Book Review: Touch (Denazen #1)

Title: Touch
Author: Jus Accardo
Publication: November 1, 2011 (paperback)
Pages: 251
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Buy it: Amazon, B&N, Book Depository

When a strange boy tumbles down a river embankment and lands at her feet, seventeen-year-old adrenaline junkie Deznee Cross snatches the opportunity to piss off her father by bringing the mysterious hottie with ice blue eyes home.

Except there’s something off with Kale. He wears her shoes in the shower, is overly fascinated with things like DVDs and vases, and acts like she’ll turn to dust if he touches her. It’s not until Dez’s father shows up, wielding a gun and knowing more about Kale than he should, that Dez realizes there’s more to this boy—and her father’s “law firm”—than she realized.

Kale has been a prisoner of Denazen Corporation—an organization devoted to collecting “special” kids known as Sixes and using them as weapons—his entire life. And, oh yeah, his touch? It kills. The two team up with a group of rogue Sixes hellbent on taking down Denazen before they’re caught and her father discovers the biggest secret of all. A secret Dez has spent her life keeping safe.

A secret Kale will kill to protect.

The cover told me that there would be plenty of action and that, well, there would be a hot, dangerous guy involved in all this. The book was just as exciting as I thought it would be. From the beginning, Accardo intrigues you with mystery and constantly keeps you on the edge of your seat. There is definitely a lot of action what with the main characters always being on the run and making dangerous plans... and getting involved in killer fight scenes.

I love the characters. Dez is a strong female lead who won't be overshadowed by the guys, though she does get involved with a couple of them. She is tough, determined, and keeps her place. Kale, on the other hand, is a bit naïve, but he is a cool guy overall. He isn't afraid to say what's on his mind, and he is always there for Dez. Plus, there is some sizzling chemistry in this book!

I've always been fascinated by superpowers. Accardo takes the concept of super-powered humans and adds her own twist to it. The concept of Sixes is exciting and contributes much to the overall plot of the story. Add to that secrets, betrayal, and loss.

Dez grows from a girl who does things just to annoy her father to a young woman who will stand up for those she loves. She may be the adrenaline junkee, but Accardo may have turned me into one while reading touch. I could not put down this book. I was that hooked. In fact, Accardo still has me hooked and waiting to pounce on the second installment in the Denazen series!

My rating: Keeper


Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. No payment was received in return for a review. The receipt of the book had no influence on the opinions expressed in my review.