Title: Conductoid
Author: M.B. Lehane
Publisher: Pounce Publications
ISBN: 978099448901
Pages: 448
Genre: Children’s Action/Adventure
Reviewed by: Derek Sun
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Greatness has a tendency to come from the humblest origins. At first glance, no one would envy Jack McKay’s life. He’s an underachieving twelve-year old who is addicted to daydreaming, gets bullied by every kid at school, including his insufferably successful twin sister Phoebe, has only one friend in his life, and is facing the prospect of having his mom as his teacher soon. He also keeps having eerie vivid dreams in which he saves peoples’ lives and fights crime, and he gets the feeling that these events may not be merely dreams.
In the first of a thrilling series of novels, Conductoid plunges readers into an exciting and fascinating blend of fantasy and science fiction, moving with the same vigor and vim that is present in the writing and storytelling style of the book. Jack gradually learns more about his powers, and discovers that he isn’t as crazy as he worries himself to be. He has immense magical powers and can use them for great good or great evil. A mysterious mentor begins helping him understand his abilities, and Jack must decide what to do with his powers, how these changes will affect his family, and how willing he is to fight evil and save the world. It isn’t long before his dreaded and snobby sister Phoebe gets involved too, and the two of them must team up to succeed.
What makes Conductoid stand out from other books of its kind is the ever-present humor found on virtually every page, and its ability to keep readers interested and laughing. Lehane crafts snarky observations and depicts Jack’s life in the book in vivid detail that few other writers can match. He is a talented and engaging author, and readers will certainly appreciate his knack for inventing unique situations and complex plots. Whether it is elaborating on the most delicious lollipops capable of evoking dreams and emotions or sketching out pitched battles, Lehane is always at the top of his writing game. Jack is bursting with color and uniqueness, and anyone who has ever been twelve will recognize that he is exactly what a child approaching adolescence and adulthood is like. The struggles of attending school, being misunderstood and bullied, and worrying about being the only sane person in an insane world are all areas that Lehane grasps and features in this book.
In the same vein as Harry Potter or Percy Jackson, Conductoid has plenty of humor, adventure, and humanity that make it a thrilling read for fans of young adult literature. The series is off to a great start, and the sequels will no doubt be just as fascinating and funny. This is not just a great fantasy novel, but is also an inspiring coming-of-age tale, and is a gripping book.
