Review: Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles

Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles

Hardcover, 336 pages

Published August 16th 2011

Walker Books for Young Readers

Luis Fuentes has always been sheltered from the gang violence that nearly destroyed his brothers’ lives. But that didn’t stop him from taking risks—whether he’s scaling a mountain in the Rockies or dreaming of a future as an astronaut, Luis can’t stop looking for the next thrill.
Nikki Cruz lives her life by three rules—boys lie to get their way, don’t trust a boy who says “I love you,” and never date a boy from the south side of Fairfield. Her parents may be from Mexico, but as a doctor’s daughter, she has more in common with her north-side neighbors than the Latino Blood at her school. Then she meets Luis at Alex’s wedding, and suddenly, she’s tempted to break all her rules.
Getting Nikki to take a chance on a southsider is Luis’s biggest challenge, until he finds himself targeted by Chuy Soto, the new head of the Latino Blood. When Chuy reveals a disturbing secret about Luis’s family, the youngest Fuentes finds himself questioning everything he’s ever believed to be true. Will his feelings for Nikki be enough to stop Luis from entering a dark and violent world and permanently living on the edge?

Awe! Luis has to be my favorite Fuentes brother. Even though the story is almost the same as the first two books in the series, it has its differences, but the same meaning behind it all. Luis has his own voice and the shocker towards the middle to end was a nice change. The Fuentes brothers are just one sexy group of brothers. Family and love means everything to them. Luis has always been the good brother. But he has always liked doing things for the rush it gives him. Everyone has their secrets right? 

Nikki was a nice change for me. Though she was rich and came from the good parts, her roots were Mexican. She goes through a lot in this story and you feel so bad for her. I really liked her for Luis. I got so many butterflies in my stomach whenever Luis and Nikki were together. They balanced each other out. There are also some yummy scenes between the two as well. It’s definitely for a much more mature audience. Another thing I really liked, the cover! There was actually a scene in the book that matches the cover. I thought that was really nice.

The ending was a good happy ending and left room for a possible spin off for a new series with some new Fuentes members. I cannot wait to see what Simone Elkeles delivers next.

5 out of 5 stars!

Book Trailer: (Even the actors for this trailer are yummy! Makes me want to re-read the series!)