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Any Second
Five years after being kidnapped, Elian's captor sends him into the mall--with a bomb strapped to his chest.
Across the mall is Maya, a girl whose crippling anxiety holds her prisoner in its own way.
Whether it's chance or fate, Maya keeps Eli from ending them all. And now nothing is the same. Drawn together by their dark pasts, Maya and Eli know it takes only seconds for their entire worlds to change. But time will tell if meeting each other will change them for better or worse.
Across the mall is Maya, a girl whose crippling anxiety holds her prisoner in its own way.
Whether it's chance or fate, Maya keeps Eli from ending them all. And now nothing is the same. Drawn together by their dark pasts, Maya and Eli know it takes only seconds for their entire worlds to change. But time will tell if meeting each other will change them for better or worse.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published November 20, 2018
20 people are currently reading
1211 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Emerson
40 books446 followersAuthor of sixteen novels for children and young adults, most recently LAST DAY ON MARS, BREAKOUT, and the ATLANTEANS series. His books have been published in ten different countries. Formerly a science teacher and a creative writing teacher, Kevin is also a singer and drummer. He has won a spelling bee, lost a beauty pageant, and once appeared in a Swedish TV commercial.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
February 22, 2019
Child abduction, brainwashing & psychological and emotional demons!
Elian Martinez is abducted on his way home from school and held captive for 3.5 years while being brainwashed. The excerpts surrounding his time in captivity were difficult and heartbreaking to read. His abductor spends years breaking him down and reprogramming him until the fateful day he leads him into a mall strapped with a bomb to his body. Elian, a.k.a Jacob, is meant to give his life to "The Purpose" but fate intercedes in the form of Maya.
Fast forward 10 months later and Elian and Maya's paths intersect once more, only this time in high school. Maya has always been anxious and has her own emotional demons plaguing her. Although she has been hailed a hero for helping thwart Elian's bombing attempt, Maya is unraveling and suffering from crippling PTSD.
This book deals with so many sensitive topics. It is definitely best suited for older audiences. There were certain graphic descriptions that more sensitive readers should be aware of. Emerson wasn't trying to be salacious in his writing. It definitely worked within the context of the story and makes readers aware of many issues that are prominent today including social anxiety, bullying, OCD, isolation and other mental issues.
Any Second is a deep book that explores the darker parts of life. It was heavy reading and often left me feeling uncomfortable but it was also quite riveting. I couldn't stop turning the pages. I was thoroughly invested in both Elian and Maya and enjoyed the journey the characters took throughout the book.
Thank you to Kevin Emerson, Random House CHildren's and NetGalley for an arc of the book. All opinions are 100% honest and my own thoughts on the book.
Elian Martinez is abducted on his way home from school and held captive for 3.5 years while being brainwashed. The excerpts surrounding his time in captivity were difficult and heartbreaking to read. His abductor spends years breaking him down and reprogramming him until the fateful day he leads him into a mall strapped with a bomb to his body. Elian, a.k.a Jacob, is meant to give his life to "The Purpose" but fate intercedes in the form of Maya.
Fast forward 10 months later and Elian and Maya's paths intersect once more, only this time in high school. Maya has always been anxious and has her own emotional demons plaguing her. Although she has been hailed a hero for helping thwart Elian's bombing attempt, Maya is unraveling and suffering from crippling PTSD.
This book deals with so many sensitive topics. It is definitely best suited for older audiences. There were certain graphic descriptions that more sensitive readers should be aware of. Emerson wasn't trying to be salacious in his writing. It definitely worked within the context of the story and makes readers aware of many issues that are prominent today including social anxiety, bullying, OCD, isolation and other mental issues.
Any Second is a deep book that explores the darker parts of life. It was heavy reading and often left me feeling uncomfortable but it was also quite riveting. I couldn't stop turning the pages. I was thoroughly invested in both Elian and Maya and enjoyed the journey the characters took throughout the book.
Thank you to Kevin Emerson, Random House CHildren's and NetGalley for an arc of the book. All opinions are 100% honest and my own thoughts on the book.
October 23, 2018
Any Second by Kevin Emerson is a young adult thriller. First off I will say that with some of the content in this one I would recommend it to the more mature crowd. While nothing is overly graphic there are sexual situations, drinking, and of course the violence involved.
The story in this book is one that is sadly far too realistic these days which is a big reason I jumped at reading it. The book begins with the two main characters, Eli and Maya, both being involved in their own ways in an attempt at a suicide bombing. With all of the horrific shootings, bombings and other things hitting our newscasts every night I can’t help but be drawn to a tale that takes a closer look.
In Any Second Eli had been kidnapped and tortured for years before he was sent into the mall with a bomb strapped to his chest. Maya on the other had has her own anxious personality but when she sees Eli she goes to try to stop him and becomes the hero. Once readers know that event that they shared the book then fast forwards 10 months to pick up with them in their lives afterwards.
Now I’m calling this one a thriller because it does have an exciting beginning and an exciting end but a lot of the middle section crosses over into more of a contemporary with the where are they now and the characters lives. Still knowing how deeply flawed both were just getting to know them was still thrilling in many way though too. I always get quite hooked when getting a closer look at how the lives of those involved in something like this event are affected and this book was no exception.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
The story in this book is one that is sadly far too realistic these days which is a big reason I jumped at reading it. The book begins with the two main characters, Eli and Maya, both being involved in their own ways in an attempt at a suicide bombing. With all of the horrific shootings, bombings and other things hitting our newscasts every night I can’t help but be drawn to a tale that takes a closer look.
In Any Second Eli had been kidnapped and tortured for years before he was sent into the mall with a bomb strapped to his chest. Maya on the other had has her own anxious personality but when she sees Eli she goes to try to stop him and becomes the hero. Once readers know that event that they shared the book then fast forwards 10 months to pick up with them in their lives afterwards.
Now I’m calling this one a thriller because it does have an exciting beginning and an exciting end but a lot of the middle section crosses over into more of a contemporary with the where are they now and the characters lives. Still knowing how deeply flawed both were just getting to know them was still thrilling in many way though too. I always get quite hooked when getting a closer look at how the lives of those involved in something like this event are affected and this book was no exception.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
November 20, 2018
Razor sharp suspense paired with deeply emotional turmoil that keeps the reader on edge till the end.
“The man was only known as Gabriel. Domestic terrorist. Child abductor. Tormentor. And among his family: Son of a bitch.”
