This series is one of my all-time favorites; the first book has a lot of stuff that’s sort of goofy and weak but Dillon’s arc across it is amazing and sets up the REALLY good stuff. I probably have read this six or seven times. ( )

It's refreshing to see an ethnically diverse group of main characters, as they struggle to understand what is happening to them and why they are different. Because of their abilities and shared experiences, they are more like each other than they are like anyone else in the world, regardless of ethnicity or gender. The characters discover that, although their strange powers have been negatively affecting their lives, they can also be used positively. The story raises questions about the balance between inherent characteristics and personal responsibility. This can be a particularly resonant question for young adults who may feel like they have no control over themselves or their circumstances.