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The Healer Chronicles #1
Spinner
Fifteen-year-old Alex is a “spinner.” His friends are “dummies.” Two clandestine groups of humans want his power. And an ancient evil is stalking him. If people weren’t being murdered, Alex might laugh at how his life turned into a horror movie overnight.
In a wheelchair since birth, his freakish ability has gotten him kicked out of ten foster homes since the age of four. Now saddled with a sadistic housemother who uses his spinning to heal the kids she physically abuses, Alex and his misfit group of learning disabled classmates are the only ones who can solve the mystery of his birth before more people meet a gruesome end.
They need to find out who murdered their beloved teacher, and why the hot young substitute acts like she’s flirting with them. Then there’s the mysterious medallion that seems to have unleashed something malevolent, and an ancient prophecy suggesting Alex has the power to destroy humanity.
Friendships are tested, secrets uncovered, love spoken, and destiny revealed.
The kid who’s always been a loner will finally learn the value of friends, family, and loyalty.
If he survives…
The Healer Chronicles Begin...
In a wheelchair since birth, his freakish ability has gotten him kicked out of ten foster homes since the age of four. Now saddled with a sadistic housemother who uses his spinning to heal the kids she physically abuses, Alex and his misfit group of learning disabled classmates are the only ones who can solve the mystery of his birth before more people meet a gruesome end.
They need to find out who murdered their beloved teacher, and why the hot young substitute acts like she’s flirting with them. Then there’s the mysterious medallion that seems to have unleashed something malevolent, and an ancient prophecy suggesting Alex has the power to destroy humanity.
Friendships are tested, secrets uncovered, love spoken, and destiny revealed.
The kid who’s always been a loner will finally learn the value of friends, family, and loyalty.
If he survives…
The Healer Chronicles Begin...
411 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2015
45 people are currently reading
776 people want to read
About the author
Michael J. Bowler
20 books311 followersMichael J. Bowler is an award-winning author who grew up in Northern California. He majored in English/Theatre at Santa Clara University, earned a master’s in film production from Loyola Marymount University, a teaching credential in English from LMU, and a master’s in Special Education from Cal State University Dominguez Hills. Michael taught high school in Hawthorne, California for many years, both in general education and students with disabilities. When Michael is not writing you can find him volunteering as a youth mentor with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, volunteering within the juvenile justice system in Los Angeles, or caring for his newly adopted son. He is a passionate advocate for the fair treatment of children and teens in California, and hopes his books can show young people they are not alone in their struggles.
You can find Michael at:
Website: www.michaeljbowler.com
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Michael-J.-Bowler/e/B0...
Facebook: www.facebook.com/michaeljbowlerauthor
Twitter: twitter.com/BradleyWallaceM
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Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/michaelbowler
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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2NX...
You can find Michael at:
Website: www.michaeljbowler.com
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Michael-J.-Bowler/e/B0...
Facebook: www.facebook.com/michaeljbowlerauthor
Twitter: twitter.com/BradleyWallaceM
tumblr: michaeljbowler.tumblr.com
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/michaelbowler
Instagram: www.instagram.com/stuntshark
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2NX...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
September 11, 2015
I am a huge fan of horror, and have really gotten into young adult books lately, especially ones that have a lot of adventure, interesting characters, and a story that excites me. This book has all that ... and then some.
Before I discuss the story itself, I want to talk about the characters. These are definitely characters you don't hear about often. Alex is fifteen, in a wheelchair, lives in a foster home, and is in Special Ed in high school ... and has special powers. His friends are all in the same class with him - they are the "rejects" and yet they are the ones that are going to save the world. I absolutely love the character of Alex, and all of his classmates, especially Roy. Each one of them have their own personalities, and bring their own things to the story and to the adventure. He describes them perfectly, too - in such detail that you can picture them in your head, but not done in a way that takes away from the story. It's so great to see children with special needs and learning disorders used as the heroes of a book, and the author did a great job doing it. Seeing them try and fail, and keep trying, in spite of the way they were treated in school, was an amazing thing to see, and Bowler wrote so well that I really felt like I was there with them throughout the story, like I knew these boys.
The story is really good. The things they have to go through, the powers and people they are up against the whole way, the mysteries they work to solve, all with a much bigger picture than they can realize. It's an epic adventure that I'm sure lots of children (and Young Adult lovers) will enjoy. The horror aspect of it is done really well - just the right amount of creepy for a young adult novel, as far as I'm concerned.
Definitely check out the introduction to the book before you get started on the story. The author tells you a little bit about himself and why he chose the characters that he did for this novel.
Definitely a book that I highly recommend. This would be a great book to share with older children who are into adventures and scary things.
Before I discuss the story itself, I want to talk about the characters. These are definitely characters you don't hear about often. Alex is fifteen, in a wheelchair, lives in a foster home, and is in Special Ed in high school ... and has special powers. His friends are all in the same class with him - they are the "rejects" and yet they are the ones that are going to save the world. I absolutely love the character of Alex, and all of his classmates, especially Roy. Each one of them have their own personalities, and bring their own things to the story and to the adventure. He describes them perfectly, too - in such detail that you can picture them in your head, but not done in a way that takes away from the story. It's so great to see children with special needs and learning disorders used as the heroes of a book, and the author did a great job doing it. Seeing them try and fail, and keep trying, in spite of the way they were treated in school, was an amazing thing to see, and Bowler wrote so well that I really felt like I was there with them throughout the story, like I knew these boys.
The story is really good. The things they have to go through, the powers and people they are up against the whole way, the mysteries they work to solve, all with a much bigger picture than they can realize. It's an epic adventure that I'm sure lots of children (and Young Adult lovers) will enjoy. The horror aspect of it is done really well - just the right amount of creepy for a young adult novel, as far as I'm concerned.
Definitely check out the introduction to the book before you get started on the story. The author tells you a little bit about himself and why he chose the characters that he did for this novel.
Definitely a book that I highly recommend. This would be a great book to share with older children who are into adventures and scary things.
May 18, 2018
When I read the synopsis for this book I was instantly interested. A book where all the main characters have learning disabilities and our star is a 15 year old wheelchair user who has super powers?! Yes please!
I was instantly drawn in by this book, the writing is quite simplistic -it is told mainly from the points of view of characters from a Special Ed class, so it's a really easy book to get into, nothing is overly complex or unnecessarily wordy.
Our main character Alex has been in a wheelchair his whole life, but he also has the ability to 'spin' people, to take away physical and mental pain and just generally make people around him feel better. This wonderful gift is somewhat polluted by his foster mother, who uses him to fix up the other boys she takes care of and abuses (don't worry - there's nothing graphic here, mainly just her being a horrible person to all of them)
When people start dying, and Alex starts dreaming about it before it happens, him and his classmates team up to take down whatever is causing all this mayhem.
There is so much diversity in this book, it's wonderful to see! In our small Special Ed class we of course have wheelchair bound Alex, but also characters with autism, ADHD, a pronounced stutter, learning difficulties, and a guy coming to terms with his sexuality. These characters are also white, Mexican, Vietnamese and black. Everything feels organic and real (the author was a teacher for students with learning difficulties for 25 years, so I'm sure that helped tremendously when creating these characters)
There are a lot of twists and turns, considering this book is set all within the same week. There are several people after Alex, so you never know who you can trust and who you can't. The big climax will have you on the edge of your seat, so much happens, and not everyone lives to fight another day!
Review copy.
I was instantly drawn in by this book, the writing is quite simplistic -it is told mainly from the points of view of characters from a Special Ed class, so it's a really easy book to get into, nothing is overly complex or unnecessarily wordy.
Our main character Alex has been in a wheelchair his whole life, but he also has the ability to 'spin' people, to take away physical and mental pain and just generally make people around him feel better. This wonderful gift is somewhat polluted by his foster mother, who uses him to fix up the other boys she takes care of and abuses (don't worry - there's nothing graphic here, mainly just her being a horrible person to all of them)
When people start dying, and Alex starts dreaming about it before it happens, him and his classmates team up to take down whatever is causing all this mayhem.
There is so much diversity in this book, it's wonderful to see! In our small Special Ed class we of course have wheelchair bound Alex, but also characters with autism, ADHD, a pronounced stutter, learning difficulties, and a guy coming to terms with his sexuality. These characters are also white, Mexican, Vietnamese and black. Everything feels organic and real (the author was a teacher for students with learning difficulties for 25 years, so I'm sure that helped tremendously when creating these characters)
There are a lot of twists and turns, considering this book is set all within the same week. There are several people after Alex, so you never know who you can trust and who you can't. The big climax will have you on the edge of your seat, so much happens, and not everyone lives to fight another day!
Review copy.
July 17, 2015
I felt an instant connection to Alex. Not because he was in a wheelchair. But because he and his gang of friends were are all deemed worthless. Each of them had a tic, a disability that landed them in the neverland of Special Ed.
I have a son with a social disabiilty. I can’t think of anything harder to deal with. Everything we do is social, is interaction with others. My heart broke one day. I was at the school to pick up my son and saw this boy coming down the hall. He was hunched into himself, trying to disappear, and there was no one else even in the hall. What crushed me was I realized it was my son. I couldn’t imagine how his days must be.
Alex and his friends endure bullying on a daily basis. They have each others back, the strong defending the weaker. And Alex and Roy have a special bond. It goes beyond friendship. It’s love. Love for a fellow human being. It’s unbreakable. I loved it.
Something that sets Alex apart is he’s a spinner. He can heal others, take away their pain. He can’t do it to himself, only to others. Some powerful people know about his ability. They want it. They want him. And they are coming.
I enjoyed how there were several different plots going at the same time.
The boys had to deal with the bullies. And Alex had to come to grips with a chance at young love.