It’s been five long, hard years since Eli was taken. Abducted. Brainwashed and fed with delusional propaganda while nourished at times on dog food. He slept on wooden floorboards and heard his sister being tormented upstairs. The garden hose was the worst…
Miraculously, on that fateful day, the day that Gabriel sent him with a bomb strapped to his body and a detonator in hand into the mall to blow it up, Maya crosses his path to interfere with only milliseconds to spare.
“My hand shakes, thumb slick on the smooth button. Arm twitching. Will I have arms in paradise? Legs? A body at all?”
Maya happens to be in the mall when she sees a boy walking awkwardly slow. Sweating, withdrawn and soiling himself. This day could not get any worse so far. Or could it? Maya’s parents are going through a divorce. Hanging out with either one parent alone feels weirdly awkward and still hurts. She is here with her dad, and then there comes Eli. Salvation or Detriment?
“Tastes like chicken? Kinda bland, actually. But there was something satisfying about the rubberiness. She considered the ruby of blood on her thumb. Sucked that too. ”…Why, yes, I enjoy tearing myself apart and occasionally consuming my own flesh. Wasn’t that on the same spectrum as I keep pieces of my neighbor in the freezer for special meals?”
A year after that awful day, Eli and Maya find themselves in the same high school. Always on guard, with undercover police hovering around to protect Eli, the both of them have gone through hours and hours of therapy sessions, apart and separated in order to move on. No one knows that they are the kids from that incident in the mall, and both Eli and Maya are working very hard to overcome their demons.
The day of the one year anniversary of the mall incident is approaching fast. As Gabriel has never been caught and brought to justice, Eli receives a threat at his door that unleashes panic among parents and students.
“So, Elliott High, I declare that I’ve chosen the date of your salvation, and it is close at hand. Your time has come.” “…My judgement will rain down upon you, very soon now. Very soon”
Is Gabriel after him again? Has he been around the entire time and possibly infiltrated into his life without anyone knowing?
An amazing suspenseful crescendo will lead you to the answers and put you on the edge of your seat till the very end.
***
This was truly very captivating and thrilling. I am so glad I had the chance to read this novel. I am slammed blindsided with its amazing prose and twisted mind games. Very well written throughout with attention to detail. Even the font by the publisher on the kindle was perfect.
I highly recommend it if you enjoy the kind of books that keep your pulse elevated for almost the entire read. I loved it. Enjoy :)
Trigger Warning
This novel is rated for Young Readers, grade 7-9 or teens and up. Personally, I would suggest it to the upper, upper range on that using my own personal judgment & safeguard by knowledge of its content. There are some harsh, downgrading or sexy words and situational references to sex, drugs, and alcoholism aside from the mental / physical abuse that could be disturbing and trigger points to some. The main characters are experiencing flashbacks with PTSD symptoms.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley in Exchange of an honest review. All opinions are my own. Thank you.
More reviews can be found here: https://scarlettreadzandrunz.com/
December 21, 2018
This is not an easy book. I wanted more than once to be able to hug Eli and Maya... No one should have dealt with that much in such a short period of time... They are so young, so broken, it’s heartbreaking. It’s an emotion and suspense-packed book.
Thank you Kevin Emerson for the early copy!
Thank you Kevin Emerson for the early copy!
November 26, 2018
***4 Stars ***
Wow... what an emotional and extremely difficult read. Fair warning this book's subject matter is tough and dark. There were some aspects that seemed far fetched to me, but unfortunately at the same time plausible in this world we live in. Eli was abducted as a child by Gabriel, brain washed and abused for "The Purpose." The story begins with Eli being sent into a mall with a wolf mask on and a bomb strapped to his chest. Maya is at the mall with her father and intervenes. The story continues with Eli and Maya's stories; such damaged children who struggle to feel normal. The feels from this book are hard to describe, heart racing throughout, almost anxiety provoking, that felt way too real. I struggle recommending this for young adult readers. Please know they need to be mature enough to understand and handle how painful this story is.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crown Books for Young Readers who allowing me an advanced read copy in exchange for an honest review.
Wow... what an emotional and extremely difficult read. Fair warning this book's subject matter is tough and dark. There were some aspects that seemed far fetched to me, but unfortunately at the same time plausible in this world we live in. Eli was abducted as a child by Gabriel, brain washed and abused for "The Purpose." The story begins with Eli being sent into a mall with a wolf mask on and a bomb strapped to his chest. Maya is at the mall with her father and intervenes. The story continues with Eli and Maya's stories; such damaged children who struggle to feel normal. The feels from this book are hard to describe, heart racing throughout, almost anxiety provoking, that felt way too real. I struggle recommending this for young adult readers. Please know they need to be mature enough to understand and handle how painful this story is.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crown Books for Young Readers who allowing me an advanced read copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2019
This book was intense!!!! Here’s a boy who was kidnapped and is expected to blow up a building for his kidnappers Purpose. A girl who self mutilates by pulling her hair out and causes herself to bleed on her fingers who notices him and tries to stop him. Months later they find each other at the same school and they are told to stay away from each other so nobody will connect the two. He makes a friend who possibly isn’t good for him. She has a girlfriend that may not be so good for her. Intense from beginning to end and definitely not for the faint of heart. I had to take a break for a bit from this. Whew.
December 1, 2018
That was not only incredibly well written and suspenseful but possibly one of the most emotionally straining and stressful reads of my life. I felt so much for Eli and Maya. It was hard to read at times, definitely for a more mature audience than most YA, but absolutely amazing and I would highly recommend it to all lovers of thrillers.
Wow.
Wow.
August 29, 2018
This book hurt my heart.
The author introduces us to two damaged people and, oh, we want the best for them! These are two utterly unique characters who live and breathe and you just find yourself crying for them.
Readers should note that so much of this is painful. There is hope, but it’s tempered with the fact that, not only are our two main characters damaged, they are surrounding themselves with people who may be even more damaged.
What saved this from being five stars for me was the climax of everything. It has two issues for me:
a) It was preachy.
b) It was unrealistic.
The preachiness: we went from a story (and a very, very good one) to a lesson. Suddenly one of our characters takes the stage and lectures for a very long time. The lessons are good ones, but when they break you out of the story, that’s a problem.
The unrealistic ending: this was too easy. The fact is that things, in real life, wouldn’t end this way. It seemed like it was just a set up for the previously mentioned lecture.
