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Category Archives: Young Adult
Louder than Words by Plissner
This is a story of an underage high schooler who learns to speak again after a terrible tragedy through intense physical contact. Read: sexual acts.
Louder than Words
by Laurie Plissner
Merit Press
December 2012
The young lady loses her whole family in a car accident, loses her memory and loses the ability to speak. A young man who can actually read her thoughts comes along and wins her heart and in the end her ability to speak back for her. Along the way, she also learns about the truth of the accident.
This isn’t your normal love story. This is smut with under age characters.
[SPOILERS]
This is not a book for teens. Not only does it have violence (Sasha is saved from imminent sexual assault), and massive quantities of cussing (including all the way up to many, many F words), but also includes explicit sexual activities up to and including oral sex. In the end, she learns to speak BECAUSE of the sex. This is an awkward chapter of the current sex-solves-everything book fad, along with the 50 Shades series, Twilight’s non-stop lust-a-thon in books 3 and 4 and so on. Sex is so degraded by the way it is inappropriately lifted up that readers can’t possibly be satisfied with real world love. When you find that sex is abusive, like in 50 shades, or doesn’t heal all wounds, like in this book, you are left more empty than before.
This book is smut. Teens should not read it because the violence, language and sexuality is inappropriate for their age and adults should not read it because reading about two under age lovers is also inappropriate.
This is the second book I’ve read from Merit Press and it’s clear to me that they are interested in pushing the boundaries of books about children and teens. The language, sexuality, and violence in the books they publish are simply unexplainable. I recommend you keep your teens (and yourself) far away from this publisher.
Arieltopia, Young Adult Editor, is an 12 year old avid reader – usually going through a book a day – who gives readers a unique perspective on Young Adult, Teen Fiction, along with adult fiction: an actual teenager’s perspective.
Scott Asher is the Editor-in-Chief of BookGateway.com. His personal blog is AshertopiA – a land flowing with milk and honey… and a lot of sticky people where he turns real life into stupid cartoons, writes on Christianity, Zombies, and whatever else he wants and posts Bible studies from his classes at church.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan
Like so many books for young adults recently, Glow has a strong female lead who grows up destined to marry the boy next door but through circumstance and trial acmes to realize it is really the shunned boy who everyone dismissed that is her true love. Unlike so many books in this sub-genre Glow takes place in a post apocalyptic universe, aboard a ship carrying the last remnants of the human race. Also unlike some of the other books this book’s evil wears the guise of religion. A deal breaker for me.
Glow
By Amy Kathleen Ryan
Read by Ilyana Kadushan
St. Martin’s Griffin and Macmillan Audio
September 2011
As humanity used up the final resources of earth and its home became unliveable two Noah’s Ark like space ships were launched about a decade apart to search for a habitable world to colonize. Flash forward 43 years and we find on the second of these ships, the Empyrean, our heroine Waverly.
She is a free thinking atheist living on the Empyrean because the non-religious people were segregated on the Empyrean so that the two ships would have an internal unity of belief systems. She is dating the heir apparent to the captaincy, Kieran, a nearly perfect young man whose only downside is that he is a person of faith.
When New Horizon is spotted nearby an alarm is sounded amongst the people living in the Empyrean. The first ship would have had to start slowing down years ago to rendezvous with the second – if the slow down was on purpose. Purpose is quickly revealed when the second ship sends an attack shuttle over to kidnap all the female children, including Waverly.
It isn’t a clean kidnapping though as the kidnappers choose to vent a shuttle bay mercilessly killing hundreds of peaceful parents and farmers, then shoot dozens more in their escape, and finally detonate an explosive on the ship’s cooling system causing a massive overheating of the drive and a release of radiation with the intent of killing the rest of the inhabitants of the Empyrean. In all, a couple hundred female children were stolen from their peaceful parents and home and thousands were massacred. Who would do such a thing? Apparently people of faith.
