The Enemy Within

by Scott Burn

Seventeen-year-old Max has always felt like an outsider. When the agonizing apocalyptic visions begin, he decides suicide is his only escape. He soon finds himself in an institution under the guidance of a therapist who sees something exceptional in him. Just as he begins to leave the hallucinations behind, Max discovers the visions weren't just in his head. There are three others who have shared those same thoughts and they've been searching for Max. Like him, they are something more than human. Each of them possesses certain abilities, which they're going to need when a covert military group begins hunting them down. As the danger escalates, Max doesn’t know which side to trust. But in the end, his choice will decide the fate of both species.

218 pages, Paperback

Published August 13, 2016

Reviews

[Lelia Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

There have been people throughout history who have had visions of the future, some believable, many more not so much, but I had to have a lot of sympathy for the 17-year-old Max who has been seeing hellfire and damnation at the apparent end of the world. In his situation, I'm not sure I wouldn't at least consider his way of ending these horrific sights that just won't stop but one thing that would prevent me from doing such a drastic thing is my own suspicion that I'd bungle it. And he does, landing himself in an institution.

Three other boys have found each other but know that they're missing one and can't do what they're supposed to do without him. Who are they? Suffice it to say, there's a new unclaimed satellite in orbit and things are about to get very unsettling for us and for our survival on this planet.

This was such a fun story with aliens and other cool science fiction-y stuff. Technically speaking, this is Young Adult but I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good apocalyptic story full of adventure and mayhem, not to mention some pretty appealing characters. I hope we'll see more of Max before too long.