Author: Max Turner
Publication Date: September 2009
Genre: YA
Pages: 272
Series: 1st in a series
Book Acquisition: bought new paperback
My Rating: 5/5 Stars
For Zack Thomson, living in the Nicholls Ward isn't so bad. After his parents died, he developed strange and severe allergies, and the mental institution was the only place where he could be properly looked after. As strange as it was, it was home. He could watch as much television as he wanted; his best friend Charlie visited him often enough; and Nurse Ophelia--the prettiest no-nonsense nurse ever--sometimes took him bowling. Of course, that didn't mean he had it easy. His allergies restricted his diet to strawberry smoothies, and being the only kid at the hospital could get lonely. But it never once crossed Zack's mind to leave...until the night someone crashed through the front doors and told him to run. Now he's on a race for answers--about his past, his parents, and his strange sickness--even as every step takes him closer to the darkest of truths.
I really thought this book was great. As far as the paranormal goes – there isn’t anything in Night Runner you probably haven’t encountered before in your readings. But Turner does such a wonderful job with character development that I did not want this one to end! I really fell in love with Zack and I really enjoyed the male, first person, point of view.
Charlie is also pretty great. Comic relief combined with an unfaltering friendship. Luna is sweet, although we don’t see very much of her. I suspect she will play a bigger role in the next book of the series.
There was one part near the end that I wasn’t too happy about. I yelled out when I read it – ready to throw the book across the room. The very very end of the book, however was fantastic! I loved how some loose ends were tied up but others weren’t, leaving so much more of the story to be told.
Night Runner is Turner’s first book and I think he did an excellent job! I can’t wait for the next one!
Also - love the cover!
I would recommend this one to paranormal, urban fantasy fans. As well as male readers who may not always warm up to all those female protagonists out there :
Linkage Love:
St. Martin's Press
Other Reviews:
Book-lover Carol's Reviews
The Story Siren
Becky's Book Reviews
Awesome review, I am off to add this to my ever growing wish list!
ReplyDeleteI need to try this one :) Thanks for the review :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I guess I'll have to check this out.
ReplyDeleteI really want to read this one. Sounds really good. :)
ReplyDelete