“Jo Rivers is back and better than ever in ACTIVATED, the third installment of the Calculated series. With its stunning, cinematic descriptions, high-stakes action, intricately-woven plot, and a heart-racing, soul-penetrating love story for the ages, this book exceeds every expectation of the thriller genre. This is the best series in YA right now. Don’t miss out.” 

-Chelsea Bobulski Author of THE WOOD, REMEMBER ME, and the ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS series

“It is the rare story that has me gripping the edge of my seat while contemplating the meaning of life. Brilliantly inventive, Activated, the third book in the Calculated series, will break your heart and put it back together; captivate your imagination and set it free as Jo Rivers faces her greatest challenges yet. An epic continuation to this genre-defying series!” 

– Lorie Langdon, Author of Olivia Twist and the Disney Villain Happily Never After Series

“Jo Rivers returns for another thrilling ride. Activated is full of edge-of-your-seat action, heart-stirring romance, and an intricately plotted story that will keep you glued to the pages. This series just keeps getting better.”

— Becky Dean, author of Love & Other Great Expectations

"Just when you think this series can’t get any better, Activated soars to new heights in the snowy landscape of Finland's Arctic, where the setting is as dangerous as the stakes. McBee artfully elevates action, adventure, and romance while delivering all the elements we loved from Calculated and Simulated—readers will be enthralled.”  

— Tamara Girardi, Author of Gridiron Girl 

“A perfect storm of adrenaline, mystery, and romance! McBee does it again and delivers a novel of epic proportions. Activated, like it’s siblings in the Calculated series, is a classic in the making! Masterful, immensely enjoyable, and undeniably a ray of light.”

— Ellen McGinty, Author of The Water Child

“From the stars to the snow, Activated is an electrifying follow-up in the Calculated series that will stay with you for years. Raw and suspenseful, Jo River’s story reaches a crescendo that will delight readers. With a witty cast, impossible odds, and heart-wrenching decisions at every turn, Activated will have you laughing, crying and racing through the pages only to wish for more at the end. Absolutely thrilling!”

— Candace Kade, forthcoming Author of Enhanced (coming 2023)

"Nova McBee's Calculated and its heroine, [Jo] catapult readers through the highs and lows of the pits of despair and pinnacles of power without sacrificing warmth and authenticity. The book's cinematic imagery entices and immerses the reader in deceit and corruption so suffocatingly thick that only a tenacious fight for justice and freedom can satisfy. What a ride! Don't miss out."

— Wayne Lo, illustrator of the Star Wars Clone Wars graphic novel series.

“Calculated is a fast-paced and thrilling story that will keep you reading long into the night. Its twists and turns will take you from Shanghai's glittering high rises to underground prisons and the plights faced by the characters who feel achingly real. An action-packed adventure with big heart.”

— Judy Lin, author of the forthcoming A MAGIC STEEPED IN POISON

"CALCULATED is an intelligent thrill ride! In Jo Rivers, author Nova McBee has given readers a heroine who is mathematically gifted beyond what most can imagine, and somehow immensely relatable, even as her greatest skills are exploited by international criminals. Sleek and sophisticated, with dark secrets at every turn, CALCULATED is impossible to put down." 

— Shannon Dittemore, author of WINTER, WHITE AND WICKED

"CALCULATED has all the ingredients for a powerful motion picture and series franchise. This could be unstoppable.” 

— David Norona, writer and director known for Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan (2019), Designated Survivor (2016),
One Tree Hill (2012), Six Feet Under (2001-2002)

"Fast-paced and suspenseful. A thrilling debut!"

— Stephanie Morrill, author of Within These Lines and The Lost Girl of Astor Street

“Jo lives in a world of probabilities, careful calculations, and the stark belief that numbers don't lie. That is until revenge plus several unexpected variables equals a race for her life. Get out the book light for this one, folks, you're not going to be able to put it down.”

— Jennifer Jenkins, co-founder Teen Author Boot Camp and author of the NAMELESS series

“An intense and wonderfully complex thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat and turning pages!”

— Jessica Day George, NYT bestselling author of SILVER IN THE BLOOD and the TWELVE DANCING PRINCESSES series

“I can’t think of a word good enough to describe this book. Masterful. Gripping. Addictive. Powerful. Perfect. Calculated is all of these things, and yet the words don’t feel big enough, or strong enough, to encompass all that is contained within these pages. It is a thrill ride from start to finish, with so many twists and turns, you wonder how it could ever be wrapped up, only to have your mind blown at the end and your heart aching for the next chapter. Don’t let another minute go by without reading this book.” 

