What kid doesn’t want to be a super hero? Imagine stepping into a world where two boys suddenly have the power to take on the bullies and save the day. In the small coal mining town of Rossolington, Alex and Ian ingest nanobots by accident and suddenly their bodies and lives are transformed by this alien race. While fighting a bully Alex swallows a live bug which turns him into a hybrid human-bug. With their new-found abilities to become part bug, part human Alex and Ian decided to help Alex’s father uncover a conspiracy at the coal mine and take on the town bully.

Stewart Hoffman has written a novel that will appeal to young adult reader as well as adults looking for a fun and quick read. The Bug Boys takes place in the small coal mining town of Rossolington. The mine is owned by the sketchy business man Donald Brock who only cares about profits and considers the safety of the workers to be an annoyance to his schedule. While digging the mine to a record depth the miners unknowingly awake a group of aliens called nanobots.

The concept of an alien robot being able to turn humans into bugs is entertaining on it’s own and is brought to the next level by Stewart Hoffmans writing. The challenges that Alex and Ian face, a bully that tries to steal their lunch money, is a relatable problem that is creatively solved in The Bug Boys. So often in super hero stories does the character go stomping around indiscriminately destroying things. Which is why I was happy to see a different approach taken by the author to throw a twist into the end of the story that will show how, despite having super human powers, the power of compassion and humanity will win. The novel expertly highlights the struggle to do what is right vs getting revenge. Stewart Hoffman has the ability to entertain while also showing that being good isn’t always easy or fun.

Overall The Bug Boys is an entertaining read that will appeal to young readers, especially boys looking for something fun and a bit on the gross side. It is an easy read and not too long so it will hold their interest. I felt that the book left open the possibility of more novels to come, and I look forward to it.

Pages: 199 | ASIN: B076716DNT