Monster

Gr 9 Up—The next entry of the popular science fiction/fantasy series focuses on Shade Darby, the daughter of scientists. She lost her mother and appears disconnected from her father. Acting with friends, she intends to alter the course of events beginning with intercepting an alien rock. Other characters from the previous books, including Dekka, are also present. Readers are left with little to decipher regarding character development. Grant plainly describes a character's thoughts and personality; much is said before it is shown. While attempts are made to portray diversity in terms of race and sexual orientation, the characters remain flat. Violence is followed by more violence without the benefit of it being artfully described. Fans of this very popular series will no doubt clamor for this most recent addition, and libraries will want to satisfy their desire to see the series' continuation.