It’s sheer anti-religious bigotry to presuppose that people of faith would do someting like this. To often authors, producers and directors of books, TV and film take the easy way out of bashing Christian believers instead of creating realistic and fully realized bad guys. Could a bad guy be religious? Sure. Historically evil people did claim to be religious frequently, although not as frequently as evildoers who were non-religious, and almost never has there actually been an evildoers who was really a follower of Jesus Christ as portrayed in the Bible.
Furthermore, the reason why the religious aboard the New Horizon turned evil doesn’t make sense logically. Is it really likely that an obviously highly intellegent group of people chosen by the masters of Earth, from the entire population of Earth, to colonize the universe and save humanity from destruction would turn around and kill thousands for the last humans in existence? Wouldn’t the best and the brightest -at the least level headed – people have been chosen? I guess the moral here is that religious people
And while the author tries later in the book goes to great lengths to say that the evildoers’ faith is not Christianity these statements fly in the face of facts. The only religion with pastors is Christianity. The main villian has a dove, the Christian sign for the Holy Spirit, above her desk. She also prays to her “lord” a term used by Christians and no other world faith.
The bottom line is this: authors and entertainers should recognize that Christianity is not a safe religion to bash and think that they will still get their audience and sales. Three billion or more people profess to be Christian on the planet and our faith should be respected. You can say ‘it’s just a book’s but it isn’t. Every story has a message and this message in this story is wrong.
If you want a good love triangle, young adult series set in a science fictional future then read Matched and Crossed by Allie Condie. Glow doesn’t shine.
Scott Asher is the Editor-in-Chief of BookGateway.com. His personal blog is AshertopiA – a land flowing with milk and honey… and a lot of sticky people where he cartoons and writes on Christianity, Zombies, and anything else he wants to.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Breath of Angel by Karyn Henley
Melaia, a young priestess, discovers a stranger in the temple courtyard who upon her approach is attacked and killed by an abominably large black feathered bird. When she takes the body into the temple she finds that the stranger isn’t human at all – he is an angel and his bloodied, but once white wings attest. This is when she recognizes that most of what she has been taught about the world wasn’t half of the truth. Angels exist!
Breath of Angel
by Karyn Henley
Waterbrook
June 2011
Melaia is soon on a whirlwind adventure where she finds out the truth of her parents (she thought she was an orphan,) and the truth about angelic forces in the world – forces for good and forces for evil. And most importantly, she finds that she is a part of an ancient prophecy that will restore the stairway to Heaven that was destroyed by a now immortal human jealous of his younger brother. To restore this stairway and allow the angels to travel back to Heaven and to the worlds beyond, she must collect three magical harps within the next year and a half. Of course, this wouldn’t be a Waterbrook title without romance and typically the romantic interest of our heroine is a roguish swordsman who Melaia never really knows if she can trust.
As far as a fantasy romance for young adults goes this books finds itself solidly in the camp of what passes now for popular fiction. In fact, it has so much in common with its secular siblings that one has to wonder – as I did – if the author was even writing to Christians as the imprint suggested. Heres why: this book is chaulk full of unorthodox and heretical ideas about angels.
Open the first page and you find a completely fictional hierarchy of angels, called the “Angelaeon,” which sorts so-called types of angels into castes. Some of the names Christians will be familiar with through their reading of the Bible, like Thrones, Cherubim, Seraphim, Archangels and of course Angels. Others are better known by their English translations, like Wheels (called Ophanim in this book) or are words taken from the New Testament and applied to angels, even when the New Testament may not actually do that, like Kuriotes (from the Greek “to have dominion” used four times in the New Testament, like in Colossians 1:16, but not as a proper name or actual title of an angelic being. For instance, consider Ephesians 2:1 2 Peter 2:10 and Jude 1:8 where the word means “authority” but not in reference to an angel.) All this to say that Henley is massively invested in – and the book’s main focus in on – her version of angels.
