*This review assumes you know the ending of book one in this series* 
 After Mind Games, I was a bit wary about picking up the next in the series. How could Carolyn Crane meet - or top - my expectations? The bar was set so high. 
 So often in the UF and PNR genre (more so PNR than UF) there is a sort of formula for the plot of the story. Carolyn Crane threw that formula out the window in Mind Games. I was so afraid that suddenly, that staid formula would reappear and ruin such a great world, such a great story. 
 Double cross is outstandingly plotted, paced, and the characterization in the main players is spot on. There was less of Justine trying to fit into being one of the "team" in this book. Instead, she's more sure of herself and her place with her friends. However, she does still struggle with her moral issues about being a disillusionst. I felt the loss of Carter quite a bit, as his role in this book is quite a bit less than the last. Simon seemed a bit more "toned" down from last book, but still reckless. Packard seems ever more mysterious and unfathomable. Luckily, you learn quite a bit about both Packard and Otto's past. Riveting stuff. This book is awash with lots of character specific surprises/growth. (view spoiler)[ I was shocked about Shelby's romance! Avery was so perfect for her! I never expected any expansion of her character beyond what we already knew, and I'm glad to have been surprised here. (hide spoiler)] 
 In so many books, I'm disappointed by the end. Not so with Double Cross. It has a pretty fantastic ending. A mind blowing-you'll-never-guess-the-ending ending. 
 I highly, highly, highly recommend this book - and this series. It's definitely on my favorites shelf. 
 (view spoiler)[ Really, don't read this spoiler if you haven't read the book - I mean it. This book actually deserves its surprise ending. For those that have read the book. ------------O.M.G.!!!! Really !!!! I'd never have guessed Otto would do that...never ever in a million years have guessed, but looking back on it... all the little clues the author left were so leading up to him not being the straight-laced duty-bound knight in shining armor that Justine thought him to be. And from his past, we know this is totally plausible. Clever, clever ending. I was worried Sophia would mess with Justine from the start. I knew she'd come into play somehow... However I figured her for being jealous of Justine's and Otto's relationship - I figured she'd wipe their memories of being together. Well she came into play alright! I do wish I knew more of her motivations. I hope we learn more in book three. (hide spoiler)]