The ending notwithstanding, this was still a very good book. And I used tissue…a lot of it.
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
The author introduces us to two damaged people and, oh, we want the best for them! These are two utterly unique characters who live and breathe and you just find yourself crying for them.
Readers should note that so much of this is painful. There is hope, but it’s tempered with the fact that, not only are our two main characters damaged, they are surrounding themselves with people who may be even more damaged.
What saved this from being five stars for me was the climax of everything. It has two issues for me:
a) It was preachy.
b) It was unrealistic.
The preachiness: we went from a story (and a very, very good one) to a lesson. Suddenly one of our characters takes the stage and lectures for a very long time. The lessons are good ones, but when they break you out of the story, that’s a problem.
The unrealistic ending: this was too easy. The fact is that things, in real life, wouldn’t end this way. It seemed like it was just a set up for the previously mentioned lecture.
The ending notwithstanding, this was still a very good book. And I used tissue…a lot of it.
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
October 11, 2018
***Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of ANY SECOND in exchange for my honest review.***
Eli’s kidnapper sends him into a crowded mall with instructions to detonate the bomb strapped around his waist. Maya saves him by convincing him to let the police diffuse the explosive device. Ten months later, both suffering from PTSD, Eli and Maya attend the same school with instructions not to communicate with one another. But, nobody else knows the pain and trauma they share. Danger lurks nearby and this time they may not escape with their lives.
Both Eli and Maya are complex, wounded characters. Maya had severe anxiety and OCD behaviors before the mall incident. Kevin Emerson did a nuanced job of getting into their individual heads. Some of their symptoms overlapped and some were unique. Both survivors hooked up with people terrible for them. Maya’s girlfriend was controlling and unkind, Eli’s new best friend appears dangerous and overly fascinated by Eli’s ordeal. The only part of the characters that felt unrealistic is that a traumatized Maya, who already had major issues before the bomb, would be so quick to find a new love. Some of Janice’s sexual behavior seemed more like a man’s fantasy than high school hi-jinx. Other than Janice, Emerson’s writing and characterizations were pitch perfect.
The plot kept me interested and turning pages. The climax was a bit of a melodramatic letdown which prevented me from giving five stars.
ANY SECOND will appeal to a variety of readers including those interested in mental health and mystery/thrillers.
Eli’s kidnapper sends him into a crowded mall with instructions to detonate the bomb strapped around his waist. Maya saves him by convincing him to let the police diffuse the explosive device. Ten months later, both suffering from PTSD, Eli and Maya attend the same school with instructions not to communicate with one another. But, nobody else knows the pain and trauma they share. Danger lurks nearby and this time they may not escape with their lives.
Both Eli and Maya are complex, wounded characters. Maya had severe anxiety and OCD behaviors before the mall incident. Kevin Emerson did a nuanced job of getting into their individual heads. Some of their symptoms overlapped and some were unique. Both survivors hooked up with people terrible for them. Maya’s girlfriend was controlling and unkind, Eli’s new best friend appears dangerous and overly fascinated by Eli’s ordeal. The only part of the characters that felt unrealistic is that a traumatized Maya, who already had major issues before the bomb, would be so quick to find a new love. Some of Janice’s sexual behavior seemed more like a man’s fantasy than high school hi-jinx. Other than Janice, Emerson’s writing and characterizations were pitch perfect.
The plot kept me interested and turning pages. The climax was a bit of a melodramatic letdown which prevented me from giving five stars.
ANY SECOND will appeal to a variety of readers including those interested in mental health and mystery/thrillers.
December 3, 2018
"They were alive, invincible, and yet already dead. They were everything and nothing."
Life is precious and something a lot of us take for granted but it can all be over with a blink of an eye. It only takes one second for your life to change and Maya and Eli know this first hand.
Eli walks into a crowded mall with bombs strapped to him because Gabriel (his captor) wants to send a message. Maya is at that mall and sees a boy wearing a wolf mask acting strangely. At the right moment, she walks over and puts herself in danger to save others.
When the bomb doesn’t detonate, she helps him lose track of the kidnappers brainwashing and gives him comfort as the police take over.
This story is their live’s after that day, how they cope, how they live, and the haunting memories that flood back as the anniversary draws near.
Any Second will rip your heart out and make you feel for these characters. The brutal things that they have gone through and the heartbreaking outcomes. Eli and Maya have such a strong personal connection that will make you see the best in people. They only want to help each other overcome and grow and makes you want to do the same with your life. It breaks apart what you ever thought about another and makes you see inside their minds and their hearts.
This is a heavy and riveting story that won’t be for everyone. There are some triggers in here but I think everyone needs to read this important novel. It’s something that is going to stick with you well after you completed it.
Life is precious and something a lot of us take for granted but it can all be over with a blink of an eye. It only takes one second for your life to change and Maya and Eli know this first hand.
Eli walks into a crowded mall with bombs strapped to him because Gabriel (his captor) wants to send a message. Maya is at that mall and sees a boy wearing a wolf mask acting strangely. At the right moment, she walks over and puts herself in danger to save others.
When the bomb doesn’t detonate, she helps him lose track of the kidnappers brainwashing and gives him comfort as the police take over.
This story is their live’s after that day, how they cope, how they live, and the haunting memories that flood back as the anniversary draws near.
Any Second will rip your heart out and make you feel for these characters. The brutal things that they have gone through and the heartbreaking outcomes. Eli and Maya have such a strong personal connection that will make you see the best in people. They only want to help each other overcome and grow and makes you want to do the same with your life. It breaks apart what you ever thought about another and makes you see inside their minds and their hearts.
This is a heavy and riveting story that won’t be for everyone. There are some triggers in here but I think everyone needs to read this important novel. It’s something that is going to stick with you well after you completed it.
April 3, 2022
This book was really hard to put down. It grabs you from the start and keeps you invested throughout. In the midst of a terrifying, suspenseful plot about a kidnapping domestic terrorist is a much more typical tale about the effects of recognizing ones insignificance in the universe, the idea that at any second something could wipe you out and it wouldn't be that big a deal in the grand scheme of human existence, the fear and anxiety that comes with this understanding. It's an exploration of traumatic stimuli and responses and the importance of human connection, the need to be recognized honestly but also seen beyond our brokenness...to not be treated as something fragile, but simply with empathy and understanding.
February 29, 2020
This book talks a lot about PTSD; however, sometimes the characters feel like caricatures for their traumas so the story can't breath properly.
