Publishers Weekly
★ 08/26/2013
Wells (Variant) knows how to snare readers’ attention and hold them spellbound. In this unnerving thriller, he ingeniously connects the stories of four teens—all afflicted with a bizarre virus that has given them powers ranging from super-strength and invisibility to mind control—who live in an America under siege by terrorists intent on taking out the country’s landmarks, power grids, and populace. The catch? The terrorists are also teenagers infected with the same virus. The army is forced to round up the nation’s youth for testing and quarantine, making it difficult to distinguish friend from foe. Wells allows the intensity of the story and the heart and soul of each character to shine through. He doesn’t overcomplicate matters with lengthy explanations or political background, and instead lets the teens take center stage: Jack and Aubrey, who just want to stay together and stay alive; Alec and Laura, who are full of vengeance and hate. There is no shortage of white-knuckle action or eyebrow-raising violence—fans of Wells’s earlier work won’t be disappointed. Ages 13–up. Agent: Sara Crowe, Harvey Klinger. (Oct.)
From the Publisher
Blackout is a thrilling combination of Wells’ trademark twists and terror. Fantastic!” — Ally Condie, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Matched
“In a world where terrorism is an increasing threat, this fast-paced book brings it home.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Wells knows how to snare readers’ attention and hold them spellbound. There is no shortage of white-knuckle action.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“This fast-paced book will keep readers guessing.” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
“Blackout offers almost non-stop action. An explosive ride of suspense, thrills and frustration.” — Deseret News
Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
This fast-paced book will keep readers guessing.
Deseret News
Blackout offers almost non-stop action. An explosive ride of suspense, thrills and frustration.
Ally Condie
Blackout is a thrilling combination of Wells’ trademark twists and terror. Fantastic!
Kirkus Reviews
2013-09-01
Wells' new novel brings home all the uncertainty and fear that comes from the threat of modern warfare waged with terror. Life in small-town Utah is relatively simple for Aubrey, Nicole and Jack. Fitting in, being popular and getting by are their priorities, until the night of the homecoming dance. They've heard about the terrorist attacks being carried out across the country, but nothing has prepared them for the mass roundup of all teens by the U.S. military. A virus has been discovered, leaving some teens with superpowers. Aubrey can become invisible, Jack can read minds, and Nicole can make everyone like her. Some teens were infected on purpose, evaluated for their powers and trained to carry out terrorist attacks designed to bring America to its knees. The government is now fighting back, quarantining all teens to identify those with powers that can be used to establish a new line of defense. But can they really be effective as a defense if they can't tell who among their friends and co-workers is really working for the other side? Wells clues readers in, though, keeping tension high. While the end brings the immediate episode to a conclusion of sorts, more and bigger conflicts loom. In a world where terrorism is an increasing threat, this fast-paced book brings it home. (Thriller. 13 & up)
