Arson

Great book!

Arson is just one of those books that pulls you in from the very beginning. Plague by being called a freak, the reader's curiosity is intensified by what overcomes this young man to be called such a thing. Is he really a freak. Or are those around him the freak. Since after all, there are the ones who are different.

What I like most about this book are the characters. Arson has had a hard life. I love the way the author Mr. Vega strongly depicted this young man life for his readers. It is really easy to step in this book and let your imagination run free. Mr. Vega created such a unique and intense world that it is simply impossible not to get into the book.

The plot line of this book keeps getting better and better as the reader dives deeper into Arson's life. I enjoyed seeing the things that happen to him to make him who he is today. But, I also enjoyed seeing Arson become a man, take charge in his life and not let anyone else dictate it. Arson has been under everyone's thumb doing as they bid, and now Arson has had enough.

I really did not expect to see a love interest in this book though I thoughtful enjoyed it. It was good to see some love and peace within a book that is full of dark and hurtful things. This love gave a whole new element of hope where the reader did not see one. And the ending, well...that was another surprise that I did not see.

Arson is a great tale of young man life just beginning. I love the back round history to the characters as well as seeing of what is able to become of Arson. This a dark novel of fire and life just waiting to burn. As I read deeper into Arson's life, I know that he is about to set ablaze a fire that no one has seen before.

*cursing/sexual content*

An Excellent Read

Arson by Estevan Vega (published May, 2011, by StoneGate Ink) is the story of Arson Gable, the typical, normal teenage boy with a few notable exceptions: he can control fire with his mind and he has been told all of his life that he killed his own mother. Arson is "cared for" by a senile grandmother, who never misses an opportunity to cut him down, verbally and sometimes physically. Arson's only escape is the lake near his house, the cool water the only thing that seems to cool his fire-creating rage.

The story begins to take off when new neighbors--with problems of their own--move in to the house next door. The 17-year-old daughter, Emery, continually wears a blank mask to hide a hideously-scarred face, the result of a childhood accident. When Emery, trying to get away from bickering parents, walks to the lake only to see Arson lying face-down in the water in an attempt to escape his own demons, she jumps in in an effort to save his life. A fast friendship blossoms between the two self-proclaimed "freaks."

Despite Arson's numerous and vehement assertions to the contrary, Vega does an excellent job of painting our protagonist as the typical teenager struggling with normal teenage issues: the lack of love from a parental-figure, lust, physical desire, and the overwhelming desire to be normal. He struggles over loving someone who does not love--someone who may, in fact, hate--him back, and the deaths of those close to him.

Emery struggles with another aspect of teen life--parents who have emotionally abandoned, bur remain physically present. Her father, before the book's beginning, had, because of his alcoholism, lost his pastorate. Emery's mother, bitter over the alcoholism and the loss of "their" church finds solace in work. Both claim to be concerned about Emery and her emotional well being, both her mother and father desperately hate the mask she chooses to wear, but both also have a habit of abandoning Emery to her own devices while they fight themselves and each other. Vega does an excellent job of capturing the darker side of being a pastor's kid (or a pastor's wife)--the crushing, rarely-expressed, feeling that everyone and everything in the pastor's life is more important than his or her family.

Arson is a well-written, engaging story. The characters are extremely believable, and I even found myself wanting to encourage Arson to do the right (or noble or selfless) thing. It is a quick-enough read, and even without the cliff hanger-type ending leaves you wanting for a sequel. (The sequel, Ashes, was released in September, 2011.) Vega spins a good yarn and does it well. I highly recommend the book and cannot wait to read more from this engaging, youthful new author.

A Must Read

I picked up Arson after reading a favorable book review and now Estevan Vega is my new favorite author. I enjoyed Arson so much (both the book and the character) that I purchased the sequel, Ashes, before I even finished Arson! I always give credit to those that can bring fresh new ideas to the paranormal genre...so kudos to Mr. Vega!

From the very beginning, I was drawn into Arson's less than perfect world. And with Vega's ability to switch POV's effortlessly (which I think was essential and a great move by Vega, as the story needed to be told through multiple characters), I was able to emerse myself into the lives of the other characters in the story. The characters were flawed, raw, and hardened, but still managed to reach out for salvation (love).

