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votesforwomen's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this one, really. I just never...quite...connected with all the characters as much as I was hoping, probably because there were so many of them. This is definitely the first in a series and I'd be interested to read the sequels, but I don't know when.
edurkot's review against another edition
5.0
I had found this book about two years ago in the summer time when I was bored and scrounging the library for something to read. I had read the back and found it somewhat interesting so I decided to give it a try. It was such a good book and I would never have guessed it. I was so sad when I finished it and from that day on, I constantly searched the internet in hopes to find a sequel to finish the adventures of Omar and his brothers. Now randomly in 2014 sometime after I gave up on the search, I remembered that old story I had read and decided to searched for an hour straight to try and recall that summer time story. At last I found it an will continue in my search to both re-read Captives and find the sequel.
It would be so cool if this book would become as popular as the big time dystopian books like The Hunger Games and Divergent because I believe that this book is well worthy of recognition. I talk to my friends of this book and it's sad when I cannot discuss it with them since they never heard of it. I recommend it to all of my friends and of course none of them actually get to reading it. Maybe in a few years maybe when this book really gets the attention it deserves, I will be able to tell people I was one of the books first fans.
It would be so cool if this book would become as popular as the big time dystopian books like The Hunger Games and Divergent because I believe that this book is well worthy of recognition. I talk to my friends of this book and it's sad when I cannot discuss it with them since they never heard of it. I recommend it to all of my friends and of course none of them actually get to reading it. Maybe in a few years maybe when this book really gets the attention it deserves, I will be able to tell people I was one of the books first fans.
rgyger's review against another edition
4.0
This is a great dystopian. After they all entered the Safe Lands, I was having a hard time putting the book down. I felt what was happening, imagining my own family in this situation. Shaylinn was truly brave in the face of what happened to her. This book also deals with a lot a real situations, dealing with drugs and relationships (Some might not be understood or appropriate for younger children though mature teens should be able to handle it as most are inferred and not show. I actually think that teens should read something like this to get a sense of how choices affect lives, without getting too graphic).
At first, I did not like a lot of the characters. They treated each other poorly and could be self centered. However, I liked the changes that came over them as they learned to appreciate each other. Jill did an amazing job of showing characters personalities from different perspectives (To Levi, Elder Justin was a loving if harsh father while to Omar he was a cruel father). I think it gave a great view of real life and sibling revelries.
And the Cliff Hanger!! I need to know what happens. The cliff hanger left me wanting more without disappointing me.
I would have given five stars if somethings had been explained. Like how the world had advanced and fallen apart so much by 2088. It does not seem like enough time for every value to be flipped on its head.
To see what other books I back, go to my blog at http://backingbooks.blogspot.com/
At first, I did not like a lot of the characters. They treated each other poorly and could be self centered. However, I liked the changes that came over them as they learned to appreciate each other. Jill did an amazing job of showing characters personalities from different perspectives (To Levi, Elder Justin was a loving if harsh father while to Omar he was a cruel father). I think it gave a great view of real life and sibling revelries.
And the Cliff Hanger!! I need to know what happens. The cliff hanger left me wanting more without disappointing me.
I would have given five stars if somethings had been explained. Like how the world had advanced and fallen apart so much by 2088. It does not seem like enough time for every value to be flipped on its head.
To see what other books I back, go to my blog at http://backingbooks.blogspot.com/
kris_tea516's review against another edition
4.0
Pretty fun adventure. Think, "The Hunger Games" with a Christian undertone.
shicklin's review against another edition
2.0
This was okay, but did not hold my attention like her Blood of Kings series. I borrowed it on Kindle--not sure whether or not I am motivated to read the rest of the series. I didn't grow attached to the characters.
leahegood's review against another edition
4.0
I'll start this review by saying that, while I enjoyed this book, I do not recommend it to everyone. More specifically, I DON'T recommend it to kids and younger teenagers. I DO recommend it for older teens. Keep reading for an explanation.
The themes presented in this book are excellent. The main characters are kidnapped into a society that pretty much embodies all the worldly selfishness currently destroying our country. I loved the moral courage shown by Levi, Mason and Shaylinn in standing up against the self-serving draw of the world they are thrust into. The book never even thinks about becoming preachy, yet the call to be set-apart from the world and follow God rather than ease is clearly expressed. It can be read simply for entertainment, but if you take the time to think about the implications of the characters actions, there are many lessons to be learned.
The reason I don't recommend it to younger readers is because of some of the subject material. The main characters--all citizens of Glenrock--are kidnapped into this culture--the Safe Lands--because the population is being killed off by an illness called the thinning disease (I think it's sort of like AIDS). Because the citizens of Glenrock don't have the disease, the Safe Landers are wanted to produce babies. Because this is central to the story, reproductive processes are at the forefront of many scenes. While the author handles the topic tastefully, that's why I recommend this book for older teens only.
If you are an older teen and are okay with that type of subject matter, this is a great, thought provoking, and entertaining story and I recommend it. I know I'll be buying book two when it comes out.
