Tabula Rasa

Lippert-Martin’s debut finds life in the oft-seen trope of lost memory—and even a somewhat plausible mechanism for bringing about the amnesia. Plausibility isn’t always the name of the game (the government rarely uses world-class architects for medical torture labs), but this is a very entertaining game for thriller fans. Sarah Ramos, 16, is undergoing focused memory-elimination treatments when her surgery is interrupted by a power outage, followed by an invasion of explosives-wielding commandos who are looking for her. Calling on street smarts she didn’t know she possessed, Sarah eludes capture long enough to stumble into a boy who calls himself Pierce and says he’s a hacker for hire. Sarah doesn’t know what side he’s on, but trusting him looks like her best option—and he seems to know who she is. He’s cocky but kind; she’s paranoid but open to change. Both Sarah and Pierce are layered and appealing characters who don’t get too caught up in their own drama—the mayhem around them is excitement enough. Ages 12–up. Agent: Molly Jaffa, Folio Literary Management. (Sept.)