IA: Initiate is a supernatural thriller set in the mean streets of America. A seemingly random act of gang violence sends “Naz” Andersen on a quest to find answers surrounding his dead parents that lead to a series of discoveries about his supernatural abilities. Naz tries to stay out of the way at his foster parent’s home, but he walks in his sleep, and he is unable to keep the fact that he … hears voices from his therapist. He attempts to go unnoticed at school and in the streets of the Exclave, but attracts the attention of friends and bullies alike, and his efforts to protect his little sister make him the target of malicious bullying by the notorious street gang, Incubus Apostles. Naz is an ordinary thirteen-year-old, or so he thinks. He harbors a secret that even he is oblivious to, and a series of ill-fated events reveal to him telekinetic and telepathic abilities. Now he must navigate newly found friendship and gang violence, and face the full force of the world around him. The only way he can survive is to discover the supernatural world within.
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Great book for teens, young adults (and adults). Although this book is fiction it borders on the truths and realitys of growing up today. Crossing a whirlwind of topics from being the best, the “nerd”, the tradigty of being a part of groups to belong to finding out the reality of where that can lead. Rising above and losing, Family, loneliness and acceptance. Strength in believing in oneself and trusting in others. I would recommend this book for a quick read and entertaining surprises. After finishing I immediately ordered the second book IA B.O.S.S. However, There seems to be an issue that I hope will be quickly resolved (I received a duplicate with the front cover for the second book). I have contacted the author and I am waiting for a response.
It was a page turner and hard to put down. I am looking forward to reading more of this series.
Loved this book. It left me curious to find out what comes next.
May be a YA book, but it did keep me interested enough to buy the next in the series.
Very well written and original.This story captured my interest fairly quickly and held it to the very end. The suspense level was high, and I was very much fascinated with the science and magic. On a more personal level, my heart went out to Naz’s character. The challenges he faced living in an urban area were relatable, and the impenetrable bond between he and his sister,seriously tugged at my heart strings. I could feel the emotion and love between them, and rooted for Naz the whole time. I highly recommend this story and look forward to more from this author. Five well deserved stars!
Before I made it through the first page, I was hooked. The writing style is relaxed and edgy all at once, and the writing is skilled. Mystery builds slowly, maintaining curiosity throughout. I must admit that I don’t read a lot of YA or sci-fi, but with this read, I felt compelled to speak up for it. I was wowed from the start and when I finished, I wanted more!
If you like sci-fi, YA, paranormal with a dystopian feel, this is a definite read. I have passed this read onto my teenage son and he loves it!
I hate reviews that give way too much, but I will give away a little…
Naz is a quirky teenager, with a resilience that shines through as he struggles to cope with life in the Exclave (a dystopian-like ghetto), sleep-walking, strange voices, and gang activity. His attitude to certain events reminds me a lot of my teenage son…non-committal about some things, but crazy passionate about others. His relationship with his sister Meridian is well-conveyed and adorable. His character is strong as are all the other characters in this book, even Tone the African Grey. Life in the Exclave is described in such a way that each scene feels like your moving through a movie.
The story bounces between Naz and Dr. Cory Anderson, creating an interwoven plot line that spoke to the power or the mind and mind-control. I’m still hanging and need to read the next book in this series, soon!
IA: Initiate hits it out of the park in this modern paranormal tale of two city kids, trying to survive in an urban jungle surrounded by gangs and living a foster situation that would crumple any Child’s heart. But Naz and his sister Meri are stronger than most. Relying on each others strengths to push them forward through their journey, they find a way to keep going when most would succumb to the pressures of their environment. Intrigue, forward-thinking and creativeness is what the author John Darryl Winston has delivered to us in his new book IA: Initiate. I can’t wait to see what he has waiting in store for us in his future projects.
I liked it but went to book 2 on amazon and it was book 1 with a different cover?????
This is a brilliant quick read that just about everyone can enjoy. The two central characters are ‘brother and sister’ and we live their daily struggle in The Exclave as foster children, we see how hard Naz works to ensure his sister has the best life can ever give her.
