Title: The SupernaturalistAuthor: Eoin Colfer
Publication Date: May 2004
Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction
Age: 10-14
Pages: 288
Series: no
Publisher's website: Hyperion Books for Children
Author's website: http://eoincolfer.com
Book Acquisition: NH Public Libraries Downloadable Audio Books
In the not-too-distant future, in a place called Satellite City, thirteen-year-old Cosmo Hill is unfortunate enough to come into the world unwanted by his parents. And so, as are all orphaned boys his age, Cosmo is dipped in a vaccine vat and sent to the Clarissa Frayne Institute for Parentally Challenged Boys -- freight class.
At Clarissa Frayne, the orphans, called "no-sponsors," are put to work by the state, testing dangerous products that never should be allowed near human beings. By the time the no-sponsors are sent to their cardboard utility pipes, given their nightly meal pack, and finally fall asleep, they are often covered in burns, bruises, or sores from the work of the day.
Cosmo Hill knows that he must escape, even though he has no idea what might be waiting for him on the outside. He plans for the moment when he can make a break. When that moment finally comes, he nearly dies while escaping. But he is rescued by a gang of "Supernaturalists," a motley crew of kids who all have a special psychic ability -- one that Cosmo is about to learn he has as well. They "see" supernatural Parasites -- tiny, translucent creatures who feed on the life force of humans. The Supernatuarlists patrol the city at night, finding and blasting the Parasites to try and save what is left of humanity in Satellite City. Or so they think. The young hunters soon find themselves caught in a web far worse than they could have imagined, embroiled with private police, illegal racing gangs, and a corporation cover-up, until they discover a horrifying secret that will force them to question everything they believe in.
At Clarissa Frayne, the orphans, called "no-sponsors," are put to work by the state, testing dangerous products that never should be allowed near human beings. By the time the no-sponsors are sent to their cardboard utility pipes, given their nightly meal pack, and finally fall asleep, they are often covered in burns, bruises, or sores from the work of the day.
Cosmo Hill knows that he must escape, even though he has no idea what might be waiting for him on the outside. He plans for the moment when he can make a break. When that moment finally comes, he nearly dies while escaping. But he is rescued by a gang of "Supernaturalists," a motley crew of kids who all have a special psychic ability -- one that Cosmo is about to learn he has as well. They "see" supernatural Parasites -- tiny, translucent creatures who feed on the life force of humans. The Supernatuarlists patrol the city at night, finding and blasting the Parasites to try and save what is left of humanity in Satellite City. Or so they think. The young hunters soon find themselves caught in a web far worse than they could have imagined, embroiled with private police, illegal racing gangs, and a corporation cover-up, until they discover a horrifying secret that will force them to question everything they believe in.
(from publisher's website)
I loved this book! If you've never read anything by Colfer, well, you should :) And The Supernaturalist would be a good place to start. The world of the Supernaturalist is pretty unique but at the same time, believable. Technology prevails but the same basic human needs, wants, hopes and desires, are the leading forces that drive people's lives.
The characters were very likable. Especially Cosmo Hill. I'm drawn to young, male protagonists and Cosmo doesn't disappoint. I think this would be a great book for young boys. There is adventure and danger. There is also some sadness, but it fits with the story.
The ending is open to a sequel but The Supernaturalist is a stand alone novel - which I like. My imagination was able to fill in the blanks :)
The audio book that I listened too had a narrator with a wonderful accent! It totally added to the story.
4 out of 5 stars
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