Why is it a problem for a Christian book to have angels in it? Just because we take the name of someone from the Bible doesn’t mean we are free – as Christians who believe that scripture is sacred – to change the character of the actual Biblical characters.
Consider this example: A man in a dusty fedora, with a brown leather jacket and a whip on his hip is searching for clues to find a long lost treasure. Along the way he fights Nazis and enemies on horseback trying to stop him. His name? John the Baptist.
That not only doesn’t make any sense it is just plain isn’t John the Baptist! Likelwise, the “angels” in Henley’s book aren’t the angels of the Bible either. They are – to use a fantasy term – better described as elves and magicians who have the names of angels.
Consider how Henley’s angels differ from real angels: Henley’s “angels” routinely have sex and children with humans (in fact several of the main characters are half human- half angels.) Angels in the Bible, for those who understand how to rightly interpret the Word instead of reading their biases into the text, do not have physical bodies, are not human, do not have sex or even have a sex (meaning there are no female or male angels), and certainly don’t get married and live with their human spouses. Henley’s angels also sleep around. One of the main “angels” in the story, Dreia, has children with two different humans and certainly wasn’t married to the first one. Henley’s “angels” can’t travel to and from the presence of God without the use of a magical tree stairway. Furthermore, on several occasions the “angels” refer to this world as one of many worlds (which is much more akin to Mormonism than Christianity!) Henley’s “angels” refer to the stars for information instead of communicating with God.
Bottom line, Henley’s theology is a mess. And as a Christian author it is her responsibility to convey truth without stumbling readers. Consider that this problem of angel focus, called “angel worship” by Paul in Colossians, was a problem from the start of the church: “Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels [disqualify/cause you to turn away from God/lose your salvation] you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their [unspiritual/fleshly] mind.” Readers of this review may be tempted to say that I cannot know Henley’s heart – and they are right! But I can know by her fruit what kind of tree she is. And she is far too focused on angels, real and imagined.
Before writing this review I read her website and personal blog. What did I find but blog post after post about angels, fictional stories about angels, and so on. Where did she get her ideas on angels? Extra Biblical sources like 1 Enoch – a first century B.C. scroll rejected by all Christian orthodox faiths (except for Ethiopian Orthodox church,) that is purported to be from Enoch (great-grandfather of Noah) but was written thousands of years after Enoch “walked with God: and he was not; for God took him,” (Genesis 5:22-29). A quick check of her Angelology page references Zoroastrianism, Kabbalah, Gnosticism and more, which fits into a larger narrative that speaks to how Henley views angels. One that is certainly not orthodox, regardless of whether or not she is writing a Christian book.
This overemphasis on, and unorthodox definition of angels and the binding of Biblical statements about angels with mythology and fantasy is a mistake that Christians ought to know better than to make. I cannot in good faith recommend this book.
Scott Asher is the Editor-in-Chief of BookGateway.com. His personal blog is AshertopiA – a land flowing with milk and honey… and a lot of sticky people where he cartoons and writes on Christianity, Zombies, and anything else he wants to.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Candlewax by C. Baily Sims
An ancient evil threatens the magical land of Lackanay, its presence held back by the great beasts known as fairrier cats. Unfortunately, Spelopokos seems to be the only one of these great felines left. If the land is to survive, he must find others of his kind.
Candlewax
by C. Bailey Sims
Terabyte Press
April 2012
Catherine is a princess of the kingdom of Crystallia, betrothed to the king of Candlewax, whom she has never even met. But when Catherine tries to run away, destiny forces her into a meeting with Spelopokos, a creature she didn’t even believe still existed.
The fate of the entire land of Lackanay now rests on the shoulders of a princess and a cat, who must battle through a land of magic, survive a war, and destroy an ancient evil that will literally devour everything in its path. But time is running out.
Candlewax by C. Bailey Sims is very much a classic fairytale. And while the premise itself is not terribly original, there is a certain comfort in this type of story in which all the mainstays of fantasy are present.
