Dangerous

//Dangerous// by Shannon Hale Maisy Danger Brown is a differently-abled Latina who enters a contest and wins admission to a space camp program. She finds herself in a group with three other winners, training for elite status. Maisy's spare time is spent thinking about smooth-talking, sweet-kissing Jonathan. Her group and Jonathan earn a trip to space. While off planet, each of the five becomes host to an extra-terrestrial token and gains a super-ability in the process. Once back on Earth, they work to function as a team, while the space-camp leaders and Jonathan's billionaire father seek to manipulate the five and control their powers.

This work of science fiction uses classic techniques to draw in the reader: make the imaginary feel real, and connect us to core values of human society. I appreciated the careful balance between having a plot full of action and allowing time for Maisy to evaluate herself and those around her. Another bonus is that the story is a quick read and doesn't feel like the launching point for a series.

So why does this enjoyable novel not get my nod for the final list? Small parts of the book feel awkwardly conceived, while many characters are killed off in a casual and meaningless way. Ultimately these flaws made me feel disconnected from the characters that remain. ~ ~ ~ Wally Keniston.