Mason

Mason
By: Thomas Pendleton

256p
HarperTeen

ISBN-10: 0061177369
ISBN-13: 978-0061177361


Annotation:
When a sadistic high school student tries to cover up a murder by brutally beating an innocent girl, his mentally challenged but psychically gifted brother, Mason, uses his powers to bring about justice in their sleepy Louisiana town.

Summary:
In Pendelton’s first novel we are introduced to Mason; a mentally challenged young man and his sadistic drug dealing brother Gene. As the story opens we are exposed to the graphic image of a nine year old Gene attempting to asphyxiate his resented “special” younger brother, only to be stopped in time by his parents, both of which are gone after that fateful night.

Fast forward; Gene and Mason are now in high school, Mason is constantly harassed and bullied by his classmates and his brother’s friend much to the enjoyment of Gene. Mason’s only saving grace is Rene a childhood friend of his, a friend that is a whole lot of danger. Little does Rene know that she is putting herself at risk by befriending Mason, risk at the hands of Gene.
Mason also has a very special ability; he is able to project lifelike images into other people’s mind. When Rene gets brutally attacked by a group of high school students, orchestrated by Gene, it is up to Mason and his special ability to avenge her.

Pendleton creates interesting well developed characters from the first page. The story is quick paced and manages to keep the readers attention. The tension is thick in the air once the final confrontation is at hand. Readers will be hooked, and unable to put down this chilling young adult novel.

Venomous

Venomous
By: Christopher Krovatin

336p
Ginee Seo Books

ISBN-10: 1416924876
ISBN-13: 978-1416924876

Annotation:
High school junior Locke, must deal with his emotionally driven violent outbursts before they endanger his family and force him to lose his friends


Summary:
Locke Vinetti has been dealing with violent outbursts or as he calls it the Venom for as long as he can remember, he has become a social pariah and that suites him just fine. However, all of that changes when he becomes involved with a group of friends known as the Tarot, in which each member is represented by a tarot card. Now he is accepted by his friends (anger issues and all), and has even managed to find himself a girlfriend.

This novel is told with alternating chapters one focusing on Locke and the other on his super powered alter-ego “Blacklight”. However, once the Venom causes trouble between Locke and the rest of the Tarot, Locke must look inside himself and find a way to control his inner demons. This novel is extremely weird, but enjoyable nonetheless.

Teens will be able to relate with Locke and his alter-ego and want to see him overcome his anger. The novel does touch on the ideas of the consequence-free boozing sex and drugs, however that is not the main premise of the novel and teens will appreciate the harsh realities and realistic storyline of a teen handling and controlling his anger.