I received an ecopy of this through netgalley; however, all opinions are my own
I received an ecopy of this through netgalley; however, all opinions are my own
October 23, 2018
3.5 Stars
Review by Morgen
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books
Any Second by Kevin Emerson is a standalone young adult psychological thriller about how deep the effects of trauma reach and how tempestuous the journey can be to breaking the emotional chains that bind you.
Eli has been held captive for five years. He was captured at the age of eleven. He was psychologically and physically tortured. His captors intent was to warp his mind and mold him into a weapon too scared to run. He is traumatized and just wants to finally make them happy.
Maya has severe anxiety linked with her OCD. She struggles to overcome her inner demons. She is a well-rounded character and has her weaknesses but also moments of great strength.
The story begins with Eli being given the task of blowing up the mall. His captor Gabriel is shoving rhetoric at him that he’s been conditioned to believe over that past five years. If he wants the torture to end, he needs to complete his task.
Maya is at the mall with her father but is inexplicably drawn to Eli and helps him realize blowing everyone up was not the right decision. After the traumatic incident at the mall, they are kept apart.
Almost a year later, they somehow end up at the same high school. Here, they make some bad choices and find themselves with friends who may not have their best interests at heart. Both Eli and Maya are haunted by their past and trying and sometimes failing to keep their fears at bay.
Any Second is written in first person and helps the reader have a well-rounded view of the story. Getting inside Eli and Maya heads was at times a dark place to be. I loved getting to know them better and their development felt natural. Both of them are dealing with trauma and despair and their vulnerability connected me them and made them feel more real to me. The story unravels quickly and takes you on a wild ride. The details were well written and sucked you in. There is a bit of romance but it is not a main focus and feels right with the storyline. I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys psychological stories.
**ARC provided for an honest review**
Review by Morgen
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books
Any Second by Kevin Emerson is a standalone young adult psychological thriller about how deep the effects of trauma reach and how tempestuous the journey can be to breaking the emotional chains that bind you.
Eli has been held captive for five years. He was captured at the age of eleven. He was psychologically and physically tortured. His captors intent was to warp his mind and mold him into a weapon too scared to run. He is traumatized and just wants to finally make them happy.
Maya has severe anxiety linked with her OCD. She struggles to overcome her inner demons. She is a well-rounded character and has her weaknesses but also moments of great strength.
The story begins with Eli being given the task of blowing up the mall. His captor Gabriel is shoving rhetoric at him that he’s been conditioned to believe over that past five years. If he wants the torture to end, he needs to complete his task.
Maya is at the mall with her father but is inexplicably drawn to Eli and helps him realize blowing everyone up was not the right decision. After the traumatic incident at the mall, they are kept apart.
Almost a year later, they somehow end up at the same high school. Here, they make some bad choices and find themselves with friends who may not have their best interests at heart. Both Eli and Maya are haunted by their past and trying and sometimes failing to keep their fears at bay.
Any Second is written in first person and helps the reader have a well-rounded view of the story. Getting inside Eli and Maya heads was at times a dark place to be. I loved getting to know them better and their development felt natural. Both of them are dealing with trauma and despair and their vulnerability connected me them and made them feel more real to me. The story unravels quickly and takes you on a wild ride. The details were well written and sucked you in. There is a bit of romance but it is not a main focus and feels right with the storyline. I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys psychological stories.
**ARC provided for an honest review**
November 19, 2018
I’m going to be honest, it took me a bit to actually think about how I felt about Any Second before writing this review. It was very uncomfortable to read at times, but that’s the point. Any Second is not filled with fluff; there’s barely any happiness at all in this book. But, honestly, can we blame the characters for that? Both were a part of a tragic event & now both are dealing with the consequences.
It seems as if none of the supporting characters truly knows what Maya and Eli are going through. Maya’s girlfriend is probably my least favorite part of Any Second. Not only is she extremely needy — I’m just gonna say it — she’s a pretty big bitch. Can we vote her off the island — ?
Any Second’s main characters struggle with PTSD; a song, an action, anything can transport Maya back to the DOC. & Eli’s brain is constantly dragging him back to the room he was tortured in. Maya also suffers from trichotillomania (hair pulling), which plays a big part in her subplot. Any Second is written in alternating chapters, so we get a deeper glance at both characters throughout the book. In my opinion & as someone who has dealt with a tragic event, Kevin Emerson represented the disorders well.
I can’t say that I enjoyed reading Any Second; as mentioned above it was very uncomfortable at times, but I can say that it was a good read. Any Second has a unique plot, and Kevin Emerson seems to have done his research on the disorders that these characters have. I really enjoyed watching these two characters coming together, despite their tragic past.
** I received a copy of Any Second by Kevin Emerson from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It seems as if none of the supporting characters truly knows what Maya and Eli are going through. Maya’s girlfriend is probably my least favorite part of Any Second. Not only is she extremely needy — I’m just gonna say it — she’s a pretty big bitch. Can we vote her off the island — ?
Any Second’s main characters struggle with PTSD; a song, an action, anything can transport Maya back to the DOC. & Eli’s brain is constantly dragging him back to the room he was tortured in. Maya also suffers from trichotillomania (hair pulling), which plays a big part in her subplot. Any Second is written in alternating chapters, so we get a deeper glance at both characters throughout the book. In my opinion & as someone who has dealt with a tragic event, Kevin Emerson represented the disorders well.
I can’t say that I enjoyed reading Any Second; as mentioned above it was very uncomfortable at times, but I can say that it was a good read. Any Second has a unique plot, and Kevin Emerson seems to have done his research on the disorders that these characters have. I really enjoyed watching these two characters coming together, despite their tragic past.
** I received a copy of Any Second by Kevin Emerson from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
March 18, 2018kevin emerson is wonderful, and i can't wait to read this.
September 22, 2018
It relies a lot on shock value. It's gripping as you're reading it, but then you get to the end and realize there wasn't a ton there.
August 22, 2018
First Thoughts:
This was such a deep and dark book that dealt with issues both psychological and physical. I don't know what's been going on lately. I've been picking up books that deal with psychological and mental issues. I mean it's not necessarily bad but it kind of gets you messed up. Does that make sense? This book may have not cut me as bad as "The fall of Innocence" but it still sliced me open.
Summary:
Eli and Maya come from two different worlds but yet are made of the same mindset. Eli was kidnapped at the age of 11 and then 5 years reappears in the form of a bomb in the middle of the mall surrounded by his own mind and what he was brainwashed to do.
