Assessment:

Plot/Idea: A group of teenagers is forced to navigate a catastrophic solar flare—as well as its aftereffects on their relationships with each other and their community—in this well-paced YA stunner. The author ups the ante in a natural, unforced rhythm that slowly builds tension as the plot unfolds.

Prose: Written with crisp dialogue and powerful descriptions, the prose directly confronts sociocultural factors that come into play during times of crisis, making the story incredibly relevant for contemporary audiences.

Originality: Surge effectively combines suspense, action, and even some romance, generating an easy but gripping read that young adult fans will embrace.

Character/Execution: The main characters, a group of high school students, are convincing in their reactions to the devastating solar flare. The stakes are definitely high, but the protagonists rise to the challenge, particularly Mya as she tries to makes sense of the unthinkable changes happening around her—and inside of her. 

Date Submitted: April 21, 2023