The most important thing in the world to thirteen-year-old orphan “Naz” Andersen is keeping his little sister, Meri, safe from the mean streets of the Exclave and insidious foster parent, Miss Tracey. Until now, he’s done just that. But after losing his best friend to suspicious circumstances, Naz turns his attention to ruthless gang leader, Roffio Styles, and the Incubus Apostles. But to find … out the truth, Naz will need to once again summon the world within, and with the help of Meri and his therapist Dr. Gwen he begins to discover that the voices in his head, his nightmares, and sleepwalking are actually telekinesis and telepathy at play: a gift from his father of whom he has no memory.
But when Naz gets too close to the truth and tragedy strikes again, he is compelled to unleash his newfound abilities, wield his own unique brand of destruction, and bring his friends’ murderers to justice.
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IA Boss takes you deeper into the world of Naz and Meri. The Exclave is a dystopian city of abandoned houses, street gangs and physical peril in the halls of school and out on the streets.
The original opening reads like a James Patterson novel and effectively weaves the back story into the present time. While the loving relationship between brother and sister becomes a resounding message of positive rebellion against the failing system they know as their life of foster care for money and parental loss.
I cannot say enough about the truth in this story. There is such a strong message to hold on to what is good, to fight peer pressure and to be better than what is expected. Not to mention the amazing supernatural gifts that Naz has and comes into as he grows and accepts them. I don’t do spoilers, but someone I have grown to love was lost in this tale and I shall miss that remarkable presence in the next edition of IA.
The kindness some of the adults offer provides a welcoming oasis to the grim realities of what these children (and many children in real-life) face daily. To read a story like this brings gratefulness to my heart. It is a novel that offers empathy, hope and promise in a world that has left so many behind.
Bravo for writing this series with such heart and soul. A must read!
The second of the IA series blew my mind, I’m still thinking about it a week after reading it. My impatient wait for the sequel to IA: Initiate paid off and then some… B.O.S.S. is one of those reads that I couldn’t put down. I became thoroughly engrossed in the storyline from page one, and as revelations came to light, I was increasingly drawn in and held within the pages.
Winston paints a clear portrait of life in the Exclave and the challenges and harsh realities that Naz and his fellow teammates face. Naz is a quirky thirteen year-old boy, trying to make it in foster care with his much adored sister Meri—his first priority is always his sister, but he also manages to juggle school, therapy, basketball, and a job all while delving into himself to discover and test his many emerging and amazing talents/abilities. He is a hard worker, fighting against the odds and determined to make a better life for him and his sister…something most thirteen year olds shouldn’t have to deal with, but the reality is that many do. Naz does this all while still displaying what a thirteen year-old really thinks and how they approach the world…he is a laid back guy with his eyes wide open and can be a bit flighty, but he is also passionate about the things that are important to him. Life in the Exclave, for Naz, is much like a game of chess and the references to the game throughout the book are both ironic and in some cases poetic.
This book was touching but it also had a lot of very raw moments that for me were total jaw-droppers. I think I felt every possible emotion from this read and even shed a few tears. I loved how IA held different meanings throughout the book, depending on the situation. Many of the questions I had from the first book were answered in such a way that I didn’t see coming, but they also left lingering questions which leaves plenty of opportunity for Winston to knock another one out of the park… I can hardly wait 🙂
I.A. Boss is all at once tender but also hard core. Life in the Exclave is difficult. Nevertheless, the main character Naz shows over and over again that he can be tough when called for: in defense of his sister, and standing up to bullies to name a few, but we also see a gentle loving side of him as well in his care and guidance of his sister and in the development of the relationship with his first girlfriend.
Winston creates a realistic neighborhood, that despite daily threats of violence, makes you want to gather around and participate in the action—the psychological intrigue, the intimidation atmosphere of the gang, and of course the basketball. Immediately drawn into the story with its in depth character development, throughout the impending peril you can feel is coming . . . you’ll want to linger. And be prepared—it will leave you hungry for more.
The trail of clues that Naz uncovers (with help from his sister among others) that leads to game changing information regarding his past, ups the stakes as his incredible abilities come to light, deliciously realistic and raw in its slow reveal.
As rich as this novel is in story, you’ll also go on an emotional rollercoaster from laughter to awe then tears.
You’ll want to read this book. I highly recommend it!
I must admit I don’t usually read YA supernatural thrillers, but I absolutely loved this book.The author has executed the plot brilliantly about the main protagonist Naz and his younger sister Meri. A sequel to IA Initiate, both siblings are orphans trying to make their way through a scary world where they don’t know who they can trust. Only Naz is a teenager with a difference; he has supernatural powers. He just needs to believe how powerful he really is to utilize his talents. John Winston teaches us that belief in ourselves and our own inner power can transform any situation and he has managed to convey a story that made me feel emotional, anxious and hopeful as Naz gets retribution for sins committed and fights for justice. Expect the unexpected in terms of how the story ends.