Then there was the deadly hooded figure and the giant cat. Alex thought they were only in his dreams. But they almost kill him and Roy, and also go after his friends.
Mustn’t forget their new Special Ed teacher. Somethings hinky about her. Not sure who she’s working with, but she’s giving off some creepy vibes. The boys aren’t falling for it either.
Lots of surprises in this book too. I think I was as surprised as Alex when he uncovered a secret from his past. A secret revealed by his deceased mother. Alex has endured 10 foster homes and now Jane, his current abusive foster mother. The one who kept the package from him. She’s got plans for Alex.
So much is happening that the plot flies. It may sound confusing, but it’s not. Everything flows smoothly.
An unlikely band of heroes, these kids have a lot going on. Those who brush them off as dummies will think twice when these guys spring into action.
My son is reading this now. He got tired of me calling him out of his room to read excerpts to him. Told me to hurry up and finish so he could read it himself. Now, he’s coming out of his room to read parts of this book to me. Too funny.
I received this book for my honest review.
I have a son with a social disabiilty. I can’t think of anything harder to deal with. Everything we do is social, is interaction with others. My heart broke one day. I was at the school to pick up my son and saw this boy coming down the hall. He was hunched into himself, trying to disappear, and there was no one else even in the hall. What crushed me was I realized it was my son. I couldn’t imagine how his days must be.
Alex and his friends endure bullying on a daily basis. They have each others back, the strong defending the weaker. And Alex and Roy have a special bond. It goes beyond friendship. It’s love. Love for a fellow human being. It’s unbreakable. I loved it.
Something that sets Alex apart is he’s a spinner. He can heal others, take away their pain. He can’t do it to himself, only to others. Some powerful people know about his ability. They want it. They want him. And they are coming.
I enjoyed how there were several different plots going at the same time.
The boys had to deal with the bullies. And Alex had to come to grips with a chance at young love.
Then there was the deadly hooded figure and the giant cat. Alex thought they were only in his dreams. But they almost kill him and Roy, and also go after his friends.
Mustn’t forget their new Special Ed teacher. Somethings hinky about her. Not sure who she’s working with, but she’s giving off some creepy vibes. The boys aren’t falling for it either.
Lots of surprises in this book too. I think I was as surprised as Alex when he uncovered a secret from his past. A secret revealed by his deceased mother. Alex has endured 10 foster homes and now Jane, his current abusive foster mother. The one who kept the package from him. She’s got plans for Alex.
So much is happening that the plot flies. It may sound confusing, but it’s not. Everything flows smoothly.
An unlikely band of heroes, these kids have a lot going on. Those who brush them off as dummies will think twice when these guys spring into action.
My son is reading this now. He got tired of me calling him out of his room to read excerpts to him. Told me to hurry up and finish so he could read it himself. Now, he’s coming out of his room to read parts of this book to me. Too funny.
I received this book for my honest review.
January 21, 2018
An emotional, unique thriller with a captivating premise and a fantastic all-around storytelling experience. This had me in mind of Stephen King/Joe Hill, but on a YA level, with all the page-turning excitement and hesitation they bring to the page. I had no idea what to expect as I read, and was absolutely enthralled by the characters, the story, and the writing. Very highly recommended, and for young readers coming from a background of abuse and/or foster care, this might be an empowering read as well.
March 21, 2018
Review also ->https://enchantedbybookssite.wordpres...
This review was requested to me, despite that all thoughts and opinions are my own.
It’s not often that I go into a different read, or even a different genre I usually stay in my Reading Comfort zone, but this time I’ve decided to take a step out of that zone and read this book. All I knew about it was the synopsis, and it seemed so interesting that I had to read it.
It took me a few chapters to get into the book, but after I did I started to fall in love with characters and enjoying the emmotional ride that it was. My favorite character had to be Roy and I really like Alex as well.
The writing is really easy to read and very addictive, making you want more and more of the story, as I approched the end I got more excited and I never expected that the ending would be so clear as it was, I sincerily thought I would have some questions still unanswered.
Highly recommend for fans of paranormal fiction, or anyone who’s looking for a book outsider of their Comfort zone.
This review was requested to me, despite that all thoughts and opinions are my own.
It’s not often that I go into a different read, or even a different genre I usually stay in my Reading Comfort zone, but this time I’ve decided to take a step out of that zone and read this book. All I knew about it was the synopsis, and it seemed so interesting that I had to read it.
It took me a few chapters to get into the book, but after I did I started to fall in love with characters and enjoying the emmotional ride that it was. My favorite character had to be Roy and I really like Alex as well.
The writing is really easy to read and very addictive, making you want more and more of the story, as I approched the end I got more excited and I never expected that the ending would be so clear as it was, I sincerily thought I would have some questions still unanswered.
Highly recommend for fans of paranormal fiction, or anyone who’s looking for a book outsider of their Comfort zone.
July 17, 2015
Never have I been challenged so greatly as a reviewer. Words fail to explain how truly remarkable this tale is. A unique story of a young boy with a mind-blowing gift, that goes so deep. You will never forget this one. This book lingers with you.
Emotion practically oozes from every page as you genuinely feel sympathetic towards the boy Alex who is gifted, although he sees it as a more of a curse. Nothing more than another burden to join his physical and educational disadvantages.
His life is one of upset and sorrow. Being flung from foster home to foster home, never feeling real love or affection. And then this special ability being thrust upon him. The power in itself is extraordinary, his ability to 'spin' people's pain and heal them. But having such a powerful gift leaves you vulnerable to all kinds of danger. Jealousy, hatred, but the worse of all these, is exploitation when his foster mother wants to exploit this special power. If that wasn't bad enough, an ancient evil is lurking, following and monitoring his every move.
This book is sensational. There are multiple appeals, and several ongoing storylines with very serious themes running throughout, such as isolation, abandonment, being different, abuse, and of course, the supernatural.
This tale has been crafted with tonnes of research and endless editing to leave a flawless masterpiece that hits all the right notes. It is hard to pinpoint a specific genre as personally I feel any reader could enjoy this book. A multi-facted masterpiece for the ages. A book that will stand the test of time by approaching sensitive and delicate subject matters and mixing them with the supernatural.
A very descriptive writing style that paints the picture clearly in the reader's mind. Each scene is vividly explained and depicted giving the reader some explosive and amazing imagery as if you were there in the flesh.
I have never read anything like this before. As you can gather by now, this novel goes way beyond the surface, delving deep into our subconscious. We feel visceral responses to some very uncomfortable moments, and our hearts cannot help but break at the many forms of abuse Alex is subjected too.
If you're in the market for something unusual and different this summer, I highly suggest picking up a copy. Phenomenal in every way possible. The exquisite writing, storylines, characters, conflicts and the ending, well the ending you won't see coming. It will plough into you and render you breathless and gasping.
But I have to say, regardless of how incredibly enjoyable this book was, it serves a greater purpose. Through forms of entertainment, it raises awareness of disabled children, foster care abuse and true solitude being forced because of these problems. It brings light to an issue that many feel too awkward to discuss. I hope this book continues to spread its excellence, but also raising awareness and hopefully abolishing ignorance and prejudice.
It is this simple, but a copy!
Emotion practically oozes from every page as you genuinely feel sympathetic towards the boy Alex who is gifted, although he sees it as a more of a curse. Nothing more than another burden to join his physical and educational disadvantages.
His life is one of upset and sorrow. Being flung from foster home to foster home, never feeling real love or affection. And then this special ability being thrust upon him. The power in itself is extraordinary, his ability to 'spin' people's pain and heal them. But having such a powerful gift leaves you vulnerable to all kinds of danger. Jealousy, hatred, but the worse of all these, is exploitation when his foster mother wants to exploit this special power. If that wasn't bad enough, an ancient evil is lurking, following and monitoring his every move.
This book is sensational. There are multiple appeals, and several ongoing storylines with very serious themes running throughout, such as isolation, abandonment, being different, abuse, and of course, the supernatural.
This tale has been crafted with tonnes of research and endless editing to leave a flawless masterpiece that hits all the right notes. It is hard to pinpoint a specific genre as personally I feel any reader could enjoy this book. A multi-facted masterpiece for the ages. A book that will stand the test of time by approaching sensitive and delicate subject matters and mixing them with the supernatural.
A very descriptive writing style that paints the picture clearly in the reader's mind. Each scene is vividly explained and depicted giving the reader some explosive and amazing imagery as if you were there in the flesh.
I have never read anything like this before. As you can gather by now, this novel goes way beyond the surface, delving deep into our subconscious. We feel visceral responses to some very uncomfortable moments, and our hearts cannot help but break at the many forms of abuse Alex is subjected too.
If you're in the market for something unusual and different this summer, I highly suggest picking up a copy. Phenomenal in every way possible. The exquisite writing, storylines, characters, conflicts and the ending, well the ending you won't see coming. It will plough into you and render you breathless and gasping.
But I have to say, regardless of how incredibly enjoyable this book was, it serves a greater purpose. Through forms of entertainment, it raises awareness of disabled children, foster care abuse and true solitude being forced because of these problems. It brings light to an issue that many feel too awkward to discuss. I hope this book continues to spread its excellence, but also raising awareness and hopefully abolishing ignorance and prejudice.
It is this simple, but a copy!
July 29, 2015
FIVE STARS FOR SPINNER
I’m a romance reader, and definitely not what you would call a huge horror fan, but as you know, there’s an EXCEPTION to every rule. Michael J Bowler’s FIVE STAR YA thriller, Spinner, is this exception to my romance novel obsession.