Enter Maya. Always been plagued by anxiety but is at the mall with her father waiting in line to get his picture re-taken on his driver's license. She see's Eli in a kids wolf mask holding his thumb down on a bomb. Soon the two's world collides and they're both drawn together in keeping the bomb from exploding; saving not only their lives but everyone else's.
Flash forward 8 months. Eli and Maya have not seen each other since that fateful day and now are thrown in the same school. Both their families not wanting to do with the other but the tension flies with the two. Eli's captor has yet to be found and Maya's anxiety has only gotten worse. To top that off there's a certain threat looming over their school. Can they heal not only themselves but save others from their fate.
Plot:
The main focus of the book is the survival of Eli and Maya's mind. They both have a tormented mind and are living on the outside. They both make bad decisions but each one learns from them or at least tries to. The threat of "Gabriel" Eli's captor is what drives Eli to the point of fear. He has all of this brainwashing from him (5 years worth). He keeps thinking what Gabriel would think and hardly has thoughts of his own. He lives in fear almost the entire book, which was devastating at times to read. And Maya, she lives in the constant play-over of the almost detonation of the mall bomb. She resorts to picking her cuticles and pulling her hair out. It was really fascinating to see how each character adapted to what their life gave them. Some were braver than others while others could barely keep their heads above water. The plot itself, was pretty much predictable. I guessed the twists before they were revealed and I knew pretty much how this would end. Though the ending left me with a few questions unanswered. Were we as the reader supposed to draw our own conclusions? Or perhaps there's another sequel in the works? It's always hard to know for sure when reading an ARC.
Romance:
The romance wasn't a thing in this book. Don't get me wrong there were relationships but this book wasn't about that. This book is all about trying to heal and be comfortable with who you are. So romance definitely wasn't the focus of this book.
Characters:
Eli was a weak character to me but was considered one of the protagonists (or antagonist in his mind). I know he went through a lot but it wasn't like he was really trying to get better most of the book. He annoyed me at times too and was so naive. But again he was taken as an eleven year old and grew in a very sheltered life for five years. So, of course he's going to be naive. But then again there is such a thing as common sense. Some of the things he was witnessing should've been addressed immediately and I would hope an average person would address them right away. Maya was a pretty good character. I could relate to her in some ways when it came to her anxiety. We both just had different ways of dealing with it. She was weak at times as well but stronger in some areas. I still don't think we got her whole back story before this story even started but I guess that was meant to be. The other secondary characters like Eli's first friend and Maya's friend were brought in and out at the right moments. Though the parents left me yearning for a few better traits....but Eli's sister was one of my favorite secondary characters because she brought the relief the reader needed at just the right moments.
Transformation of the Character:
Both Eli and Maya did some transforming, some more in some areas than others. But I think out of the two Maya did the most transforming. She had so much stacked against her (the main thing being herself). But by the end she seemed to be different in some areas but same in others. Eli on the other hand seemed to struggle with this part of the book.
Description:
The description was well thought out. The imagery of Eli and Maya's emotions really painted what it was like being them. To feel what it was like being in extreme sensory situations. The feeling of feeling desperate and out of control when nothing seems to work to rope you back in. Mr.Emerson painted a kaleidoscope of emotions in this book and allowed the reader to experience emotional situations that the reader might never have been in before. The description of the scenes was well thought out and I could detect some foreshadowing at times as well. And the psychology of the book could've used a little bit more research. I feel like some areas in Eli's perspective could've used some more detail. Like perhaps Eli reacted in certain situations a little too dramatic or maybe not dramatic enough. Of course, I'm no psychologist so my opinion on this area could be off.
Style:
This was written in first person and in Eli and Maya's point of view. Being written in first person allowed us as the reader to experience and view the character's perspective. I really liked that Mr.Emerson did this. I think if it had been written any other form, we wouldn't have been able to understand Eli and Maya's world. To be able to see how they perceived themselves around others. And the back and forth of Eli's and Maya's point of view allowed the story to flow and be experienced at it's optimal level. Mr.Emerson's writing was really well thought out and unique. I've never read any of his previous books so I went into this blind in that perspective. But I enjoyed it and think I would definitely enjoy reading more of his writing.
Quote of the Book:
" "Innocence is ignorance. And the ignorant are complicit. You are not longer one of the sheep, are you?"
I shake my head..."I am a wolf.""
Last Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book and look forward in seeing what others think of it too. There's so much for this book to offer so I hope some of you take a chance on it. It definitely provided me with insight to a person's soul and the crippling side affects of anxiety (and let's be honest I really do know the crippling side affects of anxiety). But this is definitely a book to read if into the concept of psychology. When November 20th comes, go download or order this book, it sure will break you and put you back together in a new way; a way that will leave you more beautiful and stronger.
This was such a deep and dark book that dealt with issues both psychological and physical. I don't know what's been going on lately. I've been picking up books that deal with psychological and mental issues. I mean it's not necessarily bad but it kind of gets you messed up. Does that make sense? This book may have not cut me as bad as "The fall of Innocence" but it still sliced me open.
Summary:
Eli and Maya come from two different worlds but yet are made of the same mindset. Eli was kidnapped at the age of 11 and then 5 years reappears in the form of a bomb in the middle of the mall surrounded by his own mind and what he was brainwashed to do.
Enter Maya. Always been plagued by anxiety but is at the mall with her father waiting in line to get his picture re-taken on his driver's license. She see's Eli in a kids wolf mask holding his thumb down on a bomb. Soon the two's world collides and they're both drawn together in keeping the bomb from exploding; saving not only their lives but everyone else's.
Flash forward 8 months. Eli and Maya have not seen each other since that fateful day and now are thrown in the same school. Both their families not wanting to do with the other but the tension flies with the two. Eli's captor has yet to be found and Maya's anxiety has only gotten worse. To top that off there's a certain threat looming over their school. Can they heal not only themselves but save others from their fate.
