The Apocalypse Of Elena Mendoza

Author: Shaun David Hutchinson

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Genre/Themes/Demo: YA, Contemporary, Fantasy/Sci-Fi

Release Date: February 6th 2018

Page Count: 448

Format: Hardcover

ISBN: 9781481498548

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Quick Thoughts

• a nice conclusion to a loose trilogy
• multiple easter eggs to connect all of Hutchinson’s novels
• strangely, the virgin birth concept is easier to accept as reality than other moments throughout the novel
• perfect blend of contemporary & fantasy/sci-fi
• bisexual rep –> main character
• fast paced and engaging 100% of the way through
• yet another favourite written by Shaun David Hutchinson!

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Synopsis

Sixteen-year-old Elena Mendoza is the product of a virgin birth. This can be scientifically explained (it’s called parthenogenesis), but what can’t be explained is how Elena is able to heal Freddie, the girl she’s had a crush on for years, from a gunshot wound in a Starbucks parking lot. Or why the boy who shot Freddie, David Combs, disappeared from the same parking lot minutes later after getting sucked up into the clouds. What also can’t be explained are the talking girl on the front of a tampon box, or the reasons that David Combs shot Freddie in the first place. As more unbelievable things occur, and Elena continues to perform miracles, the only remaining explanation is the least logical of all—that the world is actually coming to an end, and Elena is possibly the only one who can do something about it.

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What I Liked

It’s no secret that Shaun David Hutchinson is one of my favourite authors of all time. The second I picked up We Are The Ants two years ago, I knew it was going to be one of my forever favourites. Ever since then, I eagerly wait for anything that Hutchinson will release next.

One thing about Hutchinson’s novels is that they have some of the most unique and creative concepts of any novel I’ve ever read. Especially his latest three; We Are The Ants, At The Edge Of The Universe and The Apocalypse of Elena Mendoza – all three of which take place in the same universe (as we see via multiple mini-easter eggs throughout The Apocalypse Of Elena Mendoza). All three are contemporaries that contain heavier subject matter that seamlessly blend in a sci-fi/fantasy element. Honestly, all three of these novels are something that you all need to read ASAP.

The Apocalypse of Elena Mendoza is about a teen girl named Elena who was the product of a virgin birth. Surprisingly, this is the most scientifically explainable thing that happens throughout the novel. We soon learn that Elena has the power to heal, but in doing so she causes people around the world to be raptured. Do you see what I mean about unique concept?

While this synopsis may make the story seem very sci-fi heavy, The Apocalypse of Elena Mendoza is also very much a coming of age story. Just like Hutchinson’s previous novels, these characters are growing and learning about themselves as the story moves forward.

I know a lot of readers are deterred by the mention of aliens in We Are The Ants, a shrinking earth in At The Edge Of The Universe and I assume, the virgin birth/power to heal in The Apocalypse of Elena Mendoza. I promise you, these books are so much more than that. They’re raw & real & perfect.

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What I Didn’t Like

Honestly, I really enjoyed this book and the only reason I gave it 4.5 (maybe closer to a 4.75) is because We Are The Ants was just this perfect book for me and The Apocalypse of Elena Mendoza was missing just a little something to push it to 5 stars.

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About The Author

Shaun David Hutchinson is the author of numerous books for young adults, including The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley, which won the Florida Book Awards’ Gold Medal in the Young Adult category and was named to the ALA’s 2015 Rainbow Book List; the anthology Violent Ends, which received a starred review from VOYA; and We Are the Ants, which received five starred reviews and was named a best book of January 2016 by Amazon.com, Kobo.com, Publishers Weekly, and iBooks. He lives in South Florida with his adorably chubby dog, and enjoys Doctor Who, comic books, and yelling at the TV. Visit him at ShaunDavidHutchinson.com.

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Thank you for reading!