Victor and Eli are college roommates. Both men come from
troubled backgrounds, and they recognize a dark brilliance and ambition in one
another. When it comes time to state their research thesis for their science
seminar, Victor chooses to talk about adrenaline and its effects on the human
body. Eli decides to do his thesis on the existence of EOs, or
"ExtraOrdinaries" - people with supposed supernatural powers. When
their research into the skeptical world of EOs, adrenaline, and near-death
experiences start to result in actual progress, Victor decides to take it one
step further - to try and emulate the process by which an EO is created - and
everything goes horrifyingly wrong.
I loved reading this novel. It was written extremely well and had a dark, somewhat uncomfortable undertone. The tense style of writing made for a great, thrilling read. The characters were written very well, and everything in the novel was easy to visualize. Schwab did an amazing job at discussing the ambiguity of morality and explored decidedly unrealistic themes with a gritty, realistic story. Overall, this was a great book, and possibly could be one of my favorites. I highly recommend others to read this novel, especially if they like dark stories with an antihero and a morally gray cast of characters.
Reviewed by NK, Grade 11
Montrose Library
