J.L. Knight’s Glintborn Fools introduces readers to four teens from the quiet town of Colville, Washington, whose ordinary lives are thrown into chaos. Aria, whose life is ruled by an autoimmune disease, Sorin, a football player burdened by his looks and the wealth of his father, Michael, a teammate desperate to escape his low-class circumstances, and Claire, Sorin’s kind-hearted, popular cheerleader sister, are all forever changed after a mysterious light fills the night sky. Each gains newfound abilities: Michael discovers a sentient metal, Claire begins to see auras, Aria is miraculously cured and can perceive a shimmering dust, while Sorin starts to question his family’s secrets. As they adjust to their new powers, they stumble upon deep-rooted truths that threaten not just their town, but potentially the world itself. And amidst it all, a vampire with a thirst for blood lurks in the shadows.

This book was a captivating read that kept me hooked from the very first page. The action kicked off early and never let up, pulling me deeper into the unfolding mystery. I especially loved the small-town setting. There’s something thrilling about epic, fantastical adventures happening in the most unsuspecting places. Even Seattle makes an appearance, serving as home to a powerful vampire faction. The range of mythical creatures in this world is phenomenal, hidden elves, deities, dragons, and fauns, all navigating a tense coexistence. Knight masterfully weaves these elements together, creating an intricate mystery that entices you to keep reading, always leaving just enough unanswered to lure you into the next book. The villain is particularly well-written, dark, and complex, evoking pure hatred, which only heightens the drama. At first, I was intrigued by how easily Claire accepted the strange events unfolding around her. What I initially thought might be a bit too convenient in the story soon revealed itself to be a clever narrative choice. The other characters even acknowledge her calm attitude, turning what seemed like a simple reaction into a thoughtful and deliberate plot point. Although the pacing starts off at a rapid speed, it soon finds a comfortable rhythm, striking a perfect balance as the story progresses.

If you’re a fan of young adult fiction brimming with angst, magic, and sentient metals, I highly recommend Glintborn Fools. Knight has crafted an engaging page-turner, setting the stage for what promises to be a fantastic series. I’m already eager to dive into the next installment.

Pages: 243 : ASIN : B0CWFDM6WQ