Night of the Purple Moon (Toucan Trilogy, #1)

by Scott Cramer

[Angie]

Night of the Purple Moon is a very pleasant surprise. I love the idea of seeing a comet, and then having purple sunsets and moons for the weeks following. Of course, not if it would kill me and all of the other adults and older teens in the world! Which is exactly what happens in the novel. Excitement and wonder over the breathtaking sky turned into fear and the struggle to survive in just a matter of hours. The kids of Castine Island must come together and work together in order to ensure their survival, but what about when the older teens hit puberty and become susceptible to the virus in the space dust?

I really admired Abby. She stood up and took the leadership role after finding her father dead in the yard. She not only took cae of her younger siblings, but she helped gather up all of the survivors. I was amazed how she put her fear and uncertainty aside to be strong for the younger kids around her. Even when things seemed completely hopeless, Abby never once gave up.

The author did an amazing job of creating a realistic society of adolescents. They have chores, classes and meetings which every takes part in. Except for three rogues who are taking advantage of the adultless world to do things they'd otherwise not be allowed to do. This of course creates conflict on the island, since they are not helping, and actually putting everyone else at risk. There's also one girl who is so terrified of the space germs that she goes to extremes to keep her body from entering puberty. It's heartbreaking to watch her.

I read this book in one go. It's fast paced, while not action packed, it still held my attention until the very last page. I was rooting for Abby and Jordan the entire time! They're so young but took on an amazing task, and I desperately wanted them to succeed. The ending is a bit open ended, but it definitely leaves the reader with a feeling of hope.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.