It's not every day that a well-accomplished author stops by my blog and introduces themselves. I've been lucky enough to host the likes of Poppy Orion and Heidi Harris. However, it's even rarer that one will decide to review MY story instead of the other way around. Nevertheless, that's where I have the honor of finding myself today.
Jennell Brown, aka "BooksbyJennell," has decided that The Adventures of Rascal Boy and Marionette was just too exciting to not gush about. It has, after all, been on the "Top Faved" list of Kindle Vella for 20-straight weeks, and Episode 40 recently went live.
Jennell has read RBAM through the end of Phase 3 (with a sneak peek at Phase 4), the last Episode of which doesn't go live on Kindle Vella until September 1st. So, she knows a thing (or ten) about the future of Season 1, and where it is headed, that no one else in the world aside from my wife and one or two others knows.
Hopefully, this review ramps up your appetite and gets you to check out the fascinating world of RBAM if you haven't already. Click here to read it.
Without further ado, here is Jannell's review:
In a world where extraordinary powers collide with ordinary lives, “The Adventures of Rascal Boy and Marionette” dives into the compelling journey of Rascal Boy, Joey, and Marionette, his older sister Mary. The story is an emotionally gripping and intricately crafted sci-fi thriller that explores the thin line between heroism and chaos. It dives deep into the psyche of Joey and Mary as they navigate the intricate world of superhuman abilities and personal turmoil.
Joey possesses powerful and potentially dangerous abilities which are still developing, and this makes him a wildcard in terms of the extent of his abilities and their consequences. His vulnerability creates tension and urgency in the plot, making it easy to wonder what will happen next. His willingness to step up and protect Mary showcases his courage and determination to help others. However, his impulsive actions add an element of unpredictability, as he seems to act without considering the potential consequences of his powers. This contrast between his desire to make a difference and his lack of experience as a superhero creates an intriguing dynamic.
As he battles with his powers, he finds himself torn between the legacy of his father and the overwhelming emotions that threaten to consume him. The exploration of Joey's internal struggles is masterfully portrayed, showcasing the emotional toll that wielding such immense power can have on an individual. His nightmares and guilt serve as haunting reminders of the consequences of his actions, reminding me that even the most extraordinary individuals are not immune to the human experience of fear and remorse. This raw portrayal of vulnerability adds layers of authenticity to the character, making him relatable and empathetic.
The story skillfully juxtaposes Joey's personal battles with the external threats posed by villains like Nightmare and Hypnotic. These confrontations serve as mirrors to Joey's inner turmoil, as he struggles with his powers and anger while striving to maintain control. The intense training sessions on the Mongolian grasslands between Joey and his father showcase the profound bond between them. The emotional weight of their shared memories and determination to overcome challenges solidify the depth of their relationship, adding a layer of heartwarming authenticity to the story.
Mary's subplot is woven in seamlessly and provides a well-rounded perspective on the challenges faced by those with Paragon abilities. Her struggles to keep her power development sessions with new friends a secret from her family, and the pressure to live up to her father's legacy, highlight the complexity of being a hero while maintaining a semblance of a normal life. Her investigations into the ethical implications of Paragon registration and uncovering hidden truths as to the nature of Hell’s Half Acre while she tries to take down a human trafficking ring add an additional layer of tension to the plot. It was interesting to see Mary’s own prejudices against the people of Hell’s Half Acre deconstructed all the while she’s dealing with prejudices society at large has with Paragons.
Mary is truly a multifaceted character, and she deals with a large range of emotions and pressures. She longs for her father’s support and presence in her life. Her struggles, such as her desire to fit in and her frustration with being labeled as a nerd make her relatable and well-rounded. Her relationship with Joey makes her even more likable as her protective instincts and occasional annoyance showcase the sibling dynamics.
As the story takes a dramatic turn with the confrontation against Nightmare and his illusions, I got to experience intense action scenes that are thrilling and emotional. Joey's growth is evident in these moments, as he learns to harness his abilities while also understanding the potential dangers they pose. The father-son dynamic between George and Joey is beautifully explored during these battles, emphasizing their teamwork, mutual respect, and unwavering determination.
The exploration of conspiracy theories, government control, and the ethical ramifications of Paragon registration adds a thought-provoking layer to the story. The revelation of the implanted chip in George’s mind raises intriguing questions about the blurred boundaries between heroism and manipulation. It invites us to reflect on the true nature of heroism and the extent to which control can be wielded for both good and evil.
