Colfer, Eoin. The supernaturalist.

COLFER, Eoin. The supernaturalist. Hyperion, Miramax. 267p. c2004. 0-7868-5149-X. $799. J

To quote the review of the hardcover in KLIATT, May 2004: Abandoned by his parents as an infant, Cosmo Hill grows up in the Clarissa Frayne Institute for Parentally Challenged Boys, a ghastly orphanage that puts the boys to work testing dangerous products. It's escape or die, Cosmo realizes, and at age 14 he sees his chance and makes a break for freedom. The blighted future world of Satellite City is a tough place, and he's lucky enough to be rescued by the Supernaturalists. These three young people share Cosmo's gift of being able to see the Parasites, beings who seem to suck the life force out of people who are dying. The four devote themselves to hunting down these Parasites and trying to destroy them, only to learn their true nature-and discover who their real enemy is. The action rarely lets up in this SF adventure by the author of the Artemis Fowl series and The Wish List. There are rooftop battles, a car race, and even a daring space walk. There are echoes of Ghostbusters, too, as it mixes some humor in with the pursuit of the supernatural, but there are serious moments as well and even a budding romance. An exciting read featuring a brave young protagonist, this will appeal to Colfer's many fans and win him new ones. Paula Rohrlick, KLIATT

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.