The Ghost Machine

January 1, 2009
Gr 5-9-Having successfully completed their first mission in "STORM: The Infinity Code" (Dial, 2008), the 14-year-old members of STORM (Science and Technology to Over-Rule Misery) continue to cultivate their unique skills. Will, the group's genius inventor, has been interning with a unit in Britain's M16; Andrew, their leader and resident computer whiz, has been networking via the Internet with other talented teens; and Gaia continues to hone her expertise with explosives. Andrew has been "chatting" with Cristina, a Venice teenager whose home has recently been burgled by a ghost. When she disappears, the group heads to Italy to see if they can rescue her and unravel the mystery, and soon find themselves facing a brilliant but disturbed enemy. With a slew of new gadgets, some modifications to Ratty (Will's remote-controlled pet rat), and ghosts that are technology-based rather than supernatural, this book contains a lot of intriguing and cutting-edge science concepts. Readers will be quickly drawn into the secret-agent world as they race along with the team into adventure and danger. An author's note provides explanations of the inspirations behind the high-tech elements. This well-written book makes an excellent addition."Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2009
Will, Andrew, and Gaia (STORM: The Infinity Code) must protect an internationally important conference from an old foe. Although this spy-fi adventure features only technology based on real-life research, it joyfully revels in over-the-top genre cliches, right down to robot-controlled sharks armed with sonar guns. Despite weak characterization, gadgets--from nanotech ghosts to tongue-controlled sonar vision--keep the story entertaining.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)