New Release Book Review: Pulse

Title: Pulse

Author: Patrick Carman

Publication Date: February 26, 2013

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Genres: Science fiction, Dystopian

Pages: 384

Age Rating: Readers above the age of 12

My Opinion: 6/10

Hi, Readers!

       Pulse, by Patrick Carman, is a fairly cookie-cutter Young Adult novel.  It includes adventure, excitement, and romance in a formulaic plot line.  There are some suspenseful moments and a dramatic ending, but the book is fairly predictable.  However, Pulse caught my interest because of its focus on building deep character relationships that will carry throughout the entire series.

A quote from Pulse along with
a picture from its promotional video

         In the year 2051, the earth has suffered from numerous natural disasters and the entire United States population is confined to two States.  Faith Daniels is one of the few stragglers who refuse to move into the states.  When she is forced to switch schools, she meets new classmates like the sketchy Dylan Gilmore, the intelligent Hawk, and the popular twins, Wade and Clara Quinn.  Faith develops a relationship with Wade, but he quickly disappoints and she moves on.  Dylan Gilmore suddenly enters her life and tells her that she has telekinetic powers, and Faith's entire life is thrown out of wack.  She develops a rivalry with Clara and Wade because they also have powers.  Next thing Faith knows, the entire fate of the world rests in her weak, telekinetic hands, and there is little hope that she will be able to save her friends.

       Pulse is written in many different points of view.  Throughout the book, almost every character has a section where they are telling the story.  Sometimes it is a little hard to follow what is going on due to these multiple perspectives, and Carman's writing style is not always pleasing to the senses.  Carman has rough writing that could use to be edited and cut down.  Extraneous details are included in the plot line.  If you are looking for a book that is well written, Pulse is not the best choice for you.

       Another reason that Pulse did not get a higher rating from me is that Faith discovers her telekinetic powers more than halfway through the book.  Her powers are introduced in the beginning of the book, but they become significant much later on in the novel.  They almost seem like an afterthought in order to make the dystopian novel into a science fiction novel.

       However, the most successful aspect of the novel is Carman's creation of deep and interrelated characters.  Faith is not very relatable to the reader, but her best friend, Liz, is definitely easy to connect with.  Also, Faith's friend, Hawk, has a geeky aspect that makes him lovable, yet he also partakes in illegal futuristic drug dealing, adding an element of danger.  Clara Quinn appears to be a bully on the surface, but she really wants to be loved and feels separated from the rest of society.  Wade Quinn wants Faith to like him, even when he messes up big time on their first date.  Each and every character in Pulse has little quirks about them that make them interesting to read about, which is why I would recommend the book to avid readers.

Another quote from Pulse

       The final verdict - if you do not read many books, do not start with Pulse.  It is not worth your time because the writing style is extremely rough and choppy.  However, if you read a lot, Pulse is great for you because you will really connect with each character individually.  Pulse is followed by a sequel, Tremor, and more books are following.

Happy reading!