Rehumanized Drew

A Windstalker Story

Clarion Rating: 4 out of 5

This engaging book with supernatural elements will capture young adult attention.

K. M. Baginski’s Rehumanized Drew deals with themes of redemption, powerlessness, and overcoming the odds, resulting in a highly engaging, electric venture in a world of shattered pasts and supernatural creatures.

Drew Royce has had a difficult life. His memories are shattered, and his crimes are almost too great to count. A brief fling with the supernatural left him much the worse for wear, and that time spent with the supernatural is far from over—he is now a weapon for the Nephilim to use against their enemies. To beat the beast within, as well as the evils without, Drew must reclaim his own humanity.

Then novel starts out as an electric example of young adult fiction. There is an immediate draw to its dangerous, fast-paced narrative. Scenes are well-staged, and detailed scenarios read as cinematic.

The chemistry between characters comes alive in an authentic manner that is also appropriate for their ages. Drew’s memories in particular are written in a way that feels fragmented, and they become one of the novel’s great strengths. Supernatural elements are written in a way that is delightfully, viscerally human, and tense, uncertain scenes are as sharp as a knife.

But as the story unfolds, the urgency of Drew’s situation drops dramatically. His situation remains tenuous at best, and the narrative becomes clogged with unneeded details, such as around shopping trips. Exchanges between characters in such scenes prove necessary, though they are lengthy and awkwardly staged.

The second book in its series does not include enough information regarding, or emotional connection to, any established characters or previous events. Events come to lack personal impact as a result, even as the story remains both potent and compelling.

Baginski’s ability to write characters as authentic people shines through. Drew’s voice in particular reads exactly as a teenager would speak and think. Yet character development is somewhat lacking, with some decisions remaining inexplicable, as when Drew finds himself with a stranger. There is an initial panic mentioned, but the actions that follow do not align with those of someone who really fears for their safety.

K.M. Baginski’s Rehumanized Drew has the makings of a riveting entry to a young adult series. It is an engaging book that will captivate the attention of its audiences, especially those who are interested in uncertain pasts and the supernatural.

Reviewed by Laura Kemmerer

Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book and paid a small fee to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. Foreword Reviews and Clarion Reviews make no guarantee that the publisher will receive a positive review. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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