Book Review: Harken by Kaleb Nation

Harken

by Kaleb Nation
Series: Harken #1
Published: January 9, 2013
Genres: Science Fiction, Supernatural, Young Adult
Format: eBook (375 pages)
Source: For Review

After surviving an assassination attempt, teenager Michael Asher discovers that he is at the center of a worldwide conspiracy reaching higher than any earthly power. A supernatural organization desperately wants him dead. He doesn't know why. Everyone who might have the answers has already been killed...

Harken was like X-men meets National Treasure. Very creative.  I liked the suspenseful plot with a supernatural twist.  The writing had a nice voice to it. It was funny and witty.  I really enjoyed the quest that Michael goes on for the truth.  The way Michael had to figure out and follow obscure clues all over the place is what reminded me of National Treasure and I thought it was a lot of fun.  And the conflict was great.  The author was not afraid to suggest the worst that could happen…and then make it happen.  I liked how the conspiracy theory was unique and kind of epic.

I thought all the characters had great, fleshed-out personalities but my favorite was Michael’s little sister Alli.  Oh Alli, you are the cutest fake princess-eating zombie ever.  Michael has a great relationship with her that was adorable to read.

My only complaint about this book was that I felt like I was walking knee-deep through a lot of details and words that didn’t need to be there.  For as much action and plot as this book had in it, I was surprised at how I felt bogged down while I was reading it sometimes.  It got to the point that I dreaded going into a new room because that is when the author tended to info-dump the most.  Does it really matter how many skylights there are in the big airplane hanger with 5 silver cars?

Overall, I thought it had a really creative plot and wonderful characters, but it got slowed down by being over-detailed sometimes.

Content Rating: Medium, for violence and some language.

This post contains affiliate links and I receive a small percentage of sales made through these links.  I received this book for review from the author, Kaleb Nation, in exchange for an honest review. I was not told what to say, I was not paid to write this review and all the opinions expressed are my own.

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• eBook Challenge 2013