While on the surface it appears to be a horror/paranormal novel, Arson was rather touching, actually.

Lots of angst in this one!

Review by Sabrina:
It took a little bit to get into this story. It was a little disjointed in the beginning. It was hard to get into the flow of the story, but once you were there it went just fine. This book is really angsty. Arson loathes himself and tries to fit in, but deep inside knows he is different. The Grandmother is really off her rocker. One minute she is sweet Grandma, the next minute she is a lunatic shouting things, and back again. The girl, Emery, is an out of control teenager. She was involved in an accident when shew as younger and now wears a scary mask so she doesn't feel vulnerable. While we have all toyed with the illusion that if no one can see who we really are, it wont hurt. We also all know how much of a pile of *()* that is. This girl manages to live that dream and you almost want to admire her for it. Except then she starts being an obnoxious teenager with the mentality that no one could possible understand. I have run into this with quite a few teenager and I think the author captured this mentality quite well. You almost admire her for how she braves the world, but then you see the way she treats people around her and you stop rooting for her. Her parents are having their own issues. You feel almost sad for them, until you realize they are doing it to themselves while simultaneously doing it to each other. There is not one great character. All are terribly flawed. I read a lot of comic books and this is actually a trait that I really like. I like knowing that everyone has something that needs monitoring to keep in check or you wouldn't recognize the person you become... But towards the end of this book, it got to be too much. Arson has the only redeeming quality shown in this book- and that does not come out til the very end of the book. The end of the book starts to get really disjointed again, the shift in perspectives happens frequently. Then the climax hits and the book is over... I think because it is a first book it is supposed to end in a cliffhanger but this one was... not a good one. It just made me mad. Not mad that I have to wait to read it... just mad.

I have heard that this author is quite young, early twenties, and I look forward to watching this author get more comfortable with a wider range of emotions. This is a YA novel, perhaps a younger generation would feel differently about this book. I may be in my mid twenties, but the teenage boy is not something I have ever pretended to understand.

Something a little different!

I received this e-book for review from Partners In Crime Tours as part of the author's virtual book tour. I did not receive any compensation for my review, and the views expressed herein are my own. Arson is a 17-year-old boy who has an unusual ability: He can make fire! He needs to remain in control of his emotions to avoid something disastrous from taking place. Raised by his senile and abusive grandmother, Arson lives like a hermit only leaving home to work at the ice cream parlor or go to school. When a teenage girl his own age moves in across the street, Arson is intrigued by the girl (Emery) who wears the strange mask. What is she hiding behind that mask? The two social outcasts find friendship and more with each other. Vega has created an interesting pairing with Arson and Emery. Arson is more shy and withdrawn, and it is hard not to feel sympathy towards him for the upbringing he has had. He comes out of his shell when he meets Emery, who I think is a fantastic character! You would think that Emery would be shy and aloof, but no! She has spunk and is not afraid to speak her mind! I think the mask gives her the courage to do that because people can't really read her. The book deals with real problems which teenagers will be able to relate to: peer pressure, alcoholism, their parents' marital strife, first love. The book ends rather abruptly, and Vega has obviously set us up for a sequel. I wonder what Vega has next in store for Arson and Emery? MY RATING: 4 stars! I liked it!

Deep, dark and layered!

Arson Gable has a gift. He can create fire. The more you look at it though, it seems like a curse. One he didn't ask for, never wanted and can't control. He feels like a freak and his feelings are only augmented by the fact that his life is going nowhere and he doesn't have a friend in the world.

Arson's world is turned upside down when a girl moves in next door. She feels more comfortable hiding behind a mask and Arson feels a connection with her. Now he must face his dark past as well as what he hates and fears most about himself as he tries to balance what he thinks he is with who he wants to be.

Deep, dark and layered are three words I would definitely use to describe Arson. Estevan Vega draws us in to Arson's life and just when we think everything is out there on the table, he shows us things aren't what they seem. He touches on deep topics that teens face today and shows how they can leave scars that last. Around all of this, he weaves an engaging and dark coming of age tale that will leave you up way past your bed time.

