Into the No-Zone

Gr 8 Up—In this sequel to Sign of One, Lambert keeps the action going while exploring themes of hope, humanity, and the power of displaced fear. Picking up where things left off in the ruthless world of Wrath, Kyle, who helped the rebel group Gemini achieve victory over the controlling Slayer army, is caught between his long-lost brother Colm and his love interest Sky. The Slayers offer Gemini a peace treaty that stirs up more trouble, and Sky sneaks away to find her sister. Kyle, Colm, and a small group follow Sky into the No-Zone, a territory that belongs to the Reaper faction which holds no allegiance to Gemini or the Slayers and who are known for their brutality. The sequel answers questions from the first book, often in surprising ways, and follows with another cliff-hanger conclusion. Throughout, characters are constantly forced to challenge their misconceptions of previously held beliefs and the governing narratives of their world; this is the book's outstanding strength. There is a welcome glossary of names, places, and terms to ease new readers into the story without a lot of exposition. While the narrative is fast-paced, the action doesn't always serve the plot and makes it drag at times. Some scenes are bloody and violent; this title is not for the faint of heart.