The author creates a very well-crafted visual world that the reader can easily picture themselves in as they follow the characters through their hijinks and adventures creating a captivating read that you won’t want to put down. 4/5 stars. ~Books a Plenty Book Reviews
Welcome or unwelcome. Fate has arrived.
A suspenseful incident in a forbidden preserve heightens the senses of five friends. Sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell become super-gifts that forever change the world. But furious battles confront the boys as they try to understand their sensory super powers in a race to save mankind. With light beings and mysterious strangers complicating their plight, will the boys be able to defeat the evil Druth before it’s too late? Get prepared for the twisting and grinding of this award-winning, action-adventure story — an edge-of-your-seat narrative for young and mature readers alike.
An energetic adventure debut with stellar action sequences. Smith’s writing is intelligent and often lyrical. Her exuberant prose never fails to dazzle. – Kirkus Media Read the full review. - Kirkus Reviews, also featured in Kirkus Magazine
The Urban Boys hits the ground running and never looks back. Author K.N. Smith uses her mastery of the written word to weave an entrancing, yet powerful tale of bonding, loyalty, and adventure that keeps you turning pages in an unquenchable desire to find out what happens next. The author’s matchless prose details cinematic fight sequences and fully developed characterizations especially in a final, stupendous scene that will take your breath away and leave you limp with spent emotions. Five stars for this imaginative and inspiring story, sure to be as appealing to general audiences as it will be to the YA crowd! - Publishers Daily Reviews
EXCERPT
Alluring midnight seeped through the preserve, where huge, wavy leaves danced beneath the moonlight. The setting was suited for a late-night encounter between two friends. But almost immediately, their conversation went awry. “Everything’s alright, I guess.” Ross Dawson weighed his words. His eyes roamed away from his friend. “But you’ve changed.”
An imposing Joaquin Grayson grabbed Ross’s arm, squeezing it to the point of pain. “You don’t think I’m capable of leading us in the right direction, do you? We can’t stay here going nowhere. I chose you to go with me. We need to stick together!”
His long nails dug into Ross’s skin, the piercing, half-moon impressions nearly bursting through. His flaming hand absorbed Ross’s fear, the constricted flow of blood beating against his palm.
Ross bore the numbness of his arm. “Look at you. It’s like I don’t even know you anymore!”
“We’ve been doing fine for almost a year.” A blush wine color flooded Joaquin’s cheeks. “Why do you want to cut out now?”
For the first time, Ross trusted himself to speak up, to question the mounting dissension clouding their friendship. “Man! Why do you need so much power?”
He remembered when a youthful adventure had first brought them to these forbidden woods. A place with tales of strange happenings, mysterious noises, and unsolved disappearances… or so it was said.
During that youthful adventure, they’d all changed. Then, he’d changed. And somehow, the misunderstood, glowing energy that had dripped from the huge leaves awakened a solo ambition fueled by wrought emotions.
Regardless, the two friends stood firm in the dark night.
Joaquin breathed deeply. As a result of Ross’s questions, and while wondering what would happen to Ross’s gift, he set his intention. He let go of Ross’s arm and ran his fingers through his long, thick hair.
He stilled his lean, muscular frame, restraining the rising tension in his body, hiding any indication of his next move. Still clutching his hair, Joaquin closed his eyes, listening for Ross’s movements. He knew he would not be able to turn back. It’s on me. I’m the only one who can build a new way of life.
K.N. Smith, winner of the “Best of” in the category of “Outstanding Young Adult Novel” at the Jessie Redmon Fauset Book Awards, and a Readers’ Favorite “Gold Medal” honoree for “Young Adult – Mystery”, is an author and passionate advocate of literacy and arts programs throughout the world. Her lyrical flair sweeps across pages that twist and grind through action-adventure and urban fantasy in edge-of-your-seat narratives. K.N. has over twenty-five years’ experience in communications and creative design as an award-winning consultant. Reading is still her foremost hobby. K.N. inspires people of all ages to reach their highest potential in their creative, educational, and life pursuits. Visit K.N. Smith at:
Author's Giveaway
Fantastic excerpt, Discovery of the Five Senses sounds like a book that I will enjoy sharing with my granddaughter!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing it with me and have a marvelous week!
I liked the excerpt.
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