The Overlord Protocol

H.I.V.E. (The Higher Institute of Villainous Education) is beginning to feel like home to Otto Malpense. He's settled into the routine of classes preparing students to be future supervillains. Therefore, it is somewhat surprising when Otto is offered the opportunity to accompany his friend Wing back to the real world. The rationale is dispiriting: Wing's father has died in an accident, and they are allowed to attend the funeral. But shortly after their arrival in Tokyo, they are attacked and Wing is killed. Pairing up with Raven, H.I.V.E.'s most skilled assassin, and Dr. Nero, H.I.V.E.'s forbidding headmaster, to take on Cypher, the evil mastermind behind it all, Otto sets out to even the score. The second in what promises to be a lively and entertaining series, this book is nonstop action, but still takes the time to fill in details about H.I.V.E. and the evil network behind it, G.L.O.V.E. (Global League of Villainous Enterprises). Well-developed characters take on new dimensions, bringing the reader ever deeper into a world that isn't as far-fetched as one might first surmise. With just the right touch of irreverent humor, this is 007 Bond adventure for teens, and just as exciting as Ian Fleming's books were to adults. What's next? Readers will be waiting for the next installment with bated breath. (Fiction. 10-14) (Kirkus Reviews)