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Kinetics: In Search of Willow
Eugene was only five years old when he burned his house down and nearly killed his mother. Fearing his powers were too volatile, his parents had the memories of his powers and their secret society of super humans erased.
Ten years later, that secret is revealed when a classmate goes crazy and makes Eugene’s whole school see their own nightmares. His classmate is only the beginning. His best friend Willow can heal all wounds, his father can turn invisible, and his brother can make things explode. Before Eugene can come to terms with having unusual abilities, Willow is kidnapped.
For thousands of years, Earth has been under siege by an alien named Isiro bent on enslaving the planet. Now, in need of a new host to carry his disembodied essence, Isiro has taken Willow. With no help from the Anyan’s Alliance and with powers he barely understands Eugene journeys across the States following her trail into the enemy base itself. He is determined to find her and find the answer to her kidnapping before she is turned into an alien host.
Ten years later, that secret is revealed when a classmate goes crazy and makes Eugene’s whole school see their own nightmares. His classmate is only the beginning. His best friend Willow can heal all wounds, his father can turn invisible, and his brother can make things explode. Before Eugene can come to terms with having unusual abilities, Willow is kidnapped.
For thousands of years, Earth has been under siege by an alien named Isiro bent on enslaving the planet. Now, in need of a new host to carry his disembodied essence, Isiro has taken Willow. With no help from the Anyan’s Alliance and with powers he barely understands Eugene journeys across the States following her trail into the enemy base itself. He is determined to find her and find the answer to her kidnapping before she is turned into an alien host.
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First published December 25, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 5, 2019
Kinetics is a thrilling ride into a Young Adult Urban Fantasy world in which the main character, Eugene, is unknowingly tossed into a raging war between two groups of Kinetics, the Anyan Alliance and the Isiroans, as he sets out on a rescue mission to save Willow, the love of his life.
A well-thought out and planned story, Kinetics is action packed and filled with danger in the form of varying levels of kinesis, danger, and subterfuge with a surprise waiting at every turn.
Ms. Winter’s debut novel is jam-packed with little goodies reminiscent of Japanese anime and video games making this book an exciting read that somehow keeps you smiling even when the characters are in dire situations.
And Kinetics ends with unanswered questions: Which side should you be cheering for? What becomes of Willow? How will Eugene overcome all of the many obstacles he faces? In short, the reader is left eager for the next installment, as am I!
A well-thought out and planned story, Kinetics is action packed and filled with danger in the form of varying levels of kinesis, danger, and subterfuge with a surprise waiting at every turn.
Ms. Winter’s debut novel is jam-packed with little goodies reminiscent of Japanese anime and video games making this book an exciting read that somehow keeps you smiling even when the characters are in dire situations.
And Kinetics ends with unanswered questions: Which side should you be cheering for? What becomes of Willow? How will Eugene overcome all of the many obstacles he faces? In short, the reader is left eager for the next installment, as am I!
January 31, 2020
Kinetics: In Search of Willow is young adult science fiction in the same vein as Percy Jackson and Maze Runner. Filled with powerful people and a mysterious enemy. Eugene learns his family isn't exactly human and they're not the only ones. A whole new world opens up, powers and all. Everything's great until they kidnap his best friend. The next thing you know, he is on a crazy roadtrip and is being chased by people with abilities beyond anything he ever knew was possible. Fair warning, this book ends with a shocker and you're going to want to know what comes next!
January 6, 2025
Absolutely adore the writing style, but what really makes this book shine against its fellow competitors, is the World Miss Barrow draws you into.
The Sci-Fi elements are so fresh! I absolutely wholeheartedly recommend you go down this rabbit hole with us readers, and the characters. It is well worth it!
The Sci-Fi elements are so fresh! I absolutely wholeheartedly recommend you go down this rabbit hole with us readers, and the characters. It is well worth it!
January 15, 2026
I am already obsessed with this series. The characters and world building were both well crafted. I am immediately starting the second book!
July 29, 2015
So, the first Kinetics book, had me on the edge of my seat from practically the very beginning. The one thing you should be aware of before delving into this book is realizing that it is packed to the brim of action.
Eugene Yoshida, the main character, is an adorable creature and possibly too naive for his own good. His inherent goodness speaks for himself when he treks across the country for the red-headed love of his life, Willow. His journey is filled exciting event after exciting event, leaving very little downtime (and as such, very little opportunity to be bored). Though one must question if he survives each dangerous encounter due to his own resourcefulness or because of sheer dumb luck.
In either case, it becomes increasingly apparent that not is all that it seems. Eugene's upbringing makes me him compelled to be sympathetic with the Anyan Alliance, but Barrow sets up a nice setting that makes the reader wonder about the definitions of right and wrong (though Eugene might be too dense to do so).
A lot of mystery is in place. Some things might appear too "convenient," but by the novel's end, you realize that the author has created everything with a certain purpose. Everything has its place, and as such, I will be compelled to not take new information and details lightly.
In a very espionage-esque style, the story also has me questioning the motives and the integrity of all included characters, and it begs the question of who really is the villain here? Some hints are dropped, and so I have some theories formed. But I won't be certain until I read future installments.
All in all, this book is described as "only the beginning," and I can only wildly wonder at what is to follow. The description of Kinetic powers and their surroundings pulls the reader quite forcefully into this world, and the secretive nature of Kinetic society leaves one puzzling over loyalties.
Very much action and adventure. I love the boldness (even though quite tactless) of Eugene, and I can't wait to read how the story unfolds and how Eugene handles his future obstacles.
