I'm a huge fan of Kayla Howarth's Institute Series, so when I found out she was switching gears slightly yet staying in the same universe for the Litmus Series, I was stoked. Despite having a plethora of familiar characters, Losing Nuka was a completely different kind of story, yet it still retained Ms. Howarth's unique brand of crisp writing, unique plot-lines and snarky (oh, SO snarky) humor.
Several years after his big sister Nuka left home to become the equivalent of a super-powered MMA fighter in an underground (read: illegal) fighting league known as Litmus, William it taken aback when he runs into her quite by accident. This encounter triggers his own super-power, and soon he is swept up into the same dangerous world that Nuka is unable to escape. She is not happy, and him Mum, Allira, is even less enthused.
What he doesn't count on is falling ass-over-teakettle-in-love with Sasha, Nuka's (biological) sister. What could possibly go wrong? (Answer: A LOT.)
I won't spoil anything, save to say that I got what I've come to expect from Ms. Howarth - a fun, easy-to-read, rollicking story with great characters, action, romance and plenty of twists. I am a fan for life. Saving Illyana, the sure to be gripping conclusion, can't come fast enough for me.