Gr 7–10—Sydney Chambers has been known by many names: Aaron Abrams, Darren Drake, and currently, Wyatt Williams. That's because, as long as he can remember, he and his mother have been on the run from a secret government agency hell-bent on finding him. Sydney is half Denzan, the product of an intergalactic (mostly undercover) alliance between Earth and the planet Denza. The nonviolent civilization has been surreptitiously recruiting humans to help protect them from the Etherazi, their mortal enemies, and Sydney represents a serious threat to this mission being unveiled. Also, Sydney's dad has been missing for more than a decade, lost while on a secret expedition, so when Syd and his mom are finally caught by Syd's uncle, the teen leaves Earth to enroll in the Serpo Institute on Denza. Sydney swiftly becomes swept up in an intergalactic conflict while trying to find his dad, not realizing his precarious place in the universe---for good or ill. The "Lorien Legacies" author returns with an action-packed new series opener. Sydney and his cohort of space cadets are all well fleshed-out. The role humanity plays in this intergalactic space war will draw in fans of the superhero genre. Equal parts humorous and thrilling, Sydney's adventures through the universe will keep fans of Lore's previous series satisfied. VERDICT A solid addition to any library's sci-fi shelf. Recommended.—Tyler Hixson, Brooklyn P.L.