The first thing that struck me about this new book is the sharp contrast in the covers. Book 2 is dark and ominous making the cover lighter cover for book 1 seem almost cheerful in comparison. The cover is your warning that this book is going to transport Naz and the reader to dark places.
The story picks up mere days after the last one leaves off. With a release of pressure following the events of the previous book, Naz and Meri settle into a slightly more normalized existence. Naz is convinced to join the school basketball team and as a result gains a bunch of new friends. He finally gets a chance to talk with his dream girl, he finds a way to balance his new activities with his responsibilities and for a while life is pretty much typical teen. Then his friend dies in an apparent suicide, yet Naz is pretty sure that it was foul play. He begins to realize that he is being targeted. Things heat up as he investigates until finally the unthinkable happens.
Set against this are the occasional flashback scenes where we finally learn a little bit about Naz’s father and the reasons why Naz has no memory of his life before The Exclave. We learn more about his mother and the sacrifices she was forced to make to protect her children. It is no accident that Naz has come to this place and as he learns to recognize his talents for what they are he also must learn who he can trust.
In the previous book we were introduced obliquely to so many really phenomenal characters. In this book we finally get to know them and become invested in their stories. Despite the lines filled in and so many answers coming to light we are still left with many more questions. The main one being who is behind group targeting Naz and how far will this person go to get what they want? While I do not fear for this young man whom I believe will win out in the end, I do want to weep for him. Seriously that is your warning to keep a tissue handy. Dark places indeed.
This is the first book I’ve read by Mr. Winston. I started with the second book in the series but now that I’ve entered the main character, Naz’s, world; I’m eager to read the first, third, and fourth installments.
The main conflict presented in the first chapter, hooked me immediately. Mr. Winston’s descriptive words (sharp, whip, monstrous, and flare) portends much danger and sets an ominous tone.
“A sharp, mid-day breeze whips through the monstrous pines guarding the cabin causing the suit jackets of the men to flare. They are armed.”
The main plot and subplots meld seamlessly touching on universal elements of familial bonds, childhood bullying, impoverished communities, gang violence, with a touch of supernatural. Written in the third person POV, the story flows easily at a pace that builds suspense and keeps the reader’s interest.
All seems normal when the reader meets lovable brother and sister, playing jokes and pranks on each other in their bedroom. Happy children? You would think until the reader sees through Naz’s eyes the gang-infested, drug-ridden neighborhood called the Enclave. Mr. Winston provides the reader with auditory, olfactory, and visual stimulation from the tenuous comfort of Meri and Naz’s foster parent’s home surrounded by the dangerous world beyond transient walls.
“The familiar disturbances sounded from a block away—someone was being robbed and calling for help, and then a gunshot rang out…”
“The smell of burning wood mingled with some kind of narcotic that Naz had long since given up trying to identify awakened his olfactory senses.”
The enclave threatens to burst Meri and Naz’s special world—a bubble filled with love and unique powers. Mr. Winston depicts a realistic picture of Meri and Nazi’s school life, so realistic I forgot Naz isn’t an ordinary kid. Naz wields a budding supernatural power like a chess game stratagem outwitting school bullies, and opponents with telekinetic powers. Mr. Winston’s provides well-defined voices for each character, a dialect consistent with the Enclave environment. Naz’s colorful friends enhance the story, heighten tension, and provide clues to his past, propelling the story forward with mystery and suspense. The plot thickens, with the death of Nazi’s best friend. Danger encroaches as he strategizes vengeance against an Enclave gang, the Incubus Apostles. Inconsolable anger kindles fiery vengeance and awakens the true Naz.
Mr. Winston’s fresh, original voice takes a familiar phenomenon to a unique level, with many messages to be heeded. I can’t wait to see Naz’s powers explored fully in book three. Mr. Winston, thank you for the incredible read! I’m a new fan! This book will interest not only young adults but adults as well. I highly recommend IA: B.O.S.S. to everyone.
The second of the IA series blew my mind, I’m still thinking about it a week after reading it. My impatient wait for the sequel to IA: Initiate paid off and then some… B.O.S.S. is one of those reads that I couldn’t put down. I became thoroughly engrossed in the storyline from page one, and as revelations came to light, I was increasingly drawn in and held within the pages.
