Blackout

March 15, 2015
Fighting enemies who wield guns is tough enough, but confronting a boy who could be either friend or foe is even more challenging. As the Urban Outlaws continue their quest to rein in the world's worst computer virus, they come across Hector, who seems to be just like them. Practically an orphan, Hector has computer skills on par with Jack's, and Jack doesn't like that. But is he simply jealous of how the others turn to Hector for leadership, or are his bad feelings a sign that Hector isn't to be trusted? He doesn't have a lot of time to ponder the situation, since he and his gang are determined to stop both evil corporations and the government from gaining access to the virus, breaking into top-secret virtual worlds in the process. Black follows much the same formula he established in Urban Outlaws (2014), changing things up slightly with the introduction of Hector. The intense action and cool gadgets are very thrilling, though the larger story of these self-sufficient kids and their relationships with one another seems to be lost among the high-speed chases and technical difficulties. The best sequels are ones that travel more deeply into previously explored territory. This one does not venture far from the well-traveled path. An entertaining-enough sequel for fans happy to stay in one emotional place. (Adventure. 9-13)

March 1, 2015

Gr 5-8-Fans of Anthony Horowitz who've devoured the "Alex Rider" books (Philomel) will gravitate to the high octane adventure, cool gadgets, and whip-smart characters in "Urban Outlaws." In this sequel to the Robin Hood-inspired first installment, the five outlaws meet Hector, an ingenious hacker who may be their only hope of stopping an insidious computer virus threatening their own safety and that of the entire world. Cinematic scenes and sharp dialogue elevate this series from the pack of action-adventure titles.

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