Sunday, February 24, 2013

The Colossus Rises by Peter Lerangis-ADVISABLE



Lerangis, Peter, The Colossus Rises. Harper, 2013. Pgs. 348. Language: G, Violence: PG, Sexual Content: G

When Jack gets hit by a car, he collapses and almost dies on the hospital operating table. When he wakes up, he realizes not only is he not in Belleville, Indiana anymore, but a secret island. Professor Bhegad, the head researcher, claims that Jack and the other 3 kids, Marco, Aly, and Cass, have all inherited an ancient Alantean gene. The gene makes them all inherit superpowers, but without seven specific artifacts, the four will die within about six months. When Jack decodes the clue left by the original owner of the island, he realizes that he may hold the very secret to finding one of those artifacts. There are other forces at work, however, that are interested in the same items that have dastardly plans in mind. Can the four teens find the artifacts before their time runs out? Will the y be able to stop the object from falling into the wrong hands?

The adventure takes a while to pick up, but the mystery more than makes up for it. The characters are likable, well-rounded, and befitting of the task before them. Readers who like books like Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan or books with superpowered characters will enjoy reading this book. EL (4-6), MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

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