Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Strong values, strong language in riveting thriller sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Picking up where Crash left off, BANG finds 16-year-old Julia (Jules) DeMarco recovering from her injuries after heading off a catastrophic accident that constantly appeared to her in visions. Also, after years of apparently unrequited love for classmate Sawyer Angotti, they're now a couple -- aside from the fact that their parents still hate one another and the family feud still rages. The hormones also are raging when the two teens manage a few minutes alone, but they have a bigger problem: Ever since Jules averted the accident that was supposed to kill Sawyer, she hasn't been troubled by any more visions, but he's bombarded by scenes of a mass shooting. Along with Jules' siblings Trey and Rowan, they struggle to figure out what the vision means and how to avert the mayhem.
Is It Any Good?
There's plenty to keep teen readers riveted here. The family drama and visions of disaster add constant suspense, and the steamy make-out scenes are punctuated by speculation on how sex suddenly makes the whole world different. Prolific author Lisa McCann crafts a compelling (if somewhat frothy and potty-mouthed) tale that raises plenty of real-life issues: coping with abusive families, building real relationships, and the kindness of strangers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why stories about teen lovers whose families hate each other have been so popular over time. How do Jules and Sawyer compare with other couples in the same situation?
Do you think that Jules and Sawyer make the right decision in trying to save strangers at great risk to themselves? Do you think you'd do the same?
Have you encountered any examples of homophobic behavior, violent or otherwise? What was it? How did you react?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon Pulse
- Publication date : October 8, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 256
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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