There is also a very rich background of magic and legend behind the main story. Of course, at times the plot can seem a bit contrived, but then, what story about destiny isn’t?
The characters are fleshed out and well-written as well, their evolution and growth throughout the story plain to see. Despite not caring much for Catherine in the beginning, I found myself cheering her on as the story progressed.
My only real complaint is Spelopokos, the great fairrier cat of legend. His character alone is haughty and self-assured, which I could honestly forgive if that were all there was to it. But is attitude is well justified by his endless number of abilities. He is simply too overpowered.
In fact, his list of abilities goes on so long that I honestly couldn’t help but wonder why he even needed the other characters in the first place. This actually became somewhat of an issue for me in reading the story because Spelopokos is one of the main characters and features heavily.
Still, the overall book was entertaining and the characters, for the most part, enjoyable. If you’re a fan of classic fantasy and fairytales, you should definitely read Candlewax.
Matthew Scott is just another average reader who enjoys sharing his opinion on various books, authors, and whatever else may cross his path.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
The second book of the Hunger Games series is cleverly titled Catching Fire. The book builds on emotions that linger from the Hunger Games which makes you feel even more invested. The book does climax but ultimately is leading you into the third book so the story can come full circle.
Catching Fire
by Suzanne Collins
Scholastic
September 2009
Katniss and Peeta return home where they realize more and more how the hunger games have affected not only them, but the other districts as well.
Katniss struggles to sort out her feelings between Gale and Peeta. She fights the flame that burns inside her for Peeta by still insisting everything in the arena that happened between them was just for the cameras and survival. Having Gale around just causes more confusion for her. She tries to be so strong and not let her feelings get in the way, but she can’t help feel something for Gale… and for Peeta. Katniss of course never really addresses these problems but the readers pick up on every one of them, which makes Katniss’s every decision even more heart wrenching.
Just as the tributes get settled in and feel like life may return to some sort of normalcy, they announce the Quarter Quell. Another game that will send more tributes back to the arena. As the tributes are paraded around throughout the districts, Katniss slowly realizes what is happening. Subtle clues and reactions get her thinking about how her actions will affect everyone’s future.
The tributes are then faced with more life altering decisions, this is the game that will make or break everyone’s future. This is the game that threatens the Capitol. This is the game that unites the districts.
I loved this book. This second installment in the series reveals even more about Katniss and gives insight into her emotions, making her an even more developed character. A great continuation of the story.
Ashleigh Taylor loves to travel and experience new cultures. She also loves food, friendship and a good laugh.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
This book is the first in a three part series and is named after the Hunger Games, the lethal games the characters battle in throughout the book. Their country, Panem, gets divided and the people of the Capitol decide to create the Hunger Games so the people will never forget the suffering from the rebellion. The games are also in place as a reminder to not try to rebel again, to live just as you are, stagnant.
The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins
Scholastic
September 2008
The main character Katniss, immediately captures your heart with her undying love for her family. You find out why she has such a passion for hunting and how the loss of her father has affected her family. Throughout the book you painstakingly read on while she makes tough decisions and is thrown into situations that a teenager should never endure.
As the book goes on, more die in the intricate arena of the Hunger Games and you are introduced to a dozen more characters, each slowly seeping into the heart of Katniss, some even without her knowledge.
At first I thought this book was going to be just like those movies where people are sacrificed for sport and set on a remote island to fight to the death for amusement for the people watching. In a way this book exhibits similarities from those movies, but the book doesn’t focus on just the fighting, but the fight within the characters. This book was more than just about fighting to the death; it showed the emotion and terrible choices that people had to make in the arena.
I loved this book!
Ashleigh Taylor loves to travel and experience new cultures. She also loves food, friendship and a good laugh.
Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown
Calder White is a killer. He is drawn to the positive emotions put out by normal people, and once he drags them beneath the surface of the water, he is able to absorb these emotions as his own. His three sisters are much the same, and as a group they have the power to mesmerize humans and pull them down into watery graves.
