I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Alex was given up to foster care after the the untimely death of his parents. He was then placed with an abusive foster parent, which caused him to continually "spin" his housemates to heal their injuries. This caused Jane, his foster mother to uncover Alex's special healing gift. When a package from his biological parents never gets to him, Alex uncovers more than he's bargained for.

This book was amazingly creative. You can easily sense Alex's inner turmoil at not only being learning and physically disabled, but also having a gift he thinks is a curse. He is fortunate to have wonderful friends that stood by his side throughout. I have to admit that during the first 1/3 of the book, I wondered where the story was heading because it had a relatively slow start. Once you're past that, the story captures your imagination and takes you to a whole new world. If you can be patient, the story will be well worth the wait. I absolutely loved it and cannot wait to read something else from this fabulous author! ( )

Spinner, by Michael J Bowler, introduces us to a most unusual young man. Alex, a boy confined to a wheelchair, suffering from a debilitating condition known as spina bifida. He's been in and out of foster homes, and his current foster mother is exploiting his unique gift. See, Alex is a Spinner, with the ability to siphon off people’s pain. Likewise, he can inflict pain in a similar manner. His rare gift has made him a target of several others who'd like to exploit that gift as well. A series of murders, and an ancient prophecy only add to Alex's problems. Alex and his 'dummy’ friends will face many challenges as they attempt to end the murders, stay ahead of the bad guys, and learn the truth of Alex”s past.

Utilising an uncommon protagonist, Bowler puts his time as a special ed teacher to use to weave authentic narrative between Alex and his fellow special needs friends. The writing flows well, bringing these characters to life. I appreciated the humour between Alex and his friends.

I find it mildly ironic that this book deals with abuse, and bullying, right after I finished reading an ethnography called Teenage Suicide Notes by Terry Williams, dealing with the serious possible consequences of such acts. Having just done so, Spinner tugged at me even harder. I just wanted to give Alex a hug, take him and his friends out of this situation, and make it safe for them.

I did get fizzled in the prophecy angle. It's a trope that's gotten old for me. I was also bemused that no one seemed to care about the why of Alex’s ability. Humans are hard-wired to fear the unknown, and to try to explain things. Not everyone, I know. There are exceptions, but they're rare as hen’s teeth.

Recommended if you are a fan of paranormal fiction.

***Many thanks to XPresso Blog Tours and the author for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. ( )

I felt an instant connection to Alex. Not because he was in a wheelchair. But because he and his gang of friends were are all deemed worthless. Each of them had a tic, a disability that landed them in the neverland of Special Ed.

I have a son with a social disabiilty. I can’t think of anything harder to deal with. Everything we do is social, is interaction with others. My heart broke one day. I was at the school to pick up my son and saw this boy coming down the hall. He was hunched into himself, trying to disappear, and there was no one else even in the hall. What crushed me was I realized it was my son. I couldn’t imagine how his days must be.

Alex and his friends endure bullying on a daily basis. They have each others back, the strong defending the weaker. And Alex and Roy have a special bond. It goes beyond friendship. It’s love. Love for a fellow human being. It’s unbreakable. I loved it.

Something that sets Alex apart is he’s a spinner. He can heal others, take away their pain. He can’t do it to himself, only to others. Some powerful people know about his ability. They want it. They want him. And they are coming.

I enjoyed how there were several different plots going at the same time.

The boys had to deal with the bullies. And Alex had to come to grips with a chance at young love.

Then there was the deadly hooded figure and the giant cat. Alex thought they were only in his dreams. But they almost kill him and Roy, and also go after his friends.

Mustn’t forget their new Special Ed teacher. Somethings hinky about her. Not sure who she’s working with, but she’s giving off some creepy vibes. The boys aren’t falling for it either.

Lots of surprises in this book too. I think I was as surprised as Alex when he uncovered a secret from his past. A secret revealed by his deceased mother. Alex has endured 10 foster homes and now Jane, his current abusive foster mother. The one who kept the package from him. She’s got plans for Alex.

So much is happening that the plot flies. It may sound confusing, but it’s not. Everything flows smoothly.

An unlikely band of heroes, these kids have a lot going on. Those who brush them off as dummies will think twice when these guys spring into action.

My son is reading this now. He got tired of me calling him out of his room to read excerpts to him. Told me to hurry up and finish so he could read it himself. Now, he’s coming out of his room to read parts of this book to me. Too funny. ( )