Review: Strangelets by Michele Gagnon

Strangelets by Michele Gagnon.

Soho Press
Publication Date: April 2013
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9781616951375

Review: Three unconnected teens around the world plunge into death at precisely the same time find themselves in an abandoned hospital with no understanding of their whereabouts or how to leave. Strangelets by Michelle Gagnon explores an alternate reality in which the earth has been nearly destroyed, and a horror awaits those that try to fight the evil that lies beyond the hospital doors.

Sophie, Declan, and Anat awake in separate rooms in a stark hospital that has long since been abandoned. Discovering that three other teens are also held hostage in the hospital, they all set out together to find a way past locked doors. Once they reach the outside world, they find that it is not what they expect. Instead of the green, grassy earth with wildlife and beautiful architecture, they are faced with destruction. It becomes abundantly clear that something or someone has brought them together, but why? Off in the distance, a horrifying sound emanates. It is the sound of a beast - a beast with the power to kill and the need to consume human flesh. Trying to make sense of their purpose and the world that surrounds them, the six teens head out on a terrifying quest for answers. But, will the answers be ones they want to hear?

Michelle Gagnon has written an intriguing alternate-reality novel. Teens will find themselves identifying with the main characters who experience the breadth of human emotions as they seek answers. A love triangle, a boy seeking his father, and angry teens just wanting to return to their real lives are easy characters to appeal to the target audience. Some characters however are nearly annoying. It doesn't take long before readers wish the beasts would remove Anat from the story. Undoubtedly, Gagnon created Anat to add dissonance between characters. But, the dissonance may have been too much. Additionally, Gagnon creates a world that can only be found in a nightmare. Readers will find themselves gripping onto the book as they forge ahead into the wee hours of the night awaiting the anticipated moment when all the questions will be answered and life will return to normal. A complex science lies at the center of the explanation, which might be confusing for readers; however, it is the only logical way to explain their fate. Strangelets is the epitome of creepy and weird, and it is perfect for teens who enjoy reading horror novels that stretch beyond reality.

Review written by (th grade student).

We would like to thank Soho Press for providing a copy of Strangelets for this review.

Have you read Strangelets? How would you rate it?