Review: Edgewood and Wanderlust by @KarenMcQuestion

Edgewood and Wanderlust are the first two books in the Edgewood Series. The third, Absolution, is scheduled for release in September.
The night Russ Becker witnesses a strange astronomical event, his world changes forever. Before long Russ discovers he’s developed incredible superpowers, and he’s not the only one. Three other young people—beautiful Mallory, arrogant Jameson, and mysterious Nadia—have had the same experience and all of them now have powers of their own. Mallory can control peoples’ minds, Jameson moves objects with his thoughts, and Nadia has empathic abilities.

At first the four relish their newfound gifts, but things become serious when they learn they are being hunted by an organization that wants them for its own nefarious purposes. When Russ’s family is threatened, he’s forced into action. What transpires will change all of them in ways they never imagined.

Space? Teens with superpowers? Sign me up!

Edgewood‘s plot and characters were extremely engaging (I flew through the book). The biggest thing that stood out to me after reading it was McQuestion’s excellent job of narrating the mind of a fifteen year old boy. She handled the topic of YA sex well without being distasteful or ignoring it completely, both of which can be pitfalls in YA books.

Despite all the positive things, I wasn’t sure if I would buy the next in the series, Wanderlust. The reason was my own writer biases toward syntax/paragraph structure and chapter endings (which is why I’m focusing most of this post on Wanderlust). Since Edgewood has over a 4.0 rating on Goodreads, over 4 stars on Amazon, and many positive reviews, obviously others disagree with me.

However, the sample chapters of Wanderlust at the end sold me. They suggested a new conflict between Mallory and Nadia I was anxious to see.

Wanderlust continues the moment Edgewood left off, but most of it is narrated by Nadia with some chapters by Russ. One strength of the book is having both characters comment about the same event—we really are able to see the difference between Nadia and Russ’ characterization.

Where Edgewood introduced us to the characters, Wanderlust really develops them. After seeing through Nadia’s eyes, I’m not so sure I’m waving the Mallory flag anymore. Even Jameson, a total jerk, shows another side.

Because Edgewood’s plot was straightforward, I wasn’t expecting all the twists and turns Wanderlust threw at me. I thought I figured out the secret behind Russ’ incredible superpowers. Nope. Or the romantic relationship that develops. Nope again. Or the ending. Didn’t see that one coming.

Props to you, McQuestion.

We learn more about the Praetorian Guard, the Assosiates, David Hofsetter—the man Russ’ sister was in love with before he died 16 years earlier, and about Russ’ sister Carly.

I’m excited to see where this series is headed, especially because tension between Nadia and Mallory increased twofold at the end of Wanderlust. Even though I wasn’t sure about buying the second book, I am now most definitely buying the third.

You might not like these books if you prefer consistent multiple POV or every instance of telling eliminated. You might like these books if you are a fan of I am Number Four (actually, you would love these books if you’re a Lorien Legacies fan), the superhero fad, or enjoy anything astronomically related.

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