Elise Stokes’ debut novel, “Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula” follows the titular character and her new friend Emery Phillips as they embark on a dangerous quest to save their kidnapped parents from viscious madman, Aurthur King.
After being exposed to retrovirus 10X, Cassidy acquires some incredible superpowers, and becomes a nearly invincible force against evil and the pretty nose of the most popular girl in school, Robin Newton. While her new found abilities allow her to smell pancakes in other homes, lift two-ton trees, and fight like a Kung-Fu wizard; her emotions become less stable. The calm, cool, and collected Cassidy Jones who was in control can barely handle being ignored by the super hot Jared Wells. No one needs a superhuman who’s off their rocker, and Emery Phillips provides the perfect balance to Cassidy’s boiling pot of emotions. Even with a missing mother and a dad who no one can pinpoint on the globe, Emery keeps himself and Cassidy Jones in control as they sneak around infiltrating computers and fortresses in pursuit of his mother’s location.
Elise Stokes put together a quality cast of characters in this teen action drama that even adults can b entertained by. I laughed aloud quite a few times and was most attached to Emery who complimented Cassidy quite well. His intelligence, bravery, and friendship was necessary for Cassidy who not only had to deal with the usual trials of a teenager. But who also had to contend with her entire world being turned upside down. The action was well balanced with straight forward and colorful dialogue. While the main villian was over the top, he didn’t scare this grown man a bit, but a few teens may shudder. The only downside I saw in this 1st person narrative, was I thought a couple of the words Cassidy used were a bit much for a 14-year-old’s vocaulary. Yet, this is the age of information.
If you’re looking for a cool story with lots of fun and excitement, give “Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula” a go, you wont be disappointed. After which, you can continue to follow Cassidy Jones and her friends in “Cassidy Jones and Vulcan’s Gift“.
Thanks for reading and check out my debut novel, “The Virgin Surgeon,” in paperback or ebook.
