Book Review: David Massie and the Quantum Flux

David Massie and the Quantum Flux. Andrew M. Nehring, IngramSpark, 2021, Trade Paperback and E-book, 134 pages.

Reviewed by Kelly Fumiko Weiss.

Andrew M. Nehring’s middle-grade science fiction novel, David Massie and the Quantum Flux is the first in a series of David Massie books. In the Quantum Flux novel, the protagonist, David, is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his genius brother, Morgan. The pressure is on when the reader finds out that David is the only one who knows that Morgan left to pursue something otherworldly. In the five years since his departure, David has done his best to learn as much as he can about the technology that Morgan left behind while also trying to live up to his brother’s legacy. 

Unbeknownst to David, a seemingly evil and dark figure has a plan for him. One day, as David and his friend Rory walk home, a dark figure casts them in a purple light that will forever change their lives. David and Rory are thrown into an adventure that involves aliens, reality portals, technology beyond imagination, and a whole new world of people, like Time Cops, all of which David never knew existed. As the story progresses, David and a Time Cop called “C.P.” decide their mission is to restore David’s life back to normal. However, it quickly becomes clear to them that they may not be the ones making decisions. 

Nehring does a wonderful job of world-building and detailing his vision for the locations, creatures, and situations in this novel in ways that readers of all ages can enjoy. The chapters are well-paced and keep you wanting to turn the pages. The book’s vivid imagery will keep your imagination engaged. My only regret about reading this book is the cliffhanger at the end! Nehring does a great job of ensuring that you will pick up the next book in the series, as you absolutely will want to know what happens next.

Lovers of science fiction will appreciate Nehring’s storytelling in David Massie and the Quantum Flux. Young readers who are new to the genre will get pulled in by the relatable characters, the fun storylines, the dazzle of the tech, and the imaginative secret worlds Nehring creates. This book deserves the highest praise. I even plan to pass this book along to my daughter because I know she will thoroughly enjoy it too.

Book Review: The F Words

The F Words. Barbara Gregorich, Cross Your Heart, imprint of City of Light Publishing, Buffalo NY, September 1, 2021, Electronic, Paper, approx. 380 pages.

Reviewed by Lisa Lickel.

It is completely refreshing to read a book about a good kid making restitution for doing a bad thing while figuring out constructive ways to deal with injustice. Chicago high school sophomore Cole Renner comes to grips with the fact that he is not going to change the world all at once, but that he can and should make a difference in his own environment.

Barbara Gregorich uses her experience as an activist and lover of sports to create a marvelous cast of eclectic teachers, staff, students, and parents in this street-level view of precarious teen life in contemporary Chicago. Cole is beyond frustrated when his father receives jail time for leading a protest against closing a local public elementary school. All this over a grade school, Cole thinks. It’s one more event in a long list of frustrations over inequality, petty revenge, getting dumped by his girlfriend, and upside-down thinking he encounters in his life.

Taking out his anger at the “system” by tagging the school with a vulgarity one night at the beginning of the school year, he’s caught in the act by his English teacher who happens to be in the neighborhood. Quick and creative thinking combine to form an unusual punishment. Cole shows his quality of character by taking to heart and learning from this unique assignment of creating at least two poems a week featuring a word that begins with the letter F for the remainder of the school year.

Cole’s journey of self-discovery involves applying cross-country running advice from an empathetic coach, the deep love of his parents, the experience of visiting his father in the Cook County jail, watching his mother learn how to cope with brief single parenting, and from his boss at his afterschool job at a greenhouse. During an event in which Cole supports his friend Felipe’s class presidency campaign, Cole observes that Felipe is breathing “like he’s in a race. Then I realize he is. Not an actual race, but a race to represent tenth graders. To argue for what he believes in.”

The F Words is an enlightening book for middle and high school. While it does contain limited and mild appropriately situational cursing, I recommend it, especially to foment family discussions on social justice and youth activism.

Book Review: The Trickster

The Trickster, Dorothy A. Winsor. Inspired Quill, March 27, 2021, Print and Kindle, 330 pages.

Reviewed by Barbara Belford.

Dorothy A. Winsor’s young adult fantasy, The Trickster, takes its name from one of the gods in the world in which the novel is set, and true to its namesake, the book spins a tale that keeps readers on their toes, with plot twists and complex main characters.

Dilly—an abandoned street girl—attempts to transform her rough ways to play the role of Lady Elenia’s court attendant. Her beloved dog, Tuc—a fierce and loyal companion—plays an integral part in the story. Fitch—the son of a well-known smuggler with a gift of mind control—seeks revenge for the poisoning of his sweetheart. When Dilly meets Fitch, they unite in foiling a plot to overthrow Elenia’s father, Suryan, the ruler of Lac’s Holding, but unwittingly jeopardize both their goals.

Fitch finds it difficult to hunt for the distributor of the poisonous mage flower and still be a credit to his father’s smuggling business as a trained healer. But when his estranged mother, who he hasn’t seen since he was three, appears and offers him the possibility of a new life where he will be free to be himself, he is tempted to leave Lac’s Holding and his quest to find out the truth about his sweetheart’s death.

Dilly was orphaned as a child when her mother got sick and died, after the man she and Dilly followed to Rin City deserted them. Now, Dilly swears her allegiance to Lady Elenia, trying to fulfill her need to belong. Her street ways prove invaluable when Elenia needs to travel among the commoners.

As if the stakes aren’t high enough, war is looming, and The Watch is bearing down on the townspeople.

The medieval setting with a touch of magic provides a great place for Dilly and Fitch to work out what it means to fit in and belong when family doesn’t provide the love they need. The important theme of loyalty runs through this third book in the series, beginning with the commitment of a dog, and explores whether loyalty to family is obligatory when family has betrayed their own blood. The element of trust—who it’s safe to trust, and learning to trust again after being betrayed—is closely tied to the need to be loved and valued throughout the book.

YA readers and adults who love YA fantasy will appreciate the world-building, especially the wonderful names of characters and places. The Trickster is a clean read, with the perfect balance of espionage and romance. 

I’ve been told that good fiction always has a smoking gun and a ticking clock. The Trickster is full of both with action and suspense. It will keep you intrigued right up to the ending.