The Unbound

Gr 8 Up—In this sequel to The Archived (Hyperion, 2013), sleep eludes Mackenzie Bishop. She's traumatized by violent nightmares of Owen and later theorizes that the sadistic History might not be confined solely to her fraying mind. People with whom Mac has limited contact start disappearing, and voids crop up where they were last seen. Mac suspects someone is trying to create evidence that will get her relieved of duty as a Keeper. When her concerned parents justifiably hover, making trips to the Archive and the Narrows difficult, Mac has trouble keeping up with the Histories assigned to her. Fortunately, charming Wesley also attends Mac's new prep school, offering more than friendship and backup. But can Mac risk getting closer to Wes with danger already her companion? An exciting climax carefully ties up certain threads, while a well-executed final chapter promises a further installment. Schwab's characters are distinct, and she has a talent for conveying the connections between them. The mystery and waiting-for-the-other-shoe-to-drop sense of foreboding is sustained throughout. Wesley and Mac's romantic tension is palpable, and their dialogue is natural, with plenty of entertaining banter. While Schwab includes bits of explanation and flashbacks, readers will be better served reading this suspenseful and engrossing supernatural series in order.—Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