A Review of ‘The Urban Boys: Discovery of the Five Senses”

K. N. Smith’s debut novel, Urban Boys, is now on a virtual book tour with iRead Book Tours. The novel is receiving some terrific reviews. Do stop by the link above to see the full schedule and learn more about the author and the book. As part of the tour, we were pleased to review this entertaining book.  Ms. Smith definitely has a way with words.

The Story

A group of teen boys, friends in their small, serene town of Danville Heights, take a detour home through a forbidden forest. Soon after, they begin having strange feelings. One is sure he hears smething like a throng or mass of people. Another, Kinsu, sees a lot of people far In the distance, moments after completing a difficult science equation with aplomb. Sight, hearing, taste, touch…Each has enhanced senses along with surprising new skills.

Before they understand why, the boys are drawn to Sandry lake, a nearby downtrodden town. Someone evil has taken over—and nearly destroyed–the little town. The boys know they must stop the thugs terrorizing the town. Where it leads, and to whom, is the mystery within the story.

Much like an invasive weed, evil must be rooted out or it spreads thoroughly. Yet can five teenage boys be the chosen ones to save Sandry lake? Five boys in the midst of growing up, going thru the generally stressful angst of the teen years?

As there is an evil one, so there is another who watches and waits–to harm or to protect?

It makes you wonder which happened first? Were they drawn to the forest because of ‘predestination?’ Or did their walk through the unusual forest decide their fate? Were they always preparing for the roles they would assume?

Thoughts

The story took some time to introduce so many characters, but once done the mystery of what was happening to the boys drew me in. I believe it is considered a book for teens, though at times the well done writing seemed like it might appeal more to adults.

It did surprise me that the boys didn’t spend more time trying to determine what was happening to them. Seems like as teens they would be talking of little else.

You will find a very good and responsible message in the tale for both youth and adults alike. Teens growing toward adulthood will make their own decisions, their own choices. We can guide them to do the right thing, to help others, to be a team that stays together even through the bad times of youthful relationships.

There is a message to parents too; to love and support our children even when the path they choose may not be the safest—or our preference. Be sure they know they have a loving home to return too. That is a message any parent should absorb.

It should be interesting to see what comes next. There is a solid ending, yet it clearly leads us to a second in what will be an entertaining series. The Urban Boys can be read as a stand alone, but I bet you will be very curious to know how the boys grow into their new roles.

The Tour

Book Description for The Urban Boys:

The Urban Boys: Discovery of the Five Senses is an action-adventure story about five teen boys who are mysteriously exposed to a foreign energy source that gives them extremely heightened senses. Sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell become hypersensitive gifts that forever change the world!

The story chronicles their effortless interrelations and later exposes the testing of their deep bonds, and introduces the reader to an array of supporting characters who alter the boys’ lives forever. The Urban Boys offers young and mature readers central themes of loyalty, responsibility, honesty, fear, and triumph, which become artfully integrated with cinematic-level action and high drama.

We wonder, will they pass the test of fate, and will each of us pass the test of our very own lives? Intriguing, intelligent, and full of action, The Urban Boys offers a memorable, emotion-packed, thrilling ride for traditional and digital readers of all ages! (first in a series)

Buy the book:   Amazon   Barnes & Noble

Praise for The Urban Boys:

“An energetic YA adventure debut with stellar action sequences. Smith’s writing is intelligent and often lyrical. Her exuberant prose never fails to dazzle.”- Kirkus Media

“Author K.N. Smith uses her mastery of the written word to weave an entrancing, yet powerful tale of adventure that keeps you turning pages in an unquenchable desire to find out what happens next. The author’s matchless prose details cinematic fight sequences and fully developed characterizations especially in a final, stupendous scene that will take your breath away and leave you limp with spent emotions. Five stars for this imaginative and inspiring story, sure to be as appealing to general audiences as it will be to the YA crowd!” 5-stars – Publishers Daily Reviews

“I LOVE to read, but live a hugely busy life. It gets more complicated upon that rare occasion when a book is so captivating, so enthralling, that it is impossible to walk away. With only definitive hours in a day, something has to give. For me, that was sleep! And it was worth every sacrificed minute. “The Urban Boys” was the grand slam home run and exceeded my wildest expectations and I would bet, maybe yours, as well. Totally new concepts and a rich crew of characters – good, bad and ugly… and suspenseful twists that keep you guessing, and such beautiful, strong writing! A must read for fans of YA action/adventure/fantasy!!” 5-stars – Indie Book Reviewers

See more reviews: www.knsmith.com/reviews

Trailer:

Author’s Bio:

K.N. Smith is an American author and passionate advocate of childhood and family literacy programs throughout the world. She continues to inspire students of all ages to reach their highest potential in their literary and educational pursuits.

Her creative, lyrical flair sweeps across pages that twist, turn, and grind through elements of paranormal and action-adventure in diverse, exciting, edge-of-your-seat narratives. She lives with her family in California.

Connect with the author:  Website   Twitter   Facebook

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Merry Citarella, often writing as Merrci, writes on a wide range of topics. Recently relocated to the Oregon Coast in the northwest United States, she frequently writes travel features on the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She specializes in health and aging, Alzheimer’s Disease, food, lifestyle, and book reviews. For more information you can see her on The Writers’Door. You can read more articles here or at her websites Alzheimers HQ and Simple Living Ideas