Burn

I tore through this book; it was just so absorbing. It tells the story of a boy named Felix who is an Elemental; one of five thousand people in the United States who have the gift of being able to control one of the elements: fire, earth, air and water. Felix is particularly special in that he can control two elements - fire and air - which is a powerful and dangerous combination. He is only nine years old and his mother already has her own ideas how to harness his talent and takes it upon herself to train him how to use them. On one such occasion Felix becomes enraged, and sets her on fire. The fire he has created threatens his own life too but he is saved by mysterious Seven. The story picks up sixteen years later. Felix and his Dad had moved away, trying to live inconspicuoulsy and with new identities but the world around them is becoming a difficult one to live in. Legislation is being passed that diminishes the rights of elementals and it is becoming increasingly difficult for Felix to deny who he is. Then Seven comes back into his life and Felix must learn to trust him. This novel is a nice mix of genres: Sci-Fi - fantasy of course but also romance and a suitable dose of humour. I loved the writing style and the social message. Felix has to learn to accept himself for who he is and identify the people in whom he can trust. But at the same time he has to decide for himself whether he can successfully live concealing his true identiy and so deny his fellow elementals, or if he can be himself and still maintain the relationships with non-elementals. It is very thought provoking, but also very exciting to read. Each page I wanted more and the author delivered.