Review: The Bridge (Lou)

Meh. This book was just okay. I liked that it's about a gay male witch, something you just don't see too often in paranormal YA. But The Bridge felt a little lacking in certain details.

	AUTHOR: Rachel Lou SERIES: no PUBLISHER: Harmony Ink PUBLICATION DATE: June 2, 2016 ISBN: 9781634768832 PAGES: 224 SOURCE: SLJ review copy GENRE: paranormal, GLBT SETTING: GIVE IT TO: HS

SUMMARY: Seventeen-year old Everett is a witch, from a long line of witching relatives. He has lived with his grandfather since his parents went missing over seven years ago. But Everett has a unique ability: the ability to help spirits pass over the bridge between our world and the afterlife. One day, an unusual pull leads Everett to a Korean dojo, and Everett is convinced the dojo is haunted.

REVIEW:This book was just okay for me. I liked that it's about a gay male witch, something I've not seen too often in paranormal YA. I also love how the grandpa is cool with Everett's sexuality. He asks Everett about the boy at the dojo and chuckles when Everett blushes. The relationship between Everett and Bryce is realistically awkward, as I'm sure it would be between two boys who are uncertain if the other person's feelings are reciprocated. I did root for Everett and Bryce, so that's something.

I am disappointed that the witching world isn't better fleshed-out. I wanted more of the haunted forest, the ghosts looking for a Bridge Master, Everett's parents' history, the backstory of Jake and his mother's tiny hellhound. All of those things were cool and interesting and had potential; it's such a shame they all lacked development.

I also got kind of tired about hearing how "weak" Everett is. He's a weakling; I get it. Move on.

THEMES: witches, afterlife, M-M romance, martial arts

THE BOTTOM LINE: It's okay, but it does not live up to its potential. For better-developed male witch characters and world-building, read Sally Green's Half Bad trilogy instead.

STATUS IN MY LIBRARY: We don't have it.

RATING BREAKDOWN:

• Overall: 2/5
• Creativity: 3/5
• Characters: 3/5
• Engrossing: 2/5
• Writing: 2/5
• Appeal to teens: 3/5
• Appropriate length to tell the story: 2/5

CONTENT:

• Language: medium; 2 F-bombs and 8 sh**
• Sexuality: Everett reads a book that has a male erotica scene; masturbation; M-M kissing and groping, Everett and Bryce talk about sleeping over
• Violence: mild paranormal violence
• Drugs/Alcohol: Everett drinks beer and gets drunk

READALIKES: