When the Silence Ends

When the Silence Ends by Jade Kerrion

(Summary taken from the back book cover) "Seventeen-year-old Dee wants nothing more than to help her twin brother, Dum, break free from the trauma in their childhood and speak again, but the only person who can help Dum is the alpha empath, Danyael Sabre, whom the U.S. government considers a terrorist and traitor. The search for Danyael will lead Dee and Dum from the sheltered protection of the Mutant Affairs Council and into the violent, gang-controlled heart of Anacostia. Ensnared by Danyael's complicated network of friends and enemies, Dee makes her stand in a political and social war that she is ill equipped to fight. What can one human, armed only with her wits and pepper spray, do against the super-powered mutants who dominate the Genetic Revolution? America, nevertheless, is ripe for change. Exhausted by decades of belligerence between humans and their genetic derivatives, the clones, in vitros, and mutants, society is on the verge of falling apart or growing up. Which path will it choose, and can a mere human, her sassy attitude and smart mouth notwithstanding, light the way to a better future?"

I enjoyed this book. It is very different, and in this case, different is good. It's so creative and unique. I like the sci-fi genre, but I haven't read a lot of sci-fi books. That may change because of this book. I like that sci-fi makes you think a little into the future. I liked Ms. Kerrion's writing style. She drew me in from the beginning, and she kept me there throughout. I liked the characters and thought the character development was very good. I really liked Dee, Dum, Danyael, and Jessica. Dum and Danyael, especially, intrigued me. I found their characters so fascinating, and I wanted to know more about them and their abilities. I loved that Dum's music could have such a profound effect on those who heard it. I wish there were someone out there that had his ability. We could use some more of that. And Danyael, wow. I couldn't get enough of him. Even after I finished I thought I had just skimmed the surface of his personality, ability, and depth. Also, I loved that Dee is a strong female character. I just wanted to yell, "You go girl!" She's tough and yet tender and insightful. Her love of Dum was so sweet. You could tell they were siblings because they did fight, but they also cared for, protected, and loved each other. I wasn't sure where the story was going, but I did enjoy the ride. I thought it had some good twists and turns and was, for the most part, believable. I felt like I was right there in Anacostia, and I love when I can get pulled into a story like that.

There is some language in this book along with violence. There is gang violence and bad guy violence, and there are some scenes that are graphic. Characters do die. I thought it could have been just a little longer. I felt there was a lot of lead-up to the end, and then it just kind of ended. I liked the ending, but thought there could have been just a little more. That was my only criticism, if you could call it that. I did enjoy the book and would like to read more about these characters.

Rating: PG-13+ (Language, violence, death of characters)

Recommendation: 16 and up. It may be ok for some younger teens, but I recommend the parents read it first. Each child is different. I think it has a little too much language and violence for a 14 year-old, but that is just my humble opinion.

Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.