I have to ask myself why—why could I not put Spinner down, when I normally would never pick up a YA horror novel? So here’s my main reason: where I’m a romance reader, I’m an action movie lover! No, strangely, I don’t want to watch a love story unfold on the big screen; I want to be thrilled, challenged, made to think, and concentrate very hard, through every moment of a movie. This is exactly what Spinner caused me to do as I read each and every gripping page. And thus, I view Bowler’s exciting, un-put-down-able work of YA horror as interactive as I do a thrilling action movie. Just give me some popcorn and a soda and a copy of Spinner and I’m good to go!! That’s entertainment!!
Now on a more serious note, to thoroughly enjoy a novel, I also need to buy what the author is selling. In other words, I must believe in what he is trying to get across, and thus, I need the language to be right. Bowler, having had a great deal of experience with special education teens as a high school teacher, hits the nail on the head with his character dialogue. In addition, I need the relationships to be intense and to genuinely matter to me, and again, Bowler delivers. I wanted—no, I needed—to know whether there would be acceptance and forgiveness and yes, even love, between his tightly knit cast of characters. I found these two essential aspects of a book I can embrace—believability and a feeling that I actually care what happens to the characters—to be alive and well, and thriving, in Michael J. Bowler’s Spinner.
And finally, because I have read Bowler’s Children of the Knight series and FELL IN LOVE with each of the five books (even experiencing a mini-depression when I concluded the final one), I gained an insight about myself and what I’m looking for, particularly when I read a YA novel. I want to learn something. I want to be somehow enlightened, and even end up a more well-informed and compassionate individual for having read the work of fiction. If this also concerns you, I’d suggest you read Spinner by Michael J Bowler. You will emerge on the other side of the novel a more educated, empathetic, and tuned-in (to society) person.
I’m a romance reader, and definitely not what you would call a huge horror fan, but as you know, there’s an EXCEPTION to every rule. Michael J Bowler’s FIVE STAR YA thriller, Spinner, is this exception to my romance novel obsession.
I have to ask myself why—why could I not put Spinner down, when I normally would never pick up a YA horror novel? So here’s my main reason: where I’m a romance reader, I’m an action movie lover! No, strangely, I don’t want to watch a love story unfold on the big screen; I want to be thrilled, challenged, made to think, and concentrate very hard, through every moment of a movie. This is exactly what Spinner caused me to do as I read each and every gripping page. And thus, I view Bowler’s exciting, un-put-down-able work of YA horror as interactive as I do a thrilling action movie. Just give me some popcorn and a soda and a copy of Spinner and I’m good to go!! That’s entertainment!!
Now on a more serious note, to thoroughly enjoy a novel, I also need to buy what the author is selling. In other words, I must believe in what he is trying to get across, and thus, I need the language to be right. Bowler, having had a great deal of experience with special education teens as a high school teacher, hits the nail on the head with his character dialogue. In addition, I need the relationships to be intense and to genuinely matter to me, and again, Bowler delivers. I wanted—no, I needed—to know whether there would be acceptance and forgiveness and yes, even love, between his tightly knit cast of characters. I found these two essential aspects of a book I can embrace—believability and a feeling that I actually care what happens to the characters—to be alive and well, and thriving, in Michael J. Bowler’s Spinner.
And finally, because I have read Bowler’s Children of the Knight series and FELL IN LOVE with each of the five books (even experiencing a mini-depression when I concluded the final one), I gained an insight about myself and what I’m looking for, particularly when I read a YA novel. I want to learn something. I want to be somehow enlightened, and even end up a more well-informed and compassionate individual for having read the work of fiction. If this also concerns you, I’d suggest you read Spinner by Michael J Bowler. You will emerge on the other side of the novel a more educated, empathetic, and tuned-in (to society) person.
July 18, 2015
I received an advanced copy of this story in return for an honest review.
Wow, this book has it all, it has an amazing story, really gets to you, the main character Alex is a 15yr old boy in a wheelchair, and he is a spinner. A spinner provides healing ability, and people want his powers. Others are terrified of his powers, the poor boy has been removed from countless foster homes because they think he is freakish. His life is turned upside down, even evil is pursuing him. Alex may have a disability and make him seem worthless to some ignorant people, but Alex has a terrific and caring nature and his abilities define him not his disability.
Believe me when I say this is one of those books where you are wondering what on earth is going to happen next. Alex and his friends (classmates with learning disabilities) set out to find out about Alex and his birth, they need to get to the bottom of the mystery because people are dying, and this may be the only way to stop the deaths. Let me say they get up to some right antics in their plight, and you will be shocked, surprised, awed, and totally blown away by the things that happened during their venture.
The housemother who is caring for the group of friends is an evil sadistic woman, who beats on the children, and knows of Alex's special ability to spin and heal which she uses to her advantage, covering up the mess she makes of the boys. She also is hell bent on making some money out of him. I felt like punching her lights out lol.
There are some really hilarious bits in the story which lightens it up immensely I had to grin while reading some of the descriptions of what the boys said, the author sure has a great way of putting things over exactly how a child would come across.
Totally enjoyed the read, loved all the shocks and surprises, loved how the children bantered with each other and how they stuck up for each other.
Wow, this book has it all, it has an amazing story, really gets to you, the main character Alex is a 15yr old boy in a wheelchair, and he is a spinner. A spinner provides healing ability, and people want his powers. Others are terrified of his powers, the poor boy has been removed from countless foster homes because they think he is freakish. His life is turned upside down, even evil is pursuing him. Alex may have a disability and make him seem worthless to some ignorant people, but Alex has a terrific and caring nature and his abilities define him not his disability.
Believe me when I say this is one of those books where you are wondering what on earth is going to happen next. Alex and his friends (classmates with learning disabilities) set out to find out about Alex and his birth, they need to get to the bottom of the mystery because people are dying, and this may be the only way to stop the deaths. Let me say they get up to some right antics in their plight, and you will be shocked, surprised, awed, and totally blown away by the things that happened during their venture.
The housemother who is caring for the group of friends is an evil sadistic woman, who beats on the children, and knows of Alex's special ability to spin and heal which she uses to her advantage, covering up the mess she makes of the boys. She also is hell bent on making some money out of him. I felt like punching her lights out lol.
There are some really hilarious bits in the story which lightens it up immensely I had to grin while reading some of the descriptions of what the boys said, the author sure has a great way of putting things over exactly how a child would come across.
Totally enjoyed the read, loved all the shocks and surprises, loved how the children bantered with each other and how they stuck up for each other.
August 13, 2015
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/reviews/...
I have to admit, I accepted Spinner for review because the main character has a disability, and we don’t see that often in YA, especially not in a YA thriller. But I also liked the idea of spinners, the ancient evil, humans out stalking him for his powers, and basically, everything about the book sounded great. I was a little nervous to read it because I had high expectations, but boy, I certainly wasn’t dissapointed.
A spinner is a person with a healing ability. Unfortunately Alex can’t use that to heal himself. He’s stuck to a wheelchair and has been since birth. On top of that he’s in the foster system, and his current foster parent is a sadistic woman who physically abuses the kids in her care. But unfortunately that’s not the end of Alex’s troubles yet. His teacher is murdered, an ancient evil is unleashed, and it’s up to Alex and his classmates, a self-proclaimed group of misfits to find out who is behind the murder and how to stop the unleashed evil before it’s too late.
From the start, this was an amazing story, and it never becomes anything less than amazing. The cast of characters is great, the plot is enthralling, there were so many twists and turns that I had no idea whatsoever as to what would happen next, and the action never slows down. Despite everything that’s happening, there were some hilarious bits too where I even laughed out loud.
If you enjoy YA thrillers with a supernatural edge, then I highly recommend this book.
I have to admit, I accepted Spinner for review because the main character has a disability, and we don’t see that often in YA, especially not in a YA thriller. But I also liked the idea of spinners, the ancient evil, humans out stalking him for his powers, and basically, everything about the book sounded great. I was a little nervous to read it because I had high expectations, but boy, I certainly wasn’t dissapointed.
A spinner is a person with a healing ability. Unfortunately Alex can’t use that to heal himself. He’s stuck to a wheelchair and has been since birth. On top of that he’s in the foster system, and his current foster parent is a sadistic woman who physically abuses the kids in her care. But unfortunately that’s not the end of Alex’s troubles yet. His teacher is murdered, an ancient evil is unleashed, and it’s up to Alex and his classmates, a self-proclaimed group of misfits to find out who is behind the murder and how to stop the unleashed evil before it’s too late.
From the start, this was an amazing story, and it never becomes anything less than amazing. The cast of characters is great, the plot is enthralling, there were so many twists and turns that I had no idea whatsoever as to what would happen next, and the action never slows down. Despite everything that’s happening, there were some hilarious bits too where I even laughed out loud.
If you enjoy YA thrillers with a supernatural edge, then I highly recommend this book.
February 20, 2018
Rating: 📚📚📚📚
Spinner, by Michael J Bowler, introduces us to a most unusual young man. Alex, a boy confined to a wheelchair, suffering from a debilitating condition known as spina bifida. He's been in and out of foster homes, and his current foster mother is exploiting his unique gift. See, Alex is a Spinner, with the ability to siphon off people’s pain. Likewise, he can inflict pain in a similar manner. His rare gift has made him a target of several others who'd like to exploit that gift as well. A series of murders, and an ancient prophecy only add to Alex's problems. Alex and his 'dummy’ friends will face many challenges as they attempt to end the murders, stay ahead of the bad guys, and learn the truth of Alex”s past.
Utilising an uncommon protagonist, Bowler puts his time as a special ed teacher to use to weave authentic narrative between Alex and his fellow special needs friends. The writing flows well, bringing these characters to life. I appreciated the humour between Alex and his friends.