Thank you to Estevan Vega and Partners in Crime Book Tours for the review copy. It in no way influenced my review.

Great Paranormal

The premise of this book sounded wonderful. However, in the back of my mind I was thinking of "Carrie" or "Firestarter". Wow, was I ever way off. This book had so many layers to it. You have Arson's issues at home, at work and with the new neighbor. You have the new neighbor, Emery who is dealing with her personal issues, the issues at home and her issues with Arson. I found both Emerson and Arson characters that I loved. At times I wanted to hit them in the head and say, "Hey, get a clue". The pacing of the events in this book was right on target. As much as I wanted things to happen quicker because I was on the outside looking in I knew events could not happen faster. The reader needs all of the different layers to keep the suspense and story moving forward. When I'd finished the book I told my husband that I both loved it and hated it. I loved the storyline. I hated the way it ended. Don't get me wrong, it was a perfect ending. I hated the way it ended because now I have to wait for the second book. Estevan Vega was a new author for me. When asked to participate in the tour I immediately read the synopsis and knew I had to read the book. Now that I've read the book I know I have to read his other works.

Arson

I won't waste anyone's time by repeating what's already out there, so if you want a rundown of the plot, look elsewhere. :)

"Arson" wasn't a typical book. I loved that. Stereotypes only get duller every time they're re-used. Honestly, though, I didn't know what to expect from the book. A boy that can create fire with his hands? A girl who always wears a mask? These were interesting things, but I wasn't sure where the conflict came in. Luckily, Estevan Vega did. Arson's psychotic grandmother would probably have been enough, but the girl has got problems, too. The ending of the book was very good. It made me want to read more.

Though the author of this book is young, I wouldn't recommend "Arson" to younger readers. There are dark themes and a few mature moments in the book. However, it's obvious that Estevan Vega wrote what was on his heart. It bled through to the paper, and I, as a reader, could see the stain. Well-done.

Highly Recommended - one of the best this year!

This is the first book I've ever read that I've given a 5-star review to, yet I want to throw it against the wall. Normally, this type of behavior is reserved for books I couldn't really tolerate. In this case, my patience cannot tolerate waiting for a sequel after the massive cliffhanger I read at the end!

The first thing I have to do is compliment Estevan Vega, who's storytelling abilities is beyond his years. For most books that I read and review, I reserve a little time at the end of the night to read. I couldn't do that with Arson. Every time I tried to put it down, I found myself sneaking back to it to read just one more chapter, that always ended up being five or so. It wasn't that there were abrupt stops at the end of the chapters and you absolutely have to continue - you just never want to stop because you want to know more about the characters.

The characters aren't exactly fleshed out completely in the beginning, you learn more about them the more that you read. As a matter of fact, you're still learning about the characters up until the very end of the book ... and you still want to know more. Both Arson and Emery come from not-so-glamorous families and backgrounds. It was definitely refreshing to read about more real characters that deal with bad situations instead of the usual rich, snobby kids that are whining because their daddy didn't buy them something they wanted. These characters go through more than their fair share of problems, but it makes it all the more realistic. We're not dealing with fairy tales, we're dealing with sucky things that happen in real life. You can definitely empathize with the characters - even Arson and Emery's family members.. though I can't say I empathize with Mandy at all. I just wanted to slap her every time she showed up in the novel.

There is a slight paranormal feel to the book. Well, obviously, because you're dealing with a character that can make fire with a single bad thought. However, it's more personal than just paranormal. It's more of a story of a boy dealing with his burden (fire), his guilt (mom died during childbirth), and his grandmother and her not-so-normal, bi-polar and violent behavior. Oh, and the love developing between Arson and mask-wearing Emery. I love these beautifully flawed characters. They really compliment each other well.

The climax at the end was something that was a little expected (we had to get some fire action), but it definitely twisted into a direction that I didn't see coming. I loved it! Then, there was the happy moment and the end-end ... which is a HUGE cliffhanger that made me stare at the book for a few moments, wondering how exactly it was I was going to go without knowing more until the sequel comes out!

