The Clarke brothers had grown accustomed to the monsters only they could see, but confronting gods is proving to be a far graver challenge. The two ran away from home to shield their family from the menacing creatures, but a twist of fate sees them lose their magical protection. The duo soon find themselves caught in a celestial war over the fate of the gods. Loathe to be pawns in divine schemes, they discover gods are as petty and flawed as humans. Just as the Clarke brothers find a safe place where they might fit in, their world is turned upside down again. The brothers are thrust into the complexity of good and evil, realizing life is full of shades of grey – until it isn’t. Facing an uncertain destiny, they must forge unlikely alliances, learn to trust their friends, and muster faith in themselves to protect each other and find a place to call home. In this tale of courage and camaraderie, every choice they make tips the scale between peril and salvation, not just for them, but for humanity.
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: The God Squad is a YA Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror novel about brothers Mathew and Miles, two extraordinary boys who can see gods and monsters, and the extraordinary journey they're forced to undertake. On the road alone to protect their family, they're soon caught up in a war that will determine the fate of the gods as well as humanity.
Prose: The Deyerins' descriptions are clever and detailed and they waste no time getting into it. Their prose brings the reader into the brothers' astonishing lives, and the descriptions are almost visceral, especially when describing the brothers' reactions to frightening-looking creatures.
Originality: There are many books about teenagers and gods, but The God Squad stands apart, not least because of the brothers' extraordinary dilemma, the varied cast of characters, and the secrets so many of them try to conceal. That, coupled with the brothers' adventures and a a ferocious winner-take-all final battle, makes for an intriguing read.
Character/Execution: Mathew and Miles are real and root-able, genuinely good kids trapped in a mess not of their own making. They come from a loving family, one they deliberately chose to leave in an attempt to ensure their safety, a family that tries to help them long-distance. The other characters are equally intriguing, all with their own faults and foibles–even the gods.
Date Submitted: August 31, 2024
These Characters Will Capture Your Hearts
The Deyerins' "Thunder and Pomp" is a fusion of mythological and the intimate struggles of its characters. The authors skillfully balance action-packed sequences with heartfelt moments, crafting a story that is as thrilling as it is touching. The vivid descriptions and imaginative settings transport readers to a world that feels at once ancient and urgently contemporary. This novel not only entertains but also invites reflection on the nature of heroism and the timeless relevance of myths in our lives.
