RAVAGE

The Deviants trilogy concludes (or does it?) with a slamfest of action.

Former dork Emily learned that she was a werewolf in series opener Vesper (2011). In Havoc (2012), she learned how she and her fellow pack members became werewolves. This time, she learns why. She still feels guilty about killing and tries not to kill even when battling dozens of guards, but now Emily has a new worry. Her former best friend, Megan, appears to be haunting her, appearing and disappearing suddenly wherever Emily goes—and she may not be on her side. Her pack teams up with the formerly hostile cheerleaders, who have major telekinetic powers, to attack the BioZenith laboratories. Ah, but the true culprits go far beyond the scientists at BioZenith. It seems that aliens from another dimension have inculcated a cult among the scientists with the intent of conquering the world. Sampson writes his usual fast-paced prose to keep the narrative galloping along, but his plotting becomes manic, even sloppy. No one expects a book about teen werewolves to cleave to reality, but with its alien premise, the story abandons any semblance of plausibility. However, plenty of dry wit, especially regarding the cheerleaders, spikes the thrills, and the ending leaves open the possibility of many more sequels. Emily’s alpha wolf-girl toughness will appeal, along with a bit of romance. (Paranormal thriller. 12 & up)