From the beginning – which opens in the past (a seemingly unconnected piece of history at first glance) – a thread is woven through the lives of the children that we pick hints from as we travel The Exclave with them and live through their traumas and victories day by day. The characters continue to grow throughout the story and a spell is woven that keeps the reader ensnared right to the end. An end that leaves the reader wanting more – wanting the sequel to continue their story and travels.
The demand of the gang members we meet during the story ‘Únete a nosotros’ – Join Us – holds the reader in place and in need of the continuance of the story just as much as the words bring fear to our courageous youngsters.
This is a definite must read for anyone who likes adventure… I can’t wait for book 2!
(Audiobook)
This review will be broken down into two parts, the actual storyline and then the narration.
I found myself on enjoying this juvenile fiction much more than I had anticipated. The summary of the book is captivating enough to draw you in, but the slow build up made me fear that the story would just run slow throughout the course of the novel. That was not the case, however. At times I became as confused as Naz was discovering his own being. While that may sound like a bad thing, I mean that in the most positives of light. Why? Winston was able to beautifully capture the raw emotion of fear, confusion and the overwhelming feeling of a not just becoming an adult but an adult with abilities that were unbeknownst to him.
I’d say my favorite scene landed in the depictions of young Naz’s dream state. My heart pounded as it unraveled. Winston created a dream-like state that felt so real that you could feel it with own fingertips, but only to find out it was nothing more than just a figment. But was it? Your left to ponder this as the story continues.
This is a clean book. By clean I mean, no gore, no swearing and children acting of age appropriateness. Which was refreshing to see as our young children seem to be growing faster than needed.
I think it’s a bold move for Winston to do his on audible. I have not come across that. But then again my Audiobook journey isn’t that extensive either. I enjoyed the dual narration although I wish we heard more from Marquette Winston, as I found her voice to be more soothing, young and fresh. Not saying that Darryl Winston voice wasn’t easy to listen to. I just found his voice to sound too mature for the story itself. But overall I found both narrators did a phenomenal job, both being voices I would not mind hearing again.
Not one that I’ll read again. I just didn’t care for the characters or the story line. Can’t really put my finger on it, but I just didn’t care for it.
Naz Andersen is a very reserved teen with a younger sister Meri to care for (sense their foster parent Ms.Tracy honestly wants nothing to do with them). Naz and Meri live in a place that doesn’t suit their potential to do great things, yet they still try to overcome and rise above their wretched culture.
Naz faces many problems along the way in this story, which he has to figure out and solve, not on his own but with the help of his close friends and family. He’s always been reserved and on his own. He is a very gifted young boy who has abilities beyond even his own belief. Naz is in no way the same as anyone, he is completely different, he walks in his sleep, hears voices and lots of other weird things per say. Naz loves more than anything his younger sister Meridian (Meri) who he will go through absolutely anything to save. Not only does he love her, she absolutely adores him. Meri has more faith in her older brother than he does himself, and she is in awe of his abilities, talent and potential.
This book is my favorite out of all of the books I’ve read. It definitely deserves five stars (at least). There are things to find out that are just so interesting and its so intriguing. This book is phenominal everything that is revealed at the end is so worth finding out honestly. Once you read this book you will fall in love with Naz Andersen and his epic story, trust me you’ll be begging for more.
IA Initiate is an easy to read, YA novel that captivated my interest right away. The characters are believable and engaging, and the story touches on relevant themes, capturing the climate of the inner city while remaining mainstream. Mr. Winston has written an intriguing story with rich and interesting characters and I am eager to see what the next installment will bring.
Decent sci-fi with an acceptable level of fantasy.
Too much technical info for my taste.
The story was good and original but it seemed disconnected at points
trite
Interesting, but I felt like I was missing the pre-story.
I would have given it five stars except for the turn of events involving a major character at the end. I won’t say anymore so that I don’t rent it for someone else.