Review

Struck

Common Sense Media says

Intense sci-fi romance in post-big-earthquake L.A.
Age
12
Quality
 
  • Educational value2
    Struck provides a vivid depiction of what life might be like in a Los Angeles destroyed by a colossal earthquake. But it uses fantasy rather than science fiction to drive the plot.
  • Positive messages4
    The characters in Struck demonstrate that, even in the toughest times, friends and loved ones are the most important things. Mia learns that she must let go of her own needs and fears to save her mother and brother.
  • Positive role models4
    Mia makes an almost superhuman effort to keep her fractured family together. With barely enough money for food, she obtains medication for her mentally traumatized mother and looks after her younger brother, who's in danger of being pulled into a strange cult. As another terrible storm heads toward Los Angeles, Mia must decide how to use her powers and whether she will have to sacrifice herself to save the city.
  • Violence3
    A handful of violent scenes. A prescription drug deal goes bad, and Mia has to physically fight the dealer. Members of a secret sect at her high school attempt to brand her hand as part of an initiation process. A religious ceremony ends with the stabbing of one of Mia's loved ones and a fiery death. Much talk of impending apocalypse.
  • Sex2
    Mia and Jeremy are physically attracted to each other from the first moment they meet. Mia's lightning power seems to make physical contact too dangerous, so the couple steal only a few passionate kisses here and there. After their life-changing adventure, however, it's implied that they will consummate their relationship.
  • Language2
    A few instances of "damn," "hell," and variations of "ass." In one extremely intense instance, a character exclaims "f--k!'
  • Consumerism0
    Not applicable.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking3
    Drugs and alcohol are available at the "roves," where young people party as if it were the end of the world (as well it might be). On the way to one, Mia partakes of some "moonshine." She also receives a bottle of specially brewed "red lightning" is honor of her 18th birthday.
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Struck is an intense adventure set in Los Angeles in the wake of a huge earthquake, and its protagonist is a teen girl who possesses a special power from having been struck by lightning many times. The novel features a handful of violent scenes, including a fight with a drug dealer, the threat of being branded during an initiation ceremony, and a showdown full of blood and uncontrolled electricity. There's a small amount of profanity, and the romance involves a few passionate kisses. 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Kid, 12 years old
November 12, 2012
12
Pause for kids & under
 
STRUCK
Its really good, and tells kids to stick up for themselves. But its kinda weird throughout the book.
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Helped me decide (5) | Had useful details (1) | Read my mind (1)
Teen, 13 years old
January 1, 2013
11
Pause for kids & under
 
struck
An entertaining dystopian blend of superstition and action that has an interesting premise.
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Helped me decide (1) | Had useful details (1) | Read my mind (1)
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