventure in teen-superhero territory.

After narrowly defeating the Helotry and Krodin, the ancient Fifth King, Roz Dalton, Lance McKendrick, Abigail de Luyando, Solomon Cord and James Klaus expect to return to their normal lives—or at least as normal as teen superheroes can manage. When a strange mist briefly envelops the world, though, the five teens find themselves in a new America, one ruled by Krodin and controlled by martial law overseen by the Helotry. With their memories of Krodin's viciousness and unnatural abilities intact, the teen team must find allies and attempt to defeat the Fifth King in a world he controls. The characters are much less absolute in their morality than in their first outing, making the narrative even more engaging. The teens struggle with the impact of their choices, and some of the former superheroes make appearances supporting the Helotry's ruthless policies. Lance's intelligence and quick wit are as strong as ever, while the reluctant Abigail comes more into her abilities. Futuristic technology integrates nicely with the superpowers for the climax.

One of those rare sequels that exceed the first. (Adventure. 10-14)

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

August 1, 2011

Gr 5-9-Kronin, apparently defeated at the end of Super Human (Philomel, 2010), returns at full strength, thanks to a clever twist involving time travel and alternate realities. This time, the arch villain is well on his way to conquering the world when the teenage heroes from the first book simultaneously jump into the picture. Their powers include super strength, telekinesis, and control of sound and air waves; and one has no powers but uses the art of persuasion with impressive results. The narrative jumps quickly from one hero to the next, so tracking the combination of multiple characters, parallel worlds, and frequent battle scenes may challenge readers, especially those unfamiliar with the first book. Plot threads become clearer as the story proceeds, though, and comic-book fans should enjoy the brisk pace and lively clashes. While their super abilities are their most interesting feature, the characters also struggle with personal and moral issues along the way, giving them distinct, if not complex, personalities. Kronin is an especially compelling villain, amoral rather than truly evil, almost indestructible and completely merciless. The appearance of a new figure named Daedalus triggers a couple of plot surprises, but ultimately feels anticlimactic when Kronin easily disposes of him. For the most part, though, the comic-book action progresses strongly throughout, leading to a clever finale that offers a satisfying triumph for the superhuman teens, yet still leaves room for Kronin to return in the future.-Steven Engelfried, Wilsonville Public Library, OR

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.