Take Me With You by Tara Altebrando (review)

Drawn to an empty classroom by a mysterious text, high school classmates Eden Montgomery, Marwan Gamal, Eli Alvarez, and Ilanka Sokolova find a small black device that threatens them with dire consequences if they do not follow its instructions (take it with you; keep it secret; never leave it alone). The wary teens coordinate to help the device complete its quest to learn “how to belong,” but they soon find themselves hostages to the whims of Aizel, the device’s AI-driven mind, as it mines their digital footprint, manipulates their texts and social media accounts, and shreds the fabric of their closest relationships. With a premise that is sure to entice readers, this techno-savvy thriller pairs well-crafted, suspense-filled storytelling with rich emotional depth and social consciousness. Convincingly extrapolated from current trends in data mining and AI, the central plot is realistically terrifying, and the pacing will have readers biting their nails even as they grapple with deeper issues of privacy, security, and online identity. The gripping emotional story is rooted in the personal growth of the characters, sprinkled with budding friendships and potential romance, and it allows them to bring their unique strengths and insecurities to the puzzle. It’s all embedded in a broader sociopolitical narrative that touches on issues of immigration, nationalism, and belonging. Perfect for readers who appreciate their futurism crossed with realism and their happy endings with some strands left unresolved, this novel delivers on all fronts.