Nate Kenyon, The Reach

The Reach

Nate Kenyon

Leisure, Dec 2008, $7.99

ISBN 9780843960211

She was born with an out of control psychokinetic skill of a fire bringer who burned down the hospital when she left the womb. Her grandparents raised Sarah Voorsanger until their fear of her ability following a few haunting incidents made them dump her on the state. They believe she is the Antichrist.

In Boston the state has locked away the ten years old Sarah so she can harm no one. Helix Pharmaceuticals conduct experiments on her using drugs that stimulate psychic skills. Psychology graduate student Jess Chambers is shocked by the treatment the preadolescent child receives. She vows to somehow rescue Sarah, especially when she realizes the lack of restraint the child has in keeping her talent in check while Helix is trying to amplify what is already dangerous.

This nod to King's Firestarter, 'The Reach' is a superb thriller as the 'evil' private sector gigantic pharmaceutical wants to use the girl (instead of the government). The storyline is simple and kept that way throughout, which just enhances the tension of a twenty something heroine all alone battling a Goliath in order to save a child that in the belief of the would be rescuer subsequently many more people too if Sarah is pushed beyond what her mind can accept as rational.

Harriet Klausner