I find it mildly ironic that this book deals with abuse, and bullying, right after I finished reading an ethnography called Teenage Suicide Notes by Terry Williams, dealing with the serious possible consequences of such acts. Having just done so, Spinner tugged at me even harder. I just wanted to give Alex a hug, take him and his friends out of this situation, and make it safe for them.
I did get fizzled in the prophecy angle. It's a trope that's gotten old for me. I was also bemused that no one seemed to care about the why of Alex’s ability. Humans are hard-wired to fear the unknown, and to try to explain things. Not everyone, I know. There are exceptions, but they're rare as hen’s teeth.
Recommended if you are a fan of paranormal fiction.
***Many thanks to XPresso Blog Tours and the author for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Spinner, by Michael J Bowler, introduces us to a most unusual young man. Alex, a boy confined to a wheelchair, suffering from a debilitating condition known as spina bifida. He's been in and out of foster homes, and his current foster mother is exploiting his unique gift. See, Alex is a Spinner, with the ability to siphon off people’s pain. Likewise, he can inflict pain in a similar manner. His rare gift has made him a target of several others who'd like to exploit that gift as well. A series of murders, and an ancient prophecy only add to Alex's problems. Alex and his 'dummy’ friends will face many challenges as they attempt to end the murders, stay ahead of the bad guys, and learn the truth of Alex”s past.
Utilising an uncommon protagonist, Bowler puts his time as a special ed teacher to use to weave authentic narrative between Alex and his fellow special needs friends. The writing flows well, bringing these characters to life. I appreciated the humour between Alex and his friends.
I find it mildly ironic that this book deals with abuse, and bullying, right after I finished reading an ethnography called Teenage Suicide Notes by Terry Williams, dealing with the serious possible consequences of such acts. Having just done so, Spinner tugged at me even harder. I just wanted to give Alex a hug, take him and his friends out of this situation, and make it safe for them.
I did get fizzled in the prophecy angle. It's a trope that's gotten old for me. I was also bemused that no one seemed to care about the why of Alex’s ability. Humans are hard-wired to fear the unknown, and to try to explain things. Not everyone, I know. There are exceptions, but they're rare as hen’s teeth.
Recommended if you are a fan of paranormal fiction.
***Many thanks to XPresso Blog Tours and the author for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 26, 2018
Spinner was a different kind of read.
Fans of Stephen King and Ted Dekker would enjoy this book.
It took me a while to actually get into the book and I am not really sure why but once I stuck with it and pushed through, I didn't want to put it down.
I want to say I loved all of the characters but.. sadly I only liked about three of them. I adored Alex and Roy but my all time favorite was the neighbor. She was so sweet to those boys.
I loved the idea of this book. It was a mix of Stephen King and Ted Dekker but written better.... (IMO!) I have never read anything like this before. I feel like Michael took so many ideas and put them together and his talent made them work perfectly together.
I did have a few problems mainly with "Spinning". I found it confusing to begin with and I think I just accepted it and rolled with it (no pun intended) it wasn't until the very end that I understood exactly what it was but I am still unsure why they call it "spinning".
Once it got to the end, I admit, I started skimming because it was losing my attention. I am not sure if it was because I just NEEDED to know that happens at the end to calm down. Or if it had unnecessary information that I didn't care for. I was probably just over excited. Lol.
I am so thankful for that ending though. I thought it would leave with a TON of questions unanswered but again, Michael pulled out all of the stops and managed to answer all the answers I had. Lol
I am hoping for a book two. Certainly there is more story to tell. More *people* to get to know. Lol
Fans of Stephen King and Ted Dekker would enjoy this book.
It took me a while to actually get into the book and I am not really sure why but once I stuck with it and pushed through, I didn't want to put it down.
I want to say I loved all of the characters but.. sadly I only liked about three of them. I adored Alex and Roy but my all time favorite was the neighbor. She was so sweet to those boys.
I loved the idea of this book. It was a mix of Stephen King and Ted Dekker but written better.... (IMO!) I have never read anything like this before. I feel like Michael took so many ideas and put them together and his talent made them work perfectly together.
I did have a few problems mainly with "Spinning". I found it confusing to begin with and I think I just accepted it and rolled with it (no pun intended) it wasn't until the very end that I understood exactly what it was but I am still unsure why they call it "spinning".
Once it got to the end, I admit, I started skimming because it was losing my attention. I am not sure if it was because I just NEEDED to know that happens at the end to calm down. Or if it had unnecessary information that I didn't care for. I was probably just over excited. Lol.
I am so thankful for that ending though. I thought it would leave with a TON of questions unanswered but again, Michael pulled out all of the stops and managed to answer all the answers I had. Lol
I am hoping for a book two. Certainly there is more story to tell. More *people* to get to know. Lol
October 10, 2017
This book is pretty much a slow-read for me, as english isn't my mother language, but I enjoy this book so much.
This is the first time I read a book which the main character (whose name is Alex in this book) is in the wheelchair. He is also a Special Ed in his school, lives in a foster home with a vile foster mother, and yet he has a special power. I fell in love instantly with him, so as with all his friends and all their unique personalities, they really complement one another and also the story greatly. Also, Alex's closeness with Roy are super cute <3
I love the horror aspect of this book. It's really different from all the horrors I've read before--not too creepy, yet made me feel a little uncomfortable for a while. And also the mysteries--I've been disappointed by 'mystery' novels I've read in the past, but this book heals my disappointment. It was so clever and unpredictable. Ah, I just love every pieces of this book. Their struggles, their adventures, it was so amazing. It feels like I also belong to the book.
I highly recommend this book for everyone who loves the combination between young adult, horror and mysteries, pretty much sure you won't get disappointed by Spinner.
This is the first time I read a book which the main character (whose name is Alex in this book) is in the wheelchair. He is also a Special Ed in his school, lives in a foster home with a vile foster mother, and yet he has a special power. I fell in love instantly with him, so as with all his friends and all their unique personalities, they really complement one another and also the story greatly. Also, Alex's closeness with Roy are super cute <3
I love the horror aspect of this book. It's really different from all the horrors I've read before--not too creepy, yet made me feel a little uncomfortable for a while. And also the mysteries--I've been disappointed by 'mystery' novels I've read in the past, but this book heals my disappointment. It was so clever and unpredictable. Ah, I just love every pieces of this book. Their struggles, their adventures, it was so amazing. It feels like I also belong to the book.
I highly recommend this book for everyone who loves the combination between young adult, horror and mysteries, pretty much sure you won't get disappointed by Spinner.
March 21, 2018
RTC I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
June 21, 2022
“Spinner,” is the first book in Michael J. Bowler’s sensational new series for young adults, The Healer Chronicles. On the surface, it’s a paranormal horror story that will leave readers of all ages peeking out from under the covers at every little bump in the night. It’s also a coming-of-age story of sorts, featuring an amazing group of kids navigating the special education world and learning to celebrate just what exactly makes them special. Coming of age horror? Sounds good to me!
Alex, the protagonist, is a fifteen-year-old special education student stuck in the foster system and bound to a wheelchair since birth because of an odd variation of spina bifida. He’s also a spinner. At least that’s what he and his friends call it. When Alex spins someone, he takes whatever they are experiencing and heals them, or draws it out of them, be it a mental state such as loneliness or a physical ailment, such as a disease or a wound. Though it seems like Alex’s ability to spin people would be a good thing, it’s had the opposite effect, making him a societal outcast and being labeled a freak. There are different factions interested in his gift—some claim he is the prophesied healer, others want to profit from his gift, and still others want to use him to destroy the world.
These characters captured me from the start. Their authenticity provoked a deep desire for them to succeed in their mission, not only so they could come to accept their greatness and belief in themselves. I absolutely love Alex as the story’s hero. His complexity makes him seem simultaneously too wise for his years and an innocent despite everything he’s going through. Bowler includes a variety of villains and heroes, all of which induce deep opinions in the reader. The paranormal characters add elements of genuine horror and are the stuff of nightmares. Indeed, even our hero is not exempt from these nightmares. The author is also unafraid of “killing his darlings” so don’t get too attached! Great job with character creation and development.
“Spinner” is an exceptionally well-written story. The plot moves at an intense pace with twists you won’t see coming, and surprising turns plunging readers deeper into the horror. A warning for sensitive readers: the story contains abuse, graphic gory details, violence directed toward young characters, and there is use of profanity throughout, making this read best for teens aged 16+.
Michael J. Bowler adds a refreshing spin to the young adult world, no pun intended, but hey…it works. He fills a void in YA lit with a unique, enchanting, and entertaining story. Make no mistake—this book is special. Bowler gives voice to a group of kids all but silenced by society, and elevates them to hero status—which, of course, they were all along. It’s a not-so-subtle reminder that everyone contributes uniquely to humankind. Though “Spinner” is classified as a young adult book, I highly recommend it to all ages and I look forward to reading book two in The Healer Chronicles, “Shifter.”
Alex, the protagonist, is a fifteen-year-old special education student stuck in the foster system and bound to a wheelchair since birth because of an odd variation of spina bifida. He’s also a spinner. At least that’s what he and his friends call it. When Alex spins someone, he takes whatever they are experiencing and heals them, or draws it out of them, be it a mental state such as loneliness or a physical ailment, such as a disease or a wound. Though it seems like Alex’s ability to spin people would be a good thing, it’s had the opposite effect, making him a societal outcast and being labeled a freak. There are different factions interested in his gift—some claim he is the prophesied healer, others want to profit from his gift, and still others want to use him to destroy the world.