The themes presented in this book are excellent. The main characters are kidnapped into a society that pretty much embodies all the worldly selfishness currently destroying our country. I loved the moral courage shown by Levi, Mason and Shaylinn in standing up against the self-serving draw of the world they are thrust into. The book never even thinks about becoming preachy, yet the call to be set-apart from the world and follow God rather than ease is clearly expressed. It can be read simply for entertainment, but if you take the time to think about the implications of the characters actions, there are many lessons to be learned.
The reason I don't recommend it to younger readers is because of some of the subject material. The main characters--all citizens of Glenrock--are kidnapped into this culture--the Safe Lands--because the population is being killed off by an illness called the thinning disease (I think it's sort of like AIDS). Because the citizens of Glenrock don't have the disease, the Safe Landers are wanted to produce babies. Because this is central to the story, reproductive processes are at the forefront of many scenes. While the author handles the topic tastefully, that's why I recommend this book for older teens only.
If you are an older teen and are okay with that type of subject matter, this is a great, thought provoking, and entertaining story and I recommend it. I know I'll be buying book two when it comes out.
juliebihn's review against another edition
4.0
It took me around 50 pages to get into it, but once I was finally able to suspend my disbelief (which is still there; just hidden) it was an interesting and entertaining read.
Full review at http://kinynchronicles.blogspot.com/2013/08/review-captives-by-jill-williamson.html
Full review at http://kinynchronicles.blogspot.com/2013/08/review-captives-by-jill-williamson.html
kittlyn's review against another edition
4.0
It's a YA Dystopian (much to my delight), and it's definitely a new genre from Jill. Just let me start off by saying, it is absolutely AMAZING. The characters are delightful. And it's Christian! Perfect, right?
Okay, so it's based off of the book of Daniel (from the Bible, yes). There's a video about where she got the idea from. And it's incredible. I mean, to take inspiration from one of the most famous stories in the Bible, set it in a future world that's like a cross from Uglies (by Scott Westserfeld) and Hunger Games (If you don't know who wrote this series, shame on you) is pure genius!
For me, this story made me think. How would I react to being snatched from my very home, forced to live with and around people who treated me as nothing more than their golden ticket to healthy humanity? Would I be as calm as these characters were? Would I have enough trust in God and the one or two guys that weren't taken to save me and what was left of my friends and family? The truth is, probably not.
I mean, think about it. These are teens and young adults. They were just captured by people who hadn't bothered them before, but still treated them as if they were the ones who were sick. I'd be pulling a Naomi around those people. They call me shell and I pour sweet, acidy sarcasm all over their dried up corpses. "Well, excuse you. I'm not the one who looks like dry desert dirt painted to portray an Easter egg, thankyouverymuch."
I'd also most likely be killed.
But, hey, at least I'd have told them, right?
This is getting off topic. I have too many good things to say about this and I'm about to just tell y'all what happens if I don't shut up. So, moving on.
I didn't like that there was so much from Omar's point of view. I mean, I get that it's what was needed. She had to show us what it was like in the Safe Lands, and not just . . . I wonder if that counts as spoilers. Meh. I just didn't like that there was a pretty big gap of Mason. I had a bond with Mason before I even opened the book, and it's totally not because Bethany told me I would. I'm not sure why, because he's not the eldest (Levi is). But I'm not sure if he's the youngest or the middle child. I don't think it was ever specified. And if it was, I'll feel really stupid.
I felt bad for Omar, because he seemed to be really messed up in the head. But I didn't really care much for him. I just couldn't make myself like him much. I couldn't really like Levi much either. Or their father. He was emotionally abusive. I didn't feel bad at all when *Censored for spoilers*
So, yeah. It was great. There's even a bi-polar lady. Okay, so she's probably not bi-polar, but she acts like it sometimes. I ship her and Mason. *wink* I'm always shipping crazy people with sane people. It's a lot of fun.
Okay, this post is getting long. I've lost half of y'all, haven't I? I'M SORRY I RAMBLE.
Anywaaaaaaay . . .
I give this 4.5 stars. The only thing that really bothered me was the lack of more Mason. I'm going to end this here by saying you need to get it.
Okay, so it's based off of the book of Daniel (from the Bible, yes). There's a video about where she got the idea from. And it's incredible. I mean, to take inspiration from one of the most famous stories in the Bible, set it in a future world that's like a cross from Uglies (by Scott Westserfeld) and Hunger Games (If you don't know who wrote this series, shame on you) is pure genius!
For me, this story made me think. How would I react to being snatched from my very home, forced to live with and around people who treated me as nothing more than their golden ticket to healthy humanity? Would I be as calm as these characters were? Would I have enough trust in God and the one or two guys that weren't taken to save me and what was left of my friends and family? The truth is, probably not.
I mean, think about it. These are teens and young adults. They were just captured by people who hadn't bothered them before, but still treated them as if they were the ones who were sick. I'd be pulling a Naomi around those people. They call me shell and I pour sweet, acidy sarcasm all over their dried up corpses. "Well, excuse you. I'm not the one who looks like dry desert dirt painted to portray an Easter egg, thankyouverymuch."
