Parents' Guide to

Blackout

By Joe Applegate, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Thriller with superpowered teens has coming-of-age appeal.

Book Robison Wells Science Fiction 2013
Blackout Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 13+

Based on 1 parent review

ehhslibrary
ehhslibrary Adult
February 5, 2014
age 13+

More profanity than CSM Overview suggests

Blackout is a good read. I wanted to write this review to let potential readers know that the profanity content is actually several instances of: d***itt, h***, a**, and b****. I wouldn't call it excessive, but the CSM overview says there is no profanity, and that isn't accurate.
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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?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (2):

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

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