Plot:
The main focus of the book is the survival of Eli and Maya's mind. They both have a tormented mind and are living on the outside. They both make bad decisions but each one learns from them or at least tries to. The threat of "Gabriel" Eli's captor is what drives Eli to the point of fear. He has all of this brainwashing from him (5 years worth). He keeps thinking what Gabriel would think and hardly has thoughts of his own. He lives in fear almost the entire book, which was devastating at times to read. And Maya, she lives in the constant play-over of the almost detonation of the mall bomb. She resorts to picking her cuticles and pulling her hair out. It was really fascinating to see how each character adapted to what their life gave them. Some were braver than others while others could barely keep their heads above water. The plot itself, was pretty much predictable. I guessed the twists before they were revealed and I knew pretty much how this would end. Though the ending left me with a few questions unanswered. Were we as the reader supposed to draw our own conclusions? Or perhaps there's another sequel in the works? It's always hard to know for sure when reading an ARC.
Romance:
The romance wasn't a thing in this book. Don't get me wrong there were relationships but this book wasn't about that. This book is all about trying to heal and be comfortable with who you are. So romance definitely wasn't the focus of this book.
Characters:
Eli was a weak character to me but was considered one of the protagonists (or antagonist in his mind). I know he went through a lot but it wasn't like he was really trying to get better most of the book. He annoyed me at times too and was so naive. But again he was taken as an eleven year old and grew in a very sheltered life for five years. So, of course he's going to be naive. But then again there is such a thing as common sense. Some of the things he was witnessing should've been addressed immediately and I would hope an average person would address them right away. Maya was a pretty good character. I could relate to her in some ways when it came to her anxiety. We both just had different ways of dealing with it. She was weak at times as well but stronger in some areas. I still don't think we got her whole back story before this story even started but I guess that was meant to be. The other secondary characters like Eli's first friend and Maya's friend were brought in and out at the right moments. Though the parents left me yearning for a few better traits....but Eli's sister was one of my favorite secondary characters because she brought the relief the reader needed at just the right moments.
Transformation of the Character:
Both Eli and Maya did some transforming, some more in some areas than others. But I think out of the two Maya did the most transforming. She had so much stacked against her (the main thing being herself). But by the end she seemed to be different in some areas but same in others. Eli on the other hand seemed to struggle with this part of the book.
Description:
The description was well thought out. The imagery of Eli and Maya's emotions really painted what it was like being them. To feel what it was like being in extreme sensory situations. The feeling of feeling desperate and out of control when nothing seems to work to rope you back in. Mr.Emerson painted a kaleidoscope of emotions in this book and allowed the reader to experience emotional situations that the reader might never have been in before. The description of the scenes was well thought out and I could detect some foreshadowing at times as well. And the psychology of the book could've used a little bit more research. I feel like some areas in Eli's perspective could've used some more detail. Like perhaps Eli reacted in certain situations a little too dramatic or maybe not dramatic enough. Of course, I'm no psychologist so my opinion on this area could be off.
Style:
This was written in first person and in Eli and Maya's point of view. Being written in first person allowed us as the reader to experience and view the character's perspective. I really liked that Mr.Emerson did this. I think if it had been written any other form, we wouldn't have been able to understand Eli and Maya's world. To be able to see how they perceived themselves around others. And the back and forth of Eli's and Maya's point of view allowed the story to flow and be experienced at it's optimal level. Mr.Emerson's writing was really well thought out and unique. I've never read any of his previous books so I went into this blind in that perspective. But I enjoyed it and think I would definitely enjoy reading more of his writing.
Quote of the Book:
" "Innocence is ignorance. And the ignorant are complicit. You are not longer one of the sheep, are you?"
I shake my head..."I am a wolf.""
Last Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book and look forward in seeing what others think of it too. There's so much for this book to offer so I hope some of you take a chance on it. It definitely provided me with insight to a person's soul and the crippling side affects of anxiety (and let's be honest I really do know the crippling side affects of anxiety). But this is definitely a book to read if into the concept of psychology. When November 20th comes, go download or order this book, it sure will break you and put you back together in a new way; a way that will leave you more beautiful and stronger.
December 17, 2018
I really didn’t know what to expect going into this book. I thought that the subject matter was interesting, and I wanted to know more about Eli and Maya’s stories. However, I wasn’t sure exactly what I was supposed to expect from the writing or the flow of the story itself. And after having read it, I’m still not sure how I feel about it. While I liked the characters and the ideas behind the novel, I don’t really like how the plot was carried out. Some things just felt so obvious to me, and so many things were left unanswered. It just jumped around a lot, and I was left so confused. I thought that the characters themselves were very realistic, especially for high schoolers. They seemed pretty real, and I loved the relationship between Maya and Eli. It wasn’t necessarily romantic, just a really good friendship. This book might not be for everybody, but give it a read if you’re interested in heavy subject matter and a wild ride of a book.
I was given a digital arc of this book through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was given a digital arc of this book through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 12, 2018
Intense. This is the best word I can give it. I can't say I loved this one, because I didn't. I don't think this is the kind of book you love. It was a hard read for me. I feel like there should have been trigger warnings. This material was hard. I was able to get through it but I had so much difficulty and I wasn't even triggered. Just be careful reading this one. I waver between books like this being necessary and being too much. I think the writing was done well, if a bit sloppy in places. It's not a matter of writing or technical issues. My hesitation remains with the content, and I knew that going in. Tread carefully is my best advice. It's painful and brutal but some people might absolutely need this book. Just please tread carefully.
February 25, 2022
Any Second was a great book that dealt with so many difficult subjects: abduction, abuse, mental illness. The story was compelling and I felt sucked in from the very first page. The entire book feels like a nail biter, but especially the beginning and the climax. I didn't realize until I was finished that the book is YA, but I'm not sure if it would be the best for younger teens. Overall, an excellent story with memorable characters that I'd rate 4 out of 5 stars.
December 14, 2018
This book deals with important subjects and that's why I was intrigued by it. I was curious to find out about this realistic story.
In this book we follow Eli and Maya. Eli was kidnapped and forced to put a bomb on his chest while Maya helped him that day and managed to stop the explosion from happening.
I expected this book to focus on that day but the biggest part of the book turned out to be about the year following this event and the problems they faced. I wasn't disappointed by it but it did feel a bit slower to go through than the very beginning (and ending).
(I received a copy from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for my review)
In this book we follow Eli and Maya. Eli was kidnapped and forced to put a bomb on his chest while Maya helped him that day and managed to stop the explosion from happening.
I expected this book to focus on that day but the biggest part of the book turned out to be about the year following this event and the problems they faced. I wasn't disappointed by it but it did feel a bit slower to go through than the very beginning (and ending).
