Book Review: Tremor

Another 2nd book of a series is done! I really just need to read the whole series, instead of the first one of 10 series, then the 2nd book of those 10 series...but with the publish dates all crazy in the future, I don't have that luxury.  However, here is a quick, fantastic read if you're going to be reading tons of series at a time!

Tremor

by Patrick Carman

Faith and Dylan, along with their friends and Dylan's mother have been training.  They have been honing their Pulse skills so they can defeat the other side.  Both sides have people with a "second pulse," the ability not only to move objects with their mind, but also deflect things that are being thrown or shot at them.

Together, Dylan and his friends must become strong enough to keep the country safe from those that would use their powers for evil.

The problem with books in a series is that I tend to forget what has happened since the previous book.  However, Carman's writing style is informative enough that I could remember the general storyline of the first book.  This is also a book that if you didn't get a chance to read the first one at all, you could probably keep up with what is happening.  Carman references events from the previous book in Tremor which really helps keep the plot going and engage readers, especially those that don't know, or don't remember, the first story. 

I like that it is not just a given that those with the Pulse can move or deflect any object, rather it's a select few, with a specific weak spot that can do both.  This makes the story a little more believable--no one wants a super hero that can do absolutely everything. Where is the fun and the challenge in that?

Dylan and Faith are in love--of course, that's in a YA novel, and that's fine.  Fortunately Carman downplays this romance enough that the story doesn't revolve around them, rather it revolves around the actual plotline of the series.

This is a very quick read, and an engaging story.  I encourage middle schoolers, definitely to pick this one up.  Also, if you were a fan of Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson, Daniel X by James Patterson, or general fans of superheroes, I suggest you get this series started!