Book Review: Firestorm

Hello, my avid readers. Today, I shall be sharing with you a book I read not too long ago. It is entitled "Firestorm" and is written by author David Klass. "Firestorm" is a science fiction book that talks about global warming.

Jack Danielson is a regular teenager living in Hadley-by-Hudson, New York, the United States of America. However, his entire life is turned upside-down when he is set upon by the Dark Army, an army of hybrid mutants from the future who thrive in the pollution-ravaged Earth. Together with his loyal companion dog Gisco, and his guardian Eko, they must save the ocean from a mysterious man named Dargon, before it is too late.

The idea of a young hero stepping forward to save humanity has been used in many science-fiction and fantasy books. However, Jack saving the Earth from humans destroying it through various types of pollution provides an interesting and gripping twist to the idea. The book conveys the need to save the environment by showing what the Earth will be like if nothing is done now. The book also emphasises how everyone can work together to save the Earth by helping out in their own tiny way, perhaps planting another tree, or helping to clear some rubbish on the floor. It is a work of art that combines environmental awareness with an action-packed that is sure to keep the reader glued to the pages.

This book is extremely unique, because of the creative spin it takes on the global warming issue. Many books I have read about global warming have been non-fiction books that simply provide the facts in a dry, dull manner. However, this book has the added advantage of coming in a suspenseful and gripping plot. I think this is a great way to learn about facts, because the emotions that accompany the book will help to ingrain those facts into one's brain. This is beneficial as compared to the conventional methods of teaching that many students perceive as boring. However, one should be careful that the book is not too off-topic for revision purposes.

I think this book is extremely useful in teaching both science and literature lessons because of its hybrid nature. I liked the book so much I finished it in two days and went on to borrow the sequel, finishing that in three days. The action and suspense that is provided abundantly in the plot is also a major benefit for teachers as they can be fairly sure that students will finish the book in a week at maximum due to its appeal to the younger generation. Also, the youth of the protagonist is likely to appeal very much to other youths as well. I would recommend this book to all literature and science teachers to incorporate in their lessons. There are indeed many learning points such as protecting the environment, helping those in need and being wary and alert of those who would deceive you. For example, in one chapter of the story, Jack sabotages a trawler ship that is owned by the evil Dargon and stands by his decision even though he is brutally punished afterwards. He also does not fall prey to Dargon's balm of honeyed lies with which Dargon tries to entice Jack to stop in his quest to save the Earth.

However, this book has some content which may be inappropriate for younger readers such as romance and violence. I would recommend that only children of 10 years or older read this book. For example, in the aforementioned chapter, Dargon punished Jack by chopping off his little finger on the left hand. This may not be suitable for those who are not mature enough to deal with violence, even if it is entirely fictional.

Also, this book has provided me with additional vocabulary to add to my word bank. For example, "salient" which means important, "obfuscated" which means to make obscure or unclear, and "hoi polloi" which is a Greek word for "the masses". Other words include "speleology" which means the study of caves and "vulcanology" which means the study of volcanoes.

Overall, a delectable read. I will be borrowing the third and final book when it becomes available at my local library.