Villainous

April 1, 2015

Gr 5-7-In this sequel to Powerless and Super (Knopf), the town of Noble's Green has been in the spotlight ever since 14-year-old Daniel Corrigan caused the event that led to hundreds of people waking up with their stolen superpowers returned to them. A new academy has been built to teach and train the children and teens with powers, though Daniel's super friends have opted not to attend. Escalating acts of vandalism in the town turn public opinion against those with powers, and Daniel suspects there is something more sinister at work. Daniel and his friends are pitted against a new group of superpowered teens called "Nobles," but their old nemesis, Herman Plunkett, is also a suspect. Meanwhile, Daniel is facing complicated feelings for his friend Mollie. The final book in the trilogy explores interesting themes as the self-professed "Nobles" look down on those without powers and proceed to act with the belief that no one can or should stop them. As with the earlier titles, the book's strengths lie in the solid pacing and engaging main characters, particularly Daniel as the "powerless" protagonist who leads the group and uses his detective skills to solve the mystery. Though there is summary information sprinkled throughout, readers will want to have read the volumes to fully understand and appreciate the story arc. VERDICT The stakes are higher than ever and readers will fly through the pages to see how it all turns out.-Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.