I honestly don't think words in a review could do this book justice. If you like great storytelling with a little darker tone to it, READ THIS BOOK. You won't regret it. Promise.

Arson by Estevan Vega

Arson was an interesting book, not so much for the content but the way it was written. It's sparse prose leaves the reader to fill in the understood holes of what happens between a person putting on their clothes and exiting the front door. Details are peppered in but scantily. It is both a powerful tool to activate your imagination and also frustrating because I'm never quite sure what people look like or where things are or even what happened.

The Setting - is a small, quiet town in New England where it would seem that nothing remarkable ever happens. People are born, they live and they die. At least that's what I infer from what is provided in the text. I know that Arson's home is a cabin and that Emery's home is a little worse for wear and they're both near enough a lake that several scenes take place by its edges - but that's really it. I'm surprised I had that much to say about the setting.

The Characters - are very believable because they are so flawed. Arson's difficulties, his mindset are the products of an abusive home life - but he still has that innocent hope of youth that is endearing. He's often confused and reacts in very adolescent ways - unlike so many YA protagonists who are only miniature adults. Emery has a similarly difficult home life but in another way. Where Arson carries his pain on the inside, Emery's is on the outside for everyone to see. Both of their families are wonderfully detailed, but sparingly. You can picture them because you've seen their kind before. I do wish that at times there were more descriptions of them, maybe one good physical detail. It wasn't until the very end that I knew Arson had curly hair - and I don't think I ever recall what color anyone's eyes were except the mysterious man at the end. I found myself questioning the relationship between Arson and Emery; I just didn't get the buildup to the end.

The Plot - was fairly simple. Its summertime and kids will be kids. Arson and Emery are on the brink of adulthood and struggling with difficult home lives. They're also learning how to open up to each other. That seems to be the bulk of the plot until the end when things sort of explode. I'm not completely sure what happened to the end. It went from quiet, little town to secret agents and a possible kidnapping and murder - and then it ended. Sort of a fade to black and someone forgot to include the next scene. I am choosing to hope that there is another book following Arson that explains the abrupt ending, but I thought the setup for the ending happened far too abruptly and with far too little explanation for me to have closed it and felt satisfied.

Arson Rocks!

Arson by Estevan Vega is a tragic tale of a boy who is called by the name Arson Gable. Arson has lived his whole life running from people who would judge him for the events of his past, but now those events seem to be catching up with him. However he isn't the only one running, everyone seems to be running from their own past. Arson is always remembering the tragic day that changed his life forever through fire. That day changed him in more ways than one, he now wields the power of flame from within his very hands. He lives in his grandparents home as his mother died in childbirth and his father left him forever. Arson's life changes dramatically the day that a new family moves in next door. But this family is different, and they are running from something as well. It is then that he meets the girl with the mask, the girl that changes his life forever. What follows is so fast paced and adrenaline laced that it is truly amazing. Even the slower parts are so filled with intriguing story that you just cannot put it down!

You read this book trying to see what is around the next corner for Arson and his masked friend, and how will this story end? How could such a story with so much within its pages conclude? Now that was really something else, and though I admit it was a slightly abrupt ending that left me wanting more, it was exactly thatwanting that kept my mind creating the rest on my own. That is really one of the most engaging parts of the story, as you really want to know whathappens to arson after the last words on the page have been read. You create the ending. You get to ask, what happened to?. did she really?.. did he?. and though it might drive you crazy it is quite engaging to be able to do that.

I actually love the way the book was put together with Estevan Vega's short story The Borrower as I was drawn rather quickly in reading that as well, and so I have posted a review of that as well for your enjoyment. I definitely would recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting and interesting tale, it certaintly had my heart pounding at many points. And in case you still have doubts, those of you that are swayed by book covers sitting on the shelves, this book is certainly a cool one!

check out this and other book reviews of mine at http://fablefreak.com

Reviewed by Breia "The Brain" Brickey for TeensReadToo.com

Arson Gable is a strange boy with an equally strange life. He lives alone with his grandmother, who has some mental issues that make life difficult. Arson can also create fire. He has a job in an ice cream parlor that's going nowhere and no friends.

