Unleashed by Amy McCulloch. Sourcebooks, 9781492683773, 2021
Format: Hardcover, 352 pages
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4
Genre: Adventure/Science Fiction
What did you like about the book? Starting where the first book, Jinxed, left off, this title could be read on its own. Back-story is explained throughout the first few chapters and readers will get an inkling of events. That being said, reading the first book is recommended as it gives much more insight into characters and plot. Lacey just woke up from a coma with no idea why she has been in a hospital for a month. Her baku is missing, and she cannot remember events leading up to these circumstances. As she tries to piece together what happened, she is kicked out of Profectus, and forced to attend St. Agnes, a local school, that does not specialize in bakus or tech development. As her mother starts to act robotically, Lacey and her friends realize that this unusual behavior may be indicative of a wider-ranging plot that includes the disappearance of Moncha Corp’s co-founder, Monica Chan. Now, her life and that of her friends depend on their ability to outwit Moncha Corps’ new leader, with all of the company’s resources. Characters overlap with the original text, including the same antagonist, Carter. A nice tale of friendship, overcoming adversity and self reliance. Readers of the first book will surely enjoy this addition.
Anything you didn’t like about it? The plot is simple and a bit predictable, yet will entertain series fans. Some supporting characters are still not well fleshed out.
To whom would you recommend this book? Readers, in grades 3 and up, who enjoy science fiction books using technology and enjoyed the first title in the series, would like this title.
Who should buy this book? This would be a good purchase for upper elementary and middle schools or public libraries that cannot get enough science fiction and technology titles.
Where would you shelve it? Adventure/Science Fiction
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? I feel that this title would reside near the top of the “to read” pile.
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Elena Schuck, Nathaniel H. Wixon School Library, Dennis, Massachusetts
Date of review: November 29, 2020
Youth Services Book Review 
You must be logged in to post a comment.