Review: The New Kid by Temple Mathews

Name of book: The New Kid (The New Kid #1)
Author: Temple Mathews
Publication: 2009 by Teen Libris
Genre: YA Paranormal
Source: Provided by the kind publisher...

Will Hunter is used to being the New Kid; Harrisburg High School is his fifth new school in less than three years. By now, he knows not to be fooled by the bright pep rallies, the wholesome jocks, the innocent cheerleaders. He knows the evil lurking underneath. It’s the same evil that took his dad eight years ago: the same evil he battles every day.

Natalie Holand’s life fell apart the night her sister Emily disappeared. No one believes her when she tells them what she saw: yellow and green eyes, glowing beneath the surface of the water in which Emily supposedly drowned. And Emily isn’t the only person to go missing in Harrisburg lately. The town is changing, not for the better, and Natalie doesn’t know why. What she does know is that, whatever’s happening, it’s bad, and the New Kid is right in the middle of it.

Because Will has a secret even bigger than Harrisburg’s, and there’s more to it than even he knows.

This fast-paced, action-packed first novel by veteran Hollywood screenwriter Temple Mathews takes the idea of high school as hell to a whole new level. Will’s story, part wish-fulfillment sci-fi adventure and part iconic hero’s journey with a side of budding romance, will appeal to teen readers of both genders.

-- My Rating --

-- My Thoughts --

     I didn't actually expect that much from this book. Yes, the premise is strange. And yes, the cover is truly fabulous. But still, I didn't expect the "wow" factor in this book, and I was pleasantly surprised.

     Will has been moving around from school to school for the last couple of years. His mum thinks that its due to her ever-changing job, but no. It's Will who needs to move around. He needs to hunt down the things. The things that ruined his life when he was only eight years old. The things that are corrupting one town after another. The things that turn every helpless teenager into a slave.

     Will is always following his rules when settling into a new town: never get too attached. But in this new town, it's different. He can't resist Natalie's pull and Rudy's strange friendship. Will knows it's wrong to get attached, he knows that they will get hurt in the end, but can he live this lonely any longer? Can he save this town from getting infected? Can he find the master of the creatures? And will he ever live a normal teenage life? Find out much more when you read The New Kid. An action-packed, thrilling new kind of paranormal tale.

     I loved this book. Having no idea what I was reading, I got a little confused at first, but then, it got much better. I have to admit that I was worried, reading from a boy's POV. Although, the book is in third person, much of the focus is on Will. And being in Will's mind is such an experience! I never knew that boys were so thoughtful, so caring, so efficient. I loved Will, every single part of his personality.

     Temple Mathews has created a lot of supporting characters, and i liked all of them. April, Will's mum, is hiding something, but she is also caring. Natalie is an intelligent, head-strong girl, she is like a copy of me. I loved the growing attraction between Will and Natalie, it was so sweet and believable.

     If you want to have the roller coaster ride of a lifetime, with so many twists and turns that will leave your head dizzy and your heart racing, then The New Kid is you new favorite