Luminary

Following the events of Anomaly, Thalli, Berk, Rhen, and John flee the underground State where Scientists breed and control people in an attempt to create a perfect humanity. Finding refuge in New Hope, one of a few settlements that survived worldwide nuclear war 40 years before, the four find tough moral challenges in the town's conflict with predatory neighbor Athens. McGee adeptly balances 17-year-old Thalli's emerging jealousy over Rhen's apparent rivalry for Berk's affections. She also incorporates provocative issues such as how nonviolence can survive in a world of hostility, and how mutually suspicious neighbors can overcome deliberately cultivated hatred and misunderstanding. The counsel of wise mentor John sometimes tilts toward saccharine moralizing, but Thalli's insight that the imperfect beauty of freedom is preferable to static perfection emerges through her experience rather than as a pat sentiment. McGee blends the determination of faith, the malevolence of those who extol power over decency, and the assertion of individual integrity in a humane glimpse at youthful courage. Ages 12%E2%80%93up. Agent: Jenni Burke, D.C. Jacobson & Associates. (Jan.)