The Awakening #1 (Quantum Prophecy) - Softcover

Michael Carroll lives in Ireland.

Grade 6-9–Set in the British Isles in the near future, this adventure opens with a celebration of Mystery Day, the anniversary of a battle between superhumans and their enemies, after which the former disappeared. Colin, Danny, and Brian spend their time doing typical boy things. Two of the friends soon begin to experience strange physical changes, like the development of extreme speed and hearing, signaling that superhumans are not truly extinct. And, as they soon discover, neither are the villains from that time. The boys have to join with others of their kind to fight off another attack. A narrative style that features many temporal jumps keeps the story going, while the genuineness of the many male characters makes this title a likely hit with reluctant readers or kids who love adventure. Scenes of tyranny told in cliff-hanger style heighten the tension. Much of the story occurs in the real world, adding to readers' ability to identify with the action. Some names for the superheroes are not entirely inspired, but the simplicity of the story, the chumminess of the boys, and the strong plot outweigh any literary concerns. This is the first in a series; look for the future titles to expand the nascent mythology developed here.–John Leighton, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
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