Pulse by Patrick Carman

Release Date: February 26, 2013

Series: Pulse Trilogy (bk. 1)

Genera: Sci-fi/Near-Futuristic Dystopian

Subjects: psychic ability, telekinesis, futuristic, paranormal, supernatural

Age/Grade Level: Teen

Length: 371 pgs.

HC/PB: Hardcover

List Price: $17.99

Publisher: HarperCollins: Katherine Tegen

Summary/ product description: “From New York Times bestselling author Patrick Carman, a teen fantasy-adventure of epic proportions. In 2051, some teens have a “pulse,” the power to move objects with their minds. Compulsively readable, with thrilling action scenes and a tender love story.
The year is 2051, and the world is still recognizable. With the help of her mysterious classmate Dylan Gilmore, Faith Daniels discovers that she can move objects with her mind. This telekinetic ability is called a “pulse,” and Dylan has the talent, too.
In riveting action scenes, Faith demonstrates her ability to use her pulse against a group of telekinesis masters so powerful they will flatten their enemies by uprooting street lights, moving boulders, and changing the course of a hurtling hammer so that it becomes a deadly weapon. But even with great talent, the mind—and the heart—can be difficult to control. If Faith wants to join forces with Dylan and save the world, she’ll have to harness the power of both.
Patrick Carman’s Pulse trilogy is a stunning, action-filled triumph about the power of the mind—and the power of love.”

My Rating: êêêê

My Review: Before reading, I was sure this was going to be awesome, and then when I started reading it I felt a bit discouraged because I hate 3^rd person omniscient. I can’t stand all the head-jumping, knowing what each character is thinking. I prefer 1^st person, or 3^rd person limited. I loved the way the author wrote Thirteen Days To Midnight. This book’s writing style had some problems. At least, for like the first 100 pages or so. Once Dylan starts showing Faith what she can do, it does get kind of awesome.

I loved the whole concept of a Pulse that lets people more things with their mind, as well as themselves. Telekinesis, levitation, flying, and all that fun stuff. And the second Pulse, which is like a shield of indestructibleness, but has a weakness. I would love to be able to fly like that and not get hurt if I fall. (But if I could wish for a power, I’d probably go with teleportation for its practicality).

The world building is mostly realistic. It’s set in the near future, and is kind of post-apocalyptic (post-global warming) and utopian (because the States). It’s not truly dystopian because it’s not about resistance to the government, but it’s still post-catastrophic events. It’s sci-fi awesomeness. I loved the explanations given. I sure hope this doesn’t truly happen in the next 40 years. Also, the Tablets and Coin are a big part of this future world. We all know about tablet, but these ones can change in size and have basically replaced more digital electronic devices. Standardized, no brands. Sounds like there’s no capitalism.

The characters in this book are pretty developed. Faith is strong willed, and tall. Her friend Liz likes the feel of things. This kid named Hawk is an extremely smart hacker. He becomes friends with them. Wade and his sister Clara are very, very tall and into athletics and the Field Games. They’re jerks. Dylan is romantic, hot and basically the best super-powered boyfriend ever. I love this character Dylan!! I hope there’s more even romance is the next book. He’s very swoon worthy.

I recommend this book if you like: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi, Gone by Michael Grant, Divergent by Veronica Roth, or Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi. Dystopian books with characters with superpowers or abilities, or strong female characters.

Cover Art Review: The tree looks really cool. It looks like an illustration. It’s something that Faith actually telekinetically lifts in the book. You can see the fog around the State under the roots. And those repetitive houses look kind of boring. But as a sci-fi cover, this is definitely awesome. I can tell that the rings behind the title are going to be embossed, while the title will probably be de-bossed. Wonder if there’s anything metallic. I love the colors of the sky background. Makes me think of an aurora, but it’s a sunset.

 

~Haley G