Weapon by Lynette Noni

Whisper, book 2. Pantera Press, 2019. ISBN: 9781925700503.
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. Wow! Some unexpected twists and turns made this a compulsive page turner which I had to finish in one sitting. Following the 2019 Gold Inky Award Winner, Whisper, Noni has upped the tension and suspense in the sequel, Weapon, as Lyss tries to fit in with the Remnants, and save her friends who have been left behind in Lengard. Stopping the evil scientist who has been torturing those who have been brought to Lengard is a priority and she has only 24 hours to stop him. She is also desperate to learn to control her powers as a Speaker, but is confronted by secrets and lies from those around and even more disturbing, strange memories of her early life begin to emerge. What and who can she believe? Who is Riley the strangely familiar young man? What has happened to her family?
The setting of tunnels under Sydney's Taronga Park Zoo, Luna Park and a laboratory under Centre Point Tower will enthrall readers who live or have visited Sydney, and others will definitely want to go to see the sights of this magnificent city. A chase through the amusement section of Luna Park brought shivers as Lyss tries to rescue a young man on the run from the scientists at Lengard.
Characterisation is strong in this duology. Lyss is a very strong young woman who is able to determine right from wrong and who is fiercely loyal to her friends. The problems of communal living and leadership are also explored and friendship is a major theme.
There is much to like and remember in the two books in this series, and I look forward to reading future books by this author who is 'currently collaborating on a project with #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas'. (Publisher)
Pat Pledger