Review Detail

Reader reviewed by LJK

I must admit, it took me a while to figure out this book (the back cover was no help) but I gave it some time, and I can see why this series is such a hit. Gaia (pronouced "guy [pause] uh" Moore was born withou the gene for fear, and was trained by her father to be a brilliant super-warrior. The fearless gene seems like a gimmick at first, but over time it's clear that for Gaia, this is both a gift and a curse. Gaia may not feel fear when faced with an attacker in the park, but when she uses all of energy fighting she literally cannot open her eyes. She is also still a lost teenager, and she must deal with the same issues of popularity, friendships, and what to wear to school.

The balancing act between Buffy/Syndey Bristow toughness and teenage insecurities is a tough one, and while Fearless doesn't always succeed, it definitely gets points for ambition. This first book in series introduces several characters, including Gaia's only friend, wheelchair-bound Ed, and her nemesis, the super-popular Heather. We also briefly meet Gaia's guardians George and Ella, but the fate of Gaia's parents is only hinted at.

While Fearless doesn't quite hit all its marks, it definitely draws the reader in, and I, for one, want to know what happens next.