As a huge fan of R. J. Anderson’s Ultraviolet, I was excited to get my hands on its companion novel, Quicksilver. Although I was surprised and initially a little disappointed that Quicksilver has a different protagonist than its prequel, the story quickly engaged my interest and I came to enjoy Tori as much as I had enjoyed Alison, the protagonist of Ultraviolet. I especially liked the unique aspects of Tori’s character, her relationships with the other characters in the book, and her interest in (and genius for) invention. Like its prequel, Quicksilver creates an intriguing story that pulls you into a can’t-stop-reading climax and a satisfying ending.

Although Quicksilver didn’t have quite the same lyrical beauty as its companion novel, it was still a thoroughly enjoyable read, and one I’d highly recommend to teens and adults—especially those who enjoy science fiction.

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Lerner Publishing Group

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  6 religious exclamations. 2 mild obscenities. 1 derogatory name.

Violence/Gore:  Characters make threats against each other (~5 times). Characters are involved in a bus accident (no major injuries). A reference is made to a girl who is in extreme pain lashing out at those around her. A reference is made to an abduction. A girl knocks out a man and another girl with a sedative. A girl gives herself a severe wound—the scene is not overly graphic, but a little hard to read.

Sex/Nudity: References are made to a boy touching a girl in ways that made her uncomfortable (it is not clear what level of inappropriateness this was). A girl says to another girl that a guy has a “sexy” name. Characters discuss what it means to be asexual. Characters flirt. 

Mature Subject Matter:

Abduction, Feeling isolated

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Adults drink alcohol.