Dark Matter: Evolution: Book 3

Teri Terry has done it once again. What a great finale to the Dark Matter series. Evolution (along with the two other titles in the series Contagion and Deception) is so full of unexpected twists and turns that it will keep even the most reluctant reader engrossed. Our two main characters have now been separated. Kai is with the selfish Freya, who wants to keep him to herself no matter the consequences. Shay has gone with her father, Xander, to his complex in Scotland in the hope that she can find Callie and reunite her with Kai. The plot thickens as Shay soon discovers how corrupt Xander is and what he wants to achieve with the survivors of the epidemic. She soon finds out what lengths he will go to in order to achieve his goals. Personally, I think the strongest part of this novel and of the whole trilogy is the mystery surrounding the epidemic. The author has skilfully created a mystery that is very intriguing, that keeps the reader wanting more, it is such a page turner! I also found the survivors' 'powers' really interesting, the way they use their minds to manipulate their surroundings and talk to each other. Even if you are not a fan of science or physics, it's all explained well and so convincingly that you can almost believe this kind of thing could happen. Especially with some of the events that have been reported in the news recently with nerve agent attacks. Once again the story is suitable for 12+ readers who enjoy dystopian/sci-fi novels. Evolution has 461 fantastically well written pages that will keep any type of reader engaged. The story is broken into seven parts that contain short chapters that are narrated from each of the main characters POV. Don't let this put you off, it's not confusing - it really works, it makes you want to find out what's going on with Kai and Shay and how things will work out for them. However, I will give you a little warning.. there are places in the story that contain violence, death, blood and an implicit reference to sex. These don't go into great depth, but it's present. I hope that we do get a book four in this series, one that contains a story that informs us what happened to the survivors a few years down the line. There's always hope that Teri Terry has got this in mind, if not it doesn't matter as events are tied up really well by the end of the book. Evolution is not a stand alone read, you need to delve into books one and two before you start it. I assure you that you will not be disappointed, the Dark Matter series is sensational and so well worth a read. 464 pages / Ages 12+ / Reviewed by Linda Brown, school librarian.

Suggested Reading Age 11+