Unleashed

August 1, 2019
After escaping evildoers in Rewind (2018), Alex searches for her freedom in this sequel. Although Alex Manning, a spinner who can freeze and manipulate objects through time, escaped the Center that held her captive along with three fellow spinners, they've become squatters in a warehouse, waiting for KJ's health to improve and planning a way out of Portland. Driving the action this time around are the teens' use of their special skills to survive, their attempts to avoid detection by Norms who call them monsters, and their evasion of the wipers who are set to destroy them. Still in the tense mix are Dr. Barnard, the Center's director; Agent Ross, Alex's former handler in the police department who's determined to find her; and thief and murderer Sikes. Having strengthened her spinner skills, Alex makes it her mission to thwart these villains and save the remaining spinners from impending death. At the heart of this thriller is the issue of justice: For Alex, who's no longer catching criminals, it's not always clear-cut, even when it comes to a possible romance with KJ. Occasional chapters told from the perspective of Agent Ross not only support the ongoing twists, but present a sinister approach to justice. Once again, Alex, who is presumably white, is surrounded by a diverse cast. A solid second novel that answers lingering questions while setting up intrigue for the next installment. (Thriller. 14-adult)

COPYRIGHT(2019) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.