The Prophecy - Gill James

Kaleem Malkendy is different--and, on Terrestra, different is no way to be.

Everything about Kaleem marks him out from the rest: the blond hair and dark skin, the humble cave where he lives and the fact that he doesn't know his father. He's used to unwelcome attention, but even so, he'd feel better if some strange old man didn't keep following him around.

Then the man introduces himself and begins to explain the Babel Prophecy--and everything in Kaleem's life changes forever.

Title: The Prophecy

Author: Gill James

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction

Publisher: The Red Telephone

My Rating: 3.5/5

This could be considered my first foray into the world of science fiction. I don't exactly know what to think about this book. I enjoyed it, but there were certain things that had me looking at the page funny, and re-reading certain passages. I really enjoyed the unique spin that James took with this story though pertaining to the "Tower of Babel".

I found the first part of the book flowed fluently through the chapters, but over the last third of the book I noticed that things became more sporadic. For instance, the one chapter would end off in one scene; and the next one would continue 3 weeks in the future, leaving the reader dangling. I found that seemed quite choppy, but then it evened out again later on. It was a bit confusing, but once you figured out what was going on you were set again.

I really enjoyed Kaleem's character, and I liked the mystery surrounding his parents, his birth, and his "occupation". The holoprogrammes were neat, and I loved how Kaleem (and we) were shown how other people lived on their respective planets. Learning what one "civilization" did as the norm was interesting, knowing that another one would have approached the matter or problem in an entirely different way. I found that the book was very easy to digest, but some of the inventions could have used a bit more fleshing out, instead of keeping the reader guessing as to what they were.

Overall, the book was enjoyable and I found that as I became more immersed in Kaleem's world, that I am left wondering what's going to happen next. I definitely will be picking up the next book in the trilogy when it comes out.

DISCLAIMER: This book was received free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

Arson - Estevan Vega

ARSON GABLE FEELS LIKE A FREAK. HE CAN CREATE FIRE. HE NEVER ASKED FOR IT. HE NEVER WANTED IT. BUT HE CAN'T SHUT IT OFF.

Before now, three things were true: he both loved and despised his grandmother; his life was going nowhere; and he was alone. But when a strange girl--who feels more normal behind a mask than inside her own skin--moves in next door, Arson hopes to find something he's never had: purpose. Using what he fears most about himself, Arson must face his consuming past and confront the nightmare that is his present as he walks the fine line between boy and monster. Dark, moody, and breathtakingly relevant, Arson, the chilling chronicle of an isolated boy with unimaginable ability, is sure to ignite the hearts and minds of a new generation.

Title: Arson

Author: Estevan Vega

Genre: Young Adult, Thriller, Coming of Age

Publisher: Tate Publishing & Enterprises

My Rating: 5/5

Arson starts off slowly, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It engages the reader in the life of Arson, and we get to see what Arson's home life is like before Emery comes along. The tone is set right from the beginning, and we get to see how disillusioned Arson is. The characters were magnificent in their portrayal. Vega did an astounding job creating them, the depth, and the passion in them is absolutely remarkable. I found myself identifying with Emery almost immediately, and loved the spunk and defiance in her. I found the relationship between Arson and his grandmother, Kay, was bittersweet. I could completely understand his feelings towards her.

Do not let the cover fool you. This book is definitely not a horror novel. It is more of a coming of age novel. The cover is more symbolic than anything. We see Arson grow as a person, and learn more about himself, and we see how he interacts with others, given that he is different than most. I really enjoyed this book, and really connected with the writing style and characters.

I can't wait for the next book to see what Vega does to, I mean, with these characters. I have a feeling their story isn't finished just yet.

Vega is definitely an author on the rise. He knows how to mold characters that can infuriate you; or leave you feeling helpless because you are only an observer of the story and not physically able to help the characters in the story. It's been a long while since I've been that engrossed in a tale.

All in all, this is a must read. It meanders its way through the lives of Arson, and Emery; telling their story, all the while pulling at your heartstrings.

Arson Winner!!

Hey all, this is just a quick little note to say that the giveaway for Estevan Vega's Arson has ended. The winner (using random.org) was

#17. Brittany

I've already sent out an email and am waiting to hear back. If I don't hear back within 48 hours, I'll pick another winner. Thank you all for participating! Arson is out today, so help an author out, and request his book from your local book stores, eh? (Not to sound demanding or anything...) ;)