Take a lightweight YA tale featuring a hint of romance and angst. Add a good dose of TV's Alias,
fold in some Buffy the Vampire Slayer
and season lightly with elements of Artemis Fowl
—the result is this overstuffed novel, first in a new action-adventure series. Some decades in the future, six teenagers from various walks of life are recruited to attend the prestigious Deveraux Academy. They soon find out why the institution is known by its students as "Spy High," as they are assigned to be teammates on Bond Team (yes, an homage to that
Bond). A typical day of the teens' rigorous academic schedule involves learning about laser weapons, disarming bombs and maneuvering a mode of transportation known as a SkyBike. When Bond Team is sent on a special expedition into the Wildscape, they encounter the Moreau-like Dr. Averill Frankenstein, who claims to be a descendant of Mary Shelley's creation (he calls her work "an authentic account of the greatest scientific experiment ever attempted"). Clearly influenced by the big and small screen, Butcher keeps the action at warp speed with lots of quick scene changes, and bits of fast-flying, but not very believable dialogue. Unfortunately, confusing chapter openings and a barrage of characters and creatures hamper the book's rhythm. Characters remain unformed, coming across mostly as devices to deliver smart-alecky repartee. Die-hard action fans will likely welcome something new, but casual readers may prefer a video of Spy Kids
. Ages 12-up. (May)