Winston paints a clear portrait of life in the Exclave and the challenges and harsh realities that Naz and his fellow teammates face. Naz is a quirky thirteen year-old boy, trying to make it in foster care with his much adored sister Meri—his first priority is always his sister, but he also manages to juggle school, therapy, basketball, and a job all while delving into himself to discover and test his many emerging and amazing talents/abilities. He is a hard worker, fighting against the odds and determined to make a better life for him and his sister…something most thirteen year olds shouldn’t have to deal with, but the reality is that many do. Naz does this all while still displaying what a thirteen year-old really thinks and how they approach the world…he is a laid back guy with his eyes wide open and can be a bit flighty, but he is also passionate about the things that are important to him. Life in the Exclave, for Naz, is much like a game of chess and the references to the game throughout the book are both ironic and in some cases poetic.
This book was touching but it also had a lot of very raw moments that for me were total jaw-droppers. I think I felt every possible emotion from this read and even shed a few tears. I loved how IA held different meanings throughout the book, depending on the situation. Many of the questions I had from the first book were answered in such a way that I didn’t see coming, but they also left lingering questions which leaves plenty of opportunity for Winston to knock another one out of the park… I can hardly wait 🙂
IA Boss takes you deeper into the world of Naz and Meri. The Exclave is a dystopian city of abandoned houses, street gangs and physical peril in the halls of school and out on the streets.
The original opening reads like a James Patterson novel and effectively weaves the back story into the present time. While the loving relationship between brother and sister becomes a resounding message of positive rebellion against the failing system they know as their life of foster care for money and parental loss.
I cannot say enough about the truth in this story. There is such a strong message to hold on to what is good, to fight peer pressure and to be better than what is expected. Not to mention the amazing supernatural gifts that Naz has and comes into as he grows and accepts them. I don’t do spoilers, but someone I have grown to love was lost in this tale and I shall miss that remarkable presence in the next edition of IA.
The kindness some of the adults offer provides a welcoming oasis to the grim realities of what these children (and many children in real-life) face daily. To read a story like this brings gratefulness to my heart. It is a novel that offers empathy, hope and promise in a world that has left so many behind.
Bravo for writing this series with such heart and soul. A must read!
I have to admit that this series just keeps getting better and better. The two youngsters Naz and Meri, whom I adore, are still stuck in the Exclave waiting for Meri’s enrollment into school, her escape from the walls of the dark and dangerous world she and Naz have to live in—parentless and captive in a home with a caretaker that couldn’t care less about them.
Luckily for them the store owners have somewhat adopted them, making their afterschool hours a little more bearable until they have to go home. But now Naz is faced with a whole new set of problems, and that leads him out of the shadows and into the limelight in order to deal with them, a place where he never wanted to be. He has to face the truths of his past and within them he finds the answers that help him understand who he truly is, and why he has abilities that no one else has.
It is a wonderfully told story of adventure and discovery, and the author does an amazing job of delivering the heartfelt journey of these strong-willed and determined children to not only survive but to find a life amongst the dangers and perils that plague the streets that surround them.
Excellent story!
This journey continues…
IA: B.O.S.S. begins where IA: Initiate left off. This second book in the series heightens the suspense, the risks, and Naz’s need and desire to know more about himself. This book reaches a whole other level. We find out more about Naz as he continues his journey of self-discovery.
I especially enjoyed the connection between Naz and his sister, Meri. The deep emotion, affection, and support they express for one another is deftly portrayed and real without being cloying or saccharinely sweet. John Darryl Winston has taken these characters and this book to an unexpected level in this sequel. It is refreshing to find a sequel that delivers such intensity and creates an urgency to see how the rest of the story plays out.
There was a moment near the end that was emotionally gut-wrenching and I’m still trying to recover. But in B.O.S.S. as well as in Initiate, Winston is spot on in his portrayal of the reality and some of the consequences of urban life. It’s dystopian realism at it’s best.
Thank you, John Darryl Winston, for this really exciting follow up to IA: Initiate. After reading this novel, I am filled with mixed emotions. I am happy because in this installment, we learn more about Naz and Meri, we get to know some of Naz’s friends and several of my questions get answered. I am sad because (without giving any spoilers) the storyline takes you on a rollercoaster of emotion, I’m sad because I came to the end of this novel and now I have more unanswered questions! I’m looking forward to the next book in the series and if you read and enjoyed IA: Initiate, IA: B.O.S.S. is a must read.
The second installment of the IA trilogy. Mr. Winston writes wonderfully. He fully develops the plot and the characters. I was caught in his fictive net and can’t wait to read the final l book. Although the book is technically science fiction, it takes place in today’s world and is based on research currently being performed in modern labs.