In this riveting futuristic tale, Blacker (Homebird) masterfully constructs an intriguing world of remarkable possibilities and chilling consequences that bears an eerie resemblance to the here and now. With the help of best friend Gip, 12-year-old Thomas Wisdom, a model son, breaks into a secret computer file and discovers that his whole life is a lie. His all-too-perfect mother and father are not his real parents. Nor are they CIA agents, as Gip suspects. They are angels sent to earth on a mission to save the planet from destruction. In order to accomplish their goal, they need Thomas's cooperation in their Project to save humankind: he must put his faith in something bigger than himself and give up his free will. While following Thomas on his quest to learn about his past and the angels' plan for him, readers enter a maze filled with changing configurations, perplexing crossroads and allegorical obstacles. Each suspenseful chapter brings Thomas closer to the truth and presents new philosophical questions regarding the sacrifice of individuality for the good of society, and what constitutes good and evil ("Those who aren't with us are against us," says his angel mother). Thomas has the power to change the course of humanity, but becoming an angel may be too high a price. Although the climax and rather abrupt resolution are less convincing than the young hero's struggle to make the right choices, this complex novel raises some thought-provoking questions. Ages 10-up. (Sept.)
