Invincible

Gr 7-10-This installment rejoins increasingly irritatingly sarcastic Nick Gautier, 14, in the aftermath of the last book's zombie battle, amid the shape-shifters, daimons, and other immortals he now has burgeoning abilities to see among the residents of New Orleans. It turns out that he has tremendous dark powers that he's destined to use for great evil, and as he wrestles with his own identity and new abilities (as well as teen issues like crushes and an odd relationship with his naive young mother) he's faced with a tangle of complex, confusing, or meandering plot threads and too many one-dimensional characters (often with their own angsty backstories and superficial struggles) with competing agendas. Nearly incomprehensible as a stand-alone novel, there is little in the way of writing, character, plot, or originality to recommend in this one, though fans of Infinity (St. Martin's, 2010) will undoubtedly clamor for it.-Riva Pollard, Prospect Sierra Middle School, El Cerrito, CA (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Nick has powers that draw the forces of evil to him--and a destiny to destroy the world. But all he wants is to protect his mom and get a date. His demonic football coach and other evil powers have different plans. Kenyon's fans will love the story's fast pace and Nick's snarky, street-smart wit. (c) Copyright 2012. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.