HEAR

October 1, 2015
Hotheaded Kassandra is drawn into a web of lies and murders during a summer research program for teens with extrasensory perception. When Kassandra's latest act of vigilante justice goes wrong, she is sent to join her great-uncle Brian's university research program, where she discovers that she shares the family tendency for ESP. Working with four other similarly talented teens, Kass develops her abilities, but their studies are disrupted by a string of murders. Using a combination of vague psychic warnings and examinations of Uncle Brian's team's research activities, the group tries to prevent further calamities. This could all be very exciting, especially since the teens' developing ESP suggests potentially imminent threats. Unfortunately, however, the plot's momentum falters beneath the teens' fundamentally dull relationships. There isn't even enough character development to warrant much mourning when a group member dies. Efforts at enlivening things with attempted injections of attraction and jealousy also fall flat. In fact, when the half-baked romance between Kass and team member Punkaj is revealed to be love]through an awkward announcement from Uncle Brian, of all people]the whole situation just feels forced. Eventually the teens discover enemies in their midst, necessitating a sequel, a prospect that feels less than intriguing. A promising premise is scuttled by telling instead of showing. (Paranormal mystery. 14-18)

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November 1, 2015

Gr 9 Up-Kassandra Black, a teenager with a proclivity for vigilante justice, suddenly finds herself expelled from school. When her admission to Columbia University is also rescinded, Kass gets a second chance for college admissions at Henley University. However, there's one caveat; she must work in her great-uncle's H.E.A.R. (Henley Engineering Anomalies Research) lab to earn full admission to the university. What follows is a path of discovery that leads to Kass's realization and acceptance of her clairvoyance, romance, and murder in this sci-fi mystery. Epstein's novel is a clever integration of psychological references, teenage angst, and a good old-fashioned whodunit. Although the writing may feel didactic at times, the psychological and neuroscience references provide plausible explanations for the conduct and abilities of the H.E.A.R. group. The flawed characters, unlikely alliances, and fast plot twists makes this volume a page-turner that will have readers anticipating a sequel. VERDICT Recommended for older teens with an interest in science fiction and mystery.-Tamela Chambers, Chicago Public Schools

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2015
Grades 8-11 Brilliant, ferocious Kassandra Black finds herself at the summer Henley Engineering Anomalies Research (HEAR) program, run by her great-uncle, after she is expelled from high school and her Columbia acceptance is revoked. Kassandra's brand of vigilante justice may not be suitable for school, but she fits right in with the other members of the HEAR program: brilliant misfits with high levels of ESP. There's nonstop action and predictable characterization in this quick, cinematic read. Epstein's experience as a sitcom writer shows in the rapid, sparkly dialogue, and she offers a realistic depiction of college life, including house parties with too much liquor and accompanying disastrous results. Though formulaic (it's easy to see the romance coming) and sometimes glib, Epstein's story does touch on issues with real depth, such as how emotions change our ability to see and evaluate situations, and the question of ethical responsibility for those who can see into the future. A surprise and abrupt ending almost ensures there will be a sequel.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)