Fall of Heroes

July 1, 2014
Teenage superheroes square off against supervillain parents in this action-packed, if misleadingly (or at least metaphorically) titled, trilogy closer.In hiding since his dad, Volt, and evil telepathic mother (imagine having one of those), Shade, led the Cloak Society in a successful bid to crush the Rangers of Justice and market itself as the "New Rangers," Alex and his mixed band of junior allies from both organizations make ready to strike back. The first step-rescuing original rangers Lone Star and Lux from an other-dimensional prison-turns into a public relations disaster, and nearly a real one, after the rescuees dismiss the young folk and charge into the fray on their own. So much for counting on grown-ups. As previously, Kraatz weaves together angst-y ruminations and multiple set-piece battles between bands of costumed fighters endowed with both high-tech weaponry and powers ranging from telekinesis to the ability to change into a mist. Of course, adversaries have time to exchange the customary threats or banter as they battle, and despite massive destruction of property, the actual body count is near zero. Afterward, along with discussing possibilities for sequels, Alex and his newly fledged team acquire preppy peacoats rather than flashy spandex body suits (so last-century).Dangers, debacles and superhuman feats galore, with a light brush of applied satire and enough resolution to serve. (Fantasy. 11-13)

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July 1, 2014

Gr 5-8-This third entry begins with Alex and the team realizing their goal from book two: rescuing good-guy Rangers Lone Star and Lux from an alternate dimension. But the team's success is short-lived; Lone Star and Lux have lost their superpowers and the evil Cloak Society is masquerading as "New" Rangers, pretending to be the protectors of Sterling City while secretly plotting its destruction. Alex continues to grapple with his past: Can he really overcome his family ties to the Cloak Society? Alex's mother, Shade, develops into an intriguing, fearsome adversary, and the two face off in a climactic battle in which Alex delivers the ultimate teen cry of emancipation: "Mother, get out of my head." Alex is still the narrative's focus, his internal musings get most of the author's attention. Supporting characters that readers have come to know and like throughout the series aren't as developed as they could be in this installment. Kraatz often falls back on the superficial-describing their hair, for example, instead of giving them nuanced personality traits. It's not a serious flaw. The series' strengths are action without gratuitous violence, profanity, and romance, making it ideal for middle graders ready for a little bit more of a challenge. The story has a satisfying resolution, but Kraatz leave the door open for this appealing trilogy to continue.-Marybeth Kozikowski, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NY

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2015
Determined to save Sterling City from the Cloak Society, the tween Cloak defectors and Junior Rangers rescue Lone Star and Lux. The two superheroes lost their powers in the Gloom, however, and it will take everyone working together to destroy the supervillains once and for all. Expertly balancing action and emotion, this solid conclusion nicely wraps up the superhero series.

(Copyright 2015 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)