Review: Intriguing, Fresh Teen/YA Reading!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 6, 2014
With all of the Teen/YA books out there, an author has to really connect with her/his audience from page one. This is exactly what Carrie Grant did in her novel Trapped! Emily is almost 16, too young to date, but not too young to be the substitute mother to her younger twin siblings while her disconnected mother seems to wallow in all things about her since her divorce from Emily’s father. Emily is also a math genius, a nerd if you will, but between her ability to solve problems and the maturity level she has, when a tunnel mysteriously collapses on both ends, killing hundreds, she is one of the few who shows a sense of compassion and humanity. At a time when those trapped and alive should be banding together, it is Emily who spearheads the rescue of Chris, an older teen who she feels is miles out of her league. Though tenuous at first, they build a trusting relationship when they discover that something is not right about the tunnel collapse. From the trapped politician to the creepy plumbers, a cranky old man and a few families, everyone is suspect and Emily and Chris hide behind the faade of having become “an item” in order to explain their wandering off. Have they discovered the truth behind the collapse? Will they survive long enough to be rescued? With many of the survivors thinking only of themselves, allies are nowhere to be found and Emily finds her heart may be in danger of being broken by the mysterious Chris.Carrie Grant has hit the perfect pitch and tone in this amazing Teen/YA mystery/adventure! Her style is a refreshing change from much of the YA novels out there, focusing on the situation and survival as opposed to teen angst and romance. Emily makes for a wonderful role model for young teens, strong, determined and caring, while not being afraid to be herself, even in unfamiliar situations. Chris provides just enough mystery in the beginning to make him the perfect hero. As his character is built upon, he becomes very real and much deeper than one would think. Each character was well-place, well-identified and necessary to the humanity and realism of this tale. Ms. Grant has created a terrifying situation and describes each scene with so much realism; you will be completely drawn in, your mental screen visualizing every moment, every sound, and even the pain some endure. Fast-paced, detailed and intriguingly believable!I want to thank the author for providing such a well-drawn plot that will appeal to a wide audience, while never straying into “iffy’ territory for younger readers. Heck, I could let my mother read this, well except for the one kiss scene!