John Darryl WinstonReseñas

Didn't capture me straight away, but it did grow on me. I think this will be a series worth sticking with.

In this, the third installment in the series Naz and his closest friend decide to track down the person(s) responsible for Meri’s death and find out more about who he really is. With the help of his buddy Harvis, he has been exploring the edges of his talents and the time has come to put them to good use. Still, as single minded as Naz can be, D has come back into his life and with her, a degree of normalcy that he hadn’t ever had the chance to experience before. It would be easy for him to get sidetracked. When she disappears, it will take all of his skills, and the loyal support of his friends, to find her. All the while clues to his past are unwinding around him, clouding the issue. With new characters and new insights into those we already know, this book builds to an end that is as good as it is unexpected.


I am not even ashamed to admit that the opening chapter ripped me up. It gave me a deeper insight to the suffering of Naz and for one moment I dared to hope. It got my heart was pumping and made me NEED answers too. How could I not be involved after that? My middle-class sub-urban upbringing couldn’t be further from the experiences of Naz and his friends. Yet, I can slip into their world with an ease that is almost sublime. That is actually the beauty of this series. The characters are old friends and the world is as real as the one outside your window. Naz doesn’t have much in the way of family, not anymore, but one of the great strengths of this story from the beginning is how it shows that family becomes the people you choose to have around you and Naz has chosen well, or some cases, been chosen.

This book appeals to readers of all ages, but I do think teens will especially relate to the characters

I was unable to download it.

IA: Initiate is a spellbinding tale of inner city life mixed with extraordinary kids.

Can street smarts and intelligence be a laden paranormal ability? Author, John Darryl Winston takes the reader a step further, turning these skills into a life-saving survival power for our main character, Naz. Each character is rendered with accuracy and intelligence of inner city life. The book is descriptive with realistic conversations between the characters. I enjoyed the distinctive character personality. I knew who was speaking at all time and because of their unique personalities, it was easy to remember everyone and the setting. I was transported to the inner city streets with these characters.

Inside this story of hidden skill is a real-world use of creativity, morals, and excellent advice. I enjoyed the biblical parallels. I drew from it the essence of our capabilities and if we sell ourselves short every day; hindered by the idea that we can’t do something simply because another person hasn’t done it. The underlying story was deep; adults and youth would enjoy this novel.

What Didn’t Work: The only aspect of the story I didn’t like was the switching narrators of the audiobook. The book is read by John Darryl Winston and his son, Marquette Winston. Individually, I think both readers were phenomenal and anyone reader would have been great for the story, however when the readers switched it temporarily took me out of character. The different voices in the story call for a different tone of voice. The author reading for Naz’s therapist, wouldn’t have fit, just as Marquette Winston reading for Corey Anderson, Naz’s father, wouldn’t have worked. So it's understandable why more than one reader was necessary however having both voices read for Naz and Mari, interchangeably between chapters was distracting at times.


I am confident you will enjoy this book, however book one is only set up to introduce the characters and setting. There are a few action scenes but the author doesn't get into the abilities of Naz except through a retelling of past events. I was surprised when the audiobook ended; ready to dive into more conflict and learn more about Naz and is “firecracker sister,” Meri. The entire book is a cliffhanger. I suggest you have book 2 ready to pick up as soon as you turn the last page or listen to the last track of IA: Initiate.

I received IA: Initiate from the author in exchange for an honest book review. I honestly believe this is a fantastic first book and introduction to the series. I look forward to continuing the series with Book 2, IA: B.O.S.S and Book 3: IA: Union.


For its real-world parallel and deep meaning that is still suitable and designed for teenagers and young readers, I give IA: Initiate 4/5

I received an audio copy of this book through the early reviewers program in exchange for an honest review. My listening experience wasn't as good as I would have liked, I had some technical issues with the download and the playback wasn't as seamless as it needed to be which resulted in some confusion for me about the storyline. Despite the issues I experienced I think the series has potential and I did enjoy the dual narration. I thought the relationship between Naz and his sister was the strongest part of the book. I would have liked a little more action and a little less set up and explanations in the book and I thought the ending was too open ended. Overall it was a pretty good start but I'm hoping for more from the second book.