(I received a copy from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for my review)
April 7, 2020
This title falls under the topic of domestic terrorism. I read this while at college before we had to retreat back to our homes as a result of Covid-19. This was certainly a page turner. It did not have the ending I expected (which of course on most occasions it’s good to have an ending you don’t suspect) which left me wondering. Quite a few details had no conclusion at the end of the book. I related to Maya and her overwhelming anxiety that resulted in bad habits. LGBTQ in the book.
June 20, 2023
3.5 stars**
November 14, 2018
*Received a copy via Netgalley*
Would I recommend? Yes
Would I read another book by this author? Yes
Would I recommend? Yes
Would I read another book by this author? Yes
December 8, 2018
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much.
The premise of this book sounded super interesting and I immediately wanted to try and get an ARC of it. I dived into it as soon as I finished the behemoth book Kingdom of Ash.
It started off pretty great, you get Eli who gets sent into the DOL to blow it up, and it goes from there. Most of the book deals with how Eli and Maye each deal with their own forms of PTSD from the situation, and for me thats where it started to get boring. Don't get me wrong, the book as a whole was good, but for me watching them struggle through things that I personally would never let myself go through was a chore.
Maya is dating Janice, Janice is ...
Eli befriends another loner in the school named Graham, and boy is he a bundle of f*ed up.
The whole book is just one big OMG DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT ALREADY feeling.
I feel like the author *should* have included more about Gabriel and Eli, maybe a portion of the book being flashbacks of his time spent there.
All in all I'd give this book about a 3.5 stars.
The premise of this book sounded super interesting and I immediately wanted to try and get an ARC of it. I dived into it as soon as I finished the behemoth book Kingdom of Ash.
It started off pretty great, you get Eli who gets sent into the DOL to blow it up, and it goes from there. Most of the book deals with how Eli and Maye each deal with their own forms of PTSD from the situation, and for me thats where it started to get boring. Don't get me wrong, the book as a whole was good, but for me watching them struggle through things that I personally would never let myself go through was a chore.
Maya is dating Janice, Janice is ...
Eli befriends another loner in the school named Graham, and boy is he a bundle of f*ed up.
The whole book is just one big OMG DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT ALREADY feeling.
I feel like the author *should* have included more about Gabriel and Eli, maybe a portion of the book being flashbacks of his time spent there.
All in all I'd give this book about a 3.5 stars.
April 24, 2018
“If we really are this close to the edge all the time, then we have to be the ones to see each other and forgive each other and accept each other like there is literally no tomorrow...”
What happens after surviving an almost mall bombing? #YAlit #PageTurner #TwoPOVs #AnySecond
What happens after surviving an almost mall bombing? #YAlit #PageTurner #TwoPOVs #AnySecond
June 14, 2019
“There’s no set amount of trauma that’s prerequisite for PTSD.”
This book focused a lot around PTSD, which is something I assumed from the very beginning. We had two main characters that were not relatable under normal circumstances that the author made very real and eventually relatable. I felt like the story was really quick to read and had one of the most unique premises of any story I’ve ever read. It was a real story of two characters who are lost trying to find themselves.
I thought that Eli’s introduction back into society was extremely unrealistic, but seemed to just work from the very beginning. I really liked Maya as a character she seemed very real. Maya was all about self medicating, doing what was unexpected, and just being herself. I wasn’t a fan of Janice or Graham from the beginning of the story, they both seem troubled and like bad influences to Eli and Maya. Because of Eli‘s early abduction he had a very hard time understanding healthy relationships, and I think that’s why Graham manipulated him from the very start.
I like the fact that I talked about two conditions that I have never heard about Dermatillomania which is the official term for “when you like to flay yourself, and pick yourself apart strip by strip”, trichotillomania which was very similar. Maya suffered from both of these conditions, which seems to stem straight from the trauma she induced the day of the mall incident. I feel like the author did a really good job writing about a sensitive topic and having all the pieces fall together. I would highly recommend this book if you are looking for a unique take on a strange situation.
This book focused a lot around PTSD, which is something I assumed from the very beginning. We had two main characters that were not relatable under normal circumstances that the author made very real and eventually relatable. I felt like the story was really quick to read and had one of the most unique premises of any story I’ve ever read. It was a real story of two characters who are lost trying to find themselves.
I thought that Eli’s introduction back into society was extremely unrealistic, but seemed to just work from the very beginning. I really liked Maya as a character she seemed very real. Maya was all about self medicating, doing what was unexpected, and just being herself. I wasn’t a fan of Janice or Graham from the beginning of the story, they both seem troubled and like bad influences to Eli and Maya. Because of Eli‘s early abduction he had a very hard time understanding healthy relationships, and I think that’s why Graham manipulated him from the very start.
I like the fact that I talked about two conditions that I have never heard about Dermatillomania which is the official term for “when you like to flay yourself, and pick yourself apart strip by strip”, trichotillomania which was very similar. Maya suffered from both of these conditions, which seems to stem straight from the trauma she induced the day of the mall incident. I feel like the author did a really good job writing about a sensitive topic and having all the pieces fall together. I would highly recommend this book if you are looking for a unique take on a strange situation.
April 3, 2020
Any Second by Kevin Emerson, 392 pages. Crown Books (Random House Children’s Books), 2018. $18
Language: R (137 swears, 60 “f”); Mature Content: R; Violence: R
BUYING ADVISORY: HS – NO
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Life was complicated before the day Maya (16yo) and Eli (15yo) were in the middle of a domestic terrorist attack, and now, nearly one year later, things have only gotten worse. No one understands what Maya and Eli had to go through, but everyone has an opinion on what happened and what they should be doing about it. With so many past and present influences telling them what to say, can Maya and Eli find their own voices?
These teens are both dealing with PTSD and trying to figure out what they want their lives to look like when everyone is telling them what they should be doing. Not every teen has to deal with the first issue, but I think we all have to figure out how to navigate the second one, especially with social media being a great influencer in today’s world. While I appreciate that message, I don’t recommend this book because reading it felt dark and hopeless and uncomfortable, and I didn’t like feeling that way. I wish there had been a greater understanding of hope; that bad things happen, but it will be okay. The mature content rating is for innuendo, sexual abuse, masturbation, partial nudity, pornography, and rape. The violence rating is for self-harm, drug abuse, underage drinking, and acts of terrorism.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
Language: R (137 swears, 60 “f”); Mature Content: R; Violence: R
BUYING ADVISORY: HS – NO
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Life was complicated before the day Maya (16yo) and Eli (15yo) were in the middle of a domestic terrorist attack, and now, nearly one year later, things have only gotten worse. No one understands what Maya and Eli had to go through, but everyone has an opinion on what happened and what they should be doing about it. With so many past and present influences telling them what to say, can Maya and Eli find their own voices?
