A. I. Series: Boss & Initiate by John Darryl Winston

     I spotted book one of the IA Series on Goodreads.com.  I knew that I had to read them, and if they were as good as I hoped, my son would be reading them too.  I read a lot of books, but not many are written (that I've seen) where it's fantasy with powers like this.  This book's got it going on!

     In book one, IA Initiate, by John Darryl Winston, you are introduced to people from both the past and the future.  Young Naz is a boy trying to survive in the Exclave with his little sister.  The world isn't quite like it used to be and Naz can't always remember things from his past, but that's where the mystery lies.  Naz can do things, but this strange power is semi-dormant and he has no inkling on how to use it.  He's always hearing voices, learning to use his abilities, fighting street gangs and pushing to give his sister a better life and he's covered in street   It's then that he finds a sort of release.  A release in a game he'd never really played before... 

     In IA B.O.S.S., the story picks up where Initiate ended, giving you an even more powerful story!  The plot now falls on Naz against a terrible street bully/gang member.  He's still keeping care of Meri while trying to stay out of danger but someone's after him!  Also, you're given answers to questions formed from book one.  This book gives you some deep information- like why Naz has no memory, his father and so much more.  If you read book one, you can't thrive without the second.

     John Darryl Winston is a proficient author and his method of writing is beyond reproach.  The way the stories were woven takes a master's touch- I was in awe and gushing some serious admiration!  The characters are in-depth, the emotions are true and the backgrounds are real enough to make you comfortable in this  dystopian world.  I wasn't sure about the story at first, but found myself mesmerized by the realism and especially with the love of his sister.  Due mostly to the intricate lacing of the past and future, giving answers to Naz's background and powers.  Before I realized it, I was all in and done!

     A great read- check out both IA: Initiate and B.O.S.S.  Check it out while I move on to the next read!