Impostor: A Variants Novel

by Susanne Winnacker Narrated by Emily Rankin

Overview

CAN TESSA POSE AS MADISON . . . AND STOP A KILLER BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE?
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Tessa is a Variant, able to absorb the DNA of anyone she touches and mimic their appearance. Shunned by her family, she's spent the last two years training with the Forces with Extraordinary Abilities, a secret branch of the FBI.
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When a serial killer rocks a small town in Oregon, Tessa is given a mission: she must impersonate Madison, a local teen, to find the killer before he strikes again.
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Tessa hates everything about being an impostor-the stress, the danger, the deceit-but loves playing the role of a normal girl. As Madison, she finds friends, romance, and the kind of loving family she'd do anything to keep.
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Amid action, suspense, and a ticking clock, this super-human comes to a very human conclusion: even a girl who can look like anyone struggles the most with being herself.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"An unpredictable page turner with shades of terror reminiscent of a Stephen King novel."—VOYA

"Fresh and inventive. . . . the strongly-written mystery component takes center stage."—BCCB

Kirkus Reviews

This attempt at a teen paranormal-thriller/romance novel is about as satisfying to fans of the genre as a cup of weak herbal tea would be to a thirsty vampire. Who hasn't wanted to change places with someone else…someone prettier, smarter, more popular? Tessa can. She's a Variant, born with a special skill, trained by a special--and very secret--branch of the FBI. Her ability to absorb the DNA of anyone she touches allows her to take on the identity of popular, small-town Madison, the latest victim of a serial killer. Tessa takes her form, and the news of her "survival" is leaked to the press. Using a cover story of amnesia, Tessa assumes Madison's life. This includes loving parents, an attractive brother, a close best friend, an ex-boyfriend and all the normal activities of high school--something Tessa's never known and always wanted. It's not long before Tessa feels more like Madison than herself. But the killer isn't about to leave her alone, and it's beginning to look as if this predator may be a Variant, too. There are many undeveloped plotlines that never resolve satisfactorily, and characterization is straight from central casting. Tessa's first-person narration does little to distinguish itself from the many others of its ilk, beyond a refreshing return to the past tense. Readers will probably recall the X-Men universe and wish these characters were as well-drawn. (Paranormal thriller. 12 & up)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169236101
Publisher:	Penguin Random House
Publication date:	05/28/2013
Series:	Variants , #1
Edition description:	Unabridged

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