Ravage

November 1, 2012
The Deviants trilogy concludes (or does it?) with a slamfest of action. Former dork Emily learned that she was a werewolf in series opener Vesper (2011). In Havoc (2012), she learned how she and her fellow pack members became werewolves. This time, she learns why. She still feels guilty about killing and tries not to kill even when battling dozens of guards, but now Emily has a new worry. Her former best friend, Megan, appears to be haunting her, appearing and disappearing suddenly wherever Emily goes--and she may not be on her side. Her pack teams up with the formerly hostile cheerleaders, who have major telekinetic powers, to attack the BioZenith laboratories. Ah, but the true culprits go far beyond the scientists at BioZenith. It seems that aliens from another dimension have inculcated a cult among the scientists with the intent of conquering the world. Sampson writes his usual fast-paced prose to keep the narrative galloping along, but his plotting becomes manic, even sloppy. No one expects a book about teen werewolves to cleave to reality, but with its alien premise, the story abandons any semblance of plausibility. However, plenty of dry wit, especially regarding the cheerleaders, spikes the thrills, and the ending leaves open the possibility of many more sequels. Emily's alpha wolf-girl toughness will appeal, along with a bit of romance. (Paranormal thriller. 12 & up)

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July 1, 2013

Gr 8 Up-Emily and her cohorts are out to find some answers. Why were they genetically engineered in the first place, and how were their parents involved? Are the goals of the mysterious company Biozenith really scientific, or could they be part of some strange cult? Who are the shadowmen and do they really come from another dimension? And what's going on with Emily's friend Megan, whose odd behavior takes a sharp turn toward the alarming when she starts exhibiting supernatural powers? Narrated by Emily, Ravage continues in the engaging, chatty style of the first two novels. Though the plot gets a little manic toward the end, Sampson manages to pull the loose ends together with lots of action and not too much exposition. Although the book is billed as the conclusion to the series, the ending still leaves room open for further adventures.-Eliza Langhans, Hatfield Public Library, MA

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2013
Grades 8-10 In the closing volume of the Deviants trilogy, the genetically enhanced teen heroes' war continues against the corporate and parental entities who brought them into the world as science commodities. Starting with Emily Webb, who leads her pack, the satisfying character development is matched with plot twists that offer a wild ride against BioZenith. Triplet cheerleaders, the gay werecousin of a dead girl, and other deviants have talents and tricks that add lively detail to the story, leading up to a surprising finish to the work BioZenith startedand a great finish to the series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)