This series continues to be engaging and worthwhile for young football fans. Two recurring characters cross paths in this story, and readers looking for some play-by-play, on-the-field action, as well as some mystery and suspense, will have a hard time putting this book down. Ty Lewis from Football Hero returns and learns that he may be in danger from the mobsters his uncle is supposed to testify against. The author does a good job of recapping Ty's story for those who may not have read Football Hero. Troy White, of the Football Genius fame is central to this story as well, and he and Ty meet up at the Super Bowl weekend tournament. Troy has his own issues with his estranged and greedy father, whose appearance causes Troy much heartache and grief. The two boys bond when they are kidnapped and they eventually learn that they are actually cousins. Real life football players are characters in the book, and fans may enjoy seeing their names on the pages. Characters do find themselves in perilous situations but work together to keep each other safe. Deep Zone has a happy ending, with loose ends neatly wrapped up, and the two main characters looking to meet up once again after Troy moves to New York where Ty already lives. This series is a great choice for tween boys who are reluctant readers.