— Chelsea Bobulski, author of THE WOOD and REMEMBER ME (Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan) 

“Calculated is smart with plenty of page-turning action and a brave heroine who is deeply relatable. The timely subject matter is heart-wrenching even as it inspires us to use our gifts to make a difference in the world. Twisty and original, this story will keep readers guessing and hoping to its pulse-pounding end!”  

— Lorie Langdon, best-selling author of DOON and OLIVIA TWIST

"A high-stakes YA tale of betrayal, revenge, and numbers… Debut author McBee effectively shows how (Jo) goes from being an unwilling pawn to an empowered queen...An enjoyable thriller with an intriguing, relatable protagonist."

— Kirkus Review

“This whirlwind of a book was genius; I wouldn’t be surprised if Nova McBee was a prodigy herself. The fast paced plot kept me reading and the beautiful writing style was a pleasure to read. It was, essentially, an almost perfect book, and I don’t use that phrase lightly. 

Phoenix was a solid main character, and I liked that she retained her goodness even after all of the trauma she went through. Red, another important character, was also really inspirational. And don’t get my started on Kai, Yu Tai, and Rafael, because I could go on about them all day. I hope we get to see more of them in the future. 

Calculated wrapped up nicely, which I appreciated. There is definitely potential for a sequel, which I will absolutely read and review if given the chance. McBee has a true gift for writing, and I sincerely believe that people who pick up this book and give it a chance won’t be disappointed. “

— Cam W, Reviewer for NetGalley

"I was fortunate to read an early version of this book, and I can’t recommend it enough. The pacing is excellent, the characters jump off the page, and the story grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go until the very end. Add this one to your must-read list. You won’t be disappointed."

— Ernie Chiara, Author, Literary agent, Pitchwars Mentor

"Calculated was so incredible that I didn't think it was possible for the sequel to one-up it, and yet here we are. Simulated has all the mission impossible action you could hope for, paired with a love triangle that rivals the intensity of Twilight's. Be prepared to choose sides and hold on tight. You're in for one wild ride."

— Chelsea Bobulski, author of The Wood and Remember Me. 

"Brilliantly crafted, this technological thriller delivers punch after punch of heart-pounding action. The fearless heroine and two equally intriguing love interests had me flying through the pages. I'm in love with this series!"

— Lorie Langdon, author of the Disney Villains Happily Never After Series 

"Full of global intrigue and the thrilling adventure of an action movie, Simulated transported me to the lush setting of North Africa as I cheered for an utterly unique heroine fighting for good and finding her place in the world. Action-packed and captivating - I couldn't put it down."

— Becky Dean, forthcoming author of Love and Other Great Expectations, 2022 

“With thrilling adventure and cunning suspense, Simulated is the most riveting sequel I’ve ever read—a masterpiece destined for the stars!”

— Ellen McGinty, Author of The Water Child

"“Oh my word. I feel like the Simulated was better than Calculated. Sounds impossible, I know! Calculated was ah-mazing. I had hopes for Simulated, but this is so much better than I thought it would be. If you are remotely interested in this series, stop what you are doing and go read it NOW.”

— Drew Smith, amazon review

“LOVE, love, love these books!! The stories are so rich and engaging, and they will make you laugh and cry in all the best ways. Even with work and sleep breaking it up, I read this 400+ page book in under 24 hours--it was so good I couldn't put it down! Absolutely cannot wait for the next installment!”

— amazon review

“I like that there’s a sense in these stories of infinite, creative wisdom. Wonderful and hopeful. All teens and adults would enjoy this modern adventure. I sure did and couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to the third!”

— amazon review

I loved this book, maybe almost more than Calculated! I am always a little nervous to read sequels because so many second books feel like placeholders in the larger story. Not Simulated! The story told in this book can stand alone with a solid character arc for Jo, a new setting, spy gadgets and intrigue, lots of adventure, a little romance, and great new characters introduced. With the vivid descriptions of gorgeous settings and Nova somehow even making mathematical theories come to life in tangible and beautiful ways, I found myself seeing this story unfold like a movie would. For someone who was raised on and maybe a little obsessed with Carmen San Diego, these books give me all the Carmen vibes in the best way. I can't wait to see where the next book takes Jo and her crew of prodigies!”

— amazon review

My Summary (5/5): Overall I loved this book even more than the first book. The pace is non-stop and the plot is intricately woven and fun to follow. The characters are incredibly interesting and engaging. I absolutely love this series, and this book in particular. I can’t wait to see how things wrap up in “Activated”, the final book in the series!

— amazon review

Most thrilling book in the world. It's very, very rare that I love a second book in a series as much as the first. Which means that I was a little nervous to read this book. Calculated was easily one of my top favorite reads of 2021, and I couldn't help but have really high expectations for this book. But I needn't have worried. Nova McBee is one of the most masterful storytellers in the YA genre, and this book was just was good as its predecessor!

— amazon review