Discovery of the Five Senses: The Urban Boys

By K.N. Smith

Via: Author Request

Genre: Young Adult/Light Fantasy/ Action and Adventure

Note: We received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Before we jump into this review, Kimber wants to make one thing perfectly clear: She is not happy about Her Momness forgetting dinner because she was so absorbed in this book, she forgot what time it was.

Not that we’ve got that out of the way…

Basic Plot

The fate of humanity hangs in the balance as five high school friends battle evil with their unusual gifts and abilities. Meanwhile, there’s a reason the nearby “forbidden preserve” is forbidden. You so do not want to go there.

So of course that’s exactly what Jordan, Alex, Kinsu, Rhee and Chase do after the big football game. That’s when they meet their destiny – and the shock of their lives – when they each receive a specific heightened sense. Sight, sound, touch, taste and smell become “super gifts” that may change the world forever. But furious battles confront the boys as they try to understand their sensory super powers in a race to save mankind.

Kindly note that gifts of five heightened senses were never intended for only one person. Bent on world domination, the evil Druth has three of the gifts. If he gets two more, he’ll “Control the senses of all mankind, causing mass destruction and death.”

Druth will stop at nothing to nab the last two gifts, including murder. Can the boys “stay together and stay focused” long enough to save themselves, their town, and humanity?

Also…

There are also fluttering “light balls.” (Mom kept thinking “Tinkerbell.” On steroids.) And what’s up with those clicking noises? The “one who sees and hears much”? Old Mrs. Perkins? And the “Dark Stranger” dude. He’s a little Aragorn. A little Mandalorian. (And yes, Mom had “Druth” pegged by page 22. She’s just funny that way.)

Humming

Expertly crafted and richly textured, this light fantasy/adventure novel hums with energy and oomph. A delightful read, it’s quick and captivating, whizzing from page to page at warp speed. The writing is also top-notch. Bonus points: It’s clean.

This is also a refreshing read, especially since Mom just finished a barf-worthy slog that waaaay over-promised and under-delivered. Gag me with Meow Mix says Kimber. Yea, verily. We were about to give up on YA novels. But Discovery of the Five Senses’ “electrifying” plot renewed our faith in YA-ville. Selah.

Outstanding

Indeed, this light fantasy is an outstanding accomplishment, especially for a first-in-a-series novel. Mom read it start to finish in one sitting. Did I mention she even read it right through dinner? (Believe you me, one of us was not happy about that oopsie. Arf! Arf! But Mom made up for it later. She even shared her steak with me. So all is forgiven.)

Anyway, says Kimber, where was I? Oh yeah. Discovery of the Five Senses. It’s a “razzle-dazzle good time.” (Mom’s phrase. No idea what that means. Can you eat it?) But you don’t want to miss this one. It’s a keeper. So I’d grab a copy ‘fize you. Now would be good.

You gonna eat that?

***

Our Rating: 4.5