Gr 4-7-An action-packed plot and clever narrative twists highlight this science fiction novel set in the year 2044. Thirteen-year-old Kobi and his dad are survivors of "the Waste," a deadly outbreak caused by genetically engineered fertilizer that has decimated the earth. When his father disappears, the boy must venture out into the ruined city of Seattle where he encounters deadly "Chokerplants," mutated wolves, and robotic "Snatchers" that hunt living things. Kobi also discovers that the post-Waste world isn't at all what his father had led him to believe. Aided by physical capabilities that have been enhanced by the outbreak, Kobi joins with a couple other kids as they survive multiple perils and try to discover the truth about their world. The dangers are plentiful, with at least a dozen scenes in which the kids barely escape from animals, machines, or treacherous humans. These scenes are engaging, despite occasional confusing moments, and will keep most readers eagerly turning the pages. In between the battles and chases, there are some well-developed plot twists as Kobi learns more about his father, the Waste, and the true reality of the world. The fast pace and intricate plot don't leave a lot of room for character development, but some personality emerges through Kobi's decisions and actions. Final scenes wrap up some major plot threads while also setting the stage for a sequel. VERDICT Engaging and accessible science fiction for middle grade readers. A solid purchase for medium and large collections.-Steven Engelfried, Wilsonville Public Library, OR © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Spun out around the tried-and-true evil megacorporation rears its ugly head sf trope, Ford's novel pitches a group of preteens into a whirl of stunning revelations in the wake of a genetically engineered viral ecodisaster that has (supposedly) left the world covered in mutated flora and fauna. Having grown up in a ruined Seattle afflicted with both hyperaggressive biopredators and robotic drone Snatchers with big, stabby needles, Kobi is amazed to encounter new children from, they say, a refuge called Healhome. It's a medical facility run by CLAWS, the same people who manufacture the drones, were responsible for the catastrophe, and are now sole providers of drugs that allow the planet's diminished, but still large, population to survive. Further dizzying discoveries, notably that Kobi is immune to the mutagenic Waste that has nonetheless gifted him and his friends with superstrength, telepathy, and other powers, ensue. Cue the sequels. Desperate battles with tentacled robots, ripsaw Chokerplant vines, hideously misshapen rats, and other lurid foes punctuate this action-oriented opener. (But, be warned: the dog dies.)--John Peters Copyright 2018 Booklist

After a plant-growing product called Waste ravaged the world, Kobi and his scientist father survive alone in a school in contaminated Seattle. When Kobi's father fails to return from a supply run, the boy ventures out, meeting unexpected young survivors with unusual abilities similar to his own. A quick and engrossing post-apocalyptic adventure with a cliffhanger ending; readers will eagerly await the next installment. (c) Copyright 2019. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Teenager Kobi must fight for survival in this post-apocalyptic thriller.Seattle is unrecognizable after the Waste outbreak. A "genetically engineered hormone" initially designed to end the worldwide food shortage has instead infected all lifeplants, insects, and animalsand genetically mutated them into gigantic creatures with supernatural abilities, such as the predatory Chokerplants. Kobi and his father are the only known human survivors. They have strict rules in place: Don't spend too much time in the Waste, seal all entrances. Kobi's dad routinely leaves him in their shelter, an abandoned school, to work in his lab for a cure. When he does not return from one of these trips, Kobi must break with protocol and venture out to find out what happened to him. To the Asian-American teen's surprise, he runs into three kids: a white boy named Fionn and two girls, olive-skinned Niki and Indian-American Asha, who are being chaperoned by Guardians, adults in hazmat suits. The action just accelerates from there. The only inhibitor in this tightly and effectively written thriller is the inconsistent science in the worldbuilding. Typically a "hormone" is not spread by "spores" or "cured" by "antibodies." Still, readers will find the plot twists engrossing enough.Ending on a cliffhanger, this book is sure to infect readers' curiosity for a sequel. (Science fiction. 10-14) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.