Pulse by Patrick Carman

 

Published: February 26th, 2013

Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books

Pages: 371

Copy: Library

Summary:  Goodreads

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.

I just finished reading Pulse about 30 minutes ago and I wanted to get my thoughts down before I lost that tingly feeling.  You know that feeling you get when you end up enjoying a book way more than you expected to?  Yep, that's what happened with Pulse.

I don't think I've ever read a book by Patrick Carman before, which is surprising, since he's written a fair number of book - middle school and YA.  This one appealed to me because of the cover.  A tree hanging in midair?  What could it possibly be about? I thought it would be fantasy, but no, it's really a dystopian paranormal, if that makes sense.

Carman has managed to take a couple of fairly relevant issues - global warming and technology - and has crafted an intriguing and riveting story.  In some parts of this story I was totally creeped-out - not by the action, but by the absolute plausibility of the text and the way technology was controlling lives.  In some cases we're almost already there. It was eye-opening in a way.

Top that off with amazing characters and the combination is a winner.  Faith's story unravels slowly and there are several surprises that I wasn't expecting.  She was easy to like and easy to sympathize with. Her best friend Liz has a small but pivotal role that blew me away, and the third wheel in their group, Hawk, is so sweet.  A bit like a little brother you let tag along because he can be useful - but you've no idea how useful.  Dylan is mysterious and good looking and I'd love to meet him - so much going on with this guy.  Then we have Wade and Clara, the twins from hell.  My God, these kids are evil. We've all seen someone like them, good-looking, talented and with a huge sense of entitlement.

Love triangle - you'll be pleased to hear the answer is no.  Love story - a beautifully poignant sleeping beauty tale that will have you sighing.  Final verdict - Pulse will surprise you.  The story takes its time to develop, but then it just takes off and leaves you breathless, with your heart pounding.  I thoroughly enjoyed this one and will be recommending it frequently.