Review: Lacked realistic foundation
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 07 21, 2011
This book was fast paced and engaging.  The main reason I am giving it three stars was that it wasn't very realistic.  I'm not talking about the mutant-type powers the teenagers had - I can suspend disbelief for those.  What really stuck out as unrealistic was the fact that the teenagers had such unusual powers that were unrelated to their powers.  Sam was able to hack into protected computer systems without any trouble (or special equipment), with the explanation that he was "good with computers."  Clint was able to understand sophisticated surveillance equipment and he was a fully qualified pilot.  Why bother writing a book about "normal" teenagers with powers if you're going to give them such unusual skills and resources? I don't have much interest in subsequent books -- mostly because I don't feel like any other test subjects discovered will be much more realistic and they'll continue to solve problems by flying across the country and using high-tech gear they just happen to have.  Aren't superpowers enough of an advantage?The dialogue was also silly.  I saw other reviewers reference profanity and I'm wondering if the book has been changed since those reviews.  It doesn't ring true that a muscle-for-hire kidnapper would say "Honest Abe," to indicate that they were telling the truth, especially in a dangerous situation.