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Cover of Sabotaged

Sabotaged

by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Fiction Science FictionYoung AdultHistorical FictionTime TravelFantasyMiddle Grade

Book Description

Time is running out. A game of survival unfolds as society's secrets threaten to unravel everything. Two teens, trapped in a web of conspiracy and deceit, must navigate a dangerous world where trust is scarce and betrayal lurks around every corner. As they race against a ticking clock, the stakes escalate—life and death hang in the balance, and loyalties are tested like never before. With every twist, the shadows grow darker, and the truth feels more elusive. What will they sacrifice to uncover the truth, and can they outsmart the forces that want them silenced?

Quick Summary

In "Sabotaged" by Margaret Peterson Haddix, the third installment in the Missing series, siblings Jonah and Katherine are thrust into another dangerous mission through time. Tasked with returning Andrea, one of history’s missing children, to her rightful time period aboard the doomed Roanoke Colony, the teens quickly realize not everything is as it seems. The landscape is fraught with hidden threats and enigmatic villains working to keep history off course. Betrayal and confusion reign as the children navigate both the perils of the 1600s and the manipulations of rival time travelers. As they struggle to decipher who to trust, Jonah and Katherine must rely on their courage and wit to outmaneuver saboteurs, fix the fractured timeline, and unmask the conspiracies that threaten not just Andrea’s future, but their own. This intense, twist-filled story explores the bonds of loyalty and the relentless pursuit of truth in a world where deception is everywhere.

Summary of Key Ideas

Time Travel and Historical Mystery

Jonah and Katherine, continuing their journey as time agents, accept a perilous new mission: to return Andrea, one of the missing children from history, to the Roanoke Colony in 1600. The mysterious disappearance of the colony, known as the "Lost Colony" mystery, sets the stage for a suspenseful tale. The siblings are quickly swept into a bewildering world where clues are scant and danger lurks all around. From the start, it's clear that their mission will not go as planned, and a betrayal has already occurred, sabotaging the time travel that should have helped them.

The Dangers of Trust and Betrayal

As the group acclimates to life in the Roanoke Colony, trust becomes both precious and dangerous. They are unsure of who truly wants to help and who is intent on undermining them. An enigmatic antagonist continually hinders their every move, forcing the teens to question motives and decipher intrigue at every turn. The betrayals reveal just how high the stakes are—not only for Andrea, whose destiny is at risk, but also for Jonah and Katherine's ability to fix the timeline and preserve history as it should be.

Courage in the Face of Uncertainty

Danger and uncertainty force the siblings to summon every ounce of bravery they possess. Surrounded by unfamiliar threats—from the wilds of the historical setting to the manipulations of unseen foes—they must carefully negotiate their way through history’s minefield. As plans unravel, their courage and determination become key to survival. Each wrong step could strand them in the past forever or unleash irreversible changes upon the present.

The Importance of Teamwork and Loyalty

In the midst of chaos, teamwork and loyalty offer the greatest hope. Jonah and Katherine’s bond is tested repeatedly, as they must support Andrea and each other under impossible pressure. Despite confusion and moments of doubt, they learn the necessity of relying on one another’s strengths. This trust not only helps them confront physical dangers but also solve the mounting mysteries and emotional challenges surrounding their mission.

Consequences of Changing the Past

Ultimately, "Sabotaged" explores the profound consequences of altering the past. Every decision the teens make reverberates through time, highlighting the responsibility that comes with powerful abilities like time travel. The story’s climax brings difficult choices and sacrifices, underscoring the complexity of right versus wrong in situations where the fate of individuals, and potentially all of history, hangs in the balance.