Arson's life changes the day a new family moves in next door. It's a couple with a daughter who wears a mask because of an accident that occurred when she was a child. Secrets abound in this story, not only for Arson and the girl, but for their families, as well.

Many readers may see the start of the story as slow, but Estevan Vega took his time and lets you get to know the characters, as well as their motivations. ARSON was an intriguing mystery that will have you looking forward to the next installment. This story was crafted over four years, and it definitely shows.

This is not your ordinary mystery/horror/supernatural novel. You can't help but love the main characters. I hope we don't have long to wait for the rest of this wonderful story. Although parts of the tale were dark, adults and teens alike are sure to enjoy it. I would definitely recommend ARSON to my own teen.

Beautifully Written and Emotional

Arson Gable can start fires with his mind. He holds this unique power? Curse? He's not really sure what it is. He knows it sets him apart from all the other people in his small town. Arson is alone. He lives with his grandmother whom he loves, but who doesn't seem to love him too much. He works a terrible job with terrible people, but things start to change when a strange girl with a creepy mask moves next door. Emery opens Arson's eyes to a world that may not be all that bad, as long as she is in it.

Arson is so completely different from anything I've ever read. The story is unique and interesting, but it was really the writing that held my attention the entire time. Estevan Vega has such a way with words. Whole passages blew me away and the dialogue was perfect.

He swallowed hard, succumbing to the fevers of a lonely heart, unquenchable and always longing. All Arson knew, all that seemed to matter this very moment, was that he was finally getting what he thought he'd always wanted. ~ pg. 150

The way he writes Arson, the reader cannot help but care for him. I felt an instant connection with Arson and that connection was never severed.

Everything about Arson's life is difficult and that could easily get old in a story, but it doesn't here. Arson's relationship with his grandmother really stood out to me because it is so violent and so hateful, yet Arson cannot do anything but love her. She can switch from a sweet, loving old woman, to a terrifying wretch in an instant.

Her gaze was inescapable, and her mouth stuttered but didn't speak. Each wrinkle in her face had an opportunity to manipulate and condemn. ~ pg. 96

Vega has the ability to make the characters (good and bad) jump off the page at you and you will feel like you know them on a personal level.

Emery, Arson's new neighbor, is a spitfire. Her dialogue will have you laughing one minute, then scratching your head the next. It does the same thing to Arson. There's something about her that made me feel lighter though; like she would light up a room with her personality. The mask that she wears adorns the cover of the book. Is it creepy? Definitely. But the mask is not who Emery is and she certainly proves that point. Arson and Emery are these two outcasts, freaks, but they band together to make something special. This is not a sweet story filled with rainbows and unicorns. I've seen another reviewer describe it as heartbreaking and I couldn't agree more. Arson and Emery's relationship blossoms throughout the story, but possible love doesn't solve all their problems and they're still somewhat broken inside.

I didn't quite know what to expect when I began Arson. What I found was an incredibly well-written, devastatingly heartbreaking, yet somewhat hopeful story of a boy who can spark fires and a girl who hides behind a mask. This isn't a supernatural thriller or even an overly creepy story. It's set against the idea of a boy who can create fire with his mind, but the backbone of the story is the emotional pull that each character creates. You will care for both Arson and Emery. Vega has a talent for creating characters that will say so little, yet convey so much and through it all, you won't be able to tear your eyes away from the pages.

Opening line: The lake was quiet. ~ pg. 12

Favorite line: In their world, he wasn't alone. In their world, a freak like them-like him-could become a hero. ~ pg. 42

Unique story about an remarkably gifted boy

ARSON, by Estevan Vega, was an exceptional story about a peculiar boy and his remarkable gift of creating fire with his mind. Vega took my mind right out of its comfort zone and threw me for a loop with this amazing story.

What I loved more than anything about this book were the main characters, Arson and Emery. They were two peas in a pod together and their relationship blossomed wonderfully. They had much in common with not-so-perfect family lives and both being outsiders. Emery seemed a bit bizarre with her obession with her mask, but Arson immediately wanted to know who was behind it, unlike others who just stared and ridiculed. Emery, in turn, wanted to know what made Arson tick. I like reading books about those on the "other side of the tracks" with troubled families and the like. It takes me to another understanding of people outside popular groups and the need to be in them.

