Mindscape (The Ability)
With winter break over, 12-year-old Christopher Lane and his five classmates have returned to the highly secretive Myers-Holt Academy. Under the tutelage of Sir Bentley, the six continue to hone their Abilities. Chris is haunted by sightings of Ernest, the surviving twin of the boy he killed at last semester’s ball. Two weeks before end of term, thinking his Ability is short-lived, Chris risks his slot at Myers-Holt to find and confront Ernest. As engaging as this second book is, readers who haven’t read The Ability (2013) will be at a disadvantage. However, series fans will eagerly await the third installment, when Chris turns 13. Will his Ability die? Grades 4-8. --J. B. Petty