These characters captured me from the start. Their authenticity provoked a deep desire for them to succeed in their mission, not only so they could come to accept their greatness and belief in themselves. I absolutely love Alex as the story’s hero. His complexity makes him seem simultaneously too wise for his years and an innocent despite everything he’s going through. Bowler includes a variety of villains and heroes, all of which induce deep opinions in the reader. The paranormal characters add elements of genuine horror and are the stuff of nightmares. Indeed, even our hero is not exempt from these nightmares. The author is also unafraid of “killing his darlings” so don’t get too attached! Great job with character creation and development.
“Spinner” is an exceptionally well-written story. The plot moves at an intense pace with twists you won’t see coming, and surprising turns plunging readers deeper into the horror. A warning for sensitive readers: the story contains abuse, graphic gory details, violence directed toward young characters, and there is use of profanity throughout, making this read best for teens aged 16+.
Michael J. Bowler adds a refreshing spin to the young adult world, no pun intended, but hey…it works. He fills a void in YA lit with a unique, enchanting, and entertaining story. Make no mistake—this book is special. Bowler gives voice to a group of kids all but silenced by society, and elevates them to hero status—which, of course, they were all along. It’s a not-so-subtle reminder that everyone contributes uniquely to humankind. Though “Spinner” is classified as a young adult book, I highly recommend it to all ages and I look forward to reading book two in The Healer Chronicles, “Shifter.”
April 23, 2018
Alex has been using a wheelchair his entire life. He's also an orphan and attends special ed classes at school. Alex is a spinner. This exceptional ability makes him able to heal people and adjust their thoughts and feelings. His current housemother, Jane, is a cruel woman. She takes advantage of Alex's powers and doesn't care about and look after the children in her home. Lately Alex has been having horrible dreams. When Alex learns that his dreams are actually happening, a battle against an evil force begins. Alex and his friends all have special needs, but what if they turn out to be the strongest kids in town?
Alex spends a lot of time with his best friend Roy. Roy always picks him up for school and they're very close. Roy has a crush on Alex, but he's too scared to tell him. He's afraid that Alex will turn away from him and that their friendship will never be the same. Alex has had a dream about Roy being murdered and he'll do anything to keep that from happening. Alex has suspected for a while now that Roy might be in love with him. Their strong connection is needed to stand against the dark forces that are coming for Alex. It is said that Alex has the power to destroy the world and there are many humans and demons who'd do anything to take over control. Will Alex find out the truth in time to stop more killings from happening?
Alex is such a sweet teenage boy. He's never felt love as a child and he's been bullied because of his condition. Even after all the bad things that people have done to him, he's still a kindhearted soul. He always tries to see the good in people, even if they don't deserve it. The kids in the special ed class are close friends and I loved their banter and jokes. They aren't afraid to open up to their friends and don't always take things too seriously, they regularly mock themselves. These kids are exceptional inside and out and Alex and his friends found their way into my heart immediately.
Spinner is a spine-chilling story about surviving true evil. Alex was alone for a long time, but now he and his friends stand united against a malevolence as old as humanity. I admired how Michael J. Bowler writes about serious topics with much knowledge and empathy and I loved his unique approach of the horror genre. I greatly admired his young heroic main characters. Spinner is a fast-paced thrilling story that has a lot of interesting twists and turns. It managed to captivate me from beginning to end. I'm a big fan of creepy stories and loved this surprisingly scary book.
Alex spends a lot of time with his best friend Roy. Roy always picks him up for school and they're very close. Roy has a crush on Alex, but he's too scared to tell him. He's afraid that Alex will turn away from him and that their friendship will never be the same. Alex has had a dream about Roy being murdered and he'll do anything to keep that from happening. Alex has suspected for a while now that Roy might be in love with him. Their strong connection is needed to stand against the dark forces that are coming for Alex. It is said that Alex has the power to destroy the world and there are many humans and demons who'd do anything to take over control. Will Alex find out the truth in time to stop more killings from happening?
Alex is such a sweet teenage boy. He's never felt love as a child and he's been bullied because of his condition. Even after all the bad things that people have done to him, he's still a kindhearted soul. He always tries to see the good in people, even if they don't deserve it. The kids in the special ed class are close friends and I loved their banter and jokes. They aren't afraid to open up to their friends and don't always take things too seriously, they regularly mock themselves. These kids are exceptional inside and out and Alex and his friends found their way into my heart immediately.
Spinner is a spine-chilling story about surviving true evil. Alex was alone for a long time, but now he and his friends stand united against a malevolence as old as humanity. I admired how Michael J. Bowler writes about serious topics with much knowledge and empathy and I loved his unique approach of the horror genre. I greatly admired his young heroic main characters. Spinner is a fast-paced thrilling story that has a lot of interesting twists and turns. It managed to captivate me from beginning to end. I'm a big fan of creepy stories and loved this surprisingly scary book.
June 7, 2015
I was intrigued by the premise of this book and was thrilled once I started it. As a teacher I see kids kids like Alex, Roy and their friends every year. I have always fought for those students who have been told over and over that they are stupid or a loser. That might be why I start each year off reading a book with the class called "Loser" by Jerry Spinelli. These kids need to know that they are not losers. Alex and his friends have problems yet there is a part of them that are coping with the bullying and name calling. A part of them realize they are not losers.
Alex is in a wheelchair because he has spina bifida. He also has the ability to "spin" people. This means he can take their pain and heal them. Having dreamed about his parent's death the day before it happened and being pushed from one foster home after another because of his "strange ability", he finds himself in the worst foster home yet. His foster mother is cruel and abusive and knows about his "gift". She want to make money off of him. When Alex dreams about his teacher's death and it comes true he finds he is in the crosshairs of some very evil people. They will do whatever it takes to get to him. Along the way he learns a truth about his family. I don't want to give it away because I never saw it coming and want you to be just as surprised. Alex learns exactly what it means to have true friends.
I read this book the last day of school since we had nothing for the students to do in the morning. My afternoon was mine as I'd already cleaned up my room. This was a perfect way to end my school year by relaxing with a great book. I read this in electronic form. I will definitely purchase a copy for my shelves. I will mark it as more mature because of the language used. I could see this as a movie in my head. The author is great with his descriptions. I felt fear, I felt the pain some of them felt. I will definitely check out more books by this author.
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Alex is in a wheelchair because he has spina bifida. He also has the ability to "spin" people. This means he can take their pain and heal them. Having dreamed about his parent's death the day before it happened and being pushed from one foster home after another because of his "strange ability", he finds himself in the worst foster home yet. His foster mother is cruel and abusive and knows about his "gift". She want to make money off of him. When Alex dreams about his teacher's death and it comes true he finds he is in the crosshairs of some very evil people. They will do whatever it takes to get to him. Along the way he learns a truth about his family. I don't want to give it away because I never saw it coming and want you to be just as surprised. Alex learns exactly what it means to have true friends.
I read this book the last day of school since we had nothing for the students to do in the morning. My afternoon was mine as I'd already cleaned up my room. This was a perfect way to end my school year by relaxing with a great book. I read this in electronic form. I will definitely purchase a copy for my shelves. I will mark it as more mature because of the language used. I could see this as a movie in my head. The author is great with his descriptions. I felt fear, I felt the pain some of them felt. I will definitely check out more books by this author.
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
August 23, 2015
Spinner by Michael J. Bowler is an exceptional roller coaster of a book. It’s been a while since I’ve read any YA, but this book was fantastic.
Our hero is a boy named Alex. He has spina bifida, is in Special Ed and has to live in a foster home run by an evil hag. He is extraordinary. Bowler has given him the angst and fears of any teenager, but a charming depth and poise we all hope our children will have. He is surrounded by his friends, an eclectic group of boys also in the Special Education program at his school. Each one is different and exceptional.
I really enjoyed the paranormal and religious mythology of this book. It took and original concept and wove it intricately through a variety of well-known religions. I loved that the boys had limitations, not just Alex’s spina bifida, but their mental restrictions, and still managed to find a way to understand. Not just one another, but whatever was thrust at them.
This is a YA book, but it is gritty and real and not for the faint of heart. There is danger, adventure and evil… real evil. The characters are fantastic, and the relationships intense.
I couldn’t put this book down. I read it in about 12 hours, and had to force myself to go to sleep. If you are looking for a adventure, mystery full of depth and originality, this is the book for you. 5 stars! Can’t wait to find out how the journey continues!
***I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review***
Our hero is a boy named Alex. He has spina bifida, is in Special Ed and has to live in a foster home run by an evil hag. He is extraordinary. Bowler has given him the angst and fears of any teenager, but a charming depth and poise we all hope our children will have. He is surrounded by his friends, an eclectic group of boys also in the Special Education program at his school. Each one is different and exceptional.
I really enjoyed the paranormal and religious mythology of this book. It took and original concept and wove it intricately through a variety of well-known religions. I loved that the boys had limitations, not just Alex’s spina bifida, but their mental restrictions, and still managed to find a way to understand. Not just one another, but whatever was thrust at them.
This is a YA book, but it is gritty and real and not for the faint of heart. There is danger, adventure and evil… real evil. The characters are fantastic, and the relationships intense.
I couldn’t put this book down. I read it in about 12 hours, and had to force myself to go to sleep. If you are looking for a adventure, mystery full of depth and originality, this is the book for you. 5 stars! Can’t wait to find out how the journey continues!
***I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review***
July 29, 2015
Brilliant!
