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Lies by Michael Grant

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Brief synopsis (no spoilers)
Life in the Fallout Alley Youth Zone continues. We've waded through the initial shock and then through hunger, now we're passing through tribulation- even more than before. Villains return, new ones are introduced, and even some of the heroes fall through. FAYZ inhabitants are facing the tough choice of sticking around through tribulation, or stepping out when they hit 15. But (of course there's a but), the decision isn't really that simple.

 Category
YA Fiction

 Why I chose this book
Next in series

 My personal opinion (the review)
I enjoyed this installment in the series the most. There are multiple stories going on at once, double-crossings, human frailties, and some much-needed justice being dished out. I found myself saying "Finally!" several times in the story, as terrible situations were finally neutralized for good. Albert was very much the big name in the last book, but in this one, he fades into the background. So does Sam, for that matter. And Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie totally make it into this one... Well, as much as adults can make an appearance in the FAYZ.

 Warnings
Language: none
Violence: yes, frequent peril, not very graphic
"Adult" situations: none
Death: yes, not graphic

 Movie rating equivalent
PG-13

 Protagonist description
Sam, Astrid, Mary and Edilio play large parts in this book. They all have moments of strength and weakness. Very human characters

 Point of view of story
Third person omniscient, point of view varies

 Book length
Medium-long

 Story flow
Excellent, no lags

 Grammar and spelling issues
None

 Character connection (no spoilers)
Mary's story is brought out strongly, so that's good. I want more from Little Pete

For series:
Independent or integral (stand-alone or back story dependent)
Integral

 Series review as a whole
Great series, and getting better with each part

 If you only have time for one, read: (which one)
Start at the beginning: Gone

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