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Gr 8 Up—Typical teen Tate consistently argues with his dad about not being able to have a normal life: Why can't he have a girlfriend? Why did he start learning chemistry at age five? Why must he learn so many languages? One day he breaks into his father's super secret lab and finds a cool, scanner-like gadget that glows blue when he waves it over himself and red for his girlfriend. Bringing the contraption to school results in being attacked by crazy strangers and the death of his father who was trying to protect him. With his dying breath, the scientist reveals that the human race has been infiltrated by aliens who have been breeding with humans, and few "pure" humans are left, including Tate himself. Now the teen is on the run, not sure who to trust. With the help of his mother, possibly alien girlfriend, and the advanced skills in science and fighting he has acquired over the years, the protagonist tries to figure out the secret behind his father's invention. This is a fast-paced, very readable sci-fi novel solidly aimed at young adults who aren't into "bug-eyed aliens" tales but love good suspense stories. Jury and Fine place the narrative firmly in our universe with vague hints of otherness and lots of fights, explosions, and the occasional tame love scene. Readers know only what Tate knows and will enjoy the fun of trying to figure out the mystery. A fun, escapist novel with a cliffhanger ending. A solid choice for reluctant readers.—Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