Where to start? I am having a hard time writing this review, searching for the exact right words to put forth to explain just how terrific, upsetting, emotional, horrifying, and thought provoking this book really is. The author has a gift for telling the tale, that is true, but also for making his characters real and awesome while being what most would view as simply imperfect. We don't get many tales where the characters are disabled AND awesome at the same time. I was so drawn into the story, the author is so descriptive, that you can plainly see exactly what is being described, thought, and felt. I found myself connecting with Alex and his friends instantly. Alex has an amazing gift, although he feels that it is a curse. I felt for him in so many ways, he was dealt a seriously bad hand in his short life, and my heart broke not because of his disabilities, but because of how horribly he was treated and abused. He is put in danger and is the target for evil and nefarious individuals. I want to say more but will leave the further discovery of the actual story to you to read. I definitely recommend it and was kindly gifted a copy for an honest review. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Where to start? I am having a hard time writing this review, searching for the exact right words to put forth to explain just how terrific, upsetting, emotional, horrifying, and thought provoking this book really is. The author has a gift for telling the tale, that is true, but also for making his characters real and awesome while being what most would view as simply imperfect. We don't get many tales where the characters are disabled AND awesome at the same time. I was so drawn into the story, the author is so descriptive, that you can plainly see exactly what is being described, thought, and felt. I found myself connecting with Alex and his friends instantly. Alex has an amazing gift, although he feels that it is a curse. I felt for him in so many ways, he was dealt a seriously bad hand in his short life, and my heart broke not because of his disabilities, but because of how horribly he was treated and abused. He is put in danger and is the target for evil and nefarious individuals. I want to say more but will leave the further discovery of the actual story to you to read. I definitely recommend it and was kindly gifted a copy for an honest review. I look forward to reading more from this author.
June 10, 2015
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Alex was given up to foster care after the the untimely death of his parents. He was then placed with an abusive foster parent, which caused him to continually "spin" his housemates to heal their injuries. This caused Jane, his foster mother to uncover Alex's special healing gift. When a package from his biological parents never gets to him, Alex uncovers more than he's bargained for.
This book was amazingly creative. You can easily sense Alex's inner turmoil at not only being learning and physically disabled, but also having a gift he thinks is a curse. He is fortunate to have wonderful friends that stood by his side throughout. I have to admit that during the first 1/3 of the book, I wondered where the story was heading because it had a relatively slow start. Once you're past that, the story captures your imagination and takes you to a whole new world. If you can be patient, the story will be well worth the wait. I absolutely loved it and cannot wait to read something else from this fabulous author!
Alex was given up to foster care after the the untimely death of his parents. He was then placed with an abusive foster parent, which caused him to continually "spin" his housemates to heal their injuries. This caused Jane, his foster mother to uncover Alex's special healing gift. When a package from his biological parents never gets to him, Alex uncovers more than he's bargained for.
This book was amazingly creative. You can easily sense Alex's inner turmoil at not only being learning and physically disabled, but also having a gift he thinks is a curse. He is fortunate to have wonderful friends that stood by his side throughout. I have to admit that during the first 1/3 of the book, I wondered where the story was heading because it had a relatively slow start. Once you're past that, the story captures your imagination and takes you to a whole new world. If you can be patient, the story will be well worth the wait. I absolutely loved it and cannot wait to read something else from this fabulous author!
June 24, 2018
I want to send a huge thank you to Melissa Robles (who works with Kate Tilton’s author services) for sending a copy my way in exchange for a honest review!
This book was very much so out of my comfort zone in terms of genre and I’m really happy I decided to go for something new.
The twists and turns throughout this story left me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next and I loved how real and honest all of the characters felt; especially how they didn’t let their disabilities completely define them as people.
My one critique would be that there were a lot of characters to follow towards the end of the book and I found myself having to go back to refer to who was who.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend you guys check it out!
This book was very much so out of my comfort zone in terms of genre and I’m really happy I decided to go for something new.
The twists and turns throughout this story left me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next and I loved how real and honest all of the characters felt; especially how they didn’t let their disabilities completely define them as people.
My one critique would be that there were a lot of characters to follow towards the end of the book and I found myself having to go back to refer to who was who.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend you guys check it out!
July 6, 2015
Excellent YA horror novel. Kept me guessing right up to the very end. What can one wheelchair bound boy and a handful of special-ed kids possibly do to save the planet, or at the very least their friends and neighbors? Is Alex being controlled, forced to do things against his will and without his knowledge, or is someone just trying to make it look like he is? Seems that for every question answered, 4 more pop up.
May 27, 2025
The story follows a teenager named Alex, an orphan who has struggled to find stability. His social workers often describe him as a sweet-faced, innocent boy, yet despite his efforts, things always seem to go wrong around him. He has a habit of spinning people, which frightened his foster families. By now, Alex has been through ten different foster homes.
Recently, Alex had a vivid dream that felt unsettlingly real—he saw his teacher, Ms. Ashley, covered in blood. The next day at school, a new teacher, Ms. Garrett, introduced herself to the class. She would be filling in until a replacement for Ms. Ashley was found. But is Ms. Ashley truly gone?
As disturbing incidents begin happening in real life, Alex and his classmates must uncover the truth about his mysterious origins. Time is running out, and the danger is growing.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Alex is a compelling and unique protagonist, and the author has done a fantastic job bringing his world to life with vivid imagination. Young adult readers will be hooked from start to finish. The cast of characters is well-developed, and telling the story from the perspective of a special ed student gives this book a distinctive and powerful voice.
Recently, Alex had a vivid dream that felt unsettlingly real—he saw his teacher, Ms. Ashley, covered in blood. The next day at school, a new teacher, Ms. Garrett, introduced herself to the class. She would be filling in until a replacement for Ms. Ashley was found. But is Ms. Ashley truly gone?
As disturbing incidents begin happening in real life, Alex and his classmates must uncover the truth about his mysterious origins. Time is running out, and the danger is growing.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Alex is a compelling and unique protagonist, and the author has done a fantastic job bringing his world to life with vivid imagination. Young adult readers will be hooked from start to finish. The cast of characters is well-developed, and telling the story from the perspective of a special ed student gives this book a distinctive and powerful voice.
May 8, 2025
Spinner by Michael J. Bowler is the first book in The Healer Chronicles series. The story centers around Alex, a fifteen-year-old boy who uses a wheelchair and possesses a mysterious ability known as "spinning." Because of this unusual gift, his friends refer to him as a "spinner."
Alex is an orphan living in the foster care system. When people discover his strange powers, they often react with fear and distance themselves from him. One day, Alex dreams that Ms. Ashley—one of the most beloved teachers at his school was killed. The dream becomes reality when a replacement teacher arrives, confirming Ms. Ashley’s death.
Soon after, Alex has another troubling dream—this time about his friend Roy dying. Fearing the worst, Alex and his friends realize they must uncover the truth about his origins if they want to prevent more deaths.
This is a fast-paced, gripping story that kept me hooked from start to finish. The writing is vivid, the characters are compelling, and the plot is well crafted. Michael J. Bowler has created an intriguing world, and I’m eager to dive into the next book in the series.
Alex is an orphan living in the foster care system. When people discover his strange powers, they often react with fear and distance themselves from him. One day, Alex dreams that Ms. Ashley—one of the most beloved teachers at his school was killed. The dream becomes reality when a replacement teacher arrives, confirming Ms. Ashley’s death.
Soon after, Alex has another troubling dream—this time about his friend Roy dying. Fearing the worst, Alex and his friends realize they must uncover the truth about his origins if they want to prevent more deaths.
This is a fast-paced, gripping story that kept me hooked from start to finish. The writing is vivid, the characters are compelling, and the plot is well crafted. Michael J. Bowler has created an intriguing world, and I’m eager to dive into the next book in the series.
March 23, 2018
*I received this book from Kate Tilton author services in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Kate, Melissa, and Mr. Bowler*
Being that I’m not much of a fan or paranormal/horror, this book was a little much for me but somehow not enough! Alex is a kid who is in a wheelchair, but he has powers that heal (or inflict pain on) others.
The overall concept of the story here is interesting and refreshing. Alex and his buddies work to stop the string of murders that are occurring, prevent the next death from occurring, and try to find out more about Alex’s past (being in the foster care system doesn’t make for great record keeping).
In general, I’m not a huge paranormal fan. I’ve only ever read one Stephen King novel and that was scary enough for me to skip some parts. I think this book is the YA equivalent. It’ll definitely rattle you a bit, and instill a bit of fear.
Being that I’m not much of a fan or paranormal/horror, this book was a little much for me but somehow not enough! Alex is a kid who is in a wheelchair, but he has powers that heal (or inflict pain on) others.
The overall concept of the story here is interesting and refreshing. Alex and his buddies work to stop the string of murders that are occurring, prevent the next death from occurring, and try to find out more about Alex’s past (being in the foster care system doesn’t make for great record keeping).
In general, I’m not a huge paranormal fan. I’ve only ever read one Stephen King novel and that was scary enough for me to skip some parts. I think this book is the YA equivalent. It’ll definitely rattle you a bit, and instill a bit of fear.
February 25, 2018
I received this book in the mail from the author and I absolutely loved the book. I even forgot to update on my progress because I was so consumed in the story. I loved each of the characters and getting to know about them. I felt connected to Alex and seeing how he developed throughout the story. I haven’t read a story about a handicapped character so it was really refreshing to see something new. This was also the first book where I dived into Young Adult Horror/ Thriller. I went into this book knowing barely anything, and came out with a lot. If you are a fan of Stephen King, you will definitely love this novel.
June 11, 2018
Ada beberapa keistimewaan buku ini yang membuat saya tahu kenapa sebagian besar pembaca novel Spinner memberikan acungan jempol dan bintang yang bagus untuk buku ini.
1. Karakter utamanya seorang disabilitas. Dimana mungkin sudah banyak buku-buku yang mengangkat tema disabilitas, tapi ini unik karena tokoh utamanya inilah yang menjadi superhero dan menyelamatkan banyak orang.
