Átlagos ifjúsági regénynek indul a történet, megismerünk egy kamaszfiút (Ryan) akinek éppen válófélben vannak a szülei. A fiú természetesen nagyon okos, de érzékenyen érinti, hogy az apja elköltözik és kettéosztja a házat (innen a könyv címe) hogy felét kiadhassák albérletbe. Az új szlovén származási családdal érkezik egy hasonló korú lány (Bizzy) a két fiatal persze rögtön szerelmes lesz egymásba.

Ezután találkozunk a Lost and Found könyvből már megismert mikroerővel, vagyis azzal, hogy bizonyos emberek különleges, de látszólag haszontalan képességekkel rendelkeznek. Miután Bizzy-t és édesanyját sok gonosz ember szeretné bántani óriási szerencse, hogy Ryan mikroereje az, hogy meg tudja védeni az általa szeretett embereket.

Idővel a magánéleti szál is visszatér, megtudjuk miért is vannak válófélben a szülők. Itt az író személyes világképe (ami miatt elég sokan kritizálják Cardot) eléggé érződik. Ez nem lenne baj, de rettentő szájbarágósan szeretné az olvasónak elmondani, hogy mi a jó és mi a rossz, ráadásul az egész szálnak nincs túl sok köze a fő mikroerős történethez.

Igazából a könyv könnyen olvasható, de elég közepes. Az egyetlen eredeti ötlet a mikroerő, amit viszont már az előző könyvben megismerhettük. Bőven elég a két könyv közül egyet elolvasni. ( )

For the first few chapters, I thought that this was going to be a book about normal people, living out their lives, and working through their problems (primarily the male adolescent's problems, who is the only viewpoint character in the book). I was mildly disappointed when I found out that it was a superpowers book. However, that disappointment disappeared after reading further.

I really enjoyed the low key nature of this book, character building and conversations between characters. What has annoyed other people in their reviews, I found charming. ( )

For soon to be 16 Ryan, his father's leaving and turning the family home into a duplex turns around when Bizzy, the most beautiful girl ever moves in and becomes not only a classmate but a friend, more than a friend. But their life is put in danger by those pursuing her mother for witch craft with is actually a micropower. Ryan has a micro power of protection and Bizzy one of stunning beauty. Of course the only advantage of micropowers is that the storyteller doesn't need a supervillains a challenge, but why Ryan expects to be safe when Bizzy and her mother weren't isn't the sort of logic drop one expects from Card. Neither is the excess of wordage in what would have been better as a sleeker story. ( )

Another winner by Card and Rudnicki, filled with believable characters, lots of mystery, action, friendship and love. Hoping for another book for this series.

Ryan wakes up to find his contractor dad building walls to turn their big old house into a duplex. The family that moves into the other side includes Bizzy Horvat, the pretty girl he has a crush on at school. Bizzy claims her mother is a witch with the power to curse people with clumsiness or, in Bizzy’s case, astonishing beauty.
When a bee gets caught in Bizzy’s hair, Ryan acts so quickly and radically to save her from getting stung that he attracts the attention of a group of micropotents — people with micropowers. He soon realizes that Bizzy and her mother also have such powers. It becomes Ryan’s job, with the help of the other micropotents, to protect the Horvats from a group of witch hunters from their native country, who are determined to kill Bizzy, her mother, and all the other “witches” — micropotents — who have gathered to protect them. ( )

Duplex
A Micropowers Novel
by Orson Scott Card
Blackstone Publishing

I want to thank the author, publisher, and NetGalley for letting me read this fantastic fantasy book!

This is a young adult/teen novel but I enjoyed it and I am a senior! (Of course I have been reading this author's books since he first put his books out!) This book is about family, acceptance, being different, and love. Yes, it has romance in it. I never read romance but these two have mini super powers so it's ok! ;)

Ryan is junior in high school and the smartest kid in school. He doesn't even study. His mom and dad split up a few months ago and now his dad turned their house into a duplex to rent out the other half. Ryan doesn't even know where his dad is staying.

The most gorgeous girl moves in next door. He met her at school. What attracted him to her was her quick wit and she was smarter than he was! She was also pretty but he really liked her for her!

Come to find out, through some strange situations, that Ryan and Buzzy, the girl he likes, have mini super powers! They aren't alone! There is several people with it. One of those is Buzz yes mom. "Witch hunters" have been following her for years that's why they move often. Now they have found them again. They also now know about the kids.

The group of kids, with their mini super powers, plan to use their powers for defense and security! It gets suspenseful briefly but amazing and humorous at times too! How do you turn the super power of knowing how many belly buttons are nearby into an advantage? Or make someone yawn?

This is a great novel that had me interested throughout the book. Sad in spots with family issues and giggling in spots with the silly powers the kids have. Everything this author writes is gold! ( )