Lies Beneath
by Anne Greenwood Brown
Delacorte
June 2012
Life isn’t all fun and games, however. Calder and his sisters are on a mission to kill one man in particular, and they won’t rest until he pays for the suffering he has caused them. Only now have they finally found him: the man who killed their mermaid mother.
Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown is a story about mermaids (and one merman). But Brown takes a more evolutionary view of mermaids. These aren’t the fairytale versions that we’ve grown up to love and revere. Instead these are the evil sirens of legend that pull men and women to their deaths. They have evolved in the depths of the water with skills and abilities that make them the perfect bait to draw in unsuspecting humans for the basest of purposes: to feed.
What is amazing about this story is that the plot and storyline are actually quite simple and direct yet ultimately very compelling. The entire story is told in first person by Calder, and seeing the world through his eyes gives the reader a very different and, at times, disturbing viewpoint. Love, death, and revenge are seamlessly intertwined for him and his views on killing people are both horrible and beautiful at the same time.
But at it’s heart, as strange as it sounds, this is actually a love story and, at the same time, a story about coming of age. There are a few minor details that I found a bit far fetched, and there are are quite a few twists at the end. Still, my only real complaint about this story is that I felt it ended too soon as I would have greatly enjoyed reading more about this merman and his life.
Even if you aren’t a fan of mermaids, you should definitely take a look at Lies Beneath.
Matthew Scott is just another average reader who enjoys sharing his opinion on various books, authors, and whatever else may cross his path.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Starters by Lissa Price
In a dystopian future, the majority of the adult population has been killed by chemical warfare. Because vaccinations were in short supply, only the very young and old were inoculated, leaving two very different groups of survivors. The elderly, known as Enders, are often rich and powerful, and thanks to advances in technology, they are able to live well past one hundred. On the other hand, unclaimed minors, known as Starters, live on the streets, scrounge for food, and struggle just to survive.
Starters
by Lissa Price
Delacorte
March 2012
Enter Callie, a Starter living on the streets and trying to support herself and her sick younger brother, Tyler. Desperate for money, Callie agrees to take part in an experimental procedure that allows an Ender to take temporary control of her body and live as a teenager for a full month. But something goes wrong with the process, and Callie finds the she and her body have been drawn into a dangerous world of kidnapping, murder, and political intrigue.
Starters, by Lissa Price, is a young adult novel that tells the story of a young girl’s attempt to survive in a world where her rights and home have been strippedfrom her. There are actually quite a few dark moments in the book involving assassination, police brutality, and what essentially amounts to slavery.
Where the book faltered abit for me was it’s focus on Callie and her feelings for a cute boy she meets. The details of the love story were certainly interesting, and the resulting twists and turns it takes adds an even deeper layerto the story as a whole. But because this is novel aimed more at young adults, some of the darker details were glossed over while more time is spent on Callie’s relationship woes.
Overall, I feel the book could have been darker and grittier, but given it’s target audience, I can see why the decision to focus on love and emotion took precedence over dirty politics and economic strife. Still, I can’t help but wonder what this novel would have looked like if Ms. Price had aimed for an adult audience.
That said, I look forward to seeing more from this particular author and definitely recommend this book for young adults and fans of young adult literature. I greatly look forward to seeing more from this author.
Matthew Scott is just another average reader who enjoys sharing his opinion on various books, authors, and whatever else may cross his path.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Humans and androids crowd the streets of New Beijing. Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She is the only full-service mechanic at the weekly market. To her surprise, she is visited by Prince Kaito, Crown Price of the Eastern Commonwealth. The Prince’s android , a female model, isn’t working and he needs it repaired. There is a loud scream from the baker across the square. She is looking at her hands and screaming – she has the plague.
