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Location: United States

Member Since: Nov. 28, 2012

Colin Kerr

Burn on Nov. 28, 2012

Alexa's coming of age is the near-universal experience of finding fantastic potential within oneself, and expressing it for good or not-so-good. Beyond the comic-bookish details, the point of view character, who refuses to accept the mantle of heroine, can't find a harmonious coexistence with her own capabilities. Her greatest strength, that which makes her unique is also the source of her greatest guilt, so that she becomes distrustful of people who appreciate her. The span of Alexa's life is measured by the alternating fear and exploitation attempts of authority figures. The tale sounds real and familiar, despite its supernatural elements. If you've listened to any of Mr. Swensen's writing advice over at surlymuse.com, it will come as no surprise that he's good at creating characters and telling a story. I'm not even a writer, and I find that some of his blog posts set me pondering for days. Still, you might raise a brow at how well his voice carries through from one medium to another, how much Burn is defined by the author's contemplative nature, always accented by cynical wit. And there are moments of subtlety so fine-tuned that I can't be sure I'm not hearing voices in my head. The story's rhythm is exquisite. I hope Swensen will soon treat us to a novel this good.