The development of the minor characters was equally interesting. I thought I had most of them pegged from the beginning but I was wrong. From the beginning, I wanted to learn about the immediate mood changes of Grandma Kay. I had my own idea about it, but Vega pulled the metaphorical rug from right under me. The realizations of who these characters were in the latter part of the book quicken my reading pace to figure it out.

The element of fire in this book was very interesting. Arson knew he had to control his emotions to keep the fire in check, but at times the build-up was excruciating. Vega explored the depths of Arson's guilt and distress about his gift so fully, it was at times very emotional and disheartening. But the consquences of not freely exploring his gift created devesating results.

The cover art is really fantastic with elements of Emery (mask) and Arson (fire). The pulling together of these ideas makes this book jump right off the shelf.

The last couple chapters unraveled some new situations, and a massive cliffhanger that makes me need to read the sequel as soon as possible. Overall, this book was incredibly unique and creative, and I highly recommend it.

Loved it!

I read lots of reviews before I picked up this book and I can definitely say for myself that I loved it! The interactions between Arson and Emery are great, the grandma is strange in that way that you just have to know her story and the end- Holy Cow. I need to find out what happens next!!

I really liked the mix of drama, fantasy, and romance. I just couldn't put it down and stayed up late several nights to see what would be revealed next. I think the only negative thing I can say about this book is that the cover (while it is awesome) can be a little misleading. It can seem a little scary, but as they say 'Don't judge a book by its cover.' If you are even a little bit interested in this book GET IT, it is totally worth a read!!

Bridget's Review

Everyone can create fire with a lighter or match. Arson Gable can produce fire without the aid of either. Torn between his emotions and the current path he has taken in life, Arson feels like he is all alone in the world. When he lets his guard down and actually befriends the new girl next door, Emery, he finally realizes that he can connect with others. Both are hiding behind qualities they are ashamed of and together they just might be able to overcome the obstacles before them. Will this new relationship help Arson calm the fires or will he end up consumed by flames?

I could not put this book down. Literally, I was unable to pry my fingers away from the pages. I was able to connect with Emery on a level that is so unlike any other character I have read about. Estevan is a genius when it comes to plots and I can't wait for the sequel!

A 5 Star Read!!

This is the kind of book that stays with you after you read it. To me, it was a story of the human condition at its worst and its best. Estevan did an incredible job developing the characters in the book. They all had more to them than the visible layer, yet still maintained a simplicity that was so raw and human. I found myself caring for them, rooting for them, feeling sorry for them, laughing at them, getting mad at them, but mostly just connecting with them. Each had their own dark journey into some pretty difficult and heavy issues (family dysfunction, peer pressure, alcoholism, abuse, insecurity, wanting to fit in, and divorce). These issues are ones that teens and adults face everyday. The character's individual struggles seemed so real and authentic that they became absolutely real to me while reading. I loved Emery and her sassy wit and sarcasm. She was a really cool girl and was able to see Arson in a way that no one else (including Arson himself) could. She had a really screwed up family life and found solace in Arson and his nonjudgmetal view of her decision to wear the mask. Arson was such a tortured soul. He was so full of regret and just wanted a chance at redemption. I think that he saw Emery as his chance to make up for his past. It was fun to watch their relationship grow and I wanted it to work between them so badly. Arson's 'talent' isn't fully revealed until you've read a good chunk of the book. The small glimpses that you do see only fuel the suspense as to what he is really capable of. The ending was completely unexpected! It was a "No way- that did not just happen!" kind of ending! It was a cliff hanger that left the door wide open and screaming for a sequel. I can't wait to find out what happens next for Arson, Emery and the rest of characters. As far as recommendations go.... this isn't a light read for sure and there are references to mature topics like sex and infidelity, so I would say 9th grade and up. The content of Arson may be dark, but the skill that the ultra-talented Estevan Vega delivers it with allowed me to see past that darkness into the lives of these incredible characters that now have a place in my heart.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.