Interview & Review: Creature Kid by Rashad Freeman

Author:Rashad Freeman

Title: Creature Kid #1

Publisher: Rashad Freeman

Publication: January 1, 2012

Genre: Young Adult, Middle Grade Paranormal

Rating: 3.5 out 5

Source: Author via Hollow Tours

Purchase:Amazon | BN

Synopsis

Why do the movies always portray mutants as having some kind of glorious plight? If a kid got bit by a radioactive spider he’d probably puke webs right before he died. Men that can walk through bullets and fly don’t dress in tights and pretend to be newspaper reporters. And there are no special flashlights to shine in the air to signal you when there’s trouble. You want to be a superhero and fight crime? Prospects are unlikely at best. Chances are you’d just get sued by the criminals you arrested and put in prison for delivering your own vigilante justice.

The truth of the matter is living as a mutant is risky business. Uncontrollable outbreaks, delusions of grandeur and don’t forget the horde of scientists eager to pick you apart to figure out what makes you tick. Did you really expect a special school to crop up just to take care of all the misfortunate adolescents? Or you could create your own little team by adding Fantastic, Super, or Glorious to the front of a number. No, you wouldn’t be so lucky. And neither was Anthony Dimair, as a matter of fact he was the exact opposite. Now he must survive long enough to find the meaning of his Uncle’s cryptic message while avoiding capture, fighting the elements, and trying to not end up as dinner.

Review: This is a fast paced, action packed book. Sometimes it felt like I was in a whirlwind as so much was going on in one point in the book, I think my eyes were dizzy. Freeman doesn't hold back on the craziness that happens to Anthony, and I think young boys may get a kick out of some of it. The characters were interesting, though some of them, I just didn't really connect with. Poor Anthony has such a time with those wings that it is somewhat comical. If the book is fleshed out a bit more and the plot flowed at a steadier pace this will be even better read. Overall, good concept.

Interview with Author Rashad Freeman

If you could travel back in time what would you tell yourself? 

That's a tough question. I've honestly made tons of mistakes in my past but they've all brought me to where I am and who I am. I'd be a tad afraid to change any of that. I guess some sort of financial tip like invest in Apple or become friends with the google guys. 

What inspired you to write Creature Kid? 

Well, I've always thought the idea of having super powers would be awesome. But most books and movies are always so cliche about it. I wanted to write something that took a different angle.

If you were to transform into a supernatural being, what would you be? 

Definitely an eagle or a dragon. I love the idea of flight. 

What was your favorite book as a child and/or teen? Movie? 

 My favorite book would be a toss up between Medallion of the Black Hound by Shirley Rousseau Murphy and A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin. My favorite movie was The Neverending Story 

What's the best advice you've ever received? 

Work smarter not harder  

Are there any new projects in the works? 

At this very moment I'm wrapping up a short story named "Apocolypse" that should be out in a few days and have a novel called "Night Slashers" that should be out in a week or two.

If you woke up one day and sprouted wings, what would that scenario be like for you? 

Well once I learned to control them it would be the greatest thing since slice bread. I'd never buy another plane ticket.

Finish this thought.If I could..... 

have any super power I would want to fly 

Is there a particular message that you hope to convey to readers of your novel? 

I think the underlying theme of this book is change. I'd hope on some small level readers reevaluate how they look at change (good/bad). 

What is a question that you wish interviewers would ask, and the answer to that question? 

What's your favorite food? Strawberry ice cream