Scan barcode
kawarwick's review
4.0
Good story! Scary story since it could be real one day. Just hate that there's a sequel!
pwbalto's review against another edition
3.0
Oh my god! What the hell did Matt de la Pena ever do to you, Brilliance Audio? The reader on this audiobook not only can't remotely pull off de la Pena's contemporary language (we knew we were in trouble when he made "score some new kicks" sound like a distasteful drug reference), but the accent he shifts into for the Australian underwear model Kevin is so ludicrous that my sons have adopted it for all of their doomed characters when they play Forbidden Desert. I want Kevin to die soon, and not for the right reasons.
I can't even tell if the story's any good. Matt, call your agent.
I can't even tell if the story's any good. Matt, call your agent.
laura_m_j's review against another edition
5.0
We are going to include this book on our list of choices for rising 9th grade students...lots of adventure and excitement with some social conscience built into the characters. I can't wait for the sequel!
remlezar's review
3.0
I enjoyed it overall, but unfortunately it checks a lot of YA cliche boxes that made me roll my eyes throughout. Those include: 1) a love triangle (seriously, why the hell does every teen book need two love interests?), 2) an unfulfilling ending because the author was more interested in setting up a sequel than writing a complete book, and 3) an obvious, trendy disaster (you don't officially find out until later in the book what's going on, but lots of people are infected with "Romero" disease. If you read that name and you still don't know what to expect, I won't ruin it for you).
The characters were also incredibly dumb, especially near the end of the book. The main character would have everything spelled out for him, then have some kind of internal dialogue like, "I just can't figure out what this all means!"
Anyway, for as much as I'm complaining, it really wasn't a bad book. It's solid YA, and an easy one for me to recommend to reluctant readers, especially boys. Fun, easy reading, cool concept, and even some social commentary that isn't tooooo heavy handed, at least for YA.
The characters were also incredibly dumb, especially near the end of the book. The main character would have everything spelled out for him, then have some kind of internal dialogue like, "I just can't figure out what this all means!"
Anyway, for as much as I'm complaining, it really wasn't a bad book. It's solid YA, and an easy one for me to recommend to reluctant readers, especially boys. Fun, easy reading, cool concept, and even some social commentary that isn't tooooo heavy handed, at least for YA.
readwithpassion's review
5.0
It is difficult to review this book without giving any spoilers! It is a thrilling, action-packed text that is sure to keep readers on their toes. I loved how it kept me guessing, and I found it to be utterly unpredictable. By the end, I was surprised when I realized there would be a sequel! I fell in love with Shy's honest voice, and he reminded me of many teens I know. Matt de la Peña proves, once again, that he can write books that are incredibly different from each other. His character development truly shines in this title.
This would make a great literature circle text. I loved all of the directions that the plot took, and it would be interesting to have students map the plot in a diagram. This book proves that all books don't fit a perfect mold, and I think students could have a lot of fun trying to capture the different turns the plot took. I would also use this text to have students make predictions.
This would make a great literature circle text. I loved all of the directions that the plot took, and it would be interesting to have students map the plot in a diagram. This book proves that all books don't fit a perfect mold, and I think students could have a lot of fun trying to capture the different turns the plot took. I would also use this text to have students make predictions.
sidneyellwood's review
3.0
Well-written, but the plot was really predictable, as in, I guessed the twist as soon as the hint came up.
kristi_starr35's review
3.0
It's a fast, easy read. Lots of action, high body count. Disasters - natural and man-made. Friendships and romance. Matt de la Pena knows his audience and isn't afraid to give his readers what they want.
trekbicycles's review
4.0
The pages are bursting with action and conflict. Every page drew me further and further into the action. Phenomenal suspense!!
egoede's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
jennchandler's review
4.0
3.5. This was worth reading, but I didn't love it. I wasn't really invested in anything that was happening.