The Cloak Society: Fall of Heroes

Gr 5–8—This third entry begins with Alex and the team realizing their goal from book two: rescuing good-guy Rangers Lone Star and Lux from an alternate dimension. But the team's success is short-lived; Lone Star and Lux have lost their superpowers and the evil Cloak Society is masquerading as "New" Rangers, pretending to be the protectors of Sterling City while secretly plotting its destruction. Alex continues to grapple with his past: Can he really overcome his family ties to the Cloak Society? Alex's mother, Shade, develops into an intriguing, fearsome adversary, and the two face off in a climactic battle in which Alex delivers the ultimate teen cry of emancipation: "Mother, get out of my head." Alex is still the narrative's focus, his internal musings get most of the author's attention. Supporting characters that readers have come to know and like throughout the series aren't as developed as they could be in this installment. Kraatz often falls back on the superficial—describing their hair, for example, instead of giving them nuanced personality traits. It's not a serious flaw. The series' strengths are action without gratuitous violence, profanity, and romance, making it ideal for middle graders ready for a little bit more of a challenge. The story has a satisfying resolution, but Kraatz leave the door open for this appealing trilogy to continue.—Marybeth Kozikowski, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NY