Review of "Altered"

"What were four boys doing in our basement?"

     In Altered, author Jennifer Rush explores the life of four superhuman fugitives and their unexceptional human sidekick. Anna Moray has always known about the Branch, the mysterious corporation her father works for. She's come to terms with the way they've altered the genetics of Sam, Cas, Nick, and Trev, the four boys they keep in her father's basement lab. Over the years, she's even started helping Dad test them. But when the Branch sends agents to retrieve their little projects, everything is thrown into chaos. Sam and the boys escape, taking Anna with them. They're determined to uncover their forgotten pasts and start new lives for themselves, but they may just discover that their most important task is figuring out how Anna plays into it all. Because while they're running for their lives, she may very well be the key to everything--including their undoing.

     The characters in Rush's novel are incredibly diverse. Sam is the serious, focused leader with a great eye for strategy; Trev is book-smart and kind, always ready to act as peacemaker or quote a historical figure; Nick is grouchy and irritating, though with surprising depth; and Cas really only cares about food and mental stimulation. Together, they've formed a bond so strong it's obvious in everything they do. These boys are more than friends or fellow subjects; they're brothers. Anna, despite her original position in their lives, is strong-willed and somehow manages to hold her own amongst them, earning their respect even as she figures out her place in the pack.

     Altered may appear to get off to a slow start, but it quickly becomes apparent that this is merely the calm before the storm. Within a few chapters, Anna and the boys are stealing cars, evenly distributing guns, and inspecting every shadow for a sign that Branch agents have caught up to them. Thankfully, these aren't just kick-butt characters who are brilliant at everything they touch; though they're good at what they do, they all have flaws and make mistakes just like real people. The Branch is also a very real presence throughout the entire story, more than a scary shadow on the horizon. Whenever they show up, it's a sign that something important is going to happen, whether it's a crucial discovery or a shocking plot twist. Rush is very good at revealing secrets piecemeal, giving readers just enough to satisfy without spoiling the rest of the plot, which makes for a very addicting read.

     Sadly, the romance in this novel is a little underdeveloped. Anna has a huge crush on Sam, mainly because he's very deliberate, only revealing as much about himself as he deems necessary, which intrigues her. But Sam doesn't appear to reciprocate her feelings, so even though we know he keeps his emotions secret it comes as a bit of a shock to find he thinks of her that way, too. Maybe it's a bit of a spoiler, but it's important to note that a good bit of this story is made up of romance, which doesn't get in the way of the plot but really could be fleshed out better.

     Readers should note that while these characters have been sheltered their whole lives, they are far from innocent. They shoot people, steal, and fight their way out of bad situations, which often ends with a floor littered with bodies. It isn't a terribly gory book, with just enough blood and guts for those who enjoy such things. The romance doesn't go beyond kissing, though it's implied that one of the characters would be just fine with more. What may raise some flags is the language content, as the boys--especially Nick--cuss a great deal. Most of the more "mature" words are reserved for Nick, ranging from "hell" to the F-bomb. While there are moments when the language seems a little overused, it usually fits with the characters and context.

     I would recommend this book to teens looking for an action-packed novel with great characters and mysteries that are actually mysterious. Jennifer Rush is definitely an author who asks more questions than she answers,  at least at first, but by the time the story comes to a close most of those questions have been addressed. This makes for some huge plot twists that are almost guaranteed to keep readers on their toes, and though the romance is a little flat it's impossible to dislike the characters. Even surly, foul-mouthed Nick has a good side, whether or not he cares to admit it. Rush has done a great deed with Altered, an exciting book with lots of spirit and a plot that will leave readers thirsting for more. It definitely deserves a solid four stars.