2. Sang tokoh utama ini dibantu oleh beberapa temannya, dimana mereka juga bagian dari superhero tim, tapi mereka juga memiliki keunikan, ada yang ADHD, autis dan disleksia. Semua tergabung ke dalam kelas Special Ed.
3. Untuk gaya penceritaan cukup menarik, kebetulan belum ada versi terjemahannya. Saya baca yang versi bahasa inggris. Dimana saya menerimanya langsung dari Katetilton untuk dibaca dan memberikan ulasan yang jujur terhadap buku ini.
4. Sayangnya, penokohannya memang kurang kuat. Ditambah dialog yang bagi saya masih kurang bisa dipahami karena menggunakan aksen khusus. Namun, tetap ringan dan bisa sedikit demi sedikit dipahami secara garis besarnya.
5. Buku ini termasuk ke dalam Young Adult, memiliki unsur supranatural, thriller dan action.
6. Alurnya cukup ringan dan mengalir, jadi enggak bikin ribet.
Kenapa harus baca buku ini? Karena ada banyak hal yang tampak remeh temeh, tapi juga bagus untuk diketahui sebagai informasi terkait anak-anak disabilitas dan anak berkebutuhan khusus.
1. Karakter utamanya seorang disabilitas. Dimana mungkin sudah banyak buku-buku yang mengangkat tema disabilitas, tapi ini unik karena tokoh utamanya inilah yang menjadi superhero dan menyelamatkan banyak orang.
2. Sang tokoh utama ini dibantu oleh beberapa temannya, dimana mereka juga bagian dari superhero tim, tapi mereka juga memiliki keunikan, ada yang ADHD, autis dan disleksia. Semua tergabung ke dalam kelas Special Ed.
3. Untuk gaya penceritaan cukup menarik, kebetulan belum ada versi terjemahannya. Saya baca yang versi bahasa inggris. Dimana saya menerimanya langsung dari Katetilton untuk dibaca dan memberikan ulasan yang jujur terhadap buku ini.
4. Sayangnya, penokohannya memang kurang kuat. Ditambah dialog yang bagi saya masih kurang bisa dipahami karena menggunakan aksen khusus. Namun, tetap ringan dan bisa sedikit demi sedikit dipahami secara garis besarnya.
5. Buku ini termasuk ke dalam Young Adult, memiliki unsur supranatural, thriller dan action.
6. Alurnya cukup ringan dan mengalir, jadi enggak bikin ribet.
Kenapa harus baca buku ini? Karena ada banyak hal yang tampak remeh temeh, tapi juga bagus untuk diketahui sebagai informasi terkait anak-anak disabilitas dan anak berkebutuhan khusus.
July 19, 2015
Original Blog Post: Review Request: Spinner by Michael J. Bowler
Reviewed by: Ray
My Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
This story centers around Alex, who is blond, has just turned fifteen, and is wheelchair-bound, due to spina bifida. And, as is often the case with this disease, Alex suffers from some learning disabilities. Alex has a group of devoted friends, all of whom are, like himself, special ed children.
The story is an interesting one, but somewhat poorly written. The writing is uneven and inconsistent, and there were times when this reader wondered if parts of the book were written by different people. As is the case with so many current authors, this one tends to pepper the dialogue with bad or totally invalid dialogue tags.
Alex’s best friend is Roy, who is old enough to have a driver’s license, and picks Alex up in his F150 every day to drive him to school. The driving force behind Roy is his unrequited love for Alex. As the story progresses, we learn that although Roy has a driver’s license, he has reading difficulties, and is unable to read street signs. Which of course raises the unanswered question of how he got his driver’s license in the first place, because he would have to have passed a written test. The reader must suspend his/her disbelief, and take this anomaly as an article of faith, or the whole story falls apart.
One would think that any fifteen-year-old who gets most of his information from watching television would have a better vocabulary, learning disabilities notwithstanding, but Alex is constantly baffled by words he neither recognizes nor understands. This is another area in which the reader’s disbelief must be suspended.
The storyline and plot contains some mysticism, combined with American Indian lore and Catholicism, and the horror is clearly defined and all too vivid.
Alex has a unique ability. When someone is sick or hurt, he can heal them by taking the disease or condition into his own body and disposing of it. This is the same idea that was the theme of the 1980 Ellen Burstyn movie Resurrection, in which the character portrayed by Burstyn suffered a near-fatal automobile accident, only to survive with a strange ability to heal people by hugging them and taking their diseases into her body.
Alex doesn’t understand how he does this healing and he calls it spinning. The idea that Alex ‘spins’ people is thrown at the reader quite early in the story, and without elaboration. Yet another bone of contention this reader has with the author—it should have been explained at first mention.
The story is full of slang used by teenagers existing at the bottom of the socio-economic ladder, which adds a degree of difficulty to understanding what they’re talking about.
There are at least three groups of wicked people out to get Alex because of his ability, and thereby hangs the plot.
The author, a teacher of special ed children, seems to go out of his way to paint them in an extremely bad way, particularly in the way he downplays their abilities and probably exaggerates their problems.
The characters aren’t particularly interesting, and most of them have few, if any, redeeming characteristics, other than their extreme devotion to each other. That being said, the story itself is good enough to rate a score of three out of five.
Reviewed by: Ray
My Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
This story centers around Alex, who is blond, has just turned fifteen, and is wheelchair-bound, due to spina bifida. And, as is often the case with this disease, Alex suffers from some learning disabilities. Alex has a group of devoted friends, all of whom are, like himself, special ed children.
The story is an interesting one, but somewhat poorly written. The writing is uneven and inconsistent, and there were times when this reader wondered if parts of the book were written by different people. As is the case with so many current authors, this one tends to pepper the dialogue with bad or totally invalid dialogue tags.
Alex’s best friend is Roy, who is old enough to have a driver’s license, and picks Alex up in his F150 every day to drive him to school. The driving force behind Roy is his unrequited love for Alex. As the story progresses, we learn that although Roy has a driver’s license, he has reading difficulties, and is unable to read street signs. Which of course raises the unanswered question of how he got his driver’s license in the first place, because he would have to have passed a written test. The reader must suspend his/her disbelief, and take this anomaly as an article of faith, or the whole story falls apart.
One would think that any fifteen-year-old who gets most of his information from watching television would have a better vocabulary, learning disabilities notwithstanding, but Alex is constantly baffled by words he neither recognizes nor understands. This is another area in which the reader’s disbelief must be suspended.
The storyline and plot contains some mysticism, combined with American Indian lore and Catholicism, and the horror is clearly defined and all too vivid.
Alex has a unique ability. When someone is sick or hurt, he can heal them by taking the disease or condition into his own body and disposing of it. This is the same idea that was the theme of the 1980 Ellen Burstyn movie Resurrection, in which the character portrayed by Burstyn suffered a near-fatal automobile accident, only to survive with a strange ability to heal people by hugging them and taking their diseases into her body.
Alex doesn’t understand how he does this healing and he calls it spinning. The idea that Alex ‘spins’ people is thrown at the reader quite early in the story, and without elaboration. Yet another bone of contention this reader has with the author—it should have been explained at first mention.
The story is full of slang used by teenagers existing at the bottom of the socio-economic ladder, which adds a degree of difficulty to understanding what they’re talking about.
There are at least three groups of wicked people out to get Alex because of his ability, and thereby hangs the plot.
The author, a teacher of special ed children, seems to go out of his way to paint them in an extremely bad way, particularly in the way he downplays their abilities and probably exaggerates their problems.
The characters aren’t particularly interesting, and most of them have few, if any, redeeming characteristics, other than their extreme devotion to each other. That being said, the story itself is good enough to rate a score of three out of five.
June 5, 2020
Spinner is a supernatural thriller by YA author Michael J Bowler that stands out for its compassionate portrayal of 'special ed' kids as protagonists. Alex, Roy, and their friends are each shown to be individuals with gifts, faults, and distinct voices that allow the reader a small bit of understanding what various learning and/or physical disabilities must be like to those who suffer from them. These teens are so much more than the stereotypes they are too often seen as, and that alone is reason enough to read this epic thriller.
I've taken some time to look through the other reviews here, the vast majority of which are rightly positive, and will leave plot outlines, etc, to them. I would rather address some of the negative reviews. Criticisms made by some about the writing in this book are misguided. One reviewer notes "there were times when this reader wondered if parts of the book were written by different people" without realizing the 'different' people are the voices of the characters in the story. Bowler has a talent for third-person omniscient narrative. He smoothly passes from Alex's POV to Roy's, etc, without confusion. This is a rare ability. As he writes from a character's perspective he carefully crafts the dialogue and description of thoughts and feelings to that character. This is not a flaw; it's a gift.
Others have complained of the lack of explanation for some of the supernatural elements in the story. This strikes me a misunderstanding of what makes mysteries what they are. Oliver Onions was among the great ghost story writers who understood that lack of clarity about the supernatural is part of what makes it real for the reader. Bowler is another.
One reviewer complained they wanted “a buildup of suspense, plot…” but instead wound up “dodging my way to the end wondering what was going to happen next, why it was going to happen, and how it was all going to work out.” Is not that the very definition of suspense and mystery in a plot?
Others complain of the teen boys’ machismo and the book’s lack of female characters who aren’t villains. That teen boys typically try to out-macho each other should surprise no one. The dearth of female characters likely reflects the sad reality that such boys are likely not to be seen as desirable by girls, and thus not have much interaction with them.
Also, complaints that the characters are self-deprecating, or that a kid feels flawed or sick for being gay, wanting them to be more positive is all well and good, except that we’re still at a stage where kids are bullied and put down, often internalizing the hatred. A book featuring characters who start out feeling that way but who grow to overcome it in the course of the story is itself affirming for readers who also feel that way.