Eugene Yoshida, the main character, is an adorable creature and possibly too naive for his own good. His inherent goodness speaks for himself when he treks across the country for the red-headed love of his life, Willow. His journey is filled exciting event after exciting event, leaving very little downtime (and as such, very little opportunity to be bored). Though one must question if he survives each dangerous encounter due to his own resourcefulness or because of sheer dumb luck.
In either case, it becomes increasingly apparent that not is all that it seems. Eugene's upbringing makes me him compelled to be sympathetic with the Anyan Alliance, but Barrow sets up a nice setting that makes the reader wonder about the definitions of right and wrong (though Eugene might be too dense to do so).
A lot of mystery is in place. Some things might appear too "convenient," but by the novel's end, you realize that the author has created everything with a certain purpose. Everything has its place, and as such, I will be compelled to not take new information and details lightly.
In a very espionage-esque style, the story also has me questioning the motives and the integrity of all included characters, and it begs the question of who really is the villain here? Some hints are dropped, and so I have some theories formed. But I won't be certain until I read future installments.
All in all, this book is described as "only the beginning," and I can only wildly wonder at what is to follow. The description of Kinetic powers and their surroundings pulls the reader quite forcefully into this world, and the secretive nature of Kinetic society leaves one puzzling over loyalties.
Very much action and adventure. I love the boldness (even though quite tactless) of Eugene, and I can't wait to read how the story unfolds and how Eugene handles his future obstacles.
March 26, 2015
Kinetics: In Search For Willow is a YA urban fantasy. The author has created a world of kenetic powers and you can feel the energy and enthusiasm of this young writer's story as you read. It's fast paced. Eugene is fifteen and in love with school sweet-heart Willow, but today will be the last day of normal life for Eugene, everything he once believed is about to fall apart.
A fire starts at school, it soon circles the entire school, those trapped inside are having hallucinations. Eugene tries to save Willow who is trapped inside, but finds it's Willow who does the rescuing. Everyone is taken for an inspection after the fire by InfoCon and Eugene finds he's labelled as a Vunjika, an untrainable.
At home he learns of the Anyan Alliance, that his Dad is chief of intelligence and that Willow knows all about it too and she is a kinetic healer. Eugene is shocked and confused, he feels betrayed by his family, they want him to sign up and join them but he's hesitant.
They take him to an Anyan conference to help him with his choices. He learns of another group called the Isiroan and that the two groups are at war. When the conference is attacked and Willow kidnapped Eugene will do anything to rescue her. However he is still unsure of joining the Anyan Alliance and decides to go it alone with his rescue plans.
There are lots of twists and turns that follow in Eugene's adventures and the book ends with a natural point ready to continue the story in the next adventure. This book is very suitable for the young adult market, those who like the gaming world and the fantasy worlds of boundless reality. There are a mix of writing styles and techniques, changes in points of view and areas which need tightening up to make this book really pop and be noticed in this very competitive genre.
A fire starts at school, it soon circles the entire school, those trapped inside are having hallucinations. Eugene tries to save Willow who is trapped inside, but finds it's Willow who does the rescuing. Everyone is taken for an inspection after the fire by InfoCon and Eugene finds he's labelled as a Vunjika, an untrainable.
At home he learns of the Anyan Alliance, that his Dad is chief of intelligence and that Willow knows all about it too and she is a kinetic healer. Eugene is shocked and confused, he feels betrayed by his family, they want him to sign up and join them but he's hesitant.
They take him to an Anyan conference to help him with his choices. He learns of another group called the Isiroan and that the two groups are at war. When the conference is attacked and Willow kidnapped Eugene will do anything to rescue her. However he is still unsure of joining the Anyan Alliance and decides to go it alone with his rescue plans.
There are lots of twists and turns that follow in Eugene's adventures and the book ends with a natural point ready to continue the story in the next adventure. This book is very suitable for the young adult market, those who like the gaming world and the fantasy worlds of boundless reality. There are a mix of writing styles and techniques, changes in points of view and areas which need tightening up to make this book really pop and be noticed in this very competitive genre.
April 24, 2015
Kinetics: In Search of Willow by Arbor Winter Barrow
Fifteen year old Eugene learns he has special powers. He learns his powers were suppressed. he is also shock to find that his Father can be invisible, his brother can make things explode, and his best friend Willow, can heal all wounds. Then Willow is kidnapped by Isiro, and evil alien who wants to take over the planet and use Willow and turn her into an Alien host.
A well written original story. Eugene and Willow are both very likable. Watching Eugene learn of his ability and use it was intense. There is a lot of action, danger and adventure in this intense, fun suspense filled fantasy. Eugene is faced with many obstacles, and danger to save his best friend. But he is determined and will do what ever it takes to save her.
I enjoyed Kinetics: In Search of Willow and feel that those who love a great (action filled) fantasy will enjoy it as well. I also like the cover art, captures the adventure of this good read.
Fifteen year old Eugene learns he has special powers. He learns his powers were suppressed. he is also shock to find that his Father can be invisible, his brother can make things explode, and his best friend Willow, can heal all wounds. Then Willow is kidnapped by Isiro, and evil alien who wants to take over the planet and use Willow and turn her into an Alien host.
A well written original story. Eugene and Willow are both very likable. Watching Eugene learn of his ability and use it was intense. There is a lot of action, danger and adventure in this intense, fun suspense filled fantasy. Eugene is faced with many obstacles, and danger to save his best friend. But he is determined and will do what ever it takes to save her.
I enjoyed Kinetics: In Search of Willow and feel that those who love a great (action filled) fantasy will enjoy it as well. I also like the cover art, captures the adventure of this good read.
January 30, 2015
Awesome story!! Can't wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews