Alliance

December 15, 2013
Will West faces old and new adversaries during summer vacation in this sloppy sequel to The Paladin Prophecy (2012). Several months have passed since Will and his roommates defeated the Knights of Charlemagne, but many questions remain about the Knights, their ties to the monsters of the Never-Was and the disappearance of Will's parents. A wealthy school donor emerges as a major player in the conspiracy, so Will and his friends develop a risky plan to use their extraordinary abilities--which include superspeed, telepathy and sonic power--to infiltrate and search his island home. Unfortunately, Frost's everything-plus-the-kitchen-sink approach to worldbuilding doesn't make more sense the second time around; even with a clumsy extended recap in the first chapter, the mix of secret societies, genetic manipulation, guardian angels and monsters from another dimension is hard to keep straight. The busy plot leaves little space for characterization. Will's two romantic interests are particularly underdeveloped, making the love triangle feel perfunctory, and Will's cross-country coach, Jericho, only appears when Will needs a convenient source of generic Native American mysticism and lore. When the obligatory cliffhanger ending comes, it's hard to care what happens next. This muddled adventure won't leave readers impatient for Book 3. (Adventure. 12-16)

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February 1, 2014

Gr 8 Up- Alliance is the second installment in Frost's action-packed series. While it is possible to enjoy without having read The Paladin Prophecy (Random House, 2012), events proceed fairly quickly, so readers may miss elements of the backstory. In this sequel, Will West and his roommates continue to uncover the evil doings of the Knights of Charlemagne, learning more about their history and finding even more secrets hidden at the Center. The Knights seem to anticipate every move Will and his friends make; could they have a traitor in their midst? Frost's novel has action and suspense mixed with aliens and genetically modified humans, so it will appeal to science fiction fans. There are several unresolved plot points which presumably will be tied up as the series continues. There is plenty of action, but lengthy explanations occasionally drag down the pacing. Purchase where the first book is popular or where there is a strong demand for sci-fi and mystery.-Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2014
After uncovering a longtime global conspiracy in the first book, Will and his classmates continue to develop their special superhuman powers, knowing they'll be needed for the upcoming struggle. Action, mystery, and mysticism weave together in a complex tale as the group uncovers more disturbing truths about their school's place in the fight. Believable characterizations keep the fantastical story balanced.

(Copyright 2014 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)