Listened to an Audible version of this book. The story is read by two people, old and young, who alternate reading chapters, an interesting concept. An interesting coming-of-age story about thirteen year old Naz and his younger sister Meri, who are being living in a foster home in the Exclave, an inner city ghetto. Naz tries to play-down and learn to cope with his special powers in a rough urban setting with gangs and violence. Nicely written and I enjoyed the book, but found the story was not a page-turner for me.½

I received this book (audio format) in exchange for an honest review. I will admit that I think the book would have been better had I simply read it. The audio performers were a little difficult for me and distracted from the story. However, setting that aside, I thought the story was really well done. It was a unique (at least to me) approach to the coming of age story, as Naz, the protagonist, recognizes that he is different ... different skills, different personality. As the story develops, we learn and grow with him as he recognizes that he is special in a good way.

The first book of the series, I think this one has staying power.

This coming of age novel, the first in the IA trilogy, is about thirteen year old Naz and his younger sister Meri, who are being brought up in a foster home in the Exclave, an inner city ghetto. Naz sleepwalks and hears voices and is in therapy to deal with these issues. Objects in his presence move of their own accord. Despite his supernatural gifts, he tries, for the most part, to remain a normal teenager and stay unnoticed in school and on the streets. Things change and Naz and Meri are swept up into an adventure after being caught up in some seemly random gang violence and he attracts the attention of gang recruiters.
I won a free digital download of this audiobook from the publisher on Library Thing. I enjoyed that it was read by the author and his daughter (I'm assuming it is his daughter) and that they alternated chapters. I felt that they both brought the well-written characters to life. Overall I feel that this book is a good mid-grade/teen adventure novel that would appeal to both genders. (less)

IA: Initiate was a spellbinding tale of inner city life mixed with extraordinary kids.
Can street smarts and intelligence be a laden paranormal ability? Author, John Darryl Winston takes the reader a step further, turning these skills into a life-saving survival power for our main character, Naz. Each character is rendered with accuracy and intelligence of inner city life. The book is descriptive with realistic conversations between the characters. I enjoyed the distinctive character personality. I knew who was speaking at all time and because of their unique personalities, it was easy to remember everyone and the setting. I was transported to the inner city streets with these characters.
Inside this story of hidden skill is a real-world use of creativity, morals, and excellent advice. I enjoyed the biblical parallels. I drew from it the essence of our capabilities and if we sell ourselves short every day; hindered by the idea that we can’t do something simply because another person hasn’t done it. The underlying story was deep; adults and youth would enjoy this novel.
What Didn’t Work: The only aspect of the story I didn’t like was the switching narrators of the audiobook. The book is read by John Darryl Winston and his son, Marquette Winston. Individually, I think both readers were phenomenal and anyone reader would have been great for the story, however when the readers switched it temporarily took me out of character. The different voices in the story call for a different tone of voice. The author reading for Naz’s therapist, wouldn’t have fit, just as Marquette Winston reading for Corey Anderson, Naz’s father, wouldn’t have worked. So it's understandable why more than one reader was necessary however having both voices read for Naz and Mari, interchangeably between chapters was distracting at times.
I am confident you will enjoy this book, however book one is only set up to introduce the characters and setting. There are a few action scenes but the author doesn’t get into the abilities of Naz except through a retelling of past events. I was surprised when the audiobook ended; ready to dive into more conflict and learn more about Naz and is “firecracker sister,” Meri. The entire book is a cliffhanger. I suggest you have book 2 ready to pick up as soon as you turn the last page or listen to the last track of IA: Initiate.
I received IA: Initiate from the author in exchange for an honest book review. I honestly believe this is a fantastic first book and introduction to the series. I look forward to continuing the series with Book 2, IA: B.O.S.S and Book 3: IA: Union.
For its real-world parallel and deep meaning that is still suitable and designed for teenagers and young readers, I give IA: Initiate 4/5 stars.

