Ezekiel has a micro power. One where he finds lost things and can find the owners. It’s a compulsion that he hides after being accused of stealing, even though he’s never stolen a thing in his life. Then he meets Betty and she starts asking questions and forces him to start testing his powers to see if there are boundaries to it and if it can be useful in the grande scheme of things. After being asked, by a resourceful police officer in the hunt for a kidnapped little girl, if he might be able to find her, Ezekiel discovers new things about his powers. When his friend goes missing he has to put his new knowledge to the test in a race against time.
What an amazing story. The idea that we all may have micro powers that we don’t even notice because they’re so small or unnoticeable and that if we just focus on them we may be able to find uses for them. This is a coming of age story, not just for Ezekiel, but for Betty and the others involved. They must face the reality of how twisted and depraved humans can be and they start to become less selfish and more self aware. It was sad at times but it did make an impact. The sassiness of the characters is what really did it for me though. I love me some sass.

I saw this on NetGalley and snatched it up based solely on the author, Orson Scott Card.

After I downloaded it I looked at the description. It actually sounded like an interesting plot idea too. I devoured the book. This ARC is in a kind of rough state, so I half wonder if the cover might change. have another book that is in much better shape and it is not set to release until October of this year. This one comes out in September.


First, imagine that you can see something lying on the ground like a scrunchy, and just know where the owner is so you can return it. Cool, right?

Not for Ezekiel, who was repeatedly accused of stealing the very thing he was returning! Nobody wants to be friends with a thief. So now, he just tries to ignore the things he finds.

Beth, a really short high school kid, enters his life, wanting to be his friend, and stubbornly refuses to leave him alone no matter how rude he is to her.

Finally, a cop comes and asks for his help in finding a little girl. Yeah, AFTER cops spent his whole life accusing him of stealing, NOW they want his help! Right!

He learns he is not the only one with micropowers. He is invited to a group of others like him that have pretty useless minor little powers. Like the ability to make someone yawn. So, no, not cool like the X-Men.

The Writing

Ummm. This is OSC! He is a master! He teaches other writers how to write! He literally wrote the book on How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy. I have it on my shelf! Of course, it was excellently written! Now, as far as I know, he hasn’t written YA before. I don’t think he has even written a realistic fiction book with a smidgen of paranormal.

So how did he do with YA? Great. My only issue is that the characters felt a little bit younger than they actually were in the story. They were supposed to be 9th/10th grade, but they seemed more like 7th/8th grade to me. I teach middle school, so I am pickier than the average Joe on things like that. Regardless, the dialogue was really snarky and the relationship between Ezekiel and Beth was fun! AND It wasn’t a book where the parents were non-existent clueless imbeciles. THANKYOU Mr. CARD! Ezekiel’s mom was dead so she was not there, but the dad was there. Ezekiel actually told his dad some things and they talked. Not many YA books do that very much it seems.

Who will like this?

If you liked Ender’s Game, you might give this one a try. The dialogue and characters in both are excellent! If you like a story about friendships and loss and parental relationships, then you’ll like this. If you enjoy some amateur sleuthing with a bit of paranormal powers, you’ll love it!

I think I’ve gushed about this book enough…just go read it!

Another great book from Orson Scott Card. I’ve read other books by this author this one was just as good as those. I really enjoyed the story and the characters were well thought out.

A very solid 4.5 stars, which I will round up because I enjoyed it so much and had to force myself to stop halfway through so I could catch some sleep! I ended up finishing it on the plane at midnight with a satisfied sigh.

So why not a 5 star rating? I think it's because the mystery of the first girl seemed to be resolved a bit too quickly, and then it was fairly easy to predict how it would end for the second part. It didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story and yet, I wish it had been a bit more balanced.

So what did I love about the book? I loved the characters. I loved the banter that Ezekiel had with others, especially his dad, Shank, Beth, and "Banshee". I have always loved the author's writing style and these conversations are intelligent without being condescending. The idea of "micropowers" was very interesting and I loved how the characters explored and talked through what they were feeling or thinking of, etc., so that they could figure out how they might work.
The friendships Ezekiel eventually developed as he learned what friendship was and who really mattered to him were also very enjoyable to read about.

I would probably categorize this as young adult rather than middle school age, mostly because some of the topics mentioned (kidnapping, child trafficking/pornography, death) might be tough for some younger readers. But an older middle schooler could probably handle it.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Orson Scott Card writes thoughtful, insightful scifi. This book is no exception. As with many of Card's teenage protagonists, the main characters in this book are too smart to EVER talk like a normal teen. They are smart, sarcastic, and have problems with authority figures. Those problems are justified (as you soon discover), but this makes the lives of the characters that much harder.
Ezekiel (never Zeke) has a talent for finding things. He always has. The problem is that when you constantly return things that are "lost", people suspect that you are the reason they were missing in the first place. This has lead to his being a Pariah in his little town. This all changes when Beth comes to town. The two become friends and Ezekiel's life begins to undergo major changes.
The characters were above average in many ways, but flawed. This made then more relatable. As dis Ezekiel's angst.
The story itself is small but filled with enough world building and action that you won't want to put it didn until you are through. I believe it is technically a YA novel and would certainly fit, but older audiences wel enjoy it as well. Really, fit for anyone who likes a drama filled sci-fi story or who wonders what happens to those whose superpowers aren't that powerful.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy if this work.

