Disintegrate
By Neil Godbout
Disintegrate, by local author Neil Godbout, is a teen fiction novel set regionally in Kelowna. The main character is a high school student named Sam Gardner. At the beginning of the story, Sam thinks of himself as a pretty ordinary guy: living with his parents, going to school, being pestered by his little sister and overshadowed by his popular and charming best-friend. But when a new girl, Lily, moves onto his street, Sam begins to realize that he is not quite as ordinary as he had thought, and neither is Lily...
Why can Sam sense Lily's presence before he can even see her? Why does Lily's mother seem to know (and despise) him before they have ever met? Why do his dreams seem to be reaching into reality, and why are people's thoughts and desires ringing through his head as though they were spoken out loud?
As these questions begin to build and Sam begins seeking their answers, an epic and heroic drama begins to unfold, with Sam as the unsuspecting centre of it all. He soon finds himself in a battle to save all of creation from powerful forces he does not even fully comprehend. As he struggles for understanding, he uncovers mysteries of his own family and origin, learning more about the role that he has to play in an ancient grudge-match between powerful rivals.
Throughout this drama, there also exists the simplest tale of all: the love between a boy and girl. Sam and Lily's rivals intend their love to be the key factor in bringing about the destruction of humanity. In the end, however their love becomes the only thing with the potential to save it. But will their love stay true, or will it be divided by forces greater than themselves?
Disintegrate is an engrossing teen fantasy novel which is part high school drama, part adventure. The characters are relatable and believable, and the story's narrative draws readers into the rich fantasy world the author has created. The fact that the story takes place regionally in BC also adds to the fun of this book, and our very own Prince George even makes a cameo appearance at the end! Teens and young adults who enjoy fantasy and supernatural themes will enjoy this novel, the first in a new series by local author Neil Godbout.
Find autographed copies of this new novel in the Teen sections of both branches.
- Reviewed by Teresa DeReis, Readers' Advisor at the Prince George Public Library
