Quantum Prophecy: The Awakening

This first volume in Carroll's Quantum Prophecy trilogy builds quickly on an intriguing premise. Ten years ago, all of the world's superheroes and supervillains vanished in a massive, climactic battle. As the 10-year anniversary of ""Mystery Day"" approaches, friends Danny and Colin discover that they are developing superpowers-Danny can move very fast and Colin has unusually sensitive hearing. The boys learn that their parents are in fact retired superheroes; moments later they are kidnapped and taken to a hidden retreat where a genius named Cross works on a giant machine that strips those with superpowers of their abilities. Central to it all is the hero formerly known as Quantum, whose ability to foresee the future slowly drove him mad-and who had one particular vision of Danny, becoming the ultimate supervillain. Much of the action strains credibility, but appropriately so for a superhero story; the action is rigorously fast in places, making this a book easily read in one sitting. Carroll also does a good job shifting focus, keeping the reader wondering who exactly the good guys are for most of the story, which closes with a gem of a cliffhanger. More than a little reminiscent of The Incredibles, this is a fun start to a promising franchise. Ages 10-up.