Horn Book Review
In this dramatic trilogy ender (The Declaration, The Resistance), wonder-drug Longevity--designed to sustain life indefinitely--can't overcome a new virus sweeping Britain. Peter, Anna, and their Underground rebel friends must uncover the truth to stop the drug maker. Malley's storytelling techniques remain complex and inventive (including a few big surprises) in this parable about scientific discovery and corporate abuses of power. (c) Copyright 2011. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
This conclusion to the trilogy that began with Declaration (2007) carries two simple lessons: "Richard Pincent was the most evil man in the whole world" and "a world full of old people completely sucked." The immortality drug Longevity might no longer be working. Though the dastardly Richard Pincent, owner of Longevity, spreads wild tales about Underground terrorists poisoning the Longevity supply, teenage revolutionaries (and Richard's grandsons) Peter and Jude know it's not true. But certainly something is killing Legal people, despite the drug that should be keeping them safe in their placid, middle-class boredom. Perhaps they rely too much on wicked medicine and not enough on Nature's own beautiful circle of life? Peter and Jude frantically attempt to prove their heroism, but events are far beyond their control. Ironically, it's not the young heroes but the generation of those who "outstay their welcome" who will bring about the new Eden: a nearly depopulated, post-pandemic, technophobic farming world. Any subtlety the earlier books may have enjoyed is lost in what is now a straightforward thriller. (Science fiction. 11-13)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Less subtle than its predecessors, this fast-paced but straightforward follow-up to The Resistance (2008) abandons its thoughtful exploration of the repercussions of immortality and instead espouses the inherent moral rightness of the circle of life. When one-note villain Richard Pincent stole Longevity and murdered its creator, he was warned: Nature will win. Now, a lethal virus is going unchecked in a society unequipped to deal with sickness and death. While Richard schemes to keep Longevity's failure secret, Peter and the others begin the seismic shift in thinking to a natural way of life. This dystopian thriller is a necessary read for series fans who want closure.--Hutley, Krista Copyright 2010 Booklist