Venomous

by Christopher Krovatin

Book Overview

Locke Vinetti is a high school junior, disenchanted and more than a little hostile. In fact, for years he's had a lousy social life because of a problem he has with his anger--a force he calls "the venom." Ever since he was eight years old and bit off a piece of a classmate's nose, he's been something of a loner. But all that is about to change when he goes out with his one friend, Randall, to meet some of Randall's crew hanging out at Riverside Park...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1416924876
• ISBN13: 9781416924876
• Release Date: September 2008
• Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.01 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.8" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 14 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 9 to 12

Customer Reviews

Runs through your veins

This book is, in my humble opinion, a masterpiece. I'm not sure if it's because i share similarities to the character, or it's all Christian Krovatian's genius (He is currently my favorite author) The entire book comes together very well, the characters are developed and artfully drawn (figuratively) I've read this story three times already, and being a teenager myself, i find myself compelled to share the hardships of Locke Vinetti. Yes there is drug/alcohol abuse, sex, and "politically incorrect" words; but thats how life is. In general, this book is a beautiful image of what life is to some people. I highly suggest this book to anyone willing to read it. Thank you for your time, good day.

Great book, wrong age group...

This book absolutely blew me away. I'm going to be a teacher so I try to read books intended for a wide range of age groups. I thought the book was masterfully written and there were parts that were so gripping that I literally could not put the book down. I would say, however, that I wouldn't put this in my classroom for anyone younger than high school age. The inside cover says 14 and up but I think that is a little young. The subject matter is very mature and there is some swearing that many parents wouldn't want their 14 year old reading. This book is very real and a great read, I just caution parents to know what their children are reading.

Astounding

When I read the description of this book that was out months before its release, I have to admit, I was less than excited. It sounded ok. It even sounded good. But when I bought it and read it, I was overwhelmed. It's not just ok. It's not even good. It's astounding. It's mind boggling. The writing style is natural and honest, but still realisting and appropriate for the character. Yes, there's a sex scene (sort of) and yes, there's violence, but of course there are. Locke is a modern-day teenager with a girlfriend, and he's also a kid with anger issues I can only describe as "bipolar disorder on speed." If he'd said, instead, that Renee told Locke they should wait until marriage, Chris Krovatin would have been called a crazy idiot who doesn't understand the mind of the modern teen or the types of people about whom he is writing. Instead, he's a realistic writer with who walks the line between unreasonably chaste and pornographic incredibly well. And if Locke had, instead of biting off someone's nose, simply given him a firm talking-to, there would be no story. This novel thrives on the violence that follows this child's mental problem. Of COURSE there will be blood. But it's not a horror movie, and again Chris Krovatin finds a balance most writers strive for. Most importantly, while Locke's issues are specific to his problem, he also faces the same ones most teenagers face. Bullies, acceptance, friends, relationships, fitting in. These are all real problems with which all of us can identify. And that is what makes this novel so great.

Courtesy of Teens Read Too

Locke Vinetti has anger issues. Except these are not just regular anger issues. He's plagued by the venom: a monster-like character that takes over whenever something gets him angry. When the venom releases its power there's no stopping Locke. Locke tries to control the venom, but he simply can't. Then Locke meets some new friends and the girl of his dreams, Renee. She is able to control this beast inside Locke by just simply being around him. But nothing this good can last for long. Soon, the venom starts to come between Locke and Renee, and now Locke is more afraid than ever that he'll lose control and hurt someone he loves. Krovatin writes an interesting tale about a teenage boy trying to overcome a monster within himself. The author creates a world that any reader can delve into, and he also captures the personality of Locke perfectly, to create both sympathy and loathing for the main character. VENOUMOUS is a good read for any teenager trying to overcome the bad pats of themselves, the monsters that lurk within. Reviewed by: Steph

Blown away!!

Ok..I can't believe that I'm the first to put in a review, and I find myself a little nervous about leaving a good first impression. Be kind.. I was blown away by this novel. I fell for Locke. Young and troubled and full of anger, I felt for him, cheered for him and was prepared to be pissed if things didn't work out for him in the end. I understood Venom, not in the way Casey did, but I had a small taste of what Locke was going through. There is nothing more difficult or more scary than growing and learning and experiencing all the difficulties of being a teenager. This isn't just about the growing pains, to think that would belittle Venomous. But it is the story of a young man fighting his inner demon and trying like hell to beat it- not only for himself, but for his mom and his little brother. He finds peace with Renee and eventually a place for himself in a world he finds through his best friend, Randall. He goes from being alone to finding a support group among his family, his girlfriend, best friend and the Tarot world, and even the psychologist he promised his mom he'd talk to. I can tell you this is about Locke and how his demon is his anger, his father's abandonment, his violent temper, his unwanted but needed solitude; but you have to read it for yourself. Once you enter Locke's world, you won't leave until you see how he takes charge of his life and his issues and if he wins or loses his fight with Venom. Tragic adolescence isn't a requirement to read this or even enjoy it. Only that you were once a teenager.