Review: Arson by Estevan Vega

TITLE: Arson
AUTHOR: Estevan Vega
FORMAT: Paperback, 318 pages
GENRE: Thriller (?)
SOURCE: Received book from the author
AVAILABLE: May 4, 2010


Description from the author:

Arson Gable feels like a freak. He can create fire. He never asked for it. He never wanted it. But he can’t shut it off. Before now, three things were true: he both loved and despised his grandmother; his life was going nowhere; and he was alone. But when a strange girl—who feels more normal behind a mask than inside her own skin—moves in next door, Arson hopes to find something he’s never had: purpose. Using what he fears most about himself, Arson must face his consuming past and confront the nightmare that is his present as he walks the fine line between boy and monster. Dark, moody, and breathtakingly relevant, Arson, the chilling chronicle of an isolated boy with unimaginable ability, is sure to ignite the hearts and minds of a new generation.

My Thoughts:
Arson is an unique 17-year old who can create fire with his mind. He lives with his bipolar grandmother, whom he has a love-hate relationship with, and works at an ice-cream shop. He's haunted by his dreams and doesn't have much control over his supernatural power, though he's working on it. He feels so alone but all that changes when Emery moves into the house next door. Emery has problems of her own; her parents are fighting, they keep moving, never to stay in the same place for long, and she always wears a mask. 

Each being a loner, Arson and Emery don't immediately hit it off but slowly learn to let each other in. Both are very candid with each other. I love Emery's up front honestly and wittiness; her remarks made me laugh.

"It's a mask." [...] "What, you've never seen a mask before?"

"I have, but not one like this. It's freaky. You know, for a girl. You friends with Michael Myers?"

Both the blurb and the cover for Arson caught my immediate attention. The story is unique and compelling. Arson is told from a 3rd person narrative but Vega's direction and character shift is easy to follow. The beginning was a little rough around the edges for me. I didn't feel a connection with the story at first. I found it difficult to stay focused and in tune with Arson (I had to start over from the beginning and read it again). But things quickly picked up on page 21, when Arson is at work and Mandy walks in, and well made-up for the rough start.

The ending to have had a bit of a comic book feel to it. I can't wait for the sequel to where Vega takes the story next. Arson has a killer cliffhanger ending. I kept turning the last page, over and over again, thinking there has to be more of the story left in this book somewhere...? But no, that was it. Lucky for Vega, he is currently working on the sequel. I may hound him from time to time until he gets it done....I am anxiously awaiting the sequel *hint hint*. I'm definitely getting my hands on that sucker as soon as it comes out!

Vega's writing is raw, gritty and dark yet there is a soft side hidden between the text. There were even some times when I laughed out loud. He certainly has a craft for depicting a world like no other. His writing proves that he is wise beyond his years. This is Vega’s third novel and he’s only 21! He’s definitely an author to watch out for! 

The Book Vixen's Rating

Where to find Estevan Vega
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