Review by Booklist Review
Science fiction powerhouse writers Westerfeld, Lanagan, and Biancotti join forces to create a group of teen superheroes living in Cambria, California. Socially awkward misfits, the six protagonists have powers ranging from crowd control, the ability to crash computer systems, a voice that can talk anybody into anything, and more. Glorious Leader Nate uses his powers of persuasion to reunite the group after a disastrous rant by Ethan (code name Scam) in which he alienates every member. They succeed in rescuing Scam from police questioning and acquire a sixth member in the process. There is a comfortably predictable flow to the cinematic, nonstop action; the multiple and intersecting story lines; and the archetypal characters. These heroes see themselves as zeroes, but by the story's end, they have realized their powers are in fact valuable gifts, formed alliances and romances within the group, and seem poised for more adventures. It's a fat but quick read, with an abrupt ending that will leave fans ready for a sequel. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Westerfeld's name alone draws a crowd, following the success of his Uglies series, Leviathan series, and Afterworlds (2014). Add Printz Honor Book author Lanagan, Biancotti, and a major marketing campaign to the mix, and this collaboration will fly off the shelf.--Carton, Debbie Copyright 2015 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Westerfeld (Afterworlds), Lanagan (Yellowcake), and Biancotti (Bad Power) weave a sprawling adventure about a group of superpowered teenagers who call themselves Zeroes. When one of their number, named Scam for his ability to tell people exactly what he needs them to hear, is detained after being in the wrong place at the wrong time, the others reunite after months apart, some less eager than others. Events quickly escalate, and soon half the group is in hiding, while the authorities and the mob hunt for them. The plot meanders, but the authors give their characters plenty of depth, skillfully blending human dilemmas with superhuman abilities. With the exception of Crash, who can bring down technology with a thought, these aren't flashy, cinematic powers; subtle yet powerful, they largely revolve around coercion and manipulation. Mob and Bellweather can influence the emotions of crowds; Anonymous is nearly impossible to perceive or remember; and blind Flicker telepathically sees through the eyes of those around her. With action, romance, and thorny ethical questions, it's a book with a little something for everyone. Ages 14-up. Agent: Jill Grinberg, Jill Grinberg Literary Management. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 9 Up-Ethan, known as Scam, has a unique ability to say things he doesn't consciously even know. The voice doesn't always tell the truth, though. When it lies and drops him in a mess, he has to ask for help from the "Zeroes," a group of teens with their own abilities. Westerfeld, Lanagan, and Biancotti team up to tell a story about a diverse group of regular kids who happen to have superpowers, and they expose the consequences of having these fantastic abilities while throwing in some romance, a little action, and a dash of humor. The characters could have used a little more development, but the story is well paced and the plot engaging. Amber Benson provides a solid narration, enhancing the ensemble story. VERDICT Fans of Westerfeld and YA sci fi will enjoy. ["For fans of superhero fiction looking for a character-driven tale and those who enjoy stellar writing": SLJ 7/15 starred review of the Simon Pulse book.]-Denise A. Garofalo, Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Each of the five teens in the Zeroes has a unique supernatural ability; Thibault, for instance, is impossible for people to remember or even notice without serious effort. Leader Nate (Bellwether) gives the Zeroes code namesThibaults is Anonymousand runs simulated training missions (training for what, exactly, is not immediately clear, and never really becomes so). An opportunity for a real mission arises when a Zero gets himself into serious trouble: Ethan (Scam) uses his preternaturally persuasive voice first to obtain a duffel bag full of cash, and then again in an ill-advised attempt to outmaneuver some bank robbers. The Zeroes jail-break Ethan, whos being questioned by the police, and in the process they cross paths with Kelsie, another gifted teen. At five-hundred-plus pages, with six main characters stories to follow (the third-person chapters rotate perspective), this series opener occasionally struggles to maintain its pace, although curiosity about the various characters and how their storylines relateprior to the introduction of the Zeroes as a teamwill keep pages turning. Theres plenty of time to flesh out each of the teens individual motivations, their unusual abilities, and the repercussions of using these powers carelessly: with great power comes greatyou know. katie bircher (c) Copyright 2015. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A sextet of mutant superhero teenagers just want to be safe in this weighty tome. Last summer, Ethan had so antagonized his fellow Zeroes that their friendship ended. Now his own carelessness has made him a material witness in a bank robbery, and only the Zeroes can rescue him. Ethan, you see, has a secret power: "the voice." The voice knows more than Ethan himself ever could and uses Ethan's mouth to tell people what they need to hear in order to get Ethan out of the frying panthough there's often a nearby fire. The other Zeroes have equally strange abilities, including Nigerian-American Chizara's ability to crash the myriad technological gadgets that cause her chronic pain; rich, Latino Nate's "Glorious Leader" charisma; and blind, white Riley's (overdone and too-obvious) extraordinary vision. The teens undergo no particular quest; the story's driving force is the desire to escape drug-dealing mobsters. Given the fizz superhero teens could contribute to any narrative, this tome is oddly weighty in both tone and heft. These solidly characterized 16- and 17-year-olds all have younger siblings who seem quirky enough for sequel-bait; hopefully they won't become more noise in the already-crowded premise. In this series opener by three acclaimed authors, intriguing protagonists and cinematic powers will surely please adventure fans who don't mind an ensemble developed at the expense of the individual. (Science fiction. 13-15) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
