Review of "One Wish Away"

Super-smart characters combined with fast-paced action make Kelley Lynn’s latest novel One Wish Away a winner.  The teaser drew me in from the beginning—“Be careful what you wish for. . .”

High school student Lyra (great name!) is a budding astronomer who hopes to follow in her father’s footsteps and work at Space Exploration and Discover. Abandoned by her mom years before and neglected by an incredibly distracted dad, Lyra spends most of her time with her best friend Darren.

Gazing through the telescope one evening Lyra notices that a star is missing. Her search to find out what happened uncovers a top-secret government experiment masterminded by her dad. When Lyra (and Darren) question the experiment’s goal to build a perfect world, they know they’re putting themselves in danger. Lyra has to choose whether she’ll reveal the truth to the world even if it means undermining her dad’s greatest achievement.

I liked Lyra from the beginning. She’s obviously one of the smart kids but has a lonely home life that makes her vulnerable. You want things to turn out well for her. Darren is a great side-kick and potential boyfriend. Their dialog is fresh and authentic.

The plot line is inventive, incorporating great information about astronomy and research that make the story line very believable. Lynn’s excellent descriptions were skillfully inserted into the action which kept the plot moving.

The only time I questioned anything was when Lyra was treated as an equal in conversations with scientists and government officials. As an adult, I had to suspend my disbelief that they would have been so deferential to a teenager—but I am certain that teens will appreciate that she’s given this respect.

I finished this novel in one sitting—which is always my litmus test for a good book. (You know what I mean. . . when you wish you had a sign that says “Don’t bother me. I’m READING!”)

The author, Kelley Lynn, is a Midwestern girl with a love for science that is apparent in this novel. I love the beginning of her biography. “Eventually the day came when the voices in Kelley Lynn's head were more insistent then her engineering professor's. So instead of turning to her Thermodynamics book, Kelley brought up a blank page on her computer and wrote. Somewhere along the way she became a Young Adult author.” Learn more about Kelley Lynn on her website.

One Wish Away is available right now for pre-order (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo) with a release date of November 24.

I am posting this review as part my very first blog book tour courtesy of YA Bound. This service is invaluable, connecting books to bloggers who choose to review the book, interview the author, or allow the author to guest post on their blog. YA Bound Book Tours Rock!