Evil Star (The Gatekeepers, Book Two)
Grade 5-8–Though this is the second installment in this series, new readers will catch on quickly. Fresh from his victory over Raven's Gate, Matt is once again called upon by the mysterious Nexus. As one of the five kids foretold by prophecy to fight back the Old Ones, the 14-year-old is needed in South America. From the very beginning, his enemies seem to always be one step ahead of him. But these shadowy opponents don't count on Matt's unexpected allies: the second of the five, and an ancient tribe of Inca warriors. While the story and characters are not particularly original, and more experienced readers will not be glued to their seats, the plot turns and emotional relationships will more than satisfy thrill seekers, especially those already into Horowitz's Alex Rider series (Philomel). A must-have for reluctant, middle-grade boys.–Morgan Johnson-Doyle, Sierra High School, Colorado Springs, COCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.