The Rundown
Continuing the saga from book one, The Deep Beneath, Tex’s [H.A.L.F. 9’s] attempts to liberate his friends from Commander Lillian Sturgis go awry when they fall right into the snare of the Conexus. Better known as the Greys, the depersonalized collective are designed for one purpose—to increase their number through assimilation. Emily Holt, Ian Frew, and Dr. Randall wonder if Tex has betrayed them. Tex, in another section of the Conexus compound, is doing his best to protect his friends’ identities while desperately trying to find a way of escaping assimilation. In the meantime, Jack Wilson, who has been left behind on earth, has his own set of circumstances to deal with as he struggles for survival.
There are other races the group of friends has to contend with, as war on Earth is imminent. While Emily, Ian, and Dr. Randall deal with “an extremely virulent virus” (intended to be unleashed on the Earth), the Regina (mother and leader of the Conexus) slowly lures Tex to “productively” join forces with the collective. Jack has no choice but to work along side the infamous Commander Sturgis’ niece, Anna. Together, their job is to rescue not only Alecto—Tex’s hybrid sister, but also his worse enemy, Lillian Sturgis. Both Alecto and Commander Sturgis are prisoners of The Makers, an international covert organization lead by William Croft, the notorious leader of the Inner Council of Makers. The villainous group has their own agenda for overtaking the Earth. Lastly, there is an interesting species of hunters known as the M’Uktah, who have the Earth earmarked as their next target. How it all ends? Well, there’s more to come!
The Makers is the second book in Wright’s H.A.L.F. science fiction trilogy. A constantly moving novel, Wright’s narrative is a creative balance of well-developed characters and aliens set within two distinct themes: teen issues and racial ethics (between humans and aliens). Wright builds up her plot by alternating largely but not exclusively between her principal characters. Using this varied-perspective approach produces an attractive way for readers to engage in storytelling. Of course, amid a flurry of grueling situations, Wright manages to weave in emotional tension with light romance. Replete with plenty of twists and turns, The Makers is captivating from beginning to end.
The Recommendation
Although H.A.L.F.: The Makers is intended for teen and young adults, Wright incorporates a flavor of Star Trek and Twilight Zone episodes into her writing style, which makes it very appealing for older readers as well.
