Inheritance

August 1, 2013
The second part of Lo's science-fiction duology picks up right where the first volume (Adaptation, 2012) ended. Reese and David nearly died in the June Disaster, until the Imrians saved them by adapting them with alien DNA so that they can hear thoughts and heal faster. Now the secret is out, but things aren't any clearer. Reese is with David, but she still has feelings for Imrian Amber; the teens escaped government imprisonment in Blue Base, but now, altered soldiers working for a shadowy behind-the-government agency have been spotted; on top of everything else, Reese and David are targeted by protesters for and against the alien "invasion." As in the first book, dialogue rings true, and the characters are appealing--even too-perfect David comes off as a bit more human. The alien and political machinations provide menace, a brisk page-turning plot and lots of fun. Sadly, it's not all science fiction: Didactic conversations betray an authorial message, and the love triangle turns into an unlikely polyamorous relationship, although these are minor blips in a generally satisfying, sometimes-thoughtful aliens-on-Earth story for today's teens. Start with Book 1, and prepare for a lot of pages, but there's plenty to keep readers engaged. (Science fiction. 13 & up)

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November 1, 2013

Gr 10 Up-Reese, David, and Amber first met in Adaptation(Little, Brown, 2012). After a car accident, mortally injured Reese and David are revived by an injection of alien DNA that has given the teens special abilities. They are kidnapped by brutal government forces and released after a video of their kidnapping is leaked to the public. Returned home, Reese and David are caught in a web of intrigue and lies as they try to discover who, if anyone, is telling the truth. The fate of the world seems to be at risk as the government, a secret faction of the government, and the aliens square off at the United Nations. Ever present is the failed romance between Reese and Amber; when Reese learned that her new girlfriend was an alien sent to observe her, she ended the relationship. In Inheritance, Reese finds herself having feelings for David. Another kidnap attempt forces Reese, David, and Amber to flee together. As the trio fend off G-men and alien hate groups and stand for the First Amendment, they grapple with bisexuality and monogamy. The book's main problem lies in becoming invested in a protagonist who reeks of stereotypical teen angst, and the plot's lack of credibility removes readers from any tenuous connection they may develop with secondary characters. They will marvel at how the unique story line can seem so cliched in this implausibly plotted sequel.-Cindy Wall, Southington Library & Museum, CT

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2014
Reese ([cf2]Adaptation[cf1]) juggles her discovery that the government has been working for decades with aliens called the Imria and her feelings for her Imrian ex and her new guy. When huge secrets are revealed, romantic alliances get back-burnered as Reese tries to understand what's next for Earth. Clever plot and strong world-building are this sequel's strengths.

(Copyright 2014 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

September 1, 2013
In this sequel to Adaptation (rev. 11/12), the impact of the new public knowledge that the government has been secretly working for decades with aliens called the Imria is still developing. Reese, though an integral part of this revelation, is pretty distracted as she juggles her feelings for her ex, whom she now knows is Imrian, and her new guy, who, like her, has Imrian-bestowed enhanced powers. However, when huge secrets are revealed about the true origins of humans, even torn romantic alliances get back-burnered as Reese tries to understand, along with everyone else, what is next for Earth. The inside look at the Imria, only peripherally understood in the previous novel, is intriguing -- they are the stars here as much as Reese, who isn't always likable as she flings herself through most events impulsively rather than with wisdom or analysis. The graceful, thoughtful look at polyamorous relationships is an unexpected twist, and for this reason alone readers may find Reese (and her ex- and new boyfriends) just as memorable as the clever plot and strong world-building that are the strengths of this novel. april spisak

(Copyright 2013 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)