Masterminds: Criminal Destiny

"A terrific page-turner, full of unexpected twists and revelations. Buckle up!"—James Patterson

The second book in the acclaimed, action-packed series from New York Times bestselling author Gordon Korman. Stranger Things fans, don't miss this trilogy!

The clones of Project Osiris are free—but they’re being hunted. After their narrow escape from their “perfect” hometown, Eli, Tori, Amber, and Malik are finally in the real world and determined to expose the leaders of Serenity.

They decide to track down Tamara Dunleavy, the mysterious billionaire and founder of Project Osiris. Evading capture by breaking laws and sneaking into houses, hotels, buses, and cars—are they becoming the criminals they were destined to be?

What they discover will change everything, leading them straight into the Plastic Works and the heart of the experiment, in order to uncover the deadly criminals they’re cloned from—and any evidence that will convince the outside world to believe the truth.

But the outside world isn’t exactly what they expected—strangers aren’t just unfriendly, they’re dangerous. And the wrong move could send them right back into the arms of Dr. Hammerstrom—and trapped in Serenity for good.

On a breakneck journey from Jackson Hole to a maximum security prison—Eli, Tori, Amber, and Malik will stop at nothing to take Project Osiris down.

But to get the evidence they need, will they have to become masterminds themselves?

• Clones of Criminals: Eli, Tori, Amber, and Malik aren't just regular kids—they're copies of the world's most notorious masterminds, and their creators want them back.
• High-Stakes Heist: To find the one witness who can expose the project, the team must plan and execute an impossible prison break from a maximum-security facility.
• Friendship and Betrayal: On the run, the clones must rely on each other to survive, but a shocking betrayal from one of their own threatens to tear them apart for good.
• Nonstop Action: From daring escapes and car chases to infiltrating a federal prison, this sci-fi thriller for kids never slows down.

Praise for MASTERMINDS: “Masterminds is a masterpiece - a mind-bending adventure in a shocking but all-too-possible present, a tale of friendship and ultimate sacrifice with characters who will reach inside you and not let go. It’s that rare book that scares you to the core while you’re laughing your head off. Warning: Reading this book while trying to do anything else is dangerous - it’s that good. I can’t wait to know what happens next.” - Peter Lerangis, bestselling author of the Seven Wonders series

Praise for MASTERMINDS: “Masterminds takes readers on a wild ride with terrific humor, a surprising mystery, and characters you can’t help but root for.”- - Brandon Mull, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fablehaven series and the Five Kingdoms series

Praise for MASTERMINDS: “[A] compelling, twisty mystery . . . [with] a truly gratifying payoff” - Booklist (starred review)

Praise for MASTERMINDS: “This tense, fast-paced story will have readers racing toward the cliffhanger ending.” - Publishers Weekly

Praise for MASTERMINDS: “A fresh premise, good pacing, surprising twists and engaging characters all combine to make this a series worth following.” - Kirkus Reviews

Praise for MASTERMINDS: “This unique and action-packed story is filled with twists and turns that readers will not see coming. A wonderful start to what promises to be a thrilling series.” - School Library Journal

“Ideal for reluctant readers...middle school fans of Korman’s novels will devour this title while anxiously awaiting the concluding volume in the series.” - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

“Packed with enough thrilling action and suspense to keep the pages turning...[a] highly entertaining series.” - Booklist

“Cat-and-mouse chase scenes deliver thrills…Volume 3 can’t get here soon enough.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Praise for UNGIFTED: “Touching, without being overly sentimental, Ungifted is a gem for readers looking for a story where the underdog comes out on top.” - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

Praise for UNGIFTED: “From its lovable-robot jacket art to its satisfying conclusion, this will please Korman’s fans and win him new ones.” - ALA Booklist

Praise for UNGIFTED: “Donovan has a goofy kindness that charms characters and readers alike … The message is tolerance, and Korman expertly and humorously delivers it in an unpretentious and universally appealing tale.” - School Library Journal

Praise for UNGIFTED: “Funny and insightful.” - Publishers Weekly

Praise for MASTERMINDS: “A terrific page-turner. Full of unexpected twists and revelations. Buckle up.” - James Patterson

“A thrilling and fun series perfect for middle grade adventure seekers - School Library Journal