Bitter Waters

KLIATT

Ukiah Oregon's third adventure (following Tainted Trail and Alien Taste) begins with a missing boy. Ukiah is part wolf, part Native American, and part alien, and his special powers make him the best tracker on the planet. He's still in partnership with millionaire Max Bennett in the detective business. After Ukiak finds the missing boy alive in a storm drain, they learn that four other foster babies are also missing. Two are later found dead after being tortured. Then the same religious fanatic who murdered the babies kidnaps Ukiah's baby son Kittanning. Who is the fanatic and why does he need the three babies? How are the bad aliens, the Ontonguard, involved? And why are both the FBI and Homeland Security nosing about? Along the way to a gripping climax Ukiah and Max find love and a new partner for their detective business. Spencer's on her way to a SF coup, with a sure winner in Ukiah Oregon (who dies and is healed in every novel). Because of the sex, violence and cult activities, save this one for older, mature teens. Fans of The X-Files will love it. KLIATT Codes: A—Recommended for advanced students and adults. 2003, Penguin, Roc, 308p.,
— Janet Julian

VOYA

Ukiah Oregon-part alien, part wolf, part Native American-and his human partner, Max, return in this third installment in the science fiction-mystery thriller series, following Alien Taste (Roc, 2001) and Tainted Trail (2002/VOYA December 2002). They are tracking missing babies when Ukiah's son, Kit, is kidnapped, making the mystery personal. Joined by Ukiah's FBI agent girlfriend, Indigo, and Max's new love interest, Sam, they go up against a bizarre cult that mixes high tech and Christian mythology. The stakes suddenly rise for Ukiah and the alien part of his family when it becomes apparent that the cult is wielding a set of biological weapons brought to Earth by their nemesis, Hex. They were so certain that they had killed Hex, but is it possible that he is still out there trying to destroy humanity? There is some mention of events from the past two books, but those new to Ukiah's powers and complex familial relationships might remain confused a good way into the novel. Those familiar with the series will definitely enjoy this entry as well as the obvious promise of future volumes suggested by the somewhat open ending. One graphic sexual encounter and some drug references might cause problems in some young adult collections, but the series is worth the price for those who serve X-Files type science fiction readers. VOYA Codes: 3Q 4P S A/YA (Readable without serious defects; Broad general YA appeal; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult and Young Adult). 2003, Roc, 308p,
— Timothy Capehart