In a not-so-distant-future, scientists have mapped the human
genome, and have found out how to give an inoculation in early childhood that
will highlight the brain’s natural ability to use more than was used before,
allowing paranormal abilities to show up in some of the population. These abilities usually show up around
puberty, and are now tested for in school.
The tests determine a youth’s aptitudes, be they paranormal, or “mundane”
such as math, science, etc. This is a
story of Caleb Hart, the son of the scientist who first mapped the genome. He is now at the age for any paranormal
abilities to begin to show, and for the testing procedures to be done. Unfortunately, he seems to have a very high
affinity for the dead (AFTD), which gives him the ability to raise zombies,
feel the feelings of the dead, and much more.
This is not the ideal ability to have, as there is a special “government
school” that takes these children and trains them to do work for the government.
Caleb must find out how to harness his abilities and how
great they are, while trying to stay below the government’s radar. Caleb doesn’t want his freedom stolen because
he can be used as a tool for the government.
After all, the first kid with the abilities like Caleb’s was taken and
never heard from again. Caleb and his
friends, some of whom have their own abilities, set out on a mission to find
out just how strong they are while staying out of sight. This story is a good YA read. It has the elements of action and adventure, as well as young love. The author writes in such a way that you become invested in the story. The reader will get to know these kids, and want to follow them further. I would love to read more about Caleb, the J’s (his friends) and Jade (his girlfriend), to see how High School goes for them. Young readers would love this story. It is written from the perspective of Caleb, complete with teenage angst. It’s a fun book to read, along with a great story.
4 spiders for Death Whispers.
SB Price