This coming of age novel, the first in the IA trilogy, is about thirteen year old Naz and his younger sister Meri, who are being brought up in a foster home in the Exclave, an inner city ghetto. Naz sleepwalks and hears voices and is in therapy to deal with these issues. Objects in his presence move of their own accord. Despite his supernatural gifts, he tries, for the most part, to remain a normal teenager and stay unnoticed in school and on the streets. Things change and Naz and Meri are swept up into an adventure after being caught up in some seemly random gang violence and he attracts the attention of gang recruiters.
I won a free digital download of this audiobook from the publisher on Library Thing. I enjoyed that it was read by the author and his daughter (I'm assuming it is his daughter) and that they alternated chapters. I felt that they both brought the well-written characters to life. Overall I feel that this book is a good mid-grade/teen adventure novel that would appeal to both genders.

13-year-old Naz is living in foster care after the death of his parents a few years earlier. He lives in the Exclave, a ghetto-type area of a large city. His only priority in life is to try to fly under the radar while simultaneously attempting to protect his younger sister Meri. He has sleepwalking episodes and sometimes hears voices in his head. On the first day of school, he and a friend encounter a small gang, have an altercation, and he then subsequently tries to avoid this young group of men throughout the story.

I am convinced that I must've read a different book than that of almost all the other reviewers of this story. This is geared, I think, toward a juvenile audience -- perhaps a little younger than most young adult fiction. I didn't think the writing itself was necessarily bad, but the story barely held my interest. It was slow-moving & dull. I was waiting for a climax that never really happened. I knew going in that this was the first book in a series, so I expected something of a cliffhanger, but I was sorely disappointed. The very last portion of the book started to pick up, and I thought for sure something big or intriguing was imminent, but no. There were some interesting tidbits of information and possibly teasers throughout the book that might perhaps set up for some bigger reveals down the line, but nothing big enough to make me want to continue reading this series.
As an audiobook, this was just an okay read. There were two readers (one being the author), but I'm not sure what the point of this was either, as each reader did not coincide with a particular character. The change in narration seemed totally random.

Overall, this was just an odd reading experience for me. Maybe I'm just the wrong audience, but I'm ready to move on.½

For full disclosure, I received this book as part of a giveaway.

The book centers around Naz, a young man in a fairly rough neighborhood and not the best situation in life in that he's an orphan living under the care of a foster parent.

Naz tries to keep a low profile and just wants to make sure his sister makes it out of Exclave, the neighborhood where they live. His life is complicated by a street gang intent on recruiting him, a psychiatrist trying to help him recover the lost memories of his childhood, the mysterious voice that he hears, etc.

The story is very good. Each of the main characters are very well covered. Unfortunately, the background characters are often just props. They are introduced whenever Naz needs someone to help develop the plot. I would have liked to see a bit more consistency in these characters.

Another annoying point is that very little is resolved in the book. For the main plot points, it makes sense. These will be continued in the next book. However, it would've been nice to have a conclusion to at few more of the minor challenges along the way.

Overall, it's worth a read (or a listen if it's an audiobook). Keep in mind that you might need to pick up the rest of the books in the series if you want a completely satisfying conclusion.

Prepare to be thoroughly intrigued!

Very well written and original.This story captured my interest fairly quickly and held it to the very end. The suspense level was high, and I was very much fascinated with the science and magic. On a more personal level, my heart went out to Naz's character. The challenges he faced living in an urban area were relatable, and the impenetrable bond between he and his sister,seriously tugged at my heart strings. I could feel the emotion and love between them, and rooted for Naz the whole time. I highly recommend this story and look forward to more from this author.Five well deserved stars!

I was given book 2 in exchange for an honest review of the IA Trilogy. Book 2 begins where Naz is learning more about his hidden powers. He almost beat the master chess player, he finds more friends, and even learned to play basketball! Naz falls for a girl named D and says goodbye to some friends that die, but his mind, body, and spirit combine and he starts to remember the past...

After glancing through the book, I figured I would enjoy it. The cover art is engaging and the synopsis is curiosity inducing. Thumbing through the pages I saw in the index, vocabulary words and a couple of crossword puzzles. It made me ache for days gone by and curious about who Meri and Dr. Gwen might be. This book should be a winner at school book fairs. I am certain educators will steer readers in its direction.

