Chasing Power by Sarah Beth Durst

Chasing Power

by Sarah Beth Durst
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Format: Kindle/ ARC

Published: Oct. 14th 2014 by Bloomsbury

Genre: YA, Adventure/fantasy

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"Lies, secrets, and magic — three things that define Kayla's life.

Sixteen-year-old Kayla plans to spend her summer hanging out on the beach in Santa Barbara and stealing whatever she wants, whenever she wants it. Born with the ability to move things with her mind — things like credit cards, diamond rings, and buttons on cash registers — she has become a master shoplifter. She steals to build up a safety net, enough money for her and her mom to be able to flee if her dad finds them again. Well, that, and the thrill of using her secret talents.

But her summer plans change when she's caught stealing by a boy named Daniel — a boy who needs her help and is willing to blackmail her to get it. Daniel has a talent of his own. He can teleport, appearing anywhere in the world in an instant, but he lies as easily as he travels. Together, they embark on a quest to find and steal an ancient incantation, written on three indestructible stones and hidden millennia ago, all to rescue Daniel's kidnapped mother. But Kayla has no idea that this rescue mission will lead back to her own family — and to betrayals that she may not be able to forgive... or survive." -Goodreads

Review:

“All the self-absorbed people were too distracted by the glory of their own personalities to notice her.” (loc. 146)

Chasing Power begins with an intriguing scene as we learn of Kayla’s unique telekinesis power and her living situation. It then develops into something greater than herself as she is forced into an adventure in search for three powerful ancient stones.

“Three stones; one death. But whose, no one knows.” (loc. 682)

I was hooked from the beginning, because I find books containing characters with special powers interesting. When Daniel came into the picture, I smelled the insta-love a mile away. I absolutely loved the concept of the book, as well as Kayla’s story and the interesting plot twists, but the weird twists (such as infusing foreign cultures and history) brought the fascination down a bit. It felt like it was too much to take in, with how simplistic the book started off, and the constant explanations and stories from Queen Marguerite really slowed down the book’s tempo. On the upside, I found how the book led off from a cryptic clue (Daniel’s mom’s note) to a larger mystery and problem, very suspenseful and it really kept my interest.

“‘Find the thief. Ask the queen. Remember I love you.’” (loc. 486)

In all, Chasing Power is a nice book, full of adventure, that can be read quickly because of how it keeps the reader’s interest. The plot isn’t complex, and it’s quite entertaining! I would recommend this for the middle-grade to young adult range, and for those who seek a good pleasure read of dauntless mysteries.