THE APOCALYPSE OF ELENA MENDOZA

Elena Mendoza is the product of a virgin birth, earning her no shortage of mockery and isolation from peers and strangers alike. At age 16, she learns she can heal people, but her new power comes with a harrowing price. Narrator Candace Thaxton handles a varied cast with ease, capturing Elena's ongoing conflicts and the personalities of her friends, enemies, and the various inanimate objects that channel holy spirits. Hutchinson's story is full of pain, hope, and humor, and Thaxton's brisk pacing and full characterizations enhance the warring desires and high stakes. Strong friendships buoy this narrative, and the combination of romance, supernatural elements, and danger make this a solid match for fans of slow-burning thrillers and YA fiction. K.S.B. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2018]