The Loudness

"The story touches on a variety of themes: ecology, power-hungry politicians, music and art as sources of hope, family loyalty, and dangerous double crossing. The plot’s exciting action mounts as Henry’s parents are kidnapped and he takes on the Other Siders, people from the City, pickers, federales, friends who might be enemies, and enemies who might be friends, in order to be reunited with them. There is also budding first love, as Henry and Ava (aka Freckles) adventure together. In the final chapters, superhero powers and blinding beams of light appear, paving the way for a sequel. Verdict: A solid debut recommended for larger collections."—School Library Journal

"The Loudness has inklings of a superhero story. The setting is a city that is dark and troubled, and Henry emerges as the hero who has the power to wield spheres of electricity in his hands. The story, however, focuses more on Henry’s interactions with different characters and less on his power. The characters that Henry interacts with are somewhat strange and bewildering, and the descriptions of the places in the story and the events that caused the destruction are rather mystifying. The ending, nevertheless, comes to a satisfying conclusion and hints at a possible sequel.Those who prefer a little something different than the run-of-the-mill dystopian story may enjoy this book."—VOYA

"The story touches on a variety of themes: ecology, power-hungry politicians, music and art as sources of hope, family loyalty, and dangerous double crossing. The plot’s exciting action mounts as Henry’s parents are kidnapped and he takes on the Other Siders, people from the City, pickers, federales, friends who might be enemies, and enemies who might be friends, in order to be reunited with them. There is also budding first love, as Henry and Ava (aka Freckles) adventure together. In the final chapters, superhero powers and blinding beams of light appear, paving the way for a sequel. Verdict: A solid debut recommended for larger collections."—School Library Journal

"The Loudness has inklings of a superhero story. The setting is a city that is dark and troubled, and Henry emerges as the hero who has the power to wield spheres of electricity in his hands. The story, however, focuses more on Henry’s interactions with different characters and less on his power. The characters that Henry interacts with are somewhat strange and bewildering, and the descriptions of the places in the story and the events that caused the destruction are rather mystifying. The ending, nevertheless, comes to a satisfying conclusion and hints at a possible sequel.Those who prefer a little something different than the run-of-the-mill dystopian story may enjoy this book."—VOYA