Arson by Estevan Vega
Pages: 318
Publication Date: May 4, 2010 by stonehouse ink
Age Group: YA
Source: bought
Series: Arson #1
Challenge(s): Ebook challenge, Young adult reading challenge, 150+ reading challenge, TBR pile challenge, Dusty Reads Challenge
Buy this Book: Amazon
Summary(from Goodreads):
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. After years of living in fear, he will be forced to confront his haunting past and embrace the unknown as he walks the fine line between boy and monster. Edgy, realistic, and breathtaking, Arson, the chilling chronicle of an isolated teenager with unimaginable ability, is set to ignite the hearts and minds of a new generation.
Arson goes much deeper than just the surface. This is a book about two dysfunctional families. Arson and Emery both have a lot of their plates. They are just 17 years old and already they have to deal with a lot. Emery lives behind a mask and Arson can start fire and he seems terrified of his ability.
Arson and Emery both acted more grownup than their adult counterparts. Emery’s mom is flighty and downright rude, and her dad is falling apart. No one wants to take any accountability for their actions. I felt so bad for Emery. And Arson’s grandmother is the worst of them all. She treats Arson AWFUL! I wanted to hit her. I know she was unwell but the poor boy. Oh my heart went out to him. This book affected me on a very emotional level- especially when Arson and Emery volunteered at hospice. (Abe, you are way too cool) I loved the teens but I really just wanted the adults in this story to wake up! They frustrated me.
Arson and Emery both take a while to really get close to anyone because of their pasts. It is understandable, and regardless of this I really enjoyed seeing the progression of their friendship/relationship. I think a really great lesson that I got from Arson is that everyone in life are dealing with a lot of issues and things that may not be known to the general public. Everyone is trying to do the best they can. (some people just handle things better than others. and adults are not always the most mature)
Overall, I enjoyed Arson. It is not a light book by any means. It’s pretty dark and troubling, but that is the life that these two teens were dealt, and they are dealing with it the best they can. I’ll admit that I got a little confused at the end of the book, but it only made me want to read the second book- Ashes- even more!
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| 3/5 Gavels |
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Danny
I’m kind of still on the fence whether I want to read this book or not. I do like the sound of it and also, I like the troubled part. It always inserts more tension and intensity…
Estevan Vega
Hi, Michelle! Thanks for buying the book and checking it out! I know it is sometimes hard to sink into and it is a very intense read, but the brave ones get what it’s all about. I hope to count you in for the sequel!
dysfunctional is the new normal.
evega
http://www.estevanvega.com
twitter: @estevanvega
facebook: we are arson
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings
I was hoping to see a higher rating. This books sounds intense. I am glad that the friendship/relationship at least shined for you!
Lisa Richards/alterlisa
Thanks for reminding me why I wanted to read this. Need to dig it out.
Emily
I’ve wanted to read this book for a while now! Glad you enjoyed it :o)