Review Detail

The summary for Masters of Disguise sets up this anticipated sequel in the Forgotten Five series by saying it is mere weeks before the election. President Fuerte's supporters locate the children and their allies, forcing them to seek alternative accommodations. He has also revealed that the Police Commander has family members with super abilities, so they join the kids’ group.
This leads to an overwhelming number of characters to flesh out and explore their emotional status given these events. The kids and adults have difficult conversations to stabilize their emotions and mental clarity after the events that have happened. All hope seems lost that Seven’s father has any redeemable qualities, as he directly battles the children and even tries to kill them. Cabot’s parents face arrest, and she is faced with hard conclusions about their loyalties.
The characters make great strides with their emotional maturity and expand their abilities, but with so many conversations and internal struggles, the action scenes do not feel balanced, leaving the story to drag in places.
Overall, I love that this author factors in the emotional toll of dramatic events. The fictionalized conflict has many parallels that make it relevant to current events in regards to propaganda, protest, and questioning how far you will go to stop a corrupt official. The theme of found family continues to be a strong aspect of this series. I did expect a bit more high-intensity action scenes, given it is down to weeks before the election and the stakes are higher than ever.
Readers who love interpersonal drama and growth will find this a particularly good addition to the series and those in it for the action must have some patience that the balance will be better in the next book. I used an audiobook to read this story, and the narrator continues to do a nice job of inserting the emotional turmoil that the characters have as they continue to mature and navigate the events.