Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite

When a young girl inadvertently stumbles onto a top-secret AI device, the company who designed it will stop at nothing to silence her in the thrilling young adult novel Nora and Alai: A.C.T. by David Sines. Even though it has been six years since her mother died, Nora is upset when her dad brings his girlfriend over for dinner. Fortunately, her Uncle Leo asks her to visit him and thinks it will be good for her to get away, so Nora's father drives her there. Leo takes her to Advanced Creative Technologies, where he works. The company is unveiling its newest AI technology, and it is the only day he can take Nora. Left alone for a few minutes, Nora inadvertently comes in contact with the AI unit and is caught by the guard. Later, while she and Leo are leaving the company parking lot, someone attacks them. Now, Leo is in the hospital, and Nora is running for her life.

Nora and Alai: A.C.T. by David Sines is a sensational young adult science-fiction novel. Skillfully written, the story captures the imagination from the prologue's first dramatic scene. It is a spellbinding story with a suspenseful storyline, a compelling plot, and engaging characters. The story takes the reader on an exciting adventure filled with action, suspense, and drama. Nora is an admirable protagonist, and I applaud her ability to accept the danger she found herself in and how she quickly adjusted to the situation. Lilly also reveals her strength of character when she meets the danger head-on, despite Nora's previous hostility to her. It is a riveting dystopian novel brimming with action, danger, a touch of violence, and a daring and courageous young heroine.