The Fires of New Sun

November 15, 2011
Three teens fight bandits in a future Africa as they attempt to rebuild civilization on the continent. This sequel to the effective dystopia The Blending Time (2010) relies on some knowledge of the previous book but offers excellent suspense and some attractive characterizations. The multicultural teens, Jaym, Reya and D'Shay, meet again after Jaym and D'Shay have defeated the "'gades" (renegades) that attacked their village. Now they trek across the waterless savanna to find an outpost of New Sun, the organization behind their original mission to Africa. All their efforts will fall apart, however, if a strong force of 'gades succeeds in wiping out their camp. Much of the story centers on their preparations for the coming attack, and it really takes off when the fight begins. Kinch makes the action truly exciting, but, sadly, it obscures the inventiveness of the dystopia somewhat. Although the story takes place in the 2070s, there's plenty for contemporary teens to recognize. The three main characters come across as real people, although some in the supporting cast feel one-dimensional, such as the unpleasant Aussie Tarkin. Ultimately, as a war story, the book works beautifully. For some great action, this can't be beat. (Dystopian action. 12 & up)

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

April 1, 2012

Gr 9 Up-In the aftermath of the Great Solar Flare of 2058, the people of Africa suffer devastating damage to their chromosomal structure because of exposure to gamma rays during the disaster. In order to preserve the race, new blood is being introduced in the form of "Blenders," youth chosen for the purpose of breeding. This sequel to The Blending Time (Flux, 2011) takes up the adventures of D'Shay, Jaym, and Reya, three Blenders desperately working to survive against the wrath of the 'gades, protect the health and welfare of the 'gees, and build lives for themselves in the new Africa. Despite the presence of introductory history and a cast of characters, along with an all-to-brief glossary, readers new to this series will have a very difficult time entering Kinch's elaborate futuristic world. Those who have read the first book will find plenty of action and gore, coupled with the blossoming romances between the matched couples and their struggles to assimilate within African tribal culture.-Sara Saxton, Wasilla Meta-Rose Public Library, Wasilla, AK

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2012
Grades 8-12 In the mid-twenty-first century, American teenagers Jaym, Reya, and D'Shay survive the journey to Africa to become blenders, creating children with the native population. While battling corruption and terrorism, Jaym finds himself actually falling in love with his intended partner, Lingana, while Reya's severe injuries limit and frustrate her, and D'Shay grows into a committed but humanistic warrior. A glossary and detailed cast list will help new readers get up to speed in the Blending Time series, in which issues of social justice are seen through the lens of high-speed, cinematic action. A cliffhanger ending assures the series will continue.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)