Michelle, ma belle
Sont les mots qui vont tres bien ensemble
Tres bien ensemble
I love you, I love you, I love you
That’s all I want to say
Until I find a way
I will say the only words I know that
You’ll understand
“Michelle” - Lennon/McCartney 1967 Rubber Soul
Before I begin my review of Pulse Of Heroes by A. Jacob Sweeny, there are a couple of things I need to say. First, I have to confess that this review should have appeared as part of a much larger blog tour on Friday, May 25, 2012. I am truly sorry for the delay. Sometimes it is all worth the wait. Second, despite the fact that I agreed to review the book months ago, “paranormal” romance, and I use the term loosely in this case, isn’t a genre that I’m very familiar with at all. That is part of the reason I decided to review the book. I’m very glad I did. Twilight this is not.
The first third of the novel is almost exclusively dedicated to Michelle’s rather ordinary high school life in suburban California, near Napa Valley to be exact, and a series of chance meetings that alter her life in a series of surprising ways. Sweeny certainly knows how to write the inner life of a teenage girl authentically. Michelle is perhaps the most well-developed teenage female protagonist I’ve ever come across. If I ever chose to write fiction featuring a strong teenage female voice, I will reread Pulse Of Heroes. Michelle’s voice was so authentic I found myself empathizing with her several times, remembering I felt much the same way throughout high school, despite never having failed Italian. At times it became almost painful reliving high school memories through Michelle’s experiences.
While the first third of the novel discusses Michelle’s high school life, it also sets the scene for her increasing entanglement with Elliot, Rion, Xander, and everyone else at the new school in Michelle’s neighborhood, the Hekademos Learning Center. Elliot is every bit as much of a well-developed character as Michelle. Michelle and Elliot may not recognize in the beginning just how much they love each other, but every small step in their relationship is riveting. Their tension alone drives the novel, despite all the complications, hurt, and jealousies featured in the second half of the book.
While I don’t want to give away any of the plot twists in the novel, I do have to mention a few other relationships in the book. Michelle’s entire experience with Haden while in Europe is harrowing. I love how Sweeny uses that particular relationship to discuss Michelle’s sexuality in depth, without resorting to clichés or sex itself. In fact, Michelle’s self-respect is refreshing, as is Elliot’s entire relationship with her. My favorite scene comes towards the end of the novel when Elliot and Michelle finally come to terms with their relationship. It is only then they truly come to any full understanding of their true feelings for one another.
Michelle’s relationship with Francesca is sweet, uncomplicated, and adds to the complexity of Michelle’s characters. I truly loved seeing a deep friendship between a teenager and senior citizen in the novel. Their affection is palpable. Throughout the novel Michelle and Elliot discover just how many people love them, and how much they love each other.
If you are looking for a unique young adult series, this just might be it. There is a depth underpinning the entire novel that isn’t easy to come by. All of the relationships ring true and set the stage nicely for the next books in the series. I am eager to continue the series and can’t recommend Pulse Of Heroes by A. Jacob Sweeny enough.
