In depressed, near-future Detroit, Astrid Sullivan lives with her struggling family. Their poor town is made poorer by rampant gambling: many have lost everything at the racetrack, where the rich and powerful race mechanical horses, known as Titans. After a chance encounter and a moment of kindness, Astrid finds herself presented with the opportunity of a lifetime: a chance to ride a Titan in the dangerous races and a shot at prize money that could save her family from an increasingly desperate existence. But first she will have to learn how to handle the half-horse, half-machine Titan. Though similar themes d higher stakes re explored to greater effect in Maggie Stiefvater's The Scorpio Races (2011), Astrid is a brassy, likable hero whom readers will cheer for. The refreshing lack of a romantic subplot allows for greater focus on Astrid's goals, as well as her relationship with family and friends, and the end result is a solid, exciting story about a determined girl faced with difficult circumstances.

Gr 7 Up-Seventeen-year-old Astrid Sullivan lives in Detroit with her family. Her grandfather lost their home in Wisconsin, and now her father is close to losing their home in Warren County. Betting on mechanical horses called "Titans" during the summer racing circuit is the vice that cripples families, including her own and her best friend's. Unemployed factory workers struggle, and betting seems to be their only way to survive. Astrid hates the racing circuit, but she can't help but be fascinated by the Titans. After a second chance encounter with an old man, Astrid is given the opportunity to race a Titan in the summer circuit and try to win the grand prize, something that would save her family from homelessness. This is a fun, fast-paced read. Astrid is a strong character anyone can identify with: she's headstrong and has trouble trusting those around her. But she has a can-do attitude that stems from her struggle to keep her family from falling apart. The races are very lively and action-packed. Perfect for fans of Maggie Stiefvater's The Scorpio Races (Scholastic, 2011) and Suzanne Collins's "The Hunger Games." VERDICT A fun addition to any library. Faythe Arredondo, Tulare County Library, CA

The phrase "dark horse" unsurprisingly has its origins in horse racing and is used to describe a horse that is unknown and therefore harder to bet on. The phrase has come to have a meaning somewhat different off the racetrack; it can mean anything or anyone who seemingly comes out of nowhere to achieve success. Astrid Sullivan in Titans fulfills both definitions of a dark horse when she is given the chance to ride a first-edition mechanical horse in the Titan Derby. These midnight races feature expensive electronic horse machines that seem as lifelike as the human jockeys who ride them. In this near-future fantasy set in Detroit, the economy is still taking a toll on working-class families. Both Astrid and her best friend, Magnolia, are afraid of what will happen to their families if their unemployed fathers do not find work soon. This situation is what spurs Astrid on to risk her father's anger and rejection, as well as her life, on an untried Titan for the chance at a big payout to save her family's finances and her own future.Titans is an exciting thrill ride of a book that will appeal to readers interested in animals or racing of any kind. Of special interest are the relationships in the book. Astrid and Magnolia are strong females who are unfailingly supportive of each other. Romantic relationships are explored, but refreshingly Astrid is more focused on life and death matters.Debbie Kirchhoff.