James Moser - Chasing Prophecy - Review & Giveaway

About the Book

Mo is a shy teen who is just trying to survive high school. He has secretly fallen in love with a girl named Prophecy who lives with a group that some call a commune and others call a cult. When she disappears, Mo must find the courage to face the monster that her family has become. Chasing Prophecy is a contemporary coming of age story that is heartwarming, suspenseful, and beautifully written. This book chronicles the adolescence of one boy who must transform himself to save the girl of his dreams.

***

A stellar read for teens and adults, full of hilarious growing pains, tenderness and a few surprises. Moser’s debut is an unflinching young-adult novel that sees a group of friends tested by bigotry and the illegal machinations of a religious cult. The author serves up an irresistibly wisecracking narrator in Mo Kirkland. Every page ripples with a controlled cleverness. There’s also a rawness to this tale similar to that which many teens face in the real world. Moser can wax rhapsodic about young love, but he shows that he knows how to raise the tension in the second half of the novel. -Kirkus Reviews

My Review

Nature and isolation play a significant role in this young adult tale. The majestic mountains of Washington state frame the narrative, painting a sweeping vista for the characters as they navigate the rugged terrain trying to uncover the mysteries that surround them. There are so many things that are hidden from them, but it's only when they let go of their fears and parachute off the cliff of the unknown that their eyes are opened to what's really going on around them.

Mo, Kazzy, Max and Bright are all in high school. They're still trying to find their way in the world and find the courage within themselves to stand up for what's right. They're all faced with a unique set of challenges and each one of them rises to the occasion. Camping trips play a key role in setting up the action for this drama. It's how Mo and Max get duped into smuggling meth. It's how Mo and Kazzy become aware that a mythological creature might actually exist. It's how Mo finds the courage to broach the subject of his feelings for Kazzy. The outdoors environment is where the characters let loose, even if that sense of freedom leads to disastrous consequences like Kazzy wanting to take things slow and U.S. Marshals showing up at Mo's house.

Kazzy and Bright are members of a religious cult, living on a commune in the middle of the boondocks. The government is after them for back taxes, claiming they're not a certified non-profit organization. To pay the rising cost of lawyer fees, the cult turns to smuggling crystal meth over the Canadian border to ease the financial burden. But things turn dicey when people start getting killed and the law turns up the heat. The four teenagers end up getting caught in the crossfire. Some relationships break apart, others only get stronger. But each one of their lives is forever changed by what happens.

But having them all live in an area frequented for Bigfoot sightings lends a certain charm to the story. The wilderness setting takes on greater significance at the conclusion. Being close to nature runs through these kids' blood, so it's no wonder their hero in disguise is there when they need him the most. They respect the life-giving energy of the mountains, rivers and streams and it pays them back in kind. They're hikers, campers, explorers and when the going gets tough they know what it takes to survive.

***

Chasing Prophecy can be purchased at:
Amazon, Smashwords

Prices/Formats: $2.99 ebook
Pages: 237
Genre: Young Adult, Thriller, Paranormal
Publisher: Skookum Trail
Release: December 31, 2013
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About the Author

James Moser has always loved stories in all forms. He is in his fourteenth year of working with high school students. The author’s goal was to write a book that would inspire even his most reluctant readers. Young adults have always inspired him. As such, he wanted to show teenagers transforming themselves to overcome obstacles, which is what he watches them do, every day.

Moser has a B.A. in English and a Master’s degree in Secondary English Education. He lives in Seattle with his beautiful wife and eight year old son. When he’s not reading and writing, or thinking about reading and writing, he’s watching way too much television while snacking on frozen treats from Trader Joe’s. Man, those things are good.

Links to connect with James:
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
Blog Tour Site


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