Into the Abyss

June 1, 2016
Because clones can be cloned again, a new version of Violet returns to fight against clones programmed to do evil in this Falls the Shadow (2014) sequel.This stand-alone continuation doesn't provide much back story, but that's fitting, as Violet awakes in the third version of herself with no memories of her past. Her purpose as "the president's most precious tool" is to train members of the Clone Control Advocacy how to take down and destroy clones programmed to wreak havoc on society. Rather than another thriller, this sequel, told from Violet's first-person perspective, focuses on the philosophical. The white teen incessantly ponders what it means to be human, particularly to feel emotions, form attachments to others, and have free will. And if her "computer-brain" is starting to feel fear, does that mean she's slowly becoming human? While Violet may wonder about her humanity and interpersonal connections, her story deviates from most of its genre ilk with its lack of romance. The real action doesn't get started until late in the book, when a civil war threatens to break up the CAA. Violet does team up with the president's secretive adopted son to defend the president and family members, but she acts more out of allegiance than love and eschews any form of physical affection. Give this effort to fans of dystopia who prefer sci-fi essentials to fluff. (Science fiction. 13 & up)

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July 1, 2016

Gr 8 Up-In the near future, sophisticated human clones have sparked an ethical battle in Haven, NC. The Clone Control Advocacy (CCA) wishes to eliminate the threat of violent clone attacks, while the Huxley group has nefarious and mostly vague plans to unleash the powerful clones. The story of clone Violet Benson begins with her most recent reanimation at CCA headquarters. She awakens as a blank slate with few "retained impressions of events" from previous activations. Violet's tendency to unleash her superstrength, sharp eyesight, and predatory brain returns quickly in combat drills. A contingent of CCA leaders are unhappy that a clone has been brought into their fold. The CCA president has her reasons, but no justifications can satisfy the discontented voices. The son of one coup leader, Josh, emerges to become Violet's enemy. Preventing the overthrow of CCA while tracking down the true origins of her human self, Violet and her allies are thrust into an all-out battle with the clone detractors. Violet grapples superficially with the struggle to know her true nature rather than accepting what others perceive her to be. The first-person perspective is somewhat limited when it comes to portraying action, resulting in scenes in which the protagonist explains in minute detail the movements of people and plans. The expansive writing does little to unpack the motives of the Huxley group or the social struggle in Haven and beyond. VERDICT A promising premise isn't enough to make this a first purchase.-Ernie Cox, Prairie Creek Intermediate School, Cedar Rapids, IA

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