These teens are both dealing with PTSD and trying to figure out what they want their lives to look like when everyone is telling them what they should be doing. Not every teen has to deal with the first issue, but I think we all have to figure out how to navigate the second one, especially with social media being a great influencer in today’s world. While I appreciate that message, I don’t recommend this book because reading it felt dark and hopeless and uncomfortable, and I didn’t like feeling that way. I wish there had been a greater understanding of hope; that bad things happen, but it will be okay. The mature content rating is for innuendo, sexual abuse, masturbation, partial nudity, pornography, and rape. The violence rating is for self-harm, drug abuse, underage drinking, and acts of terrorism.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
November 4, 2021
What was the plot
September 28, 2018
Elián Martinez was 10 years old when he was kidnapped walking home from school. Three years later at 14 he shows up at a local Seattle mall with a bomb strapped to his abdomen.
Maya Abrams is at the mall with her dad who is getting a new photo for his driver’s license to reflect the “new him.” She notices a boy in a wolf mask standing in the middle of the waiting room for the Department of Licensing. The boy seems lost, alone, sad so she goes up to him, and that is when she notices the detonator in his hand with a wire snaking into the arm of his sweatshirt, the bulges around his abdomen. She grabs his hand, putting her thumb over his so he cannot release the detonator and set off the bomb. Maya warns the people around them that he has a bomb. They go through the trauma together and then never see each other for over a year. Both suffering from PTSD getting therapy, and trying to put their lives back together. After that year, they both end up at Elliot High School, Maya as an 18 year old senior and now, and Eli Rivera as a 15 year old freshman. It is key for Eli’s true identity to remain a secret. Eli has difficulty doing regular tasks, like ordering lunch and eating the food off of a tray, nevermind socializing. One day he gets a note from his locker asking if he wants to hang out and saying that they know who he really is. A part of him feels like he should tell someone but the note seems friendly and it would be nice to have a friend that he doesn’t have to lie to about the last 5 years. It turns out to be the only other kid at his lunch table, named Graham who is a nerd and who gets bullied by some of the more popular kids. Graham seems unstable, always talking about being lonely, about not being understood, and more frighteningly killing everyone else in the world except him and Eli because that would make everything better. Near the end of the book Eli starts to realize that Graham is serious and he has to decide whether to remain silent or let someone know so they can stop and help Graham. While Maya and Eli are not supposed to speak to one another so as to not to blow Eli’s cover, they find that they are drawn together. They seem to understand one another and can help each other through their trauma better than anyone else. Even though Maya’s trauma started on that day and Eli’s began years before. As the anniversary of the thwarted bombing looms closer both Maya and Eli live in fear of Gabriel’s return and his vengeance, but perhaps he is no longer their biggest problem? Eli is of Latin American heritage, one biracial Asian/white minor character, and everyone else is assumed white. Emerson has obviously done tons of research for this novel. His PTSD and anxiety depictions ring true allowing the reader to really get a feeling for what is going on in Maya and Eli’s heads. It is a thriller that keeps the reader interested and reading late into the night. Emerson does an amazing job of reminding readers that a house or person can look normal from the outside, but you never know what’s going on beneath the surface unless you explore. As readers, we see what is off about Graham and the various warning signs that something isn’t quite right which will hopefully help kids speak out when there is someone in their school who desperately needs help before they do something that cannot be taken back.
This is a challenging book where readers see the moment(s) that “broke” the main characters and then have as watch as they struggle over and over, but succeed, in slowly building themselves back up again. A powerful read that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Maya Abrams is at the mall with her dad who is getting a new photo for his driver’s license to reflect the “new him.” She notices a boy in a wolf mask standing in the middle of the waiting room for the Department of Licensing. The boy seems lost, alone, sad so she goes up to him, and that is when she notices the detonator in his hand with a wire snaking into the arm of his sweatshirt, the bulges around his abdomen. She grabs his hand, putting her thumb over his so he cannot release the detonator and set off the bomb. Maya warns the people around them that he has a bomb. They go through the trauma together and then never see each other for over a year. Both suffering from PTSD getting therapy, and trying to put their lives back together. After that year, they both end up at Elliot High School, Maya as an 18 year old senior and now, and Eli Rivera as a 15 year old freshman. It is key for Eli’s true identity to remain a secret. Eli has difficulty doing regular tasks, like ordering lunch and eating the food off of a tray, nevermind socializing. One day he gets a note from his locker asking if he wants to hang out and saying that they know who he really is. A part of him feels like he should tell someone but the note seems friendly and it would be nice to have a friend that he doesn’t have to lie to about the last 5 years. It turns out to be the only other kid at his lunch table, named Graham who is a nerd and who gets bullied by some of the more popular kids. Graham seems unstable, always talking about being lonely, about not being understood, and more frighteningly killing everyone else in the world except him and Eli because that would make everything better. Near the end of the book Eli starts to realize that Graham is serious and he has to decide whether to remain silent or let someone know so they can stop and help Graham. While Maya and Eli are not supposed to speak to one another so as to not to blow Eli’s cover, they find that they are drawn together. They seem to understand one another and can help each other through their trauma better than anyone else. Even though Maya’s trauma started on that day and Eli’s began years before. As the anniversary of the thwarted bombing looms closer both Maya and Eli live in fear of Gabriel’s return and his vengeance, but perhaps he is no longer their biggest problem? Eli is of Latin American heritage, one biracial Asian/white minor character, and everyone else is assumed white. Emerson has obviously done tons of research for this novel. His PTSD and anxiety depictions ring true allowing the reader to really get a feeling for what is going on in Maya and Eli’s heads. It is a thriller that keeps the reader interested and reading late into the night. Emerson does an amazing job of reminding readers that a house or person can look normal from the outside, but you never know what’s going on beneath the surface unless you explore. As readers, we see what is off about Graham and the various warning signs that something isn’t quite right which will hopefully help kids speak out when there is someone in their school who desperately needs help before they do something that cannot be taken back.
This is a challenging book where readers see the moment(s) that “broke” the main characters and then have as watch as they struggle over and over, but succeed, in slowly building themselves back up again. A powerful read that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
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