Lost and Found by Orson Scott Card
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A very lite fare for non-discriminating YA readers. Sure, it reads fast with some interesting and likable characters, but there's nothing stand-out about this. Snark, check. Minor superpowers so minor that they're MircoPowers, like being able to find lost objects? Check. Murder, kidnapping, and fairly dark situations for a couple of new teens? Check.

What are we expecting, really? A YA version of that recent defunct tv show called The Finder. Or back it up to the rather huge quasi-genre of psychic detectives in general, and you'll get a pretty good idea about the kind of book you'll be picking up.

Is this anything like early Card? No.

Is it okay for the general throwaway YA market, being pleasing and usual and cute and uplifting as a result of getting through all the dark stuff? Yes. I actually enjoyed it for what it is. Lite fare. ... And there's nothing wrong with this. Unfortunately, nothing really stands out about it other than the solid characters.

I want everyone to read this book so we can talk about it. It's one of those books.

Recommended: yessssss ♥
For people who also adore Orson Scott Card's work, for those who want immediately deep and lovable characters, for an intriguing exploration of unique tiny magic that will have you thinking about what your micropower might be. For lovely warm fuzzies enhanced by the incredible darkness woven together

Thoughts:
Oh, lord. I saw Orson Scott Card on a new book on NetGalley, and when I got that approval message, I jumped up, clapped in delight, and shouted "YES!!!!" (luckily my boyfriend is pretty used to my book-thrills by now). I really tried to keep my expectations down, because overhyping something in your mind can ruin it, but I love Orson Scott Card's work so much that I just couldn't tamp down my hopes. And you know what? LUCKILY IT DIDN'T MATTER, BECAUSE IT WAS SO GOOD.

Reasons this was so good
- characters you immediately love from the first conversations
- every conversation MATTERS. No space fillers
- you will be drawn into the debates and think deeply on your own questions of fairness, evil, death, love, friendship, bravery, and so much more
- a delicate and realistic balance of light and dark that perfectly reflects reality
- an ending that lingers, and makes you think about yourself and all others a bit differently, a bit more thoughtfully and kindly
- A touch of magic, but written in such a way that you have to wonder if it's really magic, or if we just overlook the wonders of the world without recognizing how incredible people can be

Read this. Then get back to me with what your micropower might be. I'm still thinking on mine.

Thanks to Blackstone & NetGalley for a free copy to review.

This was an enjoyable read. The characters were well written and the storyline was engrossing. I would consider this book appropriate for younger readers as well. I really hope that this is the start of a series, because I would like to read more of Ezekiel 's adventures.

Ezekiel Blast is a 14 year old boy with an unusual gift, he senses when objects are lost and returns them to their owners or to Lost and Found. Unfortunately other people, being cynical and suspicious, prefer to believe that Ezekiel is a thief (although why he feels the need to return things is never explained) and he has become a pariah, ostracised by his school-fellows and living a sad, solitary life with his father, the only one who believes him.

Then two extraordinary things happen to Ezekiel. First, a new girl called Beth Sorenson, 13 years old but with a growth hormone deficiency and a metabolic disorder that makes her look like a proportionate dwarf, decides to make friends with Ezekiel, or at least travel in his "shunning bubble" on the way to school so she doesn't get bullied. It's the first time that Ezekiel has had a friend, although he finds her more of a nuisance at first. Secondly, Ezekiel is invited to take part in a study called 'Group of Rare and Useless Talents' which explores the boundaries of talents like Ezekiel's through scientific experiments.

Then a policeman comes to Ezekiel's home, not this time to arrest him for stealing things but instead to assist with looking for a young girl who has gone missing. Although Ezekiel refuses to help the policeman at first, explaining that he finds objects not people, because people are never really lost, as he and Beth test his talent he finds he may be able to find people after all.

The first half of this book is everything I would expect of a young teen novel. Funny, clever, full of the trials and tribulations of being a child, especially a clever child, in a world where adults rule. Obviously it's Orson Scott Card so the writing is witty and engaging right from the get-go but like his other young adult series, the incomparable Ender's Saga, there is a dark and scary undertone. When tragedy strikes (and it is shocking) Ezekiel must put his new found skills to their limit.

I loved this book although I found the adult theme shocking for a teen novel, maybe that's a sign of my age, so I would recommend parental caution if the reader is a young or sensitive reader.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Thank you to Blackstone publishing for providing me with a copy of this book to read.
I would give this book a 4.5/5 Star and deciding to round up instead of down for Goodreads because I truly enjoyed it!

Summary: This follows a teenage boy named Ezekiel Bliss (or Blast depending on who you ask ;) ) who has a micropower that allows him to find lost items and return them to their owner. The only problem is how do you explain how you found the lost item and know exactly who owned it? This led to him becoming a social pariah known for being a thief. Ezekiel convinces himself that his life of solitude is a choice until Beth shoves her way into his life. He joins a group of people that meet and discuss their respective micropowers. Ezekiel decides that he should try to use his micropower for good regardless of what it would lead people to think of him thanks to the help and encouragement from Beth who ends up needing help in return.