Cinder
Marissa Meyer
Feiwel & Friends
January 2012
This is the start of the deadly plague that will ravage the population of New Beijing. Cinder had been brought to New Beijing by her adopted father. She lives with her stepmother and two sisters. She is a second-class citizen with a mysterious past. She is forced to do all the work and lives in rags while her sisters and stepmother dress in the latest fashion.
Cinder is blamed when her sister Peony comes down with the plague. Her stepmother sells her as an experiment to find a cure for the plague. Tests reveal that Cinder may not be entirely a cyborg, but part lunar. She might even be the missing heir to the lunar throne. This, of course, must be kept secret by Dr. Erland, the leading scientist of the research team. In the meantime, the plague has taken the life of his Royal Highness – the Emperor of New Beijing – and young Prince Kaito is now the new Emperor.
From space a ruthless Lunar Queen watches it all – ready, to make her move. Queen Lavana is coming to earth for a visit and has plans to marry the young emperor. This is the start of an intergalactic struggle for Cinder and an unbidden attraction to the young emperor. Torn between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past. Can she save earth and prevent the marriage of the lunar queen to Kai the new emperor?
A thrilling novel – the first in a quartet – by Marissa Meyer. A very interesting read. Highly recommended.
This book is also available as an audio book through Macmillin, read by Rebecca Soler. Check out the first chapter free:
Mary Asher, the Golden Reviewer, describes herself as “An 80 year old avid reader reviews the newest in Christian fiction and non-fiction with a sprinkle of the secular on top.”.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Robbie Forester and the Outlaws of Sherwood St by Peter Abrahams
The book is a tale of action, adventure, danger and magic.
Robbie Forester and the Outlaws of Sherwood St
Peter Abrahams
Philomel
January 2012
Robbie is on her way to school – late as usual – when she sees that the homeless woman that usually sits outside the newsstand has tipped over and is laying on her side. Something is wrong.- she must help. Cops and paramedics arrive and take the woman away. Something falls off her wrist as she lay on the stretcher. It is a charm bracelet with a tiny silver heart. This a very powerful charm and leads Robbie, her three friends and her dog Pendleton on to the road to justice. Soon Robbie and her friends find themselves in a menacing world of thievery, arson, big yachts, and even bigger bank accounts.
Robbie has eye problems and wears glasses. However, when she touches the charm she has perfect vision and a strange power. The charm gives Pendleton special powers as well. Robbie befriends a young boy who stutters. When he comes in contact with the charm he can speak perfectly. Tut soon joins Robbie and her friends on the path to justice and they soon find themselves in serious trouble. The charm is very powerful – they aren’t sure why or how – but will let it lead them to right whatever is wrong.
Highly recommended. Abrahams weaves a tale what will keep you on the edge of your seat, guessing at every turn.
Mary Asher, the Golden Reviewer, describes herself as “An 80 year old avid reader reviews the newest in Christian fiction and non-fiction with a sprinkle of the secular on top.”.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
A cancelled day of school leads to an impromptu road trip for Mia and her family. It is the last thing she remembers before “waking up” to see her family spread across the pavement as the result of a car accident. Mia then sees herself, mangled after the accident, and realizes she is now in limbo.
What follows is a series of flashes between the past and the present. Mia, a talented 17-year-old cellist, reminisces about life with her family, her best friend, Kim, and her boyfriend, Adam. Mia’s parents were very liberal, very loving, and very nontraditional. They encouraged Mia and her brother Teddy to follow their dreams, not standing in the way of anything they wanted to try. Kim and Adam helped Mia step out of her comfort zone and try things she might otherwise have avoided.
As she lies in a coma, a result of her injuries due to the accident, Mia must ultimately make the decision to remain with her friends in life or follow her family into death. As the only surviving member of her family, it is not hard to see why this decision would be such a difficult one.
Gayle Forman creates a dilemma for Mia that anyone would find troubling. What would you do if you “awoke” from a terrible tragedy to find yourself alone? Knowing that you will face an uncertain future with no family, would you risk it?
