A light, plot-driven read for those who prefer action to depth and character development.
How long can one teen resist the pressure to conform to his society’s morbid fascination with death and rebirth?
On a parallel planet visited by environmental devastation, where humans have nine lives and the government has incentivized suicide as a way to deal with overpopulation, Julian is haunted by the memory of his mother, who burned through all of her lives very quickly and suffered the consequences. While his peers attend Burners parties where they enthusiastically drug themselves and commit various forms of suicide, Julian resists taking part. However, he experiences pressure from all sides—even from his own father, who worries about the family’s financial future. With each death, people gain societal benefits and are reborn at the age they were before but physically improved (albeit with a new identity chip implanted and the number of lives they’ve used up tattooed on their neck for all to see). Intrigued by a mysterious cat and helped by two unusual new friends, Julian uncovers the dark underbelly of his society’s system of control. The energetic writing style and fast pace will keep readers engaged. The book follows a white default with some diversity in secondary characters. The description of a biracial (Japanese and presumably white) character as having “an odd face” is troubling.
A light, plot-driven read for those who prefer action to depth and character development. (Dystopian. 14-18)Pub Date: Aug. 7, 2018
ISBN: 978-0-06-256726-0
Page Count: 368
Publisher: HarperTeen
Review Posted Online: May 27, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2018
A contemporary hero’s journey, brilliantly told.
The 17-year-old son of a troubled rock star is determined to find his own way in life and love.
On the verge of adulthood, Blade Morrison wants to leave his father’s bad-boy reputation for drug-and-alcohol–induced antics and his sister’s edgy lifestyle behind. The death of his mother 10 years ago left them all without an anchor. Named for the black superhero, Blade shares his family’s connection to music but resents the paparazzi that prevent him from having an open relationship with the girl that he loves. However, there is one secret even Blade is unaware of, and when his sister reveals the truth of his heritage during a bitter fight, Blade is stunned. When he finally gains some measure of equilibrium, he decides to investigate, embarking on a search that will lead him to a small, remote village in Ghana. Along the way, he meets people with a sense of purpose, especially Joy, a young Ghanaian who helps him despite her suspicions of Americans. This rich novel in verse is full of the music that forms its core. In addition to Alexander and co-author Hess’ skilled use of language, references to classic rock songs abound. Secondary characters add texture to the story: does his girlfriend have real feelings for Blade? Is there more to his father than his inability to stay clean and sober? At the center is Blade, fully realized and achingly real in his pain and confusion.
A contemporary hero’s journey, brilliantly told. (Verse fiction. 14-adult)Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-310-76183-9
Page Count: 464
Publisher: Blink
Review Posted Online: April 30, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2017
PERSPECTIVES
There’s not much plot here, but readers will relish the opportunity to climb inside Autumn’s head.
The finely drawn characters capture readers’ attention in this debut.
Autumn and Phineas, nicknamed Finny, were born a week apart; their mothers are still best friends. Growing up, Autumn and Finny were like peas in a pod despite their differences: Autumn is “quirky and odd,” while Finny is “sweet and shy and everyone like[s] him.” But in eighth grade, Autumn and Finny stop being friends due to an unexpected kiss. They drift apart and find new friends, but their friendship keeps asserting itself at parties, shared holiday gatherings and random encounters. In the summer after graduation, Autumn and Finny reconnect and are finally ready to be more than friends. But on August 8, everything changes, and Autumn has to rely on all her strength to move on. Autumn’s coming-of-age is sensitively chronicled, with a wide range of experiences and events shaping her character. Even secondary characters are well-rounded, with their own histories and motivations.
There’s not much plot here, but readers will relish the opportunity to climb inside Autumn’s head. (Fiction. 14 & up)Pub Date: April 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-4022-7782-5
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Review Posted Online: Feb. 12, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2013
BOOK REVIEW
SEEN & HEARD
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