Data Runner

Gr 8 Up—In this action-packed, suspenseful dystopian novel, hydrofracking has destroyed what once was North America. The Internet is no longer in existence; it proved to be too insecure. Now, there are less-traceable information conduits, such as the aggrenet, sneakernet, and undernet. Jack Nill, 17, is a parkour enthusiast. He practices the sport of scaling and jumping off high surfaces around what used to be New York City. When he is approached about being a data runner, having a chip implanted in his body so he can deliver information securely, he is intrigued. He agrees to take the job, not knowing exactly what he is getting into. He becomes a member of the Aves, elite data runners, and has a Carrion Crow tattooed on his arm over the chip. He almost botches his first assignment by getting caught but is rescued by a girl, Red Tail, who is an experienced data runner. When his father, an esteemed engineer, goes missing and Jack discovers a hidden folder in his lab, the teen realizes he is involved in something much larger than he first believed. The well-constructed narrative includes simple explanations of the complicated data systems, and the dialogue will keep readers interested. The background information supplied on environmental and technology changes segues well into supporting elements of the plot, which reads like a James Bond movie. A refreshingly unique take on the genre.—Kathy Lyday, South Caldwell High School, NC