Scott Westerfeld, Midnighters #3: Blue Noon

Midnighters #3: Blue Noon

Scott Westerfeld

Morrow, Mar 2006, $15.99, 384 pp.

ISBN: 0060519576

Every midnight in Bixby, Oklahoma, time freezes for a blink enabling creatures to come out of the darkest shadows seeking human prey. Most people remain blissfully ignorant of this phenomena; however, five teens born at midnight and calling themselves the Midnighters, are keenly aware of how dangerous the Blue Time can be. Still they know it happens like clockwork, and they are prepared to help those ignorant enough to be outside in Bixby when the clock strikes 12.

That is until now, when the blue time occurs for the first time, as far as they know in the afternoon leaving the school and other places frozen in blue that seems even eerier than the usual midnight scenario, because everyone is stuck in time; noise, except for them and the prowling monsters is creepily silent. Jessica, Melissa, Jonathan, Rex, and Dess fear the monsters will soon begin a feeding frenzy like nothing ever seen, at least in recent memory. This quintet that makes up the Midnighters need answers quickly to stop a catastrophe that has been in the making for centuries.

This is a terrific entry in a fabulous young adult horror series, due to a wonderful twist that brings the frozen blue light out of midnight and into the daylight. The five teen heroes know they are up against it, as this time their confidence wanes, though they do not back down because failure leads to unbelievable consequences. Scott Westerfeld writes a wonderful suspense that can stand alone, though enhanced by the previous two adventures. Adults and teens will fully appreciate this fine thriller.