cover image Those That Wake

Those That Wake

Jesse Karp, Harcourt, $16.99 (336p) ISBN 978-0-547-55311-5

Karp debuts with a dark and often technophobic thriller that falters a bit with its premise, but nonetheless entertains. In the near future, after a terrorist attack has increased human isolation and dependency on corporations, two teens become the victims of a mysterious entropic force that causes people to be forgotten by everyone who has known them. Mal, 17, has led a tough life, living in foster care and taking out his aggressions in the boxing ring, while Laura's suburban life has been generally happy. As both are cut off from family and friends, they get pulled into a conspiracy involving a government agency, a hidden office building, and powerful mind control. Karp ably ratchets up the suspense, but the book's final revelation defies even generous suspension of disbelief. That stumbling block—as well as the chaotic ending—would be relatively minor if not for the frustrating second-half prominence of obnoxious and a consistently dislikable schoolteacher, who drags down every scene he's in. Mal and Laura's adventure and romance is still compelling, though, for those who stick with it. Ages 12–up. (Mar.)