I'd also most likely be killed.
But, hey, at least I'd have told them, right?
This is getting off topic. I have too many good things to say about this and I'm about to just tell y'all what happens if I don't shut up. So, moving on.
I didn't like that there was so much from Omar's point of view. I mean, I get that it's what was needed. She had to show us what it was like in the Safe Lands, and not just . . . I wonder if that counts as spoilers. Meh. I just didn't like that there was a pretty big gap of Mason. I had a bond with Mason before I even opened the book, and it's totally not because Bethany told me I would. I'm not sure why, because he's not the eldest (Levi is). But I'm not sure if he's the youngest or the middle child. I don't think it was ever specified. And if it was, I'll feel really stupid.
I felt bad for Omar, because he seemed to be really messed up in the head. But I didn't really care much for him. I just couldn't make myself like him much. I couldn't really like Levi much either. Or their father. He was emotionally abusive. I didn't feel bad at all when *Censored for spoilers*
So, yeah. It was great. There's even a bi-polar lady. Okay, so she's probably not bi-polar, but she acts like it sometimes. I ship her and Mason. *wink* I'm always shipping crazy people with sane people. It's a lot of fun.
Okay, this post is getting long. I've lost half of y'all, haven't I? I'M SORRY I RAMBLE.
Anywaaaaaaay . . .
I give this 4.5 stars. The only thing that really bothered me was the lack of more Mason. I'm going to end this here by saying you need to get it.
katemarie99's review against another edition
5.0
Good things:
-Omar
-openly discussing the issue of masculinity (when it's toxic, when guys are shamed for not being "man enough")
-um Omar
-worldbuilding and lingo done really well
-OMAR
-the clubs, the vibes
-Zane and Red
-still Omar tbh
-he is babey and he's doing his freaking best okay
-just,,, genuine and heartfelt and GRITTY AF tbh in its willingness to tackle issues with nuance and avoiding judgement (like the fact that Red and Zane are cool people even though they fundamentally disagree with people like Levi who judge them for their "loose morals" and the fact that Omar is still amazing even after doing drugs and having sex)
-Mason being confused 1000% of the time
-Ciddah has a CRUUUUUSH and it's so cute
Bad things:
-Levi
-Jordan gets funny later in the series but I hate him in this book
-Jemma is too sickly sweet to exist
-beginning is kinda slow every time
-why is everyone a jerk to Omar
-FREAKING LEVI
-abusive father gets a free pass (according to LEVI)
-everyone's gross loyalty to Levi
-Omar
-openly discussing the issue of masculinity (when it's toxic, when guys are shamed for not being "man enough")
-um Omar
-worldbuilding and lingo done really well
-OMAR
-the clubs, the vibes
-Zane and Red
-still Omar tbh
-he is babey and he's doing his freaking best okay
-just,,, genuine and heartfelt and GRITTY AF tbh in its willingness to tackle issues with nuance and avoiding judgement (like the fact that Red and Zane are cool people even though they fundamentally disagree with people like Levi who judge them for their "loose morals" and the fact that Omar is still amazing even after doing drugs and having sex)
-Mason being confused 1000% of the time
-Ciddah has a CRUUUUUSH and it's so cute
Bad things:
-Levi
-Jordan gets funny later in the series but I hate him in this book
-Jemma is too sickly sweet to exist
-beginning is kinda slow every time
-why is everyone a jerk to Omar
-FREAKING LEVI
-abusive father gets a free pass (according to LEVI)
-everyone's gross loyalty to Levi
lazygal's review against another edition
3.0
I know Zondervan publishes a lot of religious books, or perhaps "books with a certain slant" is a better way of phrasing that. So I was a little apprehensive starting this dystopian book that takes place in the west (what we formerly called Colorado). There are outlier communities held together by faith and hard work, and the Safe Lands where the population is addicted to stims and PVs and technology - we move between them for a while until, thanks to misfit Omar, the Safe Landers capture many of the members of his village and forcibly bring them to the Safe Lands.
The problem is the thin plague, which vaguely sounds like AIDS and has rendered the population not quite sterile, but not able to procreate either. The reason for the capture is that there is a need for non-infected people to help with this problem, either as donors (males) or surrogates (females). And that's where the Christian message comes in: people having sex without marriage, surrogacy, etc. are all part of the Safe Lands lives and are ethically, morally wrong (as the villager see it). While the message isn't overly heavy, it's not subtle either.
Had the world building been a little better, this might have been a better read, but because there's a Message here it probably was less important than bringing that Message to the forefront.
The problem is the thin plague, which vaguely sounds like AIDS and has rendered the population not quite sterile, but not able to procreate either. The reason for the capture is that there is a need for non-infected people to help with this problem, either as donors (males) or surrogates (females). And that's where the Christian message comes in: people having sex without marriage, surrogacy, etc. are all part of the Safe Lands lives and are ethically, morally wrong (as the villager see it). While the message isn't overly heavy, it's not subtle either.
Had the world building been a little better, this might have been a better read, but because there's a Message here it probably was less important than bringing that Message to the forefront.