Return to Zero (2019. 449 pages) is the third and last book in the Lorien Legacies Reborn series of novels, written by the fictitious Pittacus Lore.

As befitting a series which was stuffed to the brim with action, the story ends in a satisfying battle, which brings to the close the narrative for some of the characters, while setting up the continuation of the series. With over ten novels and more than twenty novellas, you just know that this will not be the last we hear of the teenagers who have been blessed/cursed with legacies, just think X-Men if you don’t know the basis of the books.

Having set the scene and placed his players in their final positions Lore is able to provide a lot of pace. The story is mostly split between two groups. The teenagers at the Academy are coming under increasing pressure to submit to the United Nations requirement to have a chip inserted in their brains, which would allow others to control the use of their powers.

As it can be imagined the kids do not take to this idea, especially as they are convinced that matters are being surreptitiously influenced by the shadowy Foundation, who want to turn the kids into super powered slaves.

At the same time Einar and his rogue team are trying to take down the Foundation in a much more directly violent manner, but with little success. Even when they are on the offensive, there is a brooding feeling that they are being hunted. This turns out to be true when a new, powerful opponent is revealed.

I liked that there was more character development for Taylor, Nigel and even Einar, who begins to doubt whether in his pursuit of justice, if he is becoming just as monstrous as the people he is fighting. I still have a problem with Professor Nine who’s vernacular often strays into him sounding like a fourteen-year-old, rather than the adult head of an academy, honestly, even the teens engage in less ‘dude’ speak!

If we are being fair, the book is what it is, an entertaining ride with engaging characters.

7

Charles Packer