The Wonder of All Things by Jason Mott

Hi, readers! Today I'm a stop on the TLC book tour for Jason Mott's latest, The Wonder of All Things.

When Stone Temple's hero pilot crashed at the Fall Festival, the local sheriff's daughter was trapped under the wreckage with her best friend, Wash. Ava was ok but Wash wasn't. Or shouldn't have been. Bystanders witnessed a miracle that day when Ava saved Wash just by touching him. Nicknamed the Miracle Child, Ava's ability draws the attention of the press and the world. But her ability comes with a dangerous side effect and the thirteen-year-old is faced with impossible decisions no one, much less a child, should ever have to face.

Ava and her father are compelling characters. On the one hand you have a thirteen-year-old whose simple wish to save her friend is rewarded in a way that is truly miraculous. And it's not the first time she's healed either. But she's greatly affected by the act. Her father is torn between protecting her and understanding that those around him (even himself, maybe) can benefit from his daughter's ability.

And ugh, it's impossible not to get emotionally involved with these characters and this story. IMPOSSIBLE. Ava is bombarded by requests that she heal this or that person. Each one has a tragic story. Each one feels they deserve her help. And no one seems to have regard for the fact that she's a child or that her ability does take a toll on her. It would be horrendous for anyone to deal with much less a kid. Even her dad doesn't step in to really guard her from this new reality.

As in his debut, The Returned, Jason Mott forces readers to consider some tough questions with The Wonder of All Things. Some of them are questions that may be a bit uncomfortable for some readers considering there's no clear cut right or wrong. Thematically The Wonder of All Things is actually quite similar to The Returned. Emotionally as well considering that with both books there were times when I was torn between tears and rage. It's not often that an author evokes that kind of response from their readers but Mott has it down, without a doubt.

The Wonder of All Things is not a light or easy read by any means, but it is a fast-paced and enthralling one. I would recommend that you come into this one prepared for a read that'll make you think. If you're craving light and fluffy save this one for another time.

Rating: 4/5

To see more stops on the tour be sure to check out the official TLC tour page here.

For more on Jason Mott and his work you can visit his website here. You can also like him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.