Both Nick and the Accelerati have learned that the strange objects Nikola Tesla left in Nick's attic are pieces of a Far Range Energy Emitter, capable of transmitting "free energy" to the globe. Some components of the contraption are still missing, but the objects themselves seem to be leading Nick to their current owners. Each piece is with the person who needs it the most. But there are plenty of obstacles: Nick finds his judgment impaired by Caitlin's intoxicating closeness, not to mention her ex-boyfriend Theo's jealous sabotage; Mitch has to choose between pleasing Petula or helping Nick; and Vince, who gets his hands on some light-absorbing drapes, is so taken by the darkness, he can't let them go.
The Accelerati, meanwhile, are still around every corner, and they manage to beat Nick to a few more objects. They use the few pieces of Tesla's technology they've recovered to create a storm and convince local officials that the Tesla F.R.E.E. is hazardous.The objects are confiscated by the Accelerati as the town brings in a wrecking ball to demolish Nick's house.
The Accelerati transport the objects back to their lab, hidden under the Edison Museum in Menlo Park, New Jersey. Nick knows that is where he'll find his destiny.
Praise for Tesla's Attic
"Lively, intelligent prose elevates this story of teenagers versus mad scientists, the third-person point of view offering a stage to various players in their play of galactic consequence. A wild tale in the spirit of Back to the Future, with a hint of Malamud's The Natural tossed in."--Kirkus Reviews
"This collaboration between Shusterman and Elfman tempers the scarier elements of Nick's quest with deft, humorous writing and plenty of the ordinary adventures of a new kid in school finding his niche. Hand this one to fans of Rick Riordan's Kane Chronicles or Kenneth Oppel's Airborne."--Booklist
* "...Shusterman and Elfman have crafted a plot more devious, characters far quirkier, climaxes (yes, there are two) more breathless, and a narration much, much funnier than recent mad-science offerings. Sticking with a third-person narration frees the authors to be as wryly and sophisticatedly witty as they please without compromising the veracity of their middle-school cast, resulting in storytelling as delightful as the story being told."
-Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books (starred review)
Industry Reviews
* ..".Shusterman and Elfman have crafted a plot more devious, characters far quirkier, climaxes (yes, there are two) more breathless, and a narration much, much funnier than recent mad-science offerings. Sticking with a third-person narration frees the authors to be as wryly and sophisticatedly witty as they please without compromising the veracity of their middle-school cast, resulting in storytelling as delightful as the story being told." "Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books (starred review)"" "This collaboration between Shusterman and Elfman tempers the scarier elements of Nick's quest with deft, humorous writing and plenty of the ordinary adventures of a new kid in school finding his niche. Hand this one to fans of Rick Riordan's Kane Chronicles or Kenneth Oppel's Airborne." "Booklist"" In this second book of the wacky, science thriller Accelerati trilogy, fourteen-year-old Nick discovers important relics in his attic left by genius scientist Nikola Tesla. The items are part of Tesla's Free Range Energy Emitter, which could change the way the world uses energy. However, he must find the missing items needed to finish Tesla's contraption before a group of sinister scientists steal them for their own gain. SLJ" The action-packed Accelerati trilogy continues with Nick and his friends ratcheting up their search for the remaining objects sold at his unfortunate garage sale. More urgent still-even deadly-is their race against the Accelerati for control of Tesla's machine. Although the immediate danger of Celestial Object Felicity Bonk's collision with Earth has passed, the aftereffects are becoming more noticeable and alarming. Nick's obsession with the machine increases by the day, as does his conviction that his destiny is to fulfill Tesla's vision. Dynamic writing, a collection of madcap characters, and a series of satisfying twists will keep readers turning pages. Magan Szwarek Booklist Online" 4Q 4P M J In this second installment of The Accelerati Trilogy, Nick and his friends are on a mission to recover the Teslanoid objects that were housed in his attic, and then sold during a garage sale. Nick has finally discovered why the objects were created. Tesla designed the pieces to be used together to generate "free energy," a new technology that could solve all of the world's resource problems. Unfortunately, the Accelerati, a secret society of physicists, are right on the heels of Nick and the objects. They want that power no matter the cost. Nick has no intention of turning the objects over to the Accelerati, but those who are working with him have other ideas. Shusterman and Elfman have crafted a solid second offering in their Accelerati trilogy. By pairing the realistic with the fantastic, they allow readers to find similarities between themselves and Nick and his crew. Nick has dealt with moving, switching schools, mourning the loss of his mother, and navigating his feelings about two different girls. That is a lot for one teen to handle, especially when the fate of the planet also rests in his hands. This novel is highly entertaining, and those who enjoyed Tesla's Attic (Hyperion, 2014) will not be disappointed in the continuation of the story.-Jonatha Basye. VOYA" PRAISE FOR EVERWILD
"Thought-provoking and scary, invoking elements from history and mythology, the novel ends with a shocking event that will leave its fans wanting the next volume immediately." "-Horn Book Magazine"" PRAISE FOR EVERFOUND
* "Shusterman ends his provocative trilogy with a rock-solid adventure that manages to examine deep questions of faith and morality....Rich in detail, with exceptional characterization and shot through with unexpected (and very necessary) humor, this is an engrossing and thoroughly satisfying ending to a unique saga of life after death." "-Kirkus Review, starred review"" Praise for Tesla's Attic
"Lively, intelligent prose elevates this story of teenagers versus mad scientists, the third-person point of view offering a stage to various players in their play of galactic consequence. A wild tale in the spirit of "Back to the Future," with a hint of Malamud's "The Natural" tossed in." "Kirkus Reviews"" PRAISE FOR BRUISER
"Shusterman's novel reveals its secrets and their implications slowly, allowing readers to connect the dots before the characters do and encouraging them to weigh the price of Bruiser's gift' against the freedom from pain that Tennyson and Bronte enjoy." "-School Library Journal"" PRAISE FOR EVERWILD
"Thought-provoking and scary, invoking elements from history and mythology, the novel ends with a shocking event that will leave its fans wanting the next volume immediately." "-Horn Book Magazine"" PRAISE FOR EVERFOUND
* "Shusterman ends his provocative trilogy with a rock-solid adventure that manages to examine deep questions of faith and morality....Rich in detail, with exceptional characterization and shot through with unexpected (and very necessary) humor, this is an engrossing and thoroughly satisfying ending to a unique saga of life after death." "-Kirkus Review, starred review"" PRAISE FOR UNWIND
"The shocking premise is unveiled immediately, and a nail-biting pace is sustained throughout, with the teens flung headlong into a true life-or-death struggle...these haunting debates will likely linger in the reader's mind even after the riveting plot fades...an ideal blend of philosophy and action set in a compelling futuristic landscape." "-The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"" PRAISE FOR BRUISER
"This is a wrenching but ultimately redemptive look at how pain defines us and how love, whether familial, romantic or friendly, demands sacrifice and brings gifts of its own. Once again, Shusterman spins a fantastic tale that sheds light on everyday life." "-Kirkus Reviews"" Praise for Tesla's Attic
"Lively, intelligent prose elevates this story of teenagers versus mad scientists, the third-person point of view offering a stage to various players in their play of galactic consequence. A wild tale in the spirit of "Back to the Future," with a hint of Malamud's "The Natural" tossed in." "Kirkus Reviews""