Win the Rings

In a solid debut, Van Brunt chronicles the existence of a secret breed of shapeshifters who have, for the most part, been co-opted by the American military as weapons and spies. Sixteen-year-old Jace Moray is one such conscript, a rebel who has survived her years at Classified Resources-Academy Delta by being tougher and meaner than anyone else. Her reward for loyal service: leading a team dedicated to capturing rogue shifters like Gray Price, who has been living off the grid as a pickpocket and grafter, using his powers to impersonate his targets and pillage their bank accounts. With Jace and Gray engaged in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, a mysterious third party complicates matters for everyone. Van Brunt’s premise offers readers plenty to think about, as the shifters change genders and dip into their targets’ minds for information. Not all of the ideas introduced get the attention one might expect (such as the American government stripping shifters of their rights, simply because they exist), but Van Brunt leaves room to explore this and other topics in future books. Ages 12–up. (BookLife)