Foreman creates such an astounding dilemma, it is not hard to see why this novel garnered such acclaim. I have to honestly tell you, however, that I do not understand previous book critics’ desire to relate this novel to either The Lovely Bones or Twilight. While the story obviously has a “supernatural” element, as Mia is having an out of body experience, that is really its only tie to The Lovely Bones.
And with no sparkly vampires and an obvious lack of shape-shifting Native Americans, the only reason that this would appeal to readers of Twilight is because both books are in the Young Adult genre.
Forman’s novel would be better related to those of Paige Harbison or Lauren Oliver, minus the “you must get this right to get out of purgatory” idea. If you have to minus, then it is probably best to allow a novel to stand on its own and to give the writer her own applause.
All in all, this was a great novel. Forman creates the tension and leaves Mia with such a troubling choice, you keep wondering which she will choose. It is well thought out and well-written, with the right balance of past and present and shifts between each that do not leave you dizzy.
Be forewarned, there are several instances of harsh language, and some parents might not be thrilled with the informality of the relationship between Mia and her parents. For me, the language is not a major issue and the relationship is clearly one of love, so it doesn’t matter that it isn’t the cookie cutter idea of how parents and children should interact.
I really enjoyed this book, and I had actually gone in search of it because I had received the sequel Where She Went. I read this one first, loved it, and quickly moved on to the next (review forthcoming). It is a quick, thought-provoking read, one that I could certainly read again.
Robin Gwaro is a founding book review blogger at Bookgateway.com and has generously supplied this review. She describes herself as “a woman just trying to keep it all together. Most days, I have the juggling act down! Others, I have the broom and dustpan handy to clean up the mess. My life is not always easy, it is not always neat, but it is always worth every minute!” Her personal blog is Just Wandering. Not Lost.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Fury by Elizabeth Miles
Sometimes sorry isn’t enough
Emily cannot wait for the holidays! Even though her best friend will be on a family trip, Em is excited about the prospect of getting a little closer to the boy she’s been eyeing for some time. The only catch? He’s her best friend’s boyfriend, Zach.
Chase lives a lie. He’s from the “wrong side of the tracks,” but he is Ascension High School’s star quarterback. He does everything he can to be the perfect golden boy. But things, like always, are never what they seem. Actions from his past are coming back to haunt him.
The phrase “what goes around, comes around” is the basis for Elizabeth Miles’ tale of three beautiful women who choose those who will find retribution for their past deeds.
In this case, Emily and Chase have been chosen.
With her cautionary tale for teens, Miles seems to be creating work in the trend of Lauren Oliver and Paige Harbison. Miles, like the others, is attempting to teach teens to be nicer, asking them to remember that what they do now could haunt them later.
That is essentially where the similarities end. From nearly the beginning, you sense something a little more sinister in Miles’ story. As I was reading, there were points where I had chills up my spine, a sure sign of that anticipation that keeps me on edge when I am reading. What is also unique about Miles’ book is how she has built reality into her fiction, in that not everyone gets a second chance to get it right. In life, we don’t always get a chance to right our wrongs, so it might be helpful to prevent the wrongs in the first place.
I found I had to keep reading to see where Miles would take me. As the story built, I became wrapped up in the lives of her characters, wanting to quickly find out what happened. However, it’s important to note that this is the first in a trilogy, so quick is not the pace of this novel. There is, as in any first of a series, quite a bit of back story. Since I know a story is going to build, I don’t find this bothersome at all.
Miles has done a great job of starting this series. I can’t wait to see where she heads next!
Robin Gwaro is a founding book review blogger at Bookgateway.com and has generously supplied this review. She describes herself as “a woman just trying to keep it all together. Most days, I have the juggling act down! Others, I have the broom and dustpan handy to clean up the mess. My life is not always easy, it is not always neat, but it is always worth every minute!” Her personal blog is Just Wandering. Not Lost.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