I’ve now had the pleasure of reading seven of Bowler’s books, and each has been gripping, realistic, and worth every second spent reading them. An author who can weave a dark supernatural thriller with such believable characters that even the bizarre elements seem real is a rare find. Spinner is a powerful tale told by a masterful writer. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
I've taken some time to look through the other reviews here, the vast majority of which are rightly positive, and will leave plot outlines, etc, to them. I would rather address some of the negative reviews. Criticisms made by some about the writing in this book are misguided. One reviewer notes "there were times when this reader wondered if parts of the book were written by different people" without realizing the 'different' people are the voices of the characters in the story. Bowler has a talent for third-person omniscient narrative. He smoothly passes from Alex's POV to Roy's, etc, without confusion. This is a rare ability. As he writes from a character's perspective he carefully crafts the dialogue and description of thoughts and feelings to that character. This is not a flaw; it's a gift.
Others have complained of the lack of explanation for some of the supernatural elements in the story. This strikes me a misunderstanding of what makes mysteries what they are. Oliver Onions was among the great ghost story writers who understood that lack of clarity about the supernatural is part of what makes it real for the reader. Bowler is another.
One reviewer complained they wanted “a buildup of suspense, plot…” but instead wound up “dodging my way to the end wondering what was going to happen next, why it was going to happen, and how it was all going to work out.” Is not that the very definition of suspense and mystery in a plot?
Others complain of the teen boys’ machismo and the book’s lack of female characters who aren’t villains. That teen boys typically try to out-macho each other should surprise no one. The dearth of female characters likely reflects the sad reality that such boys are likely not to be seen as desirable by girls, and thus not have much interaction with them.
Also, complaints that the characters are self-deprecating, or that a kid feels flawed or sick for being gay, wanting them to be more positive is all well and good, except that we’re still at a stage where kids are bullied and put down, often internalizing the hatred. A book featuring characters who start out feeling that way but who grow to overcome it in the course of the story is itself affirming for readers who also feel that way.
I’ve now had the pleasure of reading seven of Bowler’s books, and each has been gripping, realistic, and worth every second spent reading them. An author who can weave a dark supernatural thriller with such believable characters that even the bizarre elements seem real is a rare find. Spinner is a powerful tale told by a masterful writer. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
May 7, 2016
First of all, in many ways, this book has echoes of 1970s-1980s Stephen King novels, particularly portions of It and a few moments I can remember from books like Insomnia, The Talisman (co-written with Stroud) and the short story "The Body". The protagonists here are a group of awkward, outcast boys fighting an unknown, manifest, ancient evil. The stakes are huge. And the only thing standing in the way of utter world destruction is a group of boys who attend Mark Twain High School's "last stop" class. These are the boys that nobody wants to teach, for various reasons, and they were all put together in a classroom to keep them out of the way. Sometimes the diagnoses isn't the reason they're there, but these aren't the ones you'd probably suggest as humanity's last defense.
There are appearances by a helpful Catholic priest, some grave digging, a necklace that might be made of human flesh, ancient prophesies, strange dreams, blackouts and missing time, and a lot more blood and death than I initially expected--including teenagers being killed, slasher-movie style, and some exploding heads. Also: murderous cats. Big, freaky swarms of murderous cats.
Alex, our wheelchair-bound (due to spina-bifida) protagonist, has been through ten different foster homes and is currently living in a foster home with a terrible foster mother: the type of foster mother who forces children to beat other children, and then uses Alex's power to heal them so nobody will ever know. Did I mention that Alex has amazing healing powers? If a person tells Alex about their pain, he can take it in, absorb it into himself, experience these same pains, and then dissipate them. Miraculous, really. For him, it has been a curse most of his life. But he still uses it for good when he finds the opportunity.
One of the unique aspects about this book is that Bowler shows, in his writing, a keen ear for the teenage voice. More specifically, there is an understanding of and respect for the voices of those who have been deemed "other" on account of disabilities, skin color, or sexual orientation. I've been a teacher (English as well as English intervention classes for students more than 2 grade-levels behind their peers) and I recognize shadows of each of these characters from my classroom.
Spinner gives some good lessons about extended family, acceptance of many different types of "different," and keeps the characters center stage. We get to follow heroes with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and spina bifida. Though Alex has not been a member of a true family since his infancy, he finds acceptance with the other students in his class--Roy, Java and Israel. Bowler focuses on the boys' abilities rather than disabilities, which makes for a compelling read.
If you loved the horror/thriller books of King and Dean Koontz from the 70s and 80s, this throwback will be right up your alley. Just, you know, don't head up that alley without a buddy. The buddy system works, people.
There are appearances by a helpful Catholic priest, some grave digging, a necklace that might be made of human flesh, ancient prophesies, strange dreams, blackouts and missing time, and a lot more blood and death than I initially expected--including teenagers being killed, slasher-movie style, and some exploding heads. Also: murderous cats. Big, freaky swarms of murderous cats.
Alex, our wheelchair-bound (due to spina-bifida) protagonist, has been through ten different foster homes and is currently living in a foster home with a terrible foster mother: the type of foster mother who forces children to beat other children, and then uses Alex's power to heal them so nobody will ever know. Did I mention that Alex has amazing healing powers? If a person tells Alex about their pain, he can take it in, absorb it into himself, experience these same pains, and then dissipate them. Miraculous, really. For him, it has been a curse most of his life. But he still uses it for good when he finds the opportunity.
One of the unique aspects about this book is that Bowler shows, in his writing, a keen ear for the teenage voice. More specifically, there is an understanding of and respect for the voices of those who have been deemed "other" on account of disabilities, skin color, or sexual orientation. I've been a teacher (English as well as English intervention classes for students more than 2 grade-levels behind their peers) and I recognize shadows of each of these characters from my classroom.
Spinner gives some good lessons about extended family, acceptance of many different types of "different," and keeps the characters center stage. We get to follow heroes with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and spina bifida. Though Alex has not been a member of a true family since his infancy, he finds acceptance with the other students in his class--Roy, Java and Israel. Bowler focuses on the boys' abilities rather than disabilities, which makes for a compelling read.
If you loved the horror/thriller books of King and Dean Koontz from the 70s and 80s, this throwback will be right up your alley. Just, you know, don't head up that alley without a buddy. The buddy system works, people.
September 25, 2016
Every once in a long while I have to drag myself away from my own writing and check out the books around me. I’m glad I happened upon Spinner.
Spinner is an emotionally powerful story of a young boy, Alex, who has been spat on his whole life, in fact, life itself has spat on him. He is poor, crippled, abandoned, and lives unloved and unwanted with his most recent foster mom. And at school, he is nothing but a special needs kid, dismissed as worthless “crip.” What else could go wrong? Plenty. Alex is haunted by demons. No, literally demons are after him!
These demons talk to him through dreams, through animals, and even through inanimate objects. They have a special agenda for Alex, and Alex will have to summon all his powers in order to resist their malevolent scheme.
But what truly gives this story its power is the special abilities that Alex has – the ability to absorb and eliminate the pain and suffering of those around him. Alex is a healer. Barely aware of what that means, Alex comes to see himself as a freak. And why not? Everyone around him treats him as such, unable to truly appreciate the wonder that is right in front of them.
Fortunately, Alex does have a friend who transcends the shallowness of most of his peers, and appreciates Alex for what he is – a miracle. And with his friend and companions, he confronts his demons and learns a lot about love and friendship in the process.
Michael J. Bowler has written yet another poignant story that like his critically acclaimed “Children of the Knight,” features outcasts and rejects as the heroes of the story. He gives so much beauty and humanity to these characters that you can’t help but feel the injustice of a society that so often dismisses them as trash. Bowler is to be commended for seeing beauty, hope, and love, where others see nothing but garbage. And just as Bowler is able to show us the humanity of these outcast, Alex, eventually understands that he truly is a miracle himself.
Spinner is a frightening but touching tale for all fans of young adult, and it is a very special treat for those into horror and paranormal. Reading Spinner felt a lot to me like watching a Stephen King movie from the 1980s. I fully appreciated the nostalgia.
Spinner is an emotionally powerful story of a young boy, Alex, who has been spat on his whole life, in fact, life itself has spat on him. He is poor, crippled, abandoned, and lives unloved and unwanted with his most recent foster mom. And at school, he is nothing but a special needs kid, dismissed as worthless “crip.” What else could go wrong? Plenty. Alex is haunted by demons. No, literally demons are after him!
These demons talk to him through dreams, through animals, and even through inanimate objects. They have a special agenda for Alex, and Alex will have to summon all his powers in order to resist their malevolent scheme.
But what truly gives this story its power is the special abilities that Alex has – the ability to absorb and eliminate the pain and suffering of those around him. Alex is a healer. Barely aware of what that means, Alex comes to see himself as a freak. And why not? Everyone around him treats him as such, unable to truly appreciate the wonder that is right in front of them.
Fortunately, Alex does have a friend who transcends the shallowness of most of his peers, and appreciates Alex for what he is – a miracle. And with his friend and companions, he confronts his demons and learns a lot about love and friendship in the process.
Michael J. Bowler has written yet another poignant story that like his critically acclaimed “Children of the Knight,” features outcasts and rejects as the heroes of the story. He gives so much beauty and humanity to these characters that you can’t help but feel the injustice of a society that so often dismisses them as trash. Bowler is to be commended for seeing beauty, hope, and love, where others see nothing but garbage. And just as Bowler is able to show us the humanity of these outcast, Alex, eventually understands that he truly is a miracle himself.
Spinner is a frightening but touching tale for all fans of young adult, and it is a very special treat for those into horror and paranormal. Reading Spinner felt a lot to me like watching a Stephen King movie from the 1980s. I fully appreciated the nostalgia.
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