The Plight of Team 27 by Lucas Nava – Adventure, magic and conspiracy

Powerful magic, existing in its purest form, has been entombed within the abandoned ruins constructed by an ancient civilisation. Questions of this otherworldly power have been passed down from generation to generation; how it works, where it’s from, how it’s wielded by those left who are endowed with the blessing of making use of the energetic force, and most puzzling, the disappearance of those who harnessed it best.

However, being a source of fascination provokes a reaction. Some feel compelled to witness the marvel up close, feeling content with simply being in its presence. Others wish to possess and control, forcing the energy to serve their own selfish interests.

Three teens find themselves at the heart of a conspiracy. Their craving for adventure intensifies, reeling out of control as their original plans are derailed, and they are forced to improvise in unfamiliar territories, where threats lurk around every street corner.

 

 Spoiler-Free Plot

Ever since their divorce, Belu Syrus has sought his parents’ approval in all facets of his life. With an exceptional mother and a steadfast father, Belu has placed the heavy burden of expectation upon his own shoulders. Joining the Bovesi Ranger Guild gives him the chance to prove himself to the person it should matter to the most; himself. Anxiety begins to fog over his decision. A sense of unshakeable doubt brews, becoming the only thought Belu can anchor his frenzied mind to when presented with what appears to be the assignment of a lifetime.

If an offer is too good to be true, it more than likely is; a mantra that Rinea Brynne wholeheartedly subscribes to. Her natural skepticism and diligent skills of deliberation have always been useful traits, and most importantly, they have always steered her towards an optimal outcome. Her analytical mind counterbalances her best friend, Belu’s  emotional disposition. Although, sometimes the heart understands what the brain dismisses; a lesson Rinea gradually learn as the two members of Team 27 are introduced to a potential third teammate.

Reba Moda is what happens to cases of mistaken exceptionality. Her upbringing was marked with academic and magical achievement. But like a flame that burns too brightly, her burst of brilliance dimmed much sooner than she anticipated. Her parents, unacceptant of her limitations, pushed her beyond the point of breaking, resulting in a chaotic deviation from the straight and narrow. The offer of redemption is hers if she wants it. All she has to do is make a good impression.

My Take on The Plight of Team 27

Reading this book felt like travelling a decade back in time into the most daunting part of my teenage years; right on the cusp of adulthood where the ramifications of every choice made to feel as though it will resonate far into the distant reaches of your future.

Our protagonists’ characterization so perfectly captures the pandemonium within through their inner dialogue, tempered by its impact in the form of verbal expression which often stumbles as it only captures a fraction of the internal stream of consciousness; the best that a person within this stage of life has to offer as they grapple with these nuanced interpersonal challenges often for the very first time.

Reading through this having emerged from the other end of that era, with hindsight on my side, feels like taking a lens to the inner workings of the characters’ minds. With this closeness in proximity, we become observers at the scene. Analyzing, encouraging, flinching, and cheering them on. It makes for a very thrilling read, trailing the protagonists as they try to make sense of something that is much greater than themselves.

I am fairly new to the subcategories of fantasy that venture into reptilian creatures—humanoid ones in the case of this story—that are regarded as more than just villains, with this story placing them at its centre. I caught myself wishing for an illustration to guide my uninitiated imagination towards developing some idea of what the beings in this story might look like.

Additionally, the modern elements included in this story made it slightly more difficult for me to wrap my head around it all; magic, different reptilian races, historical contexts, contemporary features—it can be a lot to take in.

Granted, the author does make a concerted effort to alleviate some of these concerns even before they arise by including the two glossaries at the beginning (where all glossaries should rightfully be, in my opinion). This demonstrates an awareness in the author, not just in this regard but in other parts of the story as well.

For example: in the discussions surrounding mental health and wellness being an active theme of importance amongst the target audience, and the realism within the fantasy where a certain “absurdity”, I guess one could call it, that’s quite popular in the YA genre where all the teenage characters are various versions of Mary Sues and Gary Stues. This story does it differently by setting up the protagonists as collateral bait, and not some chosen messiahs, predestined to rescue the world from destruction.

Despite the good ending, their course of action is plausible. Because of this and other additional factors, I can confidently recommend this book—and what I hope will eventually expand into a series—to young readers looking to fulfill their request for a thrilling adventure story.

Read on and find yourself ensnared by adolescent dynamics intricately embedded into a high-stakes quest—a well-laid trap set to be triggered only by adventurous souls drawn to the mysteries of the unknown.

Age Rating

14 years and above

Content Warnings

Death, Profanity, Violence.

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