Reviewer (text)
Hasnah Farraj
Robin Epstein, best known for co-writing the Worst-Case Scenario series and writing some books in the Groovy Girls Sleepover Club series, comes us to us with a new YA novel, HEAR.
In Epstein’s latest novel, a girl name Kassandra Black is expelled from high school shortly before graduation, and, as a result, her acceptance to Colombia is taken away. Her father arranges for her to work in her great uncle Brian’s lab --- Henley Engineering Anomalies Research (HEAR) --- at Henley University, and hopes that if she does well, she can enroll as a student.
Kassandra notices that the other HEAR students have some form of ESP, and her uncle is testing their abilities. Even stranger, she begins to realize that she too has some form of the condition. She learns how dangerous ESP can be and how it can lead to future heartbreak, especially when a fellow HEAR peer is unjustly murdered.
The story is suspenseful, and readers will be excited to read until the end; there are many surprises that they will not see coming.
It was very easy to follow HEAR, and the book was very detailed, as well. The story is suspenseful, and readers will be excited to read until the end; there are many surprises that they will not see coming. HEAR is also not just about ESP --- it encompasses romance, family issues and anticipation, all adding to its likability. Kassandra is a likable character and readers will root for her success, and Epstein did a great job explaining the protagonists’ pasts in a way that was not overwhelming to the reader.
One thing I did think could be improved, though, was the way Epstein handled the antagonists; I wish their intentions had been clearer. Some readers will have reread the section where they’re revealed in order to understand their motives.
This book is perfect for anyone that enjoys action and science fiction writing, but all readers should give it a try; I think it will appeal to a large audience.
Teaser
Kassandra Black's future depends on behaving herself for the summer at Henley University under the watchful eye of her great-uncle Brian. If she successfully assists him in his HEAR program (Henley Engineering Anomalies Research) and if he puts in a good word for her, she can at least go to college somewhere.
As Kass gets to know the four other HEAR students, she realizes that she overlooked the “Anomalies” part of their acronym. They’ve all been recruited to help Brian run experiments that gauge Extrasensory Perception --- including, to her astonishment, Kass herself. But Kass would know if she were psychic; right?
Promo
Kassandra Black's future depends on behaving herself for the summer at Henley University under the watchful eye of her great-uncle Brian. If she successfully assists him in his HEAR program (Henley Engineering Anomalies Research) and if he puts in a good word for her, she can at least go to college somewhere.
As Kass gets to know the four other HEAR students, she realizes that she overlooked the “Anomalies” part of their acronym. They’ve all been recruited to help Brian run experiments that gauge Extrasensory Perception --- including, to her astonishment, Kass herself. But Kass would know if she were psychic; right?
About the Book
Kassandra Black used to get away with things. She was her high school’s anonymous vigilante, exposing bullies and predators. But when she’s expelled for breaking into another student’s car just weeks before graduation, her acceptance to Columbia is revoked.
Now her future depends on behaving herself for the summer at Henley University under the watchful eye of her great-uncle Brian. If she successfully assists him in his HEAR program (Henley Engineering Anomalies Research) and if he puts in a good word for her, she can at least go to college somewhere.
As Kass gets to know the four other HEAR students, she realizes that she overlooked the “Anomalies” part of their acronym. They’ve all been recruited to help Brian run experiments that gauge Extrasensory Perception --- including, to her astonishment, Kass herself. But Kass would know if she were psychic; right?
