Brandon Jeffery knows the summer before his senior year is going to be anything but carefree. While his friends play, he is stuck working two jobs to pay off the car his best friend wrecked. His intentions are to make money, and keep off his alcoholic father's radar. However, his summer quickly takes a couple of unexpected turns. First, an unusual girl walks into the record store looking for a job, and he finds himself doing anything including working for free to get her the position. Second, the body of a former classmate is found dead, and he and his friends wonder who could have killed him. The boring summer now is full of possibilities. Is there a murderer loose in their town? Will the new girl go out with him?

While Brandon's friends try to figure out what evil is lurking in the outskirts of town and if it will strike again, Brandon becomes increasingly smitten with Marvel Garcia, the girl from the record store. Although she is beautiful, smart, and mysterious, she has an undeniable faith and relationship with God that makes her unlike any girl he has known. He spends every minute that he can with her even though she claims she does not want to date him. She is meant for a greater purpose, a purpose that God has revealed to her. The more Brandon learns about Marvel, the more he is entranced. When she confides in him about God's plan for her life, it changes everything. What is really happening in their town? Is there a way to change what Marvel believes will happen?

Travis Thrasher always writes a powerful story and MARVELOUS is an amazing tale of faith. He pens ordinary characters with normal problems and draws the readers into their world with little effort. While this story deals with teenagers, it is so easy to relate to them. Brandon needs to figure out where his life is leading. Marvel already knows what is in store for her as she is tune with God's plan for her life. Together they walk a path laced with hope, secrets, and evil. Their unforgettable summer unleashes mysteries that will shape the upcoming school year. Mr. Thrasher certainly knows how to entertain an audience and keep them wanting more. MARVELOUS is a great start to a fabulous young adult series, and one I look forward to reading.

Book Summary

Brandon Jeffery’s summer started out with a bang—as in, a friend crashed his car and now he has to work two jobs to pay it off. It’s at Fascination Street Records that he’s introduced to a beautiful but quiet girl named Marvel. She’s new to Hidden Cove and looking for a summer job, so Brandon secretly strikes a deal with their boss to work for free so she can be hired.

When a classmate is found murdered, however, their summer takes a turn for the mysterious. Brandon’s friend Devon is sure he knows just who’s to blame: the creepy recluse of the town quarry. But the police have few leads, and Brandon has the sneaking suspicion he’s being watched.

That’s not what’s in the forefront of on his mind, though. More than trying to pay off his car to his unemployed, alcoholic father and protecting Seth Belcher from the school bullies, he’s determined to date Marvel. He doesn’t understand why they seem so close and she refuses to date him, but as the mystery behind her tragic past begins to unravel, Marvel finally confesses her reason: God has revealed she’s destined to die saving others—and it’s going to be soon.