READING : Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles

Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles

Publication date: August 16th, 2011
Published by: Walker Books for Young Readers
Genre: YA Contemporary
Rating: 5/5

Luis Fuentes has always been sheltered from the gang violence that nearly destroyed his brothers’ lives. But that didn’t stop him from taking risks—whether he’s scaling a mountain in the Rockies or dreaming of a future as an astronaut, Luis can’t stop looking for the next thrill.

Nikki Cruz lives her life by three rules—boys lie to get their way, don’t trust a boy who says “I love you,” and never date a boy from the south side of Fairfield. Her parents may be from Mexico, but as a doctor’s daughter, she has more in common with her north-side neighbors than the Latino Blood at her school. Then she meets Luis at Alex’s wedding, and suddenly, she’s tempted to break all her rules.

Getting Nikki to take a chance on a southsider is Luis’s biggest challenge, until he finds himself targeted by Chuy Soto, the new head of the Latino Blood. When Chuy reveals a disturbing secret about Luis’s family, the youngest Fuentes finds himself questioning everything he’s ever believed to be true. Will his feelings for Nikki be enough to stop Luis from entering a dark and violent world and permanently living on the edge?

I can't believe this series is over already! If only there were more Fuentes brothers we could read of *sigh*

In general, I loved Chain Reaction. No big surprise there, since Elkeles never fails to impress. 

I liked both Luis and Nikki. Granted, she acted stupidly A LOT, but their chemistry was so intense and their scenes together so awesome, that I can almost forgive her anything! Her actions are kinda justified however, considering what she went through when she was 15. She could have been a lot more bitchy and bitter and mean, but she wasn't.

Luis, despite the book's blurb, is pretty similar to his brothers. Tough and cocky. To be honest, it kinda threw me off a little at first because I didn't expect that at all. I thought he was gonna be completely different, like a nerdy, shy kinda guy who "accidentally" gets involved in the gang stuff and not some smug know-it-all. Same goes for Nikki. I thought she was gonna be this total bitch who would eventually, after falling in love with Luis, do a complete 180. The book was advertised as something completely different from its predecessors but when it comes down to it, it's exactly the same. Not that I'm complaining, but a little variety would be nice.

Thankfully, Luis and Nikki's scenes saved the book. Their connection was so powerful and it made their times together very very HOOOT!!

What also saved the book was the huge revelation at the end which I did not see coming. Not sure I liked it but it was a surprise, regardless. Also, Alex and Carlos's cameos were long and many(yes!)and it was great seeing the 3 brothers together and how their relationship's developed over the years.

I enjoyed this trilogy so much and Perfect Chemistry will forever be in my all time top 10 favorite books. With Chain Reaction the story of the drool-worthy Fuentes brothers comes full circle and I really hope we get to read more of Elekes's magic again soon!