Today’s book was a great surprise to me. I really enjoyed it!
I thought the concept sounded interesting and wasn’t too sure how I would feel about it. The book had been on my nightstand for a while. I admit I wish I read it sooner! But the book turned out to be very enjoyable! Today’s book is Burning Midnight by Will McIntosh.
- Hardcover: 320 pages
- Publisher: Delacorte Press (February 2, 2016)
Sully is a sphere dealer at a flea market. It doesn’t pay much—Alex Holliday’s stores have muscled out most of the independent sellers—but it helps him and his mom make the rent.
No one knows where the brilliant-colored spheres came from. One day they were just there, hidden all over the earth like huge gemstones. Burn a pair and they make you a little better: an inch taller, skilled at math, better-looking. The rarer the sphere, the greater the improvement—and the more expensive the sphere.
When Sully meets Hunter, a girl with a natural talent for finding spheres, the two start searching together. One day they find a Gold—a color no one has ever seen. And when Alex Holliday learns what they have, he will go to any lengths, will use all of his wealth and power, to take it from them.
There’s no question the Gold is priceless, but what does it actually do? None of them is aware of it yet, but the fate of the world rests on this little golden orb. Because all the world fights over the spheres, but no one knows where they come from, what their powers are, or why they’re here.
Tawney’s Review:
The spheres showed up without warning. They range from different colors (blues, greens, yellows, reds) and there are certain one’s that are rare, like the cherry red. Those who burn the spheres, taking the sphere’s power, obtain new abilities. Some can become smarter, faster, prettier. Sully collects the spheres and sells them for a cheaper price than most people. When he meets Hunter, a girl who can find any sphere, they collaborate together and find the most rare of spheres, a Gold. But this gets the attention of Alex Holliday, a billionaire who wants all spheres. He chases them from Mexico to India to obtain the rare spheres they find.
The world Will created was very interesting. It was the modern world but with a little element of mystery. The spheres. It was a great concept that had me hooked on the first chapter. What were they? Why were they here? It had a very Indian Jones vibe with hunting for the spheres all over the world, because each sphere brings a certain price.
The characters were diverse and fun. Sully only wanted to help his Mom out since she recently lost her job. He cared about her and his friends. He puts their needs before his. Hunter was a little hard and unreadable. I didn’t really like her at first. But you soon find out that she has no family and why she hunted these spheres. Sometimes she drove me crazy on her decisions that would affect the others. Dom was Sully’s best friend and just a fun guy to read. Mandy was a kick ass chick. They both brought comedy to a thrilling adventure, which kept the book fun.
Burning Midnight was fast pace and fun. Every page flew by and I loved the different settings that the characters found themselves in. I had thought I figured out what the spheres were but the ending surprised me. It felt a little rushed and I would have liked more detail, but I liked the turn of events. It was a creeptastic ending! Will was vivid with his discretion and I could visually see every detail he described. I had fun with this book. It’s a standalone and those books are refreshing. I don’t have to wait for the sequel so it all tidied up in a nice way. I don’t have to wait a year or two to find out what happens next. I’m finished and satisfied. Those type of books deserve a read.
I do really want a sphere now though…..
Should you read it! Yes! A standalone book with adventure and an unexpected ending. It’s a great sci-fi novel that was a solid read.
Order your book today!
Thanks to Random House for sending a copy. In no way does this affected my opinion.
Twinning for Books 
I enjoyed this one, though not as much as you. I had some issues with the first half and pacing. I needed more movement. And I wanted more background on the spheres. I know the author saved that until the end for shock value, but little tid bits dropped here and there would have made for a better read, IMO. Overall the voice for me was more middle grade than YA. Glad you enjoyed it. You can see my review HERE