Book Review: Settling (Solid #2) by Shelley Workinger

Summary:

**This summary contains spoilers for Solid, book one in the series**
At the beginning of the summer, Clio Kaid was one of a hundred teens brought to a secret Army installation. But it was no ordinary camp and they weren’t ordinary kids…

Soon after learning they were the products of a secret genetic experiment, the teens began developing super-abilities ranging from bounding lightness to blocking heaviness; blinding brilliance and the ability to vanish. These same gifts made them targets of a psychopath in officer’s clothing, and they found themselves fighting for their lives.

Picking up where Solid left off, Clio and her friends realize that they aren’t ready to go home; they’re determined to stay on campus and continue their journey of self- discovery. But someone doesn’t feel the same way and will do anything to drive them away – even kill.

Friendships will be tested, abilities will evolve, and more secrets will come out as the teens race to stop the killer before he sets his sights on one of them…

 

Release Date: July 4, 2011
Publisher:  CreateSpace
Age Group:  Young Adult
Source:  Review copy from author


Review:
I really enjoyed Solid (read my review here), so I was looking forward to another great read by Workinger.  I knew Settling would be just as good as Solid, if not better, so I waited a while to read it, using it as motivation to get some things done around my house that I'd been putting off.  When I finally awarded myself the privilege of reading Settling, all of my expectations were met---and more.  


Settling picks up right where Solid left off.  Clio has made some close friends at the Army school and is in a relationship with the near-perfect Jack.  All of the students are growing in their powers---except for Jack, who remains ability-free.  Each student in Clio's group of friends has a job to do for the school, whether it be security, welcoming new students, or setting up a curriculum, which is Clio's job.  Colonel Clark is out of commission, recovering from injuries sustained at the end of Solid, and in his place is Lieutenant Graham, a young officer who reports to Clark.  Clio and Lieutenant Graham work together daily to set up the school's curriculum, and Clio finds herself warming to her job and making a new friend in the process.  


However, things start to go wrong when someone is murdered on the campus. Clio and her friends are not satisfied with the way the school authorities are handling the investigation, and decide to do some investigating of their own.  Relationships are tested, suspense mounts, and everyone is a suspect as the team attempts to find the person responsible.  


Settling's plot moves at a quick clip for the entire book. Workinger's dysptopian world was built to perfection in Solid, leaving Settling's plot to take off from the first page.  The characterization was so precise and complex.  I loved that!  But, my favorite thing about Settling, besides the mystery behind the murders, was the chemistry between the couples.  There are some really sweet love stories woven into the plot, along with a surprise attraction that takes you totally by surprise.  


I would recommend Solid and Settling to fans of dystopia and paranormal YA.  The characters are complex enough to make it a good choice for contemporary YA fans as well.  I'm really looking forward to book three in the series!

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