Assessment:
Plot/Idea: The plot of The Lost Son is seemingly straightforward, but as the novel progresses the narrative becomes more diluted; in many places, readers will need to suspend belief in order to follow along. The writing trips slightly during tense scenes, particularly when the conflict is resolved too easily.
Prose: Ungurait begins with crisp prose, but falters as the action heats up. Combined with stilted dialogue and repetitive phrasing, this results in a disconnect between readers and the storyline. When Ungurait uses a more cryptic writing style, an element of mystery permeates the novel.
Originality: This story merges fantasy with a fundamental coming-of-age theme, invoking curiosity and novelty for readers. Despite familiar elements in much of the plot, there are some satisfying twists as the book wraps up.
Character Development/Execution: Ungurait is careful to differentiate the voices of the main characters, and their individual conflicts are played well against the larger backdrop of the novel. Phoenix is a likable protagonist who will grow on readers as he undergoes a painful journey of self-discovery.
Date Submitted: May 04, 2022
The Lost Son is a young adult adventure novel written by James Ungurait. The book is an exciting journey of a young man named Phoenix who goes in search of his missing mother and in doing so uncovers dangerous institutional secrets and the strength to face the shadow that has hung over him his entire life. The strong links between the narrative of the book and the character development of its protagonist were superb, with a seamless flow of story causing the character to unfold a little further, which in turn opened up more of the plot. Phoenix was a perfect protagonist for a tale such as this, someone filled with self-doubt who the right circumstances create an opportunity to reveal the strength of character underneath.The story is filled with exciting and dynamic twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat, and the investment that James Ungurait manages to create in Phoenix draws us into the emotional stakes of the story as well as the danger. The excellent prose was constantly a treat to read and the message that The Lost Son carries about the importance of learning about yourself and overcoming the things that hold you back makes it an impactful story that I hope many readers get the opportunity to enjoy. In summation, this is a thrilling and lively story that charts a fast-paced narrative focused on the growth and development of an accessible protagonist. I recommend this book to all fans of the adventure genre.
