Blackout
Thriller with superpowered teens has coming-of-age appeal.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that despite two instances of gunfire in the opening pages of Blackout, the violence in this tense thriller is neither graphic nor dominant. A mysterious virus affecting only teens gives them superpowers that develop slowly. After some of the infected teens have turned to terrorism, wrecking a dam and downing a bridge, others volunteer to help stop them. There's no profanity or drug use, and the sexual content is limited to kissing and holding hands.
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More profanity than CSM Overview suggests
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What's the Story?
Aubrey and Jack, teens from central Utah, are infected with a mysterious virus that affects only teens, giving each of them a unique superpower that develops slowly. Aubrey can become invisible, and Jack has ultra-keen senses. Some infected teens have turned to terrorism, and Aubrey and Jack volunteer to join the Green Berets to stop them. Their journey takes them from Seattle to San Diego, and readers know all along that some terrorists are closer to them than they realize.
Is It Any Good?
BLACKOUT has the makings of an effective thriller. A cell of three young terrorists spreads havoc across the American West, while the Army tries to identify the virus that gives superpowers to the still-developing brains of teens. It also tries to enlist some of them to fight the terrorists. Aubrey and Jack, connected by their unpopularity in high school, face harrowing tests of their loyalty to each other as they try to figure out who the terrorists really are.
The aspect of young adults learning to use their newfound powers gives the story a coming-of-age quality that adds to its appeal. Too bad the page-turner fizzles into a sequel-ready ending.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why stories about superpowers are so popular. Which others have you read?
Superpowers come with weaknesses. One boy can lift incredible weight, but it hurts his bones. What would your superpower be, and what is its drawback?
The power-giving virus is called Erebus, which in mythology is the son of Chaos. Do you see the connection?
Book Details
- Author: Robison Wells
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Topics: Superheroes, Adventures, Friendship
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: HarperTeen
- Publication date: October 1, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 13 - 17
- Number of pages: 432
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
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