Title: Ashes
Author: Estevan Vega
Genre: YA, Supernatural, Suspense
Publication Date: September 11, 2011
Summary:
Three months have passed since Emery and Arson were taken, and separated . . . And experimented on. Salvation Asylum is more like a prison than a psychiatric facility. Unknowingly, Arson has become a vital instrument in a campaign set to genetically alter mankind. Enraged, confused, trapped, and unable to fully manifest his abilities, he wonders if he will ever see Emery again. His new existence is one crawling with questions. Is Grandma alive? Where does the fire come from? Can he become more than a monster? Arson must embrace what he is and the haunting realization that there may be others out there, others like him.
Review:
Ashes begins three months after Arson and Emery are separated and taken. They awaken to realize that they don’t know where they are or how much time has elapsed. Each one wonders if the other is dead and if they will ever find each other again. Arson has been told that his grandmother is dead and is faced with the horrible truth of his birth. He is physically incapacitated by the evil men who hold and experiment on him. He has no concept of what is real or what is imaginary, and he dreams of getting free and finding Emery.
Emery has found a friend–someone she doesn’t know and can’t see. Adam. Emery and Adam make an escape but are relentlessly pursued at every turn with little hope of truly being free. All the while, Emery is wondering whether she should so completely put her trust in Adam. Emery’s parents are united in their search for Emery, but with little hope, and with the help of two unlikely allies. But are they truly allies, or enemies trying to undermine the search for Emery? Many things are not as they seem for ALL involved with Arson and Emery.
Ashes is pulse-pounding intensity that builds and builds until the last page. The fate of Arson, Emery and Adam are completely up in the air. They are being experimented on in the hopes of harnessing their special powers for a superior race of humans. Though there have been many stories told of fire starters, supernatural powers, and evil government conspiracies, I found this to be completely unique and original and I can’t wait to see what will happen next!
