Review Detail

Hardcore, adrenaline-pumping action will keep you turning the pages in the latest fast-paced novel from YA author Chris Howard.

Alana West is a Runner for the police. Which means she doses up on an experimental drug called Tetra and chases down Breakneaks - criminals who use the drug to escape crime scenes. Alana lives in the fast lane 24/7, and when she's on Tetra, the fast lane moves at the speed of light. But when her Tetra Runner unit is shut down by secretive government agents, Alana must go undercover with the Breaknecks to find out what's going on behind the scenes of the Tetra trade - and to get her next fix. While undercover she makes new friends and enemies and must toe the line between good and evil.

A fantastically written standalone, NIGHT SPEED is what YA sci-fi should be: full of adventure, action thrills, suspense, and really cool gadgets. Alana is a great protagonist, complex and with a lot of personality. The character development is spot-on, the dialogue is witty and realistic, and the relationships are very meaningful. Alana is a teenage girl who feels things very strongly, and struggles with her emotions in such a compelling way that the novel's romantic aspects are not bland or predictable. There are plot twists galore, and so many secrets that you'll be guessing until the very last chapter.

The Verdict: A highly recommended high-octane sci-fi action thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.