The Lost Causes

by Jessica Etting and Alyssa Schwartz

They're the kids that no one knows - or no one wants to know. The rich depressive, the OCD chick, the hypochondriac, the drug abuser, the athlete with anger management issues. All chosen for intensive group therapy because they're out of other options. They're lost causes, the therapist tells them. She promises this support group will help them heal. There's only one problem. She's not a therapist. And that water she offers? It contains a dangerous serum that gives each of the kids a psychic power. Suddenly, they can think clearly, speak to ghosts, see the past, even move objects with their mind. Their earlier problems have vanished, but their new freedom comes with a price.

• ISBN10: 1771388447
• ISBN13: 9781771388443
• Publish Date: 7 September 2017
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 27 March 2021
• Publish Country: CA
• Imprint: Kids Can Press
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 344
• Language: English

Reviews

[Sam@WLABB]

Rating: 3.5 Stars

"Your school files indicate that you've been deemed lost causes by everyone around you. People have given up trying to help. Your teachers, your fellow students, even your parents."

I wasn't sure about this one at first, because the characters were sort of unlikable at the beginning of the story, but they grew on me and so did this book.

The FBI dosing a group of "throw-aways" with a serum, which gives them psychic powers is a rather compelling concept. After a little bit of a slow start, the story picks up, and I was sort of impressed with a few of the big twists, which made the story quite interesting. Oh, and just when I thought this tale was all tied up in a neat bow, we get another big reveal on the very last line of the very last page. Nicely played.

Overall: A paranormal Breakfast Club filled with murder and mystery.

[Charli G.]

**I received a copy of this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own**

Imagine you're a teenager, just going about your life. You've got a few problems. Maybe you're depressed or have social anxiety. Maybe it's something else entirely. But you've got problems. Suddenly, you're part of a group of other teens with problems. Now imagine that overnight your problems are gone, you can do things you never imagined were possible for anyone to do, and you're being asked to help the FBI solve a case and dealing with all the danger that brings. That is what you'll find when you read The Lost Causes by Jessica Koosed Etting & Alyssa Embree Schwartz.

I've always been a huge fan of books, movies, etc., that talk about or deal with psychic phenomena. Stephen King's Firestarter and Charlie's pyrokinesis have long been a favorite of mine. There are a few similarities to the beginning of King's Firestarter, but for the most part, the book is completely new and fresh.

The characters in this book are diverse enough that any reader should be able to find one that they connect with. While they're all "lost causes," at the same time, they're different enough to provide that method of connecting with the reader.

I particularly liked Z's character because she reminds me a lot of myself but with more issues than I have. She's an interesting person and I can imagine us hanging out. She's honestly the only character I relate to - I couldn't see myself wanting to hang out with Gabby, Justin, Andrew, or Sabrina. They just don't resonate with me.

The story and plot was well done. There were plenty of twists, turns, and full on "What the heck?" moments when something smacked me out of left field. I almost hope there is some sort of sequel in the works because I would definitely read it if there is one.

A definite 5 star read.