The Forth Nephite

I got the chance to read Jeffrey S. Savage's The Forth Nephite before it came out (its my first ARC, I'm quite proud I have an ARC). It was really good. It is written for teen readers, which happen to be my favorite age group for books. There is time traveling, suspense, and a smidgen of romance (I'm talking tiny). I have always enjoyed Savage's voice when he writes. It is stark, without being bland or harsh, yet descriptive. I also have an affinity for his use of vocabulary.

The Forth Nephite is about a high school football player, Kaleo Steele, that gets caught breaking school rules by his seminary teacher. To get out of the mess he promises his teacher that he will visit a man in Salt Lake by the name of Ladan (the only character I had issues with his name, unfortunately I think of Genie in Disney's Alladin every time I read his name). Ladan sends Kaleo back in time on a journey of discovery.

I did have a love/hate relationship with the set up of his book. He started the chapters of Nephite with a small excerpt of what I imagine as Kaleo's journal. They foreshadow some events, but sometimes I think they are kind of pointless. The book is written in first person, so we already know what Kaleo is thinking and feeling. I guess I can't really figure out what to make of them.

I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading the next in the series. For those of yo who may be thinking,"I don't know, I am not really a reader," I would totally suggest getting Nephite on CD and playing it while you drive. It will make you want to go on a road trip just so you can find out what happens next. The Forth Nephite comes out in August.