Through Joey and Mary’s experiences, I was able to explore the themes such as the complexities of human nature, power, family, friendship, identity, and good and evil. These themes resonate because they reflect universal experiences and challenges. It invites readers to reflect on their own lives and values. Joey and Mary’s struggles and victories serve as a lens through which we can examine our own identities, the power dynamics around us, and the choices we make. It also reminds us that being a hero goes beyond physical strength; it's about confronting inner demons, making difficult choices, and striving to make the world a better place despite the odds.
The writing style is nothing short of exceptional. It captured my attention from the very beginning, with rich details and engaging dialogue. The book’s structure kept me on the edge of my seat, seamlessly transitioning between intense action and heartfelt moments. The descriptions make it easy for me to enjoy the action scenes and character interactions. The smooth shifts between intense action and heartfelt moments make sure that the story's deep emotions are always important, even when there's excitement. Reading this book was an exciting rollercoaster journey. Joey and Mary’s struggles and triumphs resonated deeply, leaving me both moved and engaged.
The dialogue is sharp and engaging, giving insight into the characters' personalities and motivations. The witty banter between Mary and Sammy (her stuffed bear that her powers "animate") often brought a smile to my face, providing moments of lightness amidst the intense plot. For instance, their playful exchange on the bus in Episode 17 showed their unique connection while also introducing a touch of humor to the story.
The interactions between Joey and George tugged at my heartstrings. Their conversations were filled with wisdom and a deep familial connection. George's advice to Joey about living life beyond being a superhero struck a chord with me, reminding me of the universal struggle to balance personal desires with greater responsibilities.
The exploration of power dynamics and ethical choices left me pondering long after I put the book down. The dilemma faced by Joey made me reflect on the choices I encounter in my life and the consequences they carry. Additionally, the tension between personal liberties and societal security mirrored real-world debates, prompting me to consider the delicate balance between individual rights and collective well-being. One of the most emotionally resonant moments was the end of Phase 2 (I don’t want to ruin the book, so I won’t say) but it was heart-wrenching. Those last few chapters of Phase 2 brought tears to my eyes.
This book has a captivating blend of elements that remind me of works by various authors, but it still maintains its unique voice and narrative. The exploration of young characters discovering their extraordinary abilities and facing moral dilemmas is reminiscent of the themes found in the "Percy Jackson" series by Rick Riordan. Both stories delve into the challenges of growing up with powers and the responsibility that comes with them.
In terms of character dynamics and banter, the interactions between Mary and Sammy bring to mind the playful camaraderie between Harry and Bob in Jim Butcher's "Dresden Files" series. Both duos share witty exchanges while navigating supernatural mysteries, adding a lighthearted touch to the otherwise intense plotlines.
The book's exploration of a world where individuals with special powers are both celebrated and feared reminds me of X-Men. The tension between the Paragons and the society that both idolizes and mistrusts them is reminiscent of the complex interactions between mutants and humans. However, this book adds a distinct layer by focusing on individual characters' struggles and personal connections. While this book reminds me of others, it combines the similarities to make it feel entirely different.
While Joey's journey and challenges are well portrayed, Mary's role and development could be explored in greater detail especially since she’s also a namesake of the book. It felt like the focus was on him more than it was on her. The story's strengths lie in its world-building and the exploration of the character's emotions and struggles. However, the complexity of it could potentially be a drawback for some readers, especially younger readers.
Overall, “The Adventures of Rascal Boy and Marionette” was a satisfying read that met and exceeded my expectations. The book delivers on its promises of superhero adventure while also diving into deeper themes that resonate on a personal and societal level. I wholeheartedly recommend it to readers who enjoy superhero fiction, YA coming-of-age stories, and speculative fiction with well-crafted world-building and thought-provoking themes. I can’t wait to see what the author has planned for the season’s conclusion in Phases 4 and 5.
End review.
I would like to thank Jennell from the bottom of my heart for the time she took to read RBAM and to craft such a thoughtful review. It means the world to me. Hopefully, you all will come back soon and get to know more about Jenelle as she fills out my interview questions and shares more about her writings. Hopefully, we can all convince her to hop onto the Kindle Vella platform.
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