It is a story of Naz, a 13 year old foster child who has been in several placements with his younger sister Meri. He is struggling with being a teen and apparent mental health issues and most of all with an overwhelming need to provide for and keep his brilliant sister safe. It is obvious from the start that there is more to him than would seem, but as Naz hasn’t yet figured that out, the reader gets pulled along with him on a journey towards discovery, feeling with him the confusion and wonder of his life.

This journey is dotted with many fabulous characters. The relationship between Naz and his sister is the perfect capture of sibling rivalry in its best levels. Coach Fears reminds me of all my favorite middle school teachers rolled into one. Dr. Gwen is the quintessential therapist walking the line between being a clinician and caring friend. The Chess Master is gloriously mysterious. Naz’s schoolmates offer so much potential, I will enjoy seeing how they flesh out in subsequent installments of the series.
At the surface many kids will find something to identify with. The hard part of just being a kid coming of age in a tough neighborhood is beautifully conveyed and would have been a story worth following all its own. However, there is more to Naz than it would seem. His dreams and the voices he hears mean something, strangers seem to be following him and there is a gang of bully boys that really have it in for him. I can’t wait to see what happens next for Naz and Meri. It will be something to see as this young man learns more about his mysterious past and gains confidence in his own abilities. Also, I am almost sure Dr. Gwen knows more than she is letting on and who is the stranger? I would also love to learn about The Exclave and its colorful cast of characters. It is a place that can be dangerous, but also seems to be a refuge of sorts. I will be waiting impatiently for IA: B.O.S.S. the rumored next book in the series.

I would recommend this book to readers 7th grade and above. Some younger advanced readers might also enjoy it, most adults will as well.

The first thing that struck me about this new book is the sharp contrast in the covers. Book 2 is dark and ominous making the cover lighter cover for book 1 seem almost cheerful in comparison. The cover is your warning that this book is going to transport Naz and the reader to dark places.

The story picks up mere days after the last one leaves off. With a release of pressure following the events of the previous book, Naz and Meri settle into a slightly more normalized existence. Naz is convinced to join the school basketball team and as a result gains a bunch of new friends. He finally gets a chance to talk with his dream girl, he finds a way to balance his new activities with his responsibilities and for a while life is pretty much typical teen. Then his friend dies in an apparent suicide, yet Naz is pretty sure that it was foul play. He begins to realize that he is being targeted. Things heat up as he investigates until finally the unthinkable happens.

Set against this are the occasional flashback scenes where we finally learn a little bit about Naz's father and the reasons why Naz has no memory of his life before The Exclave. We learn more about his mother and the sacrifices she was forced to make to protect her children. It is no accident that Naz has come to this place and as he learns to recognize his talents for what they are he also must learn who he can trust.

In the previous book we were introduced obliquely to so many really phenomenal characters. In this book we finally get to know them and become invested in their stories. Despite the lines filled in and so many answers coming to light we are still left with many more questions. The main one being who is behind group targeting Naz and how far will this person go to get what they want? While I do not fear for this young man whom I believe will win out in the end, I do want to weep for him. Seriously that is your warning to keep a tissue handy. Dark places indeed.



I gratefully received a copy of this book to review

Admittedly I enjoyed this book more than I expected, talk about taken by surprise in an exceptional way.

I love the mix Winston provides – science fiction, supernatural, LOADS of intrigue and mystery, last but not least the dark horse prevails. Plus, brain over braun, Winston emphasizes engaging your mind, very appealing to this reader.

The premise of the narrative won my heart, love the message. A book ALL ages will enjoy, Naz a brilliant young man faced with great adversity refuses to succumb to his harsh environs. He possesses ‘powers’ he’s just now beginning to understand. Coming of age, Naz must make heavy choices/decisions. He is a compelling character as well as his younger sister Meri. Together their strength, resilience and unbreakable bond see them through their challenges, no doubt brother and sister are united in both affection and support.

Intriguing backstory, the reader alternates between past and present, as we learn of Naz’s deceased parents. His father excelled in science, his research might be connected to Naz’s superpowers in some form. Enough crumbs are given to engaged the readers curiosity as to the mystery of Naz’s parents.

Looking forward to the next book, Winston leaves the reader demanding more stat!! Great character and theme offering all readers an adventure filled with intrigue.