 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Supernaturalist
- By Eoin Colfer
- Genre: Science Fiction
Common Sense Media says
Matinee action/violence in a slick, fun package.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that while this book's author has few intellectual aspirations, he does raise issues of human and animal testing, corporate control of society, and video-game assumptions leading to shooting before asking questions. Also, in a book where plot twists are telegraphed, making predictions can be fun.
What's the story?
In corporation-run Satellite City, orphans are used for dangerous product testing. 14-year-old Cosmo manages to escape from the orphanage, nearly getting killed in the process, and finds that he has the ability to see invisible blue creatures that are attracted to accidents and violence, and seem to suck the life out of injured people. He teams up with Stefan, Mona, and Ditto, who have the same ability, and spend their nights seeking out and shooting the Parasites.
But nothing is as it appears. Stefan has a relationship with the corporation that runs the city and is chasing them, Ditto may not be leveling with them about his own motives, Mona is close to a local street gang, and the Parasites, and their deaths, may not be what they appear.
Is it any good?
Colfer displays all his trademarks here: nonstop action, gritty violence, an edgy sensibility written in clichhd B-movie style, gadgets, plot twists, and black humor. It's a potent combination, as Ian Fleming discovered, and has made Colfer one of the most popular children's authors today, especially with tween boys and reluctant readers.
Alert young readers will see the plot twists coming a long way off, but they'll still enjoy the action and the gadgets. The ending hints so broadly at a sequel that it raises a cynical chuckle. But why not? If it's good enough for Bond ...
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the use of humor and violence in the story line. Do you like the black humor used here? Do you think the level of violence is appropriate to the story line, or is it over the top?
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AGE
Good for Anyone
This is a good book that moves quickly with lots of action. It doesn't stand out too much in the mind (seeing as this was my second time reading it, and it all seemed new to me), but has what I think are interesting messages, such as what happens when the world becomes very commercial. It's a very good read if you are looking for something that is different, fast-paced, and brings forth dangerous and slightly frightening thoughts about the future. Warning: there is violence in this book, such as shooting, kidnapping, etc.
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AGE
OK
It was nothing special, kind of like a movie you see and then forget about the next day, full of action and without a very interesting plot.
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AGE
this book made me burn the midnite oil
this book is about a no-sponser boy
named Cosmo. this boy joins the supernaturalists and them together they defeat the parasites. Youll find out more when u litterally read it. i wont spill the beans. hope u enjoy it. o yeah try not to burn the midnite oil its. It really burns u inside.
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AGE
A very good book
This book reminds me of Maximum Ride because of the human and animal testing. Anyways, the main characters all have had a tragic incident and ever since there incidents, they have been able to see blue creatures that appear to put people who are hurt through pain. Hired by a company, the main characters try to destroy the creatures, but only find out that shooting them makes them multiply. Right after finding that out, they realize the company that hired them was evil. There is a bit of violence in this book and one of the characters enjoys drinking beer, I think the book is OK for kids to read.
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AGE
Amazing Eion Colfer Classic!
This was a really good book! The first one I read of Eion Colfer, which made me want to read others of his! Definatly a great book!
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AGE
One of the best books ever written!
This book is SOOOOO good! You just have to feel sorry for poor Cosmo Hill.
It seem like ever situation he get into just seem to turn out bad! I cried so hard!
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AGE
Good Book!
Good work writing this book I loved it!
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AGE
A Must Read
Whether your a preteen or teen, it doesn't matter. The Supernaturalist is a very good book. Plot twists, a bit of mystery, a little bit of teen love = one great read. It shows that not everything is what it may seem like, and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a mystery/thriller for pre/teens.
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AGE
Good for Everyone! (Almost)
I think this book has a very deep meaning and is hard to get out of.
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AGE
a must read book for teens, just what teens want to read!
This was my favorite book, one of my friends read it and told me it was good, then so grandma gave it to me for chistmas! Iv read it about 100 times!
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| Author: | Eoin Colfer |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Science Fiction |
| Publisher: | Hyperion Books for Children |
| Publication date: | May 16, 2004 |
| Number of pages: | 267 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.95 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 10 - 14 |
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