Downburst

A teenage runaway named Kit becomes embroiled in a supernatural war by being in the wrong place at the right time in this fast-paced yet inconsistent adventure. After witnessing the murder of a girl who resembles her, Kit is accidentally kidnapped in her place and forced to participate in a strenuous wilderness exercise. This places her at the heart of a secret training camp for teens capable of “windwalking,” where she has to conceal her inability to use air currents to fly. Though Kit is determined to escape before her true identity is discovered, she is instead forced to fight for her life when a rival tribe of windwalkers attacks. Robison’s premise, which involves hidden indigenous tribes capable of flight, is solid, but the slow trickle of information is more frustrating than intriguing, as are the third-act revelations. It’s a strong showing, nonetheless, with visceral combat scenes and creative exploration of the paranormal concept at the story’s core. The second and third books in the Windstorm trilogy, Coiled Snake and Firestorm, are also available. Ages 12–up. (BookLife)