The sequel to Proxy! Inspired by The Whipping Boy and Feed. In the new world led by the Rebooters, former Proxy Syd is the figurehead of the Revolution, beloved by some and hated by others. Liam, a seventeen-year-old Rebooter, is Syd's bodyguard and must protect him with his life. But armed Machinists aren't the only danger.

People are falling ill—their veins show through their skin, they find it hard to speak, and sores erupt all over their bodies. Guardians, the violent enforcers of the old system, are hit first, and the government does nothing to help. The old elites fall next, and in the face of an indifferent government, Syd decides it's up to him to find a cure which is be bring back online the network Syd and Knox dismantled. ( )

Oh my God, the cover is gorgeous. The only thing is....

KNOX. WHERE IS KNOX?! HE CAN'T BE DEAD. Okay? Just- okay.

Guardian by Alex London is the sequel to Proxy, a 2015 Lone Star novel.

Sid has become a symbol to the people as the one who set them free. Ironically, Sid has no freedom. There are people who want the old system back and would like to kill Sid. Liam is his guardian, who will forfeit his life for Sid. The problem is that Sid likes to run off on his own. If something happens to Sid, Liam will be killed for letting it. Despite the excitement of change, there are problems. People are ill--they have blue veins appearing and then some bleed out and die. The new government/council doesn't want the information getting out. This Council doesn't even appear to care.

Marie returns from book one as a Purifier, one of the soldiers of the post-Jubilee world. She pledges allegiance to this new world, which also helps her parents who aren't treated as badly as the other Elites. Liam only cares about Sid--whatever it takes to keep him safe--is what he'll do. Sid doesn't realize the extent that Liam will go to protect him. Sid feels like he's in a prison--carted about as a symbol and not allowed to be an independent person. Sid must attend rally after rally making the same speech to keep people focused on the good change. Unfortunately, several rallies end in violence. Sid feels responsible--every time someone dies, he feels he caused the death. Finally, things become too violent and Sid has to stop feeling sorry for himself and see what he can do to stop what has gone wrong and help people.

I have to admit that I didn't know what to expect. Personally, I think Proxy should have been a stand-alone novel. I think, however, that Alex London did a good job advancing the story; I found the book interesting and a bit of a page-turner. I like the new character of Liam--he's got a good moral compass and doesn't blindly follow his leaders. If you liked Proxy, you'll like this novel as well have no doubt. ( )

(YALSA message board rec)