Travis Thrasher’s “Wonder” picks up where “Marvelous” left off with the story of Brandon Jeffrey and Marvella “Marvel” Garcia. The little town of Appleton is still nervous after two teen-agers suffered horrific, mysterious deaths.
Summer is over and Brandon and his buddies are heading back to school. Their fall is filled with all the typical, and not-so-typical, teen angst — being the new girl trying to fit into a new school, young love, finding one’s self, popularity and jealousy, and the heavier and darker subjects of abuse, drugs, alcohol and bullies.
Throughout all the craziness, however, Marvel still holds on to the belief that she is going to die helping someone in need — and soon. Therefore she is afraid to draw close to Brandon, but also feels the deep need to teach him of God’s love and will.
“Wonder” brings up several unanswered mysteries (hopefully they will be addressed in book #3). What are the mysterious glowing lights friend Devon sees? Why does Brandon keep having strange dreams and visions, and are they prophetic? Are the previous two deaths connected to the drug trade? And who is Phil, the weird customer from the record store where Brandon works, and just how much does he know?
Most of the book deals with Brandon and Marvel growing closer, and Brandon and his friends trying to stand up for what is right. The end of the novel, however, sends a sucker punch to the reader and leaves us hanging as to what happens to a big character in the book.
I would not recommend this book for those younger than teen-aged, but it’s a great, interesting, thought-provoking book for teens and adults alike. With very short chapters, it’s a fast-paced read — and is filled with enough questions to keep the reader guessing and longing for more! Bring on book #3, Mr. Thrasher!
Five stars out of five.
Tyndale House Publishers provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.
“Wonder” (The Books of Marvella, #2) by Travis Thrasher