Katie Slivensky

DNF @ 9%

The idea is solid. There is some inclusivity (Miranda has her numbers and order thing). Not sure about other characters, did not get that far. Supposedly it has diversity, what with kids from different countries. Again - not sure how well it's tackled because did not get far.

"Merit for the win" is a good approach in the world full of stories about Very Special Snowflakes. Though one could argue how there are whooping SIX Snowflakes in this story, of which Miranda happens to be one. So the jury is out on this particular bit.

It's written in first person, which I find problematic more often than not. It just raises flags from the get-go. *shrug* Generally it would not be much of a problem. BUT, a big fat BUT. The writing sounds NOTHING like a 13-year-old, nevermind how smart they are. If read without any prior information, this could be pegged as YA. It just doesn't have the feel of an MG book.

The writing is somewhat clunky and bogged down by unnecessary descriptions and weird phrasing. It was also quite tedious, and no kid would keep reading when nothing seems to happen. Because nothing much happened by the time I abandoned all hope and quit. And that's with me persisting. Kids would drop it sooner IMO.

On paper it sound like a good read for kids with interest in science, adventure and space. Yet here we are. The reality is quite different.

FINAL VERDICT : CANNOT RECOMMEND… (plus d'informations)

Are you studying earth science with a middle-grade student? This might be the perfect fictional tag along. Is it unlikely that children would be asked to do the tasks of actual scientists? Well, yeah. However, if you suspend your disbelief long enough you'll get sucked into this adventure. This is the twistiest of twisty plots so I don't want to say too much.

Here's the gist: The Seismic Seven follows several kids that are a part of a summer program led by prominent geologist Dr. Samantha Grier in Yellow Stone. They think they won a contest, turns out they are a part of a major event..or rather they are chosen to help stop this major event...a volcano eruption that will create massive destruction to the Earth.

I think even YA readers will find it intriguing- I did. I also want to get my hands on a copy of Kate's other book- The Countdown Conspiracy.

Please note that I received a free advance E ARC of this book from Edelweiss without a review requirement or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that, I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.… (plus d'informations)