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In this young adult fantasy novel, Clint Holden finds himself in the middle of a war between opposing factions of good and evil. He and his best friend, Corbin, live typical lives as middle school boys with school, sports, and girls as their main concerns. However, they soon face concerns that make these issues seem miniscule. After being attacked by a strange red being while walking to school, they are in shock and disbelief. This attack is just the beginning of a dangerous adventure in which more strange beings are intent on harming them. Luckily, they are not left alone to battle the evil forces that soon assail them. A mysterious group of fighters comes to Clint’s home to protect him from evil beings known as the Fury. Led by a man named Banks, this group, part of the faction known as the Salvation Alliance, comprises numerous fantastical creatures. These opposing factions have one thing in common: they both seek something known as the Requiem and believe that Clint Holden has it.
Clint is part of a blended family with six children. His stepfather, a scientist and Nobel Prize recipient, provides well for the family who lives in a mansion. Clint, however, dislikes his new way of life and resents his mother’s new husband. When his mother and stepfather leave for a cruise where they will be dinner guests of the President of the United States, the children are left in the care of their college-aged, self-absorbed sister. When Banks and his group of warriors arrive at the house, Clint, Corbin, and the rest of his siblings discover they are in mortal danger. Banks tells him he is searching for something called the Requiem, which Clint possesses. However, Clint has no idea what this is. Banks and company are commissioned with keeping Clint safe, but this is a task that becomes increasingly difficult with the Fury also searching for the boy. Not only is Clint threatened by the evil entities of the Fury, but his entire family is also at risk. What exactly is the Requiem, and will it be found before it and Clint fall into the hands of the Fury?
Parker's novel is an innovative fantasy with a twist. The world of fantasy and its creatures come to the world of humans in a quest for the Requiem rather than humans entering the realm of the fantasy world. This makes for some interesting scenes, including a battle that takes place at a school dance. There are moments of both intense drama and comedic antics that help to move the story along. For example, Clint, though a hero fighting evil creatures, is completely tongue-tied when conversing with the girl he likes. Corbin is somewhat of a clown offering comic relief during tense moments of the novel’s plot. O’Neil, Banks’ second in command, when not on duty protecting Clint, enjoys spending his time watching television and drinking vast amounts of Pepsi. Not only does Parker create interesting characters who grab the reader’s imagination, but he is also a master at building fascinating worlds.
The book is well-written, with gripping, detailed battles. One of the most intriguing aspects of the novel is that no one seems to fully grasp what the Requiem is or even looks like. It remains a mystery throughout the novel, and the only thing known about it is that Clint Holden has it. There are hints that it has something to do with a top-secret government project involving Clint’s stepfather, but it is never fully explained or described. Even those who are searching for it aren’t certain what it is. This leads to a cliffhanger in which one hopes all will be revealed in a future book. This is certainly a fantasy adventure that will thrill those who love the genre. It has fascinating characters and a plot that grabs the reader and holds one’s interest throughout. The author does a fantastic job holding the plot together in the book’s 400+ pages. This is one not to be missed by lovers of good storytelling, mesmerizing characters, and epic battles.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review