Didn't capture me straight away, but it did grow on me. I think this will be a series worth sticking with. ( )

I was unable to download it. ( )

IA: Initiate is a spellbinding tale of inner city life mixed with extraordinary kids.

Can street smarts and intelligence be a laden paranormal ability? Author, John Darryl Winston takes the reader a step further, turning these skills into a life-saving survival power for our main character, Naz. Each character is rendered with accuracy and intelligence of inner city life. The book is descriptive with realistic conversations between the characters. I enjoyed the distinctive character personality. I knew who was speaking at all time and because of their unique personalities, it was easy to remember everyone and the setting. I was transported to the inner city streets with these characters.

Inside this story of hidden skill is a real-world use of creativity, morals, and excellent advice. I enjoyed the biblical parallels. I drew from it the essence of our capabilities and if we sell ourselves short every day; hindered by the idea that we can’t do something simply because another person hasn’t done it. The underlying story was deep; adults and youth would enjoy this novel.

What Didn’t Work: The only aspect of the story I didn’t like was the switching narrators of the audiobook. The book is read by John Darryl Winston and his son, Marquette Winston. Individually, I think both readers were phenomenal and anyone reader would have been great for the story, however when the readers switched it temporarily took me out of character. The different voices in the story call for a different tone of voice. The author reading for Naz’s therapist, wouldn’t have fit, just as Marquette Winston reading for Corey Anderson, Naz’s father, wouldn’t have worked. So it's understandable why more than one reader was necessary however having both voices read for Naz and Mari, interchangeably between chapters was distracting at times.


I am confident you will enjoy this book, however book one is only set up to introduce the characters and setting. There are a few action scenes but the author doesn't get into the abilities of Naz except through a retelling of past events. I was surprised when the audiobook ended; ready to dive into more conflict and learn more about Naz and is “firecracker sister,” Meri. The entire book is a cliffhanger. I suggest you have book 2 ready to pick up as soon as you turn the last page or listen to the last track of IA: Initiate.

I received IA: Initiate from the author in exchange for an honest book review. I honestly believe this is a fantastic first book and introduction to the series. I look forward to continuing the series with Book 2, IA: B.O.S.S and Book 3: IA: Union.


For its real-world parallel and deep meaning that is still suitable and designed for teenagers and young readers, I give IA: Initiate 4/5 ( )

I received an audio copy of this book through the early reviewers program in exchange for an honest review. My listening experience wasn't as good as I would have liked, I had some technical issues with the download and the playback wasn't as seamless as it needed to be which resulted in some confusion for me about the storyline. Despite the issues I experienced I think the series has potential and I did enjoy the dual narration. I thought the relationship between Naz and his sister was the strongest part of the book. I would have liked a little more action and a little less set up and explanations in the book and I thought the ending was too open ended. Overall it was a pretty good start but I'm hoping for more from the second book. ( )

Listened to an Audible version of this book. The story is read by two people, old and young, who alternate reading chapters, an interesting concept. An interesting coming-of-age story about thirteen year old Naz and his younger sister Meri, who are being living in a foster home in the Exclave, an inner city ghetto. Naz tries to play-down and learn to cope with his special powers in a rough urban setting with gangs and violence. Nicely written and I enjoyed the book, but found the story was not a page-turner for me. ( )