Young's Storm: The Infinity Code

Young is a science writer, which explains the huge range of gadgets that are used to help the teen members of Science and Technology to Over-Rule Misery (STORM), as well as some of the problems that these bright teens have to solve in the course of the book.

What I'd love to know is how she can write such compelling action. Similar to Pearson's Steel Trapp that I read last week, this is even better. STORM is working on global threats with the help of a teen software developer's millions. Doesn't hurt the suspense that one of the member's fathers is missing, held hostage by evil doers that want to use his skills, and only STORM can save him. How can one not like a book where the teen characters take off on their own on a train to St. Petersburg in December without their passports or warm clothes. Or money. Or food.

That must be the appeal of spy fiction. It's so popular now, and I am enjoying it myself. It's the feeling of empowerment, independence and excitement that make these books appeal to so many students, and this one is certainly going straight to the top of my list. Will, Gaia and Andrew were all likable characters, despite their quirks. The plot is a bit far fetched, but possible. Great cover. Sequels sure to come. (Storm: The Ghost Machine on 18 September!)

My one beef with Penguin Putnam-- the library copy of this book was added on March 26th of this year and is already splitting at the spine. Can't you make a book that holds up for more than two months?