In this action-packed sequel to The Ward (2013), Ren and her racing buddies may have cured the Blight in their flooded future New York neighborhood, but despotic Governor Voss is taking the credit. He's also kidnapped Ren's friend Aven for his, Voss', cruel experiments to test the cure's healing properties. Even after Ren rescues Aven, they are still in danger, caught between opposing forces: Voss will kill for the secret location of the miracle springwater used in the cure, while the ancient Tetai will kill to protect it. Clumsy writing, thin characters, and an overcrowded plot still hamper this dystopian series.

A sequel to The Ward (HarperCollins, 2013), this novel picks up the tale of a dystopian New York City and neighboring regions battling over fresh water. Evidence that a hidden, mythical "Fountain of Youth" can cure a spreading plague called the Blight (and may also allow imbibers to live forever) complicates matters and compels the evil governor to seek control of this water source for political and personal reasons. Enter Ren and her best friend, Aven, both raised in an orphanage in the waterless, poor district known as "the Isle." It seems Ren has never been ill and may be a biological component to the secret spring's powers. Aven had been quietly given a dose of the magical water when she contracted the Blight, and once cured, was kidnapped by the state.This sequel kicks in with Ren and a ragtag crew of friends spiriting Aven away from horrible experimentation that includes removal of her hands. This crew then plots to keep the spring from the clutches of the government. A series of family secrets (a la Star Wars) are discovered and sacrifices are made through, perhaps, a few too many simple escapes from capture, but the pace is exciting and nonstop. The heroines are similar to those of Divergent and Hunger Games. Readers may find it easy to confuse Ren with Aven as chapters switch back and forth between the two, but it is a solid must-read for those who liked The Ward and a good recommendation for those who like this genre.Kevin Beach.