Review & Giveaway: Arson by Estevan Vega

Welcome to the IFB stop on the Arson Blog tour, hosted by AToMR. Check out my review below and be sure to enter the giveaway:

Arson (Arson #1)

by Estevan Vega

Published: 2011 by Stonehouse Ink 

(first published May 4th 2010)

*Ecopy provided by author.

Synopsis via Goodreads:

ARSON is the first book in a Young Adult Paranormal series. Book two, ASHES, is also available now. 

ARSON GABLE FEELS LIKE A FREAK. HE CAN CREATE FIRE. HE NEVER ASKED FOR IT. HE NEVER WANTED IT. BUT HE CAN'T SHUT IT OFF.

Before now, three things were true: he both loved and despised his grandmother; his life was going nowhere; and he was alone. But when a strange girl--who feels more normal behind a mask than inside her own skin--moves in next door, Arson hopes to find something he's never had: purpose. After years of living in fear, he will be forced to confront his haunting past and embrace the unknown as he walks the fine line between boy and monster. Edgy, realistic, and breathtaking, Arson, the chilling chronicle of an isolated teenager with unimaginable ability, is set to ignite the hearts and minds of a new generation.

~My Review~

The story starts off slow, giving a concise breakdown of who Arson Gable is, what his life is like, and how he's coping (or not) with his "ability." At times I was drifting, not fully capturing the ideas coming at me, and I didn't get the sparkles I had initially anticipated, but it does get interesting once it picks up. In fact, I'd say that Arson was more amusing than compelling. Does that make me weird?

What's up with grandma?

I enjoyed Arson's grandmother and her constant switch in personality. At one point she's nice the next she's scolding him for doing things that are only natural. Her behavior was both disturbing and entertaining. As you read you develop an understanding as to why she's the way she is, and her reasons for being two faced with her grandson. Throughout it all, Arson had to put up with her crap; emotional abuse if you ask me.

Accept your fate...

Arson was just as troubled as his grandmother but far less psychotic. As much as he felt like he was a nobody and that he had no purpose, he was truly the opposite. Arson had something unearthly but amazing within him. I was thrilled when he finally had a chance to feel real love when Emery came into the picture. Though, I was baffled as to why she wore a mask, Emery did however create a sense of mystery in the story as it unfolds.

The overall premise was well done, aside from the slow pace. I think the writing was very descriptive to the point where I could envision the surrounding so I applaud Estevan on a job well done. In all honesty, Arson was intriguing but not close to perfection. Still, I'm interested in discovering what happens next.

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