Struck

Jennifer Bosworth

MacMillan Children’s

Publishing Group

ISBN 13: 978-0374372835

$17.99
2012

After a devastating earthquake, downtown L.A. is left in ruins, with the exception of one untouched tower. Downtown becomes a focal point for a traveling party that moves to a different building every night; the partiers drawn by an irresistible force. Homeless gangs roam the streets; the beaches have become tent cities and two groups vie for power over the lives and souls of those fortunate, or cursed enough, to be left alive.

Teen Mia is a lightning rod; literally. She has been struck not once or twice, but many times. But rather than fearing lightning; Mia craves the energy that could kill her one day. To prevent future strikes, her mother, brother Parker and Mia have moved to L.A. because lightning rarely strikes there. However, she still covers her body completely before going out to avoid both the lightning she attracts, and to conceal the vivid lighting scars that cover her body.

Mia’s mother is battling mental illness caused by the devastation of the quake, and Mia and Parker must buy her meds on the black market. This sends them out to the beach, and a confrontation with Prophet’s people.
The two warring groups are convinced that Mia is connected to the freak electrical storm that caused the earthquake; and the two groups; one led by a school teacher, and the other, a cult lead by the charismatic but creepy Prophet, try to get her to join them. The Prophet’s massive tent city covers the beach; and his followers, dressed in angelic white, are everywhere. Then there is the mysterious Jeremy, who has promised to protect her. Can she believe him? But just as she begins to trust Jeremy, and her feelings blossom into love; she learns that he is Prophet’s adopted son; sent to “trick” her into joining his cult. Worse yet, the Prophet has convinced Mia’s mother to marry him on the night when he plans to use Mia to call the lightning; and begin the Apocalypse. And if Mia doesn’t do as Prophet wishes; her mother will be killed. As night falls, Mia must decide who to sacrifice; and whether to risk unleashing the full extent of her powers to save those she loves, a power that could destroy her, and ignite the Apocalypse.

A straight arrow, Mia is a tough, determined heroine; but one who is plagued with doubts. Buffeted by those who want her powers, she must rely on her instincts to make the right choices to survive, and save the world. Fast paced, compelling and electric; this can’t put down novel offers a gripping view of an apocalyptic future.