Situation Momedy

May 23, 2016
A teenage boy discovers that the fate of the world rests in his hands in this ambitious but muddled fantasy, which seeks to reinterpret the Christian apocalypse in a less overtly religious fashion. Upon turning 16, hapless loser James Salley learns that he is the Antichrist, destined to act as the War Bringer for a parallel world known as Taloon, visions of which have inspired various faiths throughout history. James has no intention of jumpstarting a war that will devastate Earth; he'd rather work on his comic book and pursue a friendship with Dorian, the only girl at school who's nice to him. With Catholic zealots looking to kill him and the people of Taloon insisting he free the imprisoned Morning Star, James has to find a way to take control of his own life. Unfortunately, this promising setup leads to a confusing, lackluster ending, and the mashup of high school drama and high concept fantasy doesn't entirely gel. It's never fully clear whether Jordan (Gospel Hollow) is shooting for comedy or something more profound. Ages 12âup. Agent: Alex Slater, Trident Media Group.

April 1, 2016

Gr 8 Up-It's obvious to James Salley that no one likes him. Not only is he bullied but he also repels people. Even his parents, it seems, since they're never around. Right after James turns 16, his high school librarian informs him that he's the One. The War Bringer. The Anti-Christ. All he's ever wanted was to be a comic book author and illustrator and to win the heart of Dorian Delaney. Now, he has to flee the Roman Catholic cabal, which is trying to kill him, and he feels coerced into bringing about the Armageddon set forth when Metatron imprisoned Morning Star on their world, Taloon. (No, there is no Jesus in this tale.) But now that James understands his power of influence, things on Earth start working in his favor. He defeats his bully, Dorian likes him, and even his parents eventually take interest in him. It's only when Dink, a muddied homunculus whom the librarian gave James to carry in his pocket for protection, tells James that he has a choice that he begins to believe it. Jordan blends realistic fiction with humor, fantasy, and an epic adventure quest of destiny. This title will appeal to those who enjoy humor and adventure stories. VERDICT Purchase where Andrew Smith's Grasshopper Jungle is popular.-Adrienne L. Strock, Teen Library Manager, Nashville Public Library

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from March 15, 2016
A teenage outcast discovers he is the key to the world's undoing. James Salley is a white teen without any support system. Something about James has always rubbed people the wrong way. He's ignored by his endlessly busy parents, and the only person at school who pays him any attention is a bully. Then the new school librarian shows an interest in James, taking him under his wing and informing him of his true destiny. It turns out James is the Antichrist, the chosen one who will begin the War to end all wars. James' world is soon turned upside down, with murderous zealots tracking him down and mythical creatures coming to his aid, and to top it all off, James' crush is finally starting to pay attention to him. Jordan seamlessly weaves the high-concept weirdness with typical teen tropes and smartly fleshes out all of his characters with interior lives, making them leap off the pages and into readers' imaginations and hearts. As James waffles between his conflicting desires to just be a regular kid and to make all who made him miserable pay, readers will probably be able to figure out what choice he will eventually make, but a last-minute twist on James' dilemma is the cherry on top of this absurdly funny and affecting novel. A wickedly funny examination of what it means to choose your own destiny. (Fantasy. 14-17)

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