The Colossus Rises

December 3, 2012
In this action-packed first novel in the Seven Wonders series, Jack McKinley, an imaginative kid with a penchant for Rube Goldberg–style devices, is kidnapped and brought to a mysterious island. There he learns that he and three other 13-year-olds carry a rare, often fatal gene; if they survive, the gene will confer superpowers on them and mark them as distantly descended from Atlantis. That ancient kingdom, they discover, was destroyed when its rulers misused the enormous power they wielded. Jack and his new friends have been recruited to rediscover the lost repositories of that power, which are connected to the wonders of the ancient world, such as the Colossus of Rhodes and the Lighthouse of Alexandria. Their survival, though, is far from guaranteed. Lerangis, contributor to the 39 Clues series, has created a real page-turner, and while the characters are somewhat one-dimensional (particularly the adults), there’s a genuine sense of mystery and even a touch of grandeur to this tale. Lerangis aims squarely at the legions of Percy Jackson fans and hits his target. Ages 8–12. Agent: George Nicholson, Sterling Lord Literistic.

August 1, 2013

Gr 5-9-Jack McKinley is just an ordinary 12-year-old boy who has been raised by various au pairs-until he almost dies after a car accident. Saved by Professor Bhegad, Jack is sent to a mysterious, hidden island to undergo scientific experimentation/treatment in the hope that a cure for his unique genetic disorder will be found. There, he meets Ally, Marco, and Cass, and they all discover that they are descendants of ancient Atlanteans. If they don't find the seven magical orbs from the lost civilization that have been missing for thousands of years, Professor Bhegad will be unable to cure them and life on Earth will end as they know it. Will they succeed? Johnathan McClain's narration of Lerangis's book (HarperCollins, 2013) starts out a little choppy, but quickly draws listeners into Jack's world. The characters are well developed, and McClain masterfully brings them to life with his use of entertaining, unique voices. The pacing is excellent and narrative transitions between action and contemplation/mystery are phenomenal. Together, the plot and the narrator create perfect entertainment. For fans of Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" series or students who enjoy action, science fiction, adventure, and ancient world mythology.-Jessica Moody, Olympus Junior High, Holladay, UT

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2012
The Seven Wonders series debuts with a bang: 13-year-old Jack McKinley will die unless he can locate the magic Loculi containing the ancient powers of Atlantis. No time for lush descriptions of setting and insightful characterizations here. A belching barefoot giant who looks like a Viking appears on the very first page, and the action begins--a fast-paced, page-turning adventure that quickly takes Jack from Belleville, Ind., to what's left of ancient Atlantis. It turns out that Jack is a descendant of the lost civilization and has a rare genetic condition that will kill him unless he can tap into the island's powers. The problem is that when Atlantis was destroyed, its source of power was stolen, divided into seven containers and hidden in the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Finding the powers will not only save Jack's life, but also give him superpowers. Jack and his new friends Cass, Marco and Aly climb volcanoes, confront a griffin, enter a maze, find a waterfall that gives life to the dead and seek the Colossus of Rhodes. Jack, like his kindred spirit, Percy Jackson, is a good-hearted narrator, unsure of his powers but up to the challenges of his fated journey. Fans of Riordan, Rowling, and ancient myths and legends will welcome this new, if derivative opportunity for adventure and enchantment. (Fiction. 8-14)

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December 1, 2012
Grades 4-8 Part Goonies, part MacGyver, part Percy Jackson, this big series starter is sure to please readers looking for underdog heroes and their unbelievable adventures. Jack learns he has a rare genetic anomaly that gives him a unique skill, but one that will cause his death if he doesn't receive mysterious treatments at a secretive institute along with three other young teens. Marco, Aly, Cass, and Jack are deeply suspicious of the institute's director and his trolllike thug, but rely on them for survivalwhen they aren't too busy trying to escape. Together, their skills make them a formidable team, which serves them well on their quest to find the cure for their ailment, the parts of which are located at each of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, beginning with the heart of Atlantis. The teens' talents mirror their obvious outward appearances, but they quickly develop the heart and personality of full characters. The tension of whom to trust and why keeps readers guessing, and the quick action, high stakes, and clever solutions make this a slam dunk. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Lerangis scored big as one of the 39 Clues authors, and a six-figure marketing campaign signals that this is being positioned as a tent-pole franchise.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)