Juliette, the girl with the deadly touch, struggles to fit in with the resistance movement that saved her at the end of Shatter Me (2011). In training to participate in an inevitable war against the Reestablishment, Juliette Ferrars should feel at home at Omega Point. In addition to no longer being a prisoner, she is surrounded by other people with supernatural gifts. Compassionate Castle tries to help her master her abilities, and Kenji tries to help her fit in, but the devastating nature of Juliette's power hampers her efforts. Additionally, Adam is acting strangely--in large part because of his work with Castle to determine why he is able to touch Juliette safely--which causes difficulties in their relationship. Soon some of her new comrades are abducted while on patrol by soldiers led by Warner's father, who demands a meeting with Juliette. The resistance is able to come away from the meeting with a hostage, Warner, who resumes his part in the established love triangle. Too much of the plot relies on Juliette's withholding of important information and revelations, even against her own judgment. The bloated relationship drama takes priority over the captive resistance members in the buildup to the climax, which finally brings action before setting up the next novel. Some quality worldbuilding, but the story only inches along. (Science fiction. 13 & up)

Ready for round two? The war between the Reestablishment and its citizens is ramping up in this sequel to the steamy dystopia Shatter Me (2011). Juliette escaped from Warner and is learning the ropes of living in Omega Point, the headquarters for the resistance. There is some effort to train her to use her powers to help in the war, but she is just as interested in exploring the new world of being touched by her friend and love interest Adam. Adam is not the only one vying for her attention. Cue up the love triangle: Warner is being held captive at Omega, too, and he still wants Juliette to join forces with him. The first volume's fans will be thrilled with the secrets unveiled in this one; others might feel more like the rebel trainer, Kenji, when he says to Juliette, "Stop crying. . . . Make a choice and stop wasting everyone's time." Here's hoping that the impending war will bring some much needed action to the series in the next installment.

Juliette struggles to manage her destructive powers, forge relationships, and develop confidence in this sequel to Shatter Me. The politics that drive the intriguing dystopian world and the rebel resistance Juliette joins are sometimes confusing, and the patriarchal attempts to own and manage the emotional heroine get a bit tedious. Still, an exciting cliff-hanger ending will likely lure readers back for the next installment.

Gr 8 Up-This sequel to Shatter Me (HarperCollins, 2011) continues the story of Juliette as she struggles to come to terms with her gift as well as her status as "freedom fighter" against the despotic government. She has no experience with group dynamics, having been in various prisons and mental institutions since she was a young child, so she is having issues with living in a group environment like the rebel headquarters. She is also not comfortable with calling her abilities a gift and is reluctant to train. Juliette has to do a lot of growing up in this story, figuring out how to harness her abilities, how to stand on her own, and how to deal with the consequences of her actions. Added to the mix is the love triangle with the two men who are the only ones who can touch her&30; the one she wants and the one she doesn't&30; or does she? Prior knowledge of the first book is mandatory for an understanding of this one. However, its fans will enjoy following Juliette's life and watching her mature. Her experiences will keep readers on the edge of their seats, and the romantic tug-of-war will entrance them. Especially exciting is the conflict within each of the male characters between his public and private personas as well as the conflict between what Juliette thinks she wants and the reality of what she can have. Her adventures will appeal to readers who like a bit of romance in their dystopian fiction. Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