Review of Pulse of Heroes by A. Jacob Sweeny

Synopsis from book:
Michelle used to feel that she was behind in everything, especially schoolwork and relationships.
Her great aunt from the old country says that she is like a bland meal, “no salt or pepper”. But in junior year, everything changes. Her father takes a position on the Town Council, a popular boy in school becomes interested in her and, most importantly, the Hekademos Learning Center, a private school for ‘troubled’ students, moves into her neighborhood amidst the protests of the entire town.
 
After seeing the School Regent out with a group of young guys just before Christmas, Michelle is convinced that there is something odd about them. Her curiosity gets the better of her and she embarks upon a mission to figure out what is really going on. After an embarrassing fall over the school wall, Michelle meets Elliot and her ordinary ‘bland’ life changes its course forever.

Elliot is no ordinary human. In fact, no one at the Hekademos Learning Center is. Beautiful and fierce, they have survived throughout the millennia by weaving in and out of human events. Through them, Michelle learns that history and myths from around the world are dotted with references to their kind. Michelle falls madly in love with the ever-striking and mysterious Elliot and, as much as he tries to fight it, he develops strong feelings for her as well. Although Elliot carries numerous painful memories from his many pasts, he disregards his own better judgment and the advice of his friends, and finds himself falling for Michelle‘s offbeat personality. Their feelings grow in intensity, but when History catches up with them, the difference between their life paths threatens to destroy any future that they might have had together.

Michelle learns that there are infinite shades of gray between black and white, and has to deal with the bundle of contradictory emotions called love. After some unexpected twists during a family trip to Europe, she has to trust her intuition in order to face the danger and uncertainty of being drawn into Elliot’s wondrous world. Ultimately, it is up to Michelle to make the split-second, life-altering decision that will either tear them apart forever, or give them another chance.

My Review: 

Pulse of Heroes by A. Jacob Sweeny is the first book in the Pulse Myth Series and was quite the surprise to me. I had heard and saw many good reviews on this book so I decided to give it a try. This is not your usual boy meets girl, loves and loses girl, rescues girl story and that’s the end. This book is filled with many wonderful things. It is rich in history and transports you to other worlds through Sweeny’s vivid, descriptive writing. If you close your eyes, you ARE there; you experience all the adventures and the land that she talks about. What an accomplishment, to give me so many history lessons and have me enjoy it! Romance is abound, as is action and betrayal. Yes, Michelle is a bit of a brat, sort of immature, but what 17-year-old isn’t? As she grows and matures throughout the book she grows on you. She is young in years but her experiences help her to grow at a fast rate, after she gets past the confusion and conflicting emotions. I feel for Elliot, I mean really, I would never want to be an immortal. Living through so many deaths of those you love, seeing the horrors he’s seen and the things he’s had to live through. The worst part would be not even knowing where you came from, who and what, exactly, you are. He is very mature, not only in years but also emotionally. I really connected with Elliot. I felt that I really got to know him well. I love that the story is told from multiple POV's’ It's not only refreshing, but suprisingly fulfilling as it gives more depth to the scenes. The roller coaster ride of this book is excitement in its purest form. Your emotions will go through the whole gauntlet.
You will cry and cheer with Elliot and Michelle, scream at Haden and drool over the boys at The Hekademos Learning Center and that is just a start. Paranormal readers, Immortal lovers, History buffs and anyone that just loves a well told, plot filled story will really enjoy this book. What a great start to this series. I’m looking forward to more adventures with Michelle, Elliot and the rest of the boys.

I give Pulse of Heroes

                                                            5/5 Books

Buy this book:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Pulse-Heroes-A-Jacob-Sweeny/dp/0615414168/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330733300&sr=8-1
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pulse-of-heroes-ajacob-sweeny/1105098795
Sweeny's Website: http://www.pulseofheroes.com/purchase-herebooks.html

Read more about A. Jacob Sweeny on her website:
http://www.pulseofheroes.com/index.html