Children of Refuge (Children of Exile #2)

Teen Edwy is sent away by his newly found birth parents and smuggled into a futuristic city. This sequel picks up where Children of Exile (2016) left off in the devastated city of Cursed Town, to which the children of bucolic Fredtown were returned. Now, however, the narrative jounces tautly along through the voice of rebellious Edwy instead of naïve Rosi. Having been home for about 24 hours he’s not thrilled to be manhandled away to live with siblings he didn’t know existed in the thronged Refuge City. It takes Edwy some time to learn what Rosi did in the first book: that the Fred-parents are actually well-meaning aliens who took all the children of Earth away from the warring humans. The more Edwy understands about the deal brokered with the aliens, the more worried he becomes about Rosi back in Cursed Town. His sister, Kiandra, brilliant at hacking, shows Edwy footage of Rosi’s beating in the market and reports that she has escaped from jail. He becomes desperate to get to her before the aliens called Enforcers do. Racial lines are blurred in this future, though skin and eye color are oft mentioned, exploring both tribalism in its many forms and the no lesser crime of turning a blind eye. This is a topical thriller that brings heart and thought to the sci-fi genre. (Science fiction. 11-16)

Copyright 2017 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission.

Grades 4-8. Fans of Children of Exile (2016) won’t be disappointed in this sequel: it’s just as thoughtful, swift-paced, and cleverly plotted. Haddix further develops characters by changing the narrator to outspoken Edwy, a contrary rascal who has always teased Rosi for her prim and proper ways. The end of the first title had Rosi and two younger children trying to escape from a violent outbreak in Cursed Town; here we begin with Edwy being smuggled into Refuge City, where he lives with an older brother and sister he didn’t know existed. The plot twists are multiple, exciting, and completely logical, and seeing Rosi through Edwy’s eyes brings to light additional facets. Edwy finds he’s constantly worried about and desperately missing Rosi, so he uses his often negative character traits (lying, stubbornness, aggression) to find and win allies that will help him save Rosi and the children. An excellent dystopian adventure for tweens that avoids graphic violence while bringing up issues of social justice and prejudice. The cliff-hanger ending guarantees another title in the series.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: An author tour should help keep Haddix’s latest series highly visible to its dedicated audience.

Copyright 2017 Booklist, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 4-7--This highly anticipated sequel to Children of Exile will not disappoint. Fans eager to learn more about Edwy will be delighted that he narrates, giving a fuller picture of himself and his family. Alongside Edwy, readers learn more about the war and the Freds. A new setting is introduced, Refuge City, a futuristic metropolis complete with skyscrapers, bustling sidewalks, electronic scanners, cameras, and the occasional flying car. A master of suspense and cliff-hanger chapter endings, Haddix always delivers more than an action-filled story. She permeates the pages with messages about seeing beyond first impressions and risking one's life for others, making this a captivating read that is ripe for book discussions. While enjoyable as a stand-alone novel, it would be beneficial to read the first volume in advance. As this sequel wraps up, kids will once again be clinging to the edges of their seats anxious for the conclusion of the trilogy. VERDICT A masterful science fiction series with signature Haddix suspense and heart, this installment is not-to-be-missed.--Beth Parmer, New Albany Elementary Library, OH