Opinion: I would consider this book to be on the cusp of middle grade to early YA fantasy. The concept of micro powers I found to be extremely interesting as they opened the door to a lot of potential cool powers that at the same time were not unrealistic like regular superpowers. The rules of each power were tested "scientifically" and did not go beyond the established boundaries. The world the Orson Scott Card built here is beautiful and based on a true growth in friendship and trust that did not feel rushed or forced. While I believe this book is meant as a stand alone (I could be wrong) this world opens up endless possibilities for future books based on Ezekiel (some more fantasy crime solving please!)

Overall, the friendship that was built in the book felt solid and everlasting with (thankfully) no forced romance occurring between them, even if it was hinted in the future. The story kept me intrigued on what was going to happen next and I was invested into the characters since they were so well developed that I cared about how the plot worked out for them. If there are more books I will read them happily!

Lost and Found is a most human story from an author who has taken us to many other worlds. It’s a grounded approach that, at first, surprised me with its “day be day” beginning.

What happens next in the narrative mingles reality with fantasy beautifully and it’s a clear display of Card’s gifts. This is the kind of book I would gladly share with middle grades/high school students and adults.

More from this author, please.

3.5/5 stars - “...come on, this whole thing is crazy and borderline magical and if somebody told me the story he has to tell them, I’d kick him up in the loony bin.”

This is a really great summary of Orson Scott Card’s upcoming YA novel, Lost and Found. The book is categorized as SciFi/Fantasy, but I’d call it Light SciFi with a dose of Thriller—which, honestly, is more my speed. In the novel, Ezekiel Bliss has a micropower—as opposed to a superpower—where he is able to reunite owners with their lost items. This unfortunately has caused people to distrust him in the past, labeling him as a thief because they assume that he must have stolen the items in the first place. After befriending Beth, he learns to use his micropower to do incredible things.

I enjoyed reading this. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Ender’s Game (blasphemy, I know), so I was a little nervous picking this up. But that nervousness went away quickly. I liked that even though this had a SciFi element, it was really more of a mystery/thriller. I had some inklings about the plot twists, so they weren’t fully surprising but they were still effective. And I really liked Ezekiel. Some might find him a little too snarky. I think he had just the right amount of snark. He’d basically be my favorite student, albeit secretly. My only real complaint would be that some of the plotting seems rushed. I mean, there’s a lot of stuff that happens in under 300 pages. But other than that, this is a really solid YA novel from a well-respected writer. I’m thankful to #NetGalley that I had a chance to read it in advance.

Hello, I will be adding this review to my Instagram, Goodreads, and blog on September 9th, 2019. I will add the links to the reviews when they are posted. Thank you!

Title: Lost and Found
Author: Orson Scott Card
Genre: YA Sci-fi
Rating: 3.5 stars
Publication Date: September 10th, 2019

eARC provided by publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.



Synopsis: "That's the question that has haunted fourteen-year-old Ezekiel Blast all his life. But he's not a thief, he just has a talent for finding things. Not a superpower--a micropower. Because what good is finding lost bicycles and hair scrunchies, especially when you return them to their owners and everyone thinks you must have stolen them in the first place? If only there were some way to use Ezekiel's micropower for good, to turn a curse into a blessing. His friend Beth thinks there must be, and so does a police detective investigating the disappearance of a little girl. When tragedy strikes, it's up to Ezekiel to use his talent to find what matters most." (Goodreads)



My Review:
The cover and synopsis is what pulled me in from the start as it usually goes. I had high hopes for this one and although it hit a few of them, there were parts to this story that just fell a tad short.

Ezekiel Blast is full of sarcasm. He is a real "blast" to be around (I couldn't help myself, haha). He is pretty closed off until Beth makes an appearance into his life and its never the same. I enjoyed the character development for Ezekiel. He had dealt with loss at a young age and even some criminal issues that weren't warranted but came with his ability which inevitably labeled him as a thief. He was relatable because at times he wants to give up and forget what he can do but realizes that helping others outweighs the bad that can come with it. He is realistic with his choices and that's one thing I always enjoy about characters.

Beth is a minor character but major in the plot and character development for Ezekiel. She isn't really shy but builds up walls around her because of her height, being bullied because of it, and family issues she is dealing with alone. She is very present in the beginning and because of the plot, steps into the back but is still on the mind of Ezekial. She was a decent character but at times it felt like her and Ezekial were one in the same when it came to their dialogue. It also felt this way with other characters and when everyone is saying sarcastic things it just isn't that appealing to read.

The one thing that saved this book was the plot. At times it was very obvious as to what was going to happen and very unbelievable with how quickly things were solved. Even with these issues, I was still hooked with the plot and wanted to continue reading to find out how it would all play out. The micropowers are pretty micro in this story and it is more about the characters than the powers.

Even though I had some issues with this book, it was still a pretty enjoyable read.