The Fires of New SUN

Gr 9 Up—In the aftermath of the Great Solar Flare of 2058, the people of Africa suffer devastating damage to their chromosomal structure because of exposure to gamma rays during the disaster. In order to preserve the race, new blood is being introduced in the form of "Blenders," youth chosen for the purpose of breeding. This sequel to The Blending Time (Flux, 2011) takes up the adventures of D'Shay, Jaym, and Reya, three Blenders desperately working to survive against the wrath of the 'gades, protect the health and welfare of the 'gees, and build lives for themselves in the new Africa. Despite the presence of introductory history and a cast of characters, along with an all-to-brief glossary, readers new to this series will have a very difficult time entering Kinch's elaborate futuristic world. Those who have read the first book will find plenty of action and gore, coupled with the blossoming romances between the matched couples and their struggles to assimilate within African tribal culture.—Sara Saxton, Wasilla Meta-Rose Public Library, Wasilla, AK