Author:
Mark Walden

Number of pages:
384

Does the book have pictures?
No

What age group is this book written for?
Middle School

Category:
Fiction

Brief summary:
2nd in a series: Otto Malpense and his friends are back in this sequel to H.I.V.E: Higher Institute of Villainous Education. Now they're in their second year at this unusual school, facing new deadly dangers. Otto and his roommate Wing leave the campus to attend the funeral of Wing's father, but when ninjas attack them they realize the occasion is a trap. Ambitious evildoer Cypher is trying to launch the Overlord Protocol, a computer AI (artificial intelligence) that can help him conquer the world. Wing is shot and Otto sets out to defeat Cypher with the help of his other friends and even his former foe, school headmaster Dr. Nero, in order to save himself and the world. As in Catherine Jinks's Evil Genius, the notion of a school that teaches villainy has great YA appeal. This volume can stand on its own, for those who haven't read H.I.V.E. Fans of Alex Rider's adventures will appreciate all the action and the technotalk, despite the rather stereotypical characters. Overall, it's fast-moving fun. Paula Rohrlick, KLIATT http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-174010448.html