Book Review: Chasing Power by Sarah Beth Durst

There’s no fedora, no whip, no irrational fear of snakes (why’d it have to be snakes?!), and no trumpeting theme song, but Chasing Power by Sarah Beth Durst is still basically an Indiana Jones-style adventure, featuring teens and their supernatural abilities.

Lies, secrets, and magic — three things that define Kayla’s life.

Sixteen-year-old Kayla plans to spend her summer hanging out on the beach in Santa Barbara and stealing whatever she wants, whenever she wants it. Born with the ability to move things with her mind — things like credit cards, diamond rings, and buttons on cash registers — she has become a master shoplifter. She steals to build up a safety net, enough money for her and her mom to be able to flee if her dad finds them again. Well, that, and the thrill of using her secret talents.

But her summer plans change when she’s caught stealing by a boy named Daniel — a boy who needs her help and is willing to blackmail her to get it. Daniel has a talent of his own. He can teleport, appearing anywhere in the world in an instant, but he lies as easily as he travels. Together, they embark on a quest to find and steal an ancient incantation, written on three indestructible stones and hidden millennia ago, all to rescue Daniel’s kidnapped mother. But Kayla has no idea that this rescue mission will lead back to her own family — and to betrayals that she may not be able to forgive… or survive.

There are layers upon layers of mysteries within the pages of Chasing Power, and Durst deftly reveals each one at precisely the right moment. But that’s just the icing on the cake — as her book is already compelling, with its magically-gifted characters and Indiana Jones-style adventure, full of archaeology, ancient antiquities, and exotic locales. (Perhaps the only thing missing is someone to repeatedly declare, “That belongs in a museum!”)

I am a huge fan of Durst’s work, and something I love about ALL her books — and which holds especially true with Chasing Power — is how lovingly she creates each character, her thoughtful plotting and pacing, and the unique magical spin she gives to each story. Each book she writes is so different and unique, but oh so good and enchanting to read. Chasing Power is no exception.

Chasing Power offers readers the thrill-a-minute adventure they’d expect from Indiana Jones, combined with the powerful storytelling Durst is best known for. Look for it in stores October 14th.