Adaptation

After birds begin to fall dead from the sky and cause planes to crash across North America, mayhem erupts, and rising high school senior Reese Holloway and her debate partner, David, are forced to drive from Phoenix to San Francisco after all aircraft are grounded. Their rental car crashes near the infamous Area 51, and they wake up almost a month later in a mysterious government hospital, with no idea what happened. After being forced to sign a nondisclosure agreement, they are returned home to their worried parents. Soon, both teenagers realize they’ve changed in frightening and strange ways, landing them in the middle of a massive government cover-up. Focusing on Reese’s experience, this novel takes off like a shot, but slows a bit once Reese meets Amber, a pink-haired skateboarder who’s new to town. From there, the plot fluctuates between the romance between Reese and Amber and an action-packed SF thriller. Lo’s (Huntress) writing sparkles throughout, Reese’s efforts at self-acceptance after the accident are engaging, and the exciting ending will leave readers ready for the sequel. Ages 15–up. Agent: Laura Langlie Agency. (Sept.)