In The Misshapes (2014) wannabe-hero Sarah discovered plenty of evil forces at work, and in this follow-up, things are even more dire. The fearless heroine and her gang of Misshapes challenge their ultra-authoritarian government after discovering the diabolical plot to subject children to experimentation, and to control the news, presenting certain "disasters" as truth. This builds heavily on the first book, but existing fans will continue to marvel at the creative twist on typical superpowers, as well as the complex web the government builds. Exciting plot twists and vivid imagery propel the story forward and should have readers rooting for the Misshapen heroes. A unique, thoughtful treatment of citizens' role in society and the right of dissent.

Gr 6-10 Flynn (pseudonym for writing duo Stuart Sherman and Elisabeth Donnelly) continues the catalogue of the teenage mishaps of Sarah Robertson, a Misshape who wields untrained dominion over weather forces. This second installment tackles the frenzy of the latest U.S. presidential election and its ripple effect into the quaint hamlet of Doolittle Falls. Sarah spends her time managing the personal dramas of her deadbeat brother, absent dad, and secretive best friend, while worrying about the suspicious partnership between fully fledged Heroes and powerful politicians. Though the cast of characters are encouragingly diverse, the protagonists suffer from too little development, and readers will be left craving more about these talented teens and their unique powers. Sarah takes steps to explore her own skills, but only when her male crush (a weather-working Hero named Sam) encourages her, at all other times remaining fearful of her abilities. Disappointingly, this volume fails to carry the spirit of The Misshapes: The Coming Storm (Polis, 2014), in part because there are frustratingly few details until late into the book regarding corrupt corporation PeriGenomics or of reported supervillain Lady Oblivion's abrupt disappearance. Teens are required to rely on the tension built up in the first novel to maintain their interest here, and new readers will not find any clues to the story arc, past or present. The writers wait too long to move the story along, instead creating a novel-length press of the pause button. VERDICT A lukewarm sequel to the previous energetic series opener. Chelsea Woods, New Brunswick Free Public Library