Some Assembly Required

September 15, 2023
Boxmates Ace, Jayla, Grayson, and Leo return for one last adventure as they attempt to stop a tyrannical threat. Ace is more than ready for his last semester as a cadet in the B.E.S.T. program at Tower of Power, and he has his sights set on the rare SuperSoar augment. Jayla is working overtime in the Resistance Research Lab's Atlantis deepscraper, trying to find a cure for the Bixonium poisoning affecting Grayson's parents. Grayson, still grappling with the revelations about his parents and Bixonics, is struggling to reconcile the truth with his former beliefs. Meanwhile, the friends all share a concern for Leo: They're being held at Bixonics' HQ, the former International Space Station, under the guise of learning to use their unstable Sherlock augment. Plots are hatched, more truths are unearthed, and unlikely friendships are formed--all culminating in a satisfying conclusion as the boxmates hurtle toward an uncertain future and make decisions that'll affect both themselves and others. As was the case with the earlier entries, this fast-paced novel is full of heart and determination, largely due to the strong characterizations of the four protagonists and supporting cast. Filled with descriptive action sequences and conspiratorial tension, the story will make readers feel like they're part of the adventure. McCarthy skillfully conveys the importance of both emotional and logical intelligence, which can inspire young readers to be more accepting of differences. A thrilling end to an inspiring trilogy. (pick your aug) (Science fiction. 8-12)

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