4X Award-Winning Book Can Two Teens Stop A Worldwide Catastrophe? Matty Weber should be dead. Orphaned and suffering from PTSD after a fiery car crash claims both of his parents, the 16-year-old genius struggles to adapt to life at his new high school. But he gets a rough start when he finds himself unwittingly sat at the lunch table of the school’s elite. Caught up in the drama of high school romance and bullying, Matty attempts to win over his dream girl Samantha, all while avoiding getting beat up or shoved into someone’s locker. But his problems are only just beginning... because after a dreaded school examination is put on hold by a cyberterrorist attack, Matty and his best friend Gabriel are plunged into a desperate bid to unravel a worldwide mystery, as society and his school begin to crumble around them. When the stuck-up popular kids beg Matty for help, he must rise above his trauma and become the unlikely hero his school needs. But his past hides a shocking secret...and it’s about to come to light. Matty must make an impossible choice – with consequences far bigger than he ever imagined. Step into a riveting YA novel that artfully blends thrilling action with the perennial challenges of navigating high school’s social hierarchy and the trials of teenage love. With powerful themes of self-discovery, overcoming trauma, and trust, the first book in Botheration is perfect for fans of young adult fiction with a brainy protagonist and plenty of twists & turns. Praise for Botheration: Part One: The Missing Link: "DiBarone presents an exhilarating mystery adventure that expertly captures the complexities of being a teenager. Matty Weber is a relatable hero that readers will root for. The storyline is captivating, fast-paced and will appeal to a wide audience." – Book Excellence "A memorable cast bolsters this captivating blend of teen drama and techno-thriller." – Kirkus Reviews "A gripping tale of personal growth and resilience that serves as a mirror reflecting real- world issues...Botheration is a fantastic contribution to young adult literature...recommended read for young adults and beyond." – Literary Titan KIRKUS REVIEWS BOTHERATION Part One: The Missing Link Vito DiBarone Archway Publishing (362 pp.) March 10, 2022 This debut YA novel finds a withdrawn teenage nerd mingling with the in crowd and potential cyberterrorists. Young Matty Weber struggles with PTSD after watching his parents die in a car fire. He moves in with his grandmother in Southern California and settles into his socially awkward life. The 16-year-old is understandably taken aback when popular cheerleader Samantha Carter strikes up a conversation. She needs his computer prowess to find a deleted file—video footage of a sexual assault—likely still hiding in the cloud. But does she want to recover this footage or ensure that it's gone for good? As Matty and his best friend, Gabriel Mason, struggle with this dilemma, their social status gets an unexpected boost. While Matty has long had trust issues, Gabriel willingly loses himself in the popular set. At the same time, cyberterrorist attacks in major cities worldwide shock everyone, and computer viruses secretly hit casinos around the globe. While Gabriel suggests this "cyber event" has ties to Samantha's request, he is stunned when someone in his new clique winds up kidnapped. In this series opener, DiBarone intentionally keeps readers in the dark, delivering enigmatic details ranging from a mysterious figure on the day of the car fire to drones that apparently monitor the teens. The latter half pieces together most of the puzzle but leaves some bits for the sequel to presumably pick up. Still, this engrossing book introduces a bright, sympathetic hero whose PTSD triggers dreams of his parents as well as headaches and fainting spells. The supporting cast is equally intriguing. Gabriel's reliability wavers, and it's not easy to tell if Samantha is using Matty or harboring genuine feelings for him. The author's straightforward prose smartly tackles such issues as bullying and low self-esteem. But the story is sometimes too on-the-nose; for example, Matty constantly engages in or starts discussions about trust. The ending boasts a surprising resolution considering that this is the first installment of a saga. A memorable cast bolsters this captivating blend of teen drama and techno-thriller. Posted on November 19, 2023, in Book Reviews, Four Stars and tagged action, adventure, Botheration: Part One: The Missing Link, penned by Vito DiBarone, is an evocative young adult novel that delves into the complex world of Matthew, a character grappling with the aftermath of a traumatic car accident that claims the lives of his parents. Diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, Matthew's journey begins with a heart-wrenching shift from his familiar surroundings to living with his grandmother, marking a significant turning point in his life. This change cultivates an introverted