ALA Booklist (Sat Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2017)

In this fast-paced sequel to Outliers (2016), Wylie struggles to make sense of the newfound ability that sets her and a discrete handful of women, "Outliers," apart from the rest of us. Six weeks have passed since that night in Maine when she lost her friend Cassie in a fire, and still there are so many unanswered questions. Wylie, however, is not the only one struggling. When she fears Jasper has endangered himself, she races to save him only to find herself confronted by the police and ultimately locked away in an isolated ward in a Boston hospital. Doctors say she and the other women are actually suffering from PANDAS, a mood disorder from a rare strain of strep, and that the NIH is involved, but Wylie has many reasons to be skeptical. Is something more nefarious going on d can she even trust herself? A jaw-dropping revelation at the end guarantees a third book, which McCreight's fan base will be begging for soon enough. Another twisty-turny psychological thriller from a master.

Voice of Youth Advocates (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

The second book in the Outliers trilogy finds Wylie facing down federal agents following her escape from a mysterious group in the Maine woods and the death of her best friend, Cassie. She wants to find out more about her mother’s death in a car accident, too. The only person she feels she can trust is Cassie’s former boyfriend, Jasper, who is wracked with guilt about Cassie’s death. While trying to stop Jasper from attempting suicide, Wylie is committed to a hospital full of girls that she suspects are Outliers—girls with the ability to read others’ emotions—just like her. As she attempts to flee, the hospital catches fire. Wylie escapes, but soon learns that neither identities nor allegiances are as they seem.
This middle book in the trilogy is heavy on plot development and moving the story towards its conclusion. As was the case in the series starter, it is action-packed and fast-paced. There is some backstory for readers new to the series, but those who have not read the first book may feel overwhelmed by the many characters and their shifting allegiances. Fans of the first book will dive into this second entry with gusto, as Wylie’s journey continues in a compelling fashion. The final page features a shocking development that will keep readers hooked for the final book in the trilogy.—Sherrie Williams.

Kirkus Reviews

High schooler Wylie Lang sees things differently from most teenagers. She is a member of a select group of girls known as Outliers, who have Heightened Emotional Perception. In series opener The Outliers (2016), Wylie first becomes aware of her unusual skill, which is being studied by her scientist father. Unfortunately for Wylie and her family, sinister forces have an interest in subverting these skills for their own ends, and Wylie is often on the run. In this sequel, when her friend Jasper mysteriously disappears, Wylie fears the worst. As she races to save him from possible suicide, she is captured and placed in a secure mental hospital, where for the first time she encounters other Outliers (who for the most part seem white as Wylie). Through the other girls' skills, she learns how to "read" other people and to trust her instincts. Wylie's strength of character is tested when, having escaped from the institution, she again finds herself a prisoner, this time in a grim youth detention facility. Tantalizing mysteries remain to be solved: the whereabouts of her father; the real status of her mother, presumed killed in a car crash; and the motive of her mother's lawyer friend, Rachel. Wylie's compelling first-person narration, tough conflicts with others, and her courage against formidable odds make this an un-put-downable thriller. A reading of the first novel is necessary to appreciate this title. A riveting adventure that rewards returning readers. (Thriller. 12-16)