March 5, 2018
In this intriguing sci-fi thriller, a young woman with the ability to freeze and rewind time discovers that she may not have long to live. As a “spinner” employed by the government to help solve crimes, 16-year-old Alex Manning yearns for freedom that is forbidden to her kind. After she’s struck by an incurable time sickness, she’ll do anything to avoid death, even take an experimental, illegal medication and pursue off-the-book missions with her handler. When she unexpectedly unlocks new powers, she stumbles across a dark secret at the heart of the spinner program. While the minimal backstory of the spinners raises some basic questions, O’Doherty supplies a solid premise, memorable characters, and a fast-paced plot. The exploration of limited time travel to combat crime and the societal prejudice against spinners are both thought-provoking concepts; this is a worthwhile setup for future installments in the proposed trilogy. Ages 12–up. Agent: Alison McDonald, Rights Factory.
February 1, 2018
Gr 8 Up-Alex Manning is a 16-year-old time Spinner-superbeings who have the power to freeze and rewind time. The only catch is that Spinners do not make it past their teenage years. The "Norms," everyday people, fear Spinners and their powers. Spinners are taken from their parents when they are babies. They live in centers, similar to a lock-down facility, with doctors and scientists monitoring them. To prolong Spinners' lives, their chronotin levels are managed through taking medication. Once they start to get "the Sick," Spinners' health quickly deteriorates within a matter of months. People who are touched by Spinners while time is being frozen also stay frozen in time. Spinners help Norms with crime investigations and they work with assigned agents. Alex is assigned to Agent Ross to catch one of the most prolific and dangerous thieves and murderers. As Alex begins to get "the Sick," Agent Ross gets her underground experimental treatment. The side effects give Alex new time freezing skills that allow her or anyone rewinding with her the ability to alter moments in time. This debut set amid the backdrop of Portland, OR, will not disappoint teens interested in fast-paced, supernatural science fiction. Human experimentation, crime investigation, and test of friendships will keep readers engaged and asking important questions about science. This book has good character growth with a strong female antagonist. VERDICT A great quick pick for reluctant readers.-Julia Christensen, Westchester Public Library, Michigan City, IN
Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
February 15, 2018
A girl with the ability to freeze and rewind time finds herself at the center of a web of conspiracies.Sixteen-year-old Alex Manning is a spinner, someone born with a genetic mutation giving her the ability to freeze and rewind time. Spinners are taken from their parents shortly after birth and housed in Centers where they are closely monitored and protected from a public that fears their abilities. Alex's chief source of satisfaction derives from her work with the police department, which makes use of spinners' skills to help them solve crimes. She is determined to help her handler, Agent Ross, uncover the crime lord he is hunting before she runs out of time herself; the maximum spinner life span is 20, and Alex is already experiencing her first bouts of time sickness, signaling that her death is less than a year away. When Ross offers Alex the opportunity to take part in a risky and illicit experimental treatment that promises to extend her life span, she agrees. The fast-paced plot is complicated not only by the criminal investigation, but also by a shocking secret Alex uncovers along the way. Alex is assumed white. A likable, multiethnic supporting cast and a whiff of endearing romance round out this promising debut.A twisty and satisfying page-turner. (Thriller. 14-adult)
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