Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

If John Hancock is a superhero with super alcoholism, Juniper Appleblossom is a superhero with super drug addiction. She is what you’ll get in Chrysalis, the first book in The Perfect Order Series by Drew Kientz. Drug peddlers are often junkies themselves, and self-appointed rock star Juniper is no exception. She loves the rush that washes through her veins whenever she gets her fix. Her life is about to change as she goes through the process of Awakening: a stage in her development where a dormant special ability begins to manifest. Not only that, she turns out to be the most powerful Enlightened in existence. This discovery will take her to secret societies where people with special abilities vie for power while keeping elements that threaten mankind at bay. Juniper just wants to be left alone. But as an unknown variable, a myth that has come to life, they are not going to let her wander off easily.

As a gifted person with a drug problem, you can expect Juniper to go through an intense period of angst and personal crisis. She wants nothing to do with her abilities and is more concerned with how she’s going to get her next fix. Chrysalis is a character-driven story where you can truly sympathize with the protagonist. Drew Kientz gives you a thrilling ride as he takes you to a world far different from what you know. Kientz is doing it right when he fuses his fantasy urban tale with contemporary social issues besetting young people today, particularly drug addiction. He doesn’t lecture but allows Juniper to decide upon reaching a moral crossroad herself. Chrysalis is a book that gives you a great deal to feel interested and wanting to learn more.