Cassandra Virus Bk. 2:
The Drone War
by K. V. Johansen

    THE DRONE WAR by K. V. Johansen
    Category:  Science Fiction
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  9/4/07
    Publisher:  Sybertooth Inc.
    Reviewed by:  Carrie Spellman
    Rating:  5 Stars


    Jordan O'Blenis is worried about his sister, Cassie.  They've always been close, even more so since their last
    adventure.  But lately she hasn't been answering her phone or responding to emails.  Sure, she's busy.  Top
    secret government projects can keep a person pretty occupied.  Jordan knows his sister though, and he's pretty
    sure there's something else going on.  Jordan and Helen, his partner in crime, are determined to find out what
    that is.  And they'll have to do it in person, since Cassandra, Jordan's "super virus," has suddenly acquired an
    interest in ethical behavior.  Off they go to surprise Cassie, and do a little investigating.

    It's not long before they uncover a stalker, and their old friends the Harvey's from Bureau 6, as well as some
    new faces from Bureau 7.  (B6 and B7 are kind of like the Canadian FBI and CIA.)  Cassie's definitely in
    trouble.  Now what?  How do a child computer genius and a child biology genius compete with covert
    government operatives?  Even with the help of conspiracy theorist Jack, their old friend and now Cassie's
    boyfriend, this could be a bit much.  And definitely dangerous.

    This book is a non-stop adventure; once it gets going there is rarely a pause.  If you liked THE CASSANDRA
    VIRUS, this is a great continuation of where that book left off.  If you haven't read that one, I highly encourage
    it, both because it's very good and because this book may be hard to get into otherwise.  There isn't a whole lot
    of discussion of past events; the author assumes you know the characters and their past, which I actually really
    liked.

    I've read a few books by K.V Johansen now, and I really like the way she writes.  Everything is very intelligent,
    but never condescending.  Sure, there's some technical stuff that I didn't quite get, not being a computer genius,
    but I never felt bad or dumb for not knowing.  And it never took anything away from the story.

    I also liked that Jordan, Helen, and Cassie are geniuses but still socially adept.  Well, mostly.  Kidnapping and
    interrogation are always difficult the first time.  It's a very fun, often funny, intelligent read.  I highly recommend
    it.