By accidentally “lighting up” on a train -- bursting into flame and nearly burning a man to death -- she’s put herself and her brothers in danger. If their powers are discovered, they could be sent back to the lab where they were born and from which they narrowly escaped. Now they have a run away again, or stand their ground and try to fight for their lives.
Over the course of one long day, Juana and her brothers are forced to decide how far they’ll go to stay together. But no matter what they choose, nothing can prepare them for how it might end.
R.J. Goldman is a writer, artist, and maker of GIFs. She has been writing since elementary school, and sometimes she even finishes things. When she isn't writing or working her day job, R.J. is probably on Instagram, where she runs two official fan accounts for artists you should be listening to (@teamfeidtexas & @nohemyupdates).
“Nothing” introduces Juana Perez, a young woman with extraordinary powers. She’s just trying to live her life when an unfortunate encounter on a train reveals her hidden powers. Juana’s anonymity and safety are threatened as the events go viral and unwanted attention ensues.
Overall, I enjoyed this novella. It’s a very quick read, filled with action, and it moves along quite nicely. The author does a nice job in giving each of the main characters their own voice and gives insight into the relationships between them. I especially liked insight into the inner turmoil of the “siblings” desire to have a more normal life. The premise is interesting, although not exactly unique, and the story feels like a novella prequel to me. The ending especially felt like a preview of more to come. I hope that the author further develops the characters and evolves their powers in future stories.
This story gets you in the action right away. Definitely a great set up to keep reading.
I appreciate the writing style of not explaining too much. But sadly I only figured out that one of the characters was blind when I was 20% in. Even though I did feel like maybe I missed the clues, I still felt like it wasn't clear enough for me.
The special powers of these 4 people are amazing, and were so much fun to read about. I did feel like they weren't as old as they were told in the book, but it also made me feel a connection because I'm around the same age.
I want to know more about the characters! I’m already invested in everyone. The story was well-developed in the short story. I can’t wait to read more!
Juana has a secret gift and when she is faced with unwanted attention, her (un)natural reaction opens her up to publicity that she doesn’t want or need. This will have life changing consequences not only for her, but for her siblings. Their secret revealed, they pull together like never before, with grim results. Can they maintain their everyday lives or will they be in danger for ever?
I don’t normally review novella’s but this one caught my attention and I’m glad it did. It’s a tightly written story of family and trust with a believable speculative premise.
The opening reveals a situation that many people can relate to. How often have you wondered about being able to react just as Juana does. But here, the author skillfully points up the consequences of the gift, a fear of being revealed to be different, of loss of control, that not only Juana but her siblings could be revealed.
Later, with the family, in the short time we are with them, we see the differing dynamics between siblings, the tensions and the love.
Verging on a YA book, this speculative fiction piece is all on point. Fast paced scenes, emotional engagement, a gripping story – check, check and check. I hope there is a sequel, because I would like to read it!
This was a nice and short novella, so I’ll keep the review short too!
Nothing reminds me of a more adult version of James Patterson’s Maximum Ride series, where children are raised in labs to be the subjects of experiments that gift them superpowers. However, those children break out and now try to live “normal” lives in the real world, even though their scientific “parents” cannot allow that to happen and instead hunt them down.
This tiny book is packed full of action. It’s a quick read, not only because of the length, but also because the plot keeps the pages turning. And the best part? The plot, world, characters–they all feel full. Despite the number of pages, this feels like a complete story with authentic characters who have true backgrounds and everything. I was actually a bit disappointed when it ended because I wanted to continue reading about these kids! I want to know more about their superpowers (dope elemental magic), more about their lab situation (sounds traumatizing), and more about what they’re going to do next (vigilantes, anyone?).
LGBT+ representation is also always a plus.
Overall, great read for those wanting something quick and enticing, and especially for those (like me) who miss the days of Max and her flock.