An indelible young gamer scores big in this breezy SF tale.
A teenager unlocks levels and secrets in a popular augmented-reality game in this debut YA near-future novel.
Will Kwan has been in the foster system since his parents died several years ago. But when he thinks his latest foster family is sending him back to a group home, the 16-year-old boy flees Houston for California. He hopes his computer savvy will land him a job at Solar Prime Augmented Reality Park, where he and his parents had shared their last bit of happiness before the family fell apart. The Kwans’ gameplay back then earned free days at SPARK, so Will dons “Augmented Reality Glasses” and, as avatar “WonderBoy,” immerses himself in quests. His unprecedented skills quickly catch the eyes of the people running SPARK, including its CEO. Will not only levels up at a breathtaking rate, he also unearths easter eggs, not the least of which is one that no player has found in SPARK’s seven years of existence. It’s not long before he mingles with the Pod—runaway teens who live in the Underground City below the park. He stumbles on friendship and perhaps romance as well. ShaChri “Feral Daughter” Patel’s virtual combat prowess complements Will’s predilection for the mental side of gameplay, like puzzles. Meanwhile, there’s a planned strike against SPARK underway, courtesy of two united terrorist groups with separate agendas. WonderBoy’s and Feral’s abilities are without question, but their real-life counterparts may have to step up, along with fellow players and staff, when SPARK finds itself under siege.
The cast of Daily’s SF novel shines, especially its sympathetic hero. For example, Will’s Korean American dad fought and died in a near-future war involving the United States and the Koreas (though North Korea was the true antagonist). Will and other Koreans suffer bigoted Americans who, infuriated about the conflict, call them by the loathsome slur “Kimmy.” Other characters boast equally engrossing backstories, from ShaChri, who also lost her parents tragically, and SPARK employee Jeffrey “Hodge” Hodgins, who sees Will as the son he and his wife never had. Most of the narrative spotlights gamer Will fighting to complete seven Princess Quests, or “arcades” (for example, PreHistory and War on Mars). These fast-paced, entertaining scenes further showcase his teamwork, as he games with ShaChri or helps someone defeat a Princess. Although there’s not much at stake for Will in gameplay (even if the staff cheers him on), the terrorists’ sinister plot is unmistakably imminent. The story reveals certain nefarious types prepping for the attack and teases its approach with a countdown of days. There’s likewise some mystery beyond the eggs’ surprising locations. The final words from Will’s deceased mom (via letter) were “Find me. Save me.” Will strives to learn what they mean, as one of the game characters utters these same lines. The book’s climax doesn’t quite measure up to its prolonged buildup, but it’s still exciting, while the ending offers both a gratifying resolution and sequel possibilities.
An indelible young gamer scores big in this breezy SF tale.Pub Date: May 11, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-944428-63-1
Page Count: 352
Publisher: Inklings Publishing
Review Posted Online: Nov. 22, 2022
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
An ode to the children of migrants who have been taken away.
A Mexican American boy takes on heavy responsibilities when his family is torn apart.
Mateo’s life is turned upside down the day U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents show up unsuccessfully seeking his Pa at his New York City bodega. The Garcias live in fear until the day both parents are picked up; his Pa is taken to jail and his Ma to a detention center. The adults around Mateo offer support to him and his 7-year-old sister, Sophie, however, he knows he is now responsible for caring for her and the bodega as well as trying to survive junior year—that is, if he wants to fulfill his dream to enter the drama program at the Tisch School of the Arts and become an actor. Mateo’s relationships with his friends Kimmie and Adam (a potential love interest) also suffer repercussions as he keeps his situation a secret. Kimmie is half Korean (her other half is unspecified) and Adam is Italian American; Mateo feels disconnected from them, less American, and with worries they can’t understand. He talks himself out of choosing a safer course of action, a decision that deepens the story. Mateo’s self-awareness and inner monologue at times make him seem older than 16, and, with significant turmoil in the main plot, some side elements feel underdeveloped. Aleman’s narrative joins the ranks of heart-wrenching stories of migrant families who have been separated.
An ode to the children of migrants who have been taken away. (Fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: May 4, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-7595-5605-8
Page Count: 400
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Feb. 22, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
This grittily provocative debut explores the horrors of self-harm and the healing power of artistic expression.
After surviving a suicide attempt, a fragile teen isn't sure she can endure without cutting herself.
Seventeen-year-old Charlie Davis, a white girl living on the margins, thinks she has little reason to live: her father drowned himself; her bereft and abusive mother kicked her out; her best friend, Ellis, is nearly brain dead after cutting too deeply; and she's gone through unspeakable experiences living on the street. After spending time in treatment with other young women like her—who cut, burn, poke, and otherwise hurt themselves—Charlie is released and takes a bus from the Twin Cities to Tucson to be closer to Mikey, a boy she "like-likes" but who had pined for Ellis instead. But things don't go as planned in the Arizona desert, because sweet Mikey just wants to be friends. Feeling rejected, Charlie, an artist, is drawn into a destructive new relationship with her sexy older co-worker, a "semifamous" local musician who's obviously a junkie alcoholic. Through intense, diarylike chapters chronicling Charlie's journey, the author captures the brutal and heartbreaking way "girls who write their pain on their bodies" scar and mar themselves, either succumbing or surviving. Like most issue books, this is not an easy read, but it's poignant and transcendent as Charlie breaks more and more before piecing herself back together.
This grittily provocative debut explores the horrors of self-harm and the healing power of artistic expression. (author’s note) (Fiction. 14 & up)Pub Date: Aug. 30, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-101-93471-5
Page Count: 416
Publisher: Delacorte
Review Posted Online: May 3, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2016
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