Malcolm Gravenhurst is getting ready to turn 15, which also means he will be taking on the role of Guardian, like many of his superpowered ancestors before him. As Guardian, he will be responsible for defending the city of Porthaven from the robot-like klek, since he was born into a rare line of people with powers that can rival the invading aliens. Arbuthnott has crafted a dialogue-rich, darkly humorous adventure tale that reminds readers that with great power comes great responsibility. When Malcolm uncovers the secrets behind his family of heroes in the face of alien annihilation, he must make the difficult decision to support his relatives or listen to his heart. The solid sci-fi world building, eloquent writing, infusion of lightheartedness, and likable characters all keep the pages turning rapidly as readers wait to see if Malcolm will stay loyal to the Guardians or do what is right. This thoughtful sci-fi romp explores the fallibility of humans and the complexities of family and follows an original, genuine teenage superhero who wants the best for his city d humanity.

One family stands between a city and destruction.In an alternate future North America, Malcolm has trained to be a Guardian along with the rest of his uniquely superpowered family, the Gravenhursts. They are known as the city's protectors against the klek, mysterious alien robot adversaries, as well as leaders in technological innovation. Now, on his 15th birthday, Malcolm's wish is finally coming true, as he is presented to the public at a media event. But Malcolm wants to help people by fighting regular street crime, like the superheroes he idolizes from old comic books. He makes a rare exit from his family's towering skyscraper and goes on patrol only to find something unexpected: Drew, someone else with powers. Drew introduces him to Blair and Kazue, more superpowered kids; their friend Ibrahim is missing, along with others. Initially thrilled, sheltered Malcolm isn't expecting to learn from them that people's powers don't work outside the city limits and that his family has some connection to these unsettling truths. Arbuthnott revels in some tried-and-true aspects of superhero stories-presenting lots of action, pondering questions of morality, and protecting humanity against alien invaders-making for exhilarating storytelling. But the book goes deeper as Malcolm comes face to face with the limitations of his earlier, limited understanding of crime, policing, and society. Malcolm is White; Drew and Blair have dark skin, Kazue's name indicates Japanese heritage (she and Blair are girlfriends), and Ibrahim is cued as being of Middle Eastern descent.Superpowered fun with depth besides. (Science fiction. 10-14)