*Welcome to my stop on the Storm Blog Tour! Below is my review of all 3 books in this adventurous series!*
*Presented by: YA Bound*
(Swipe, #1)
By: Evan Angler
Release Date: May 8th, 2012
Genre(s): YA Science Fiction/Dystopia/Christian
My Review: (4/5 stars*)
Swipe is the first book in a unexpectedly thrilling Dystopian series. Though the demographic aims for middle-graders I certainly didn't have a problem enjoying it. It's written expertly and maybe perhaps a little above the intended reading level as I myself had to look up some of the vocabulary. Regardless, it weaves together action-adventure, espionage, suspense, and futuristic elements wonderfully. I will admit I was extremely skeptical when I first started reading because it didn't hold my interest right away as it's a bit slow in the beginning but I pushed on and soon enough I forgot the slow pace it set because it picked up nicely toward the middle. The characters are interesting, their is a lot of POV swapping which can add some confusion but that eventually clears up enough to not be a reading obstacle. I didn't know how I felt about so many perspectives being thrown at you but once you get near the end of the story it all comes together and its understood as to why you needed to see other viewpoints. Logan, the leading protagonist of the story is paranoid, and scared for his life but when he meets Erin he finally comes out of his shell and starts being a person again. I liked seeing the character development and how Logan starts to act more mature and really grows from a kid into a teenager over the course of a few months. Erin is one of my favorite characters in the book. She's super smart - can hack almost any computer, tough, and resourceful. I thought all the high-tech equipment & technology was really neat, the world is very fascinating on so many levels - I'm excited to see more of it! Fantastic world-building - Evan Angler had a clear vision of the story and it really came through.
Ever since the worldwide unification people have no other choice but to receive the Mark. When you reach the age of thirteen that's when you are given it; it provides you citizenship benefits—everything you need to live in the world. Those who refuse it are left in the cold—to starve with no way to get food other than thievery, no currency to buy anything with, and no access to society. The Markless are shunned into a horrific existence but twelve-year-old Logan Langly is wary to receive his. After his sister turned 13 and never returned from getting the Mark he's had a difference of opinion as to the safety that it offers. He becomes withdrawn and afraid since his sister's disappearance he's felt like he's being watched every day 24/7. His parents think it's all in his head until he catches a Markless following him—then his worst fears are confirmed. Erin is thirteen and newly moved from Beacon—a wealthy division and more sophisticated city in comparison to Spokie—but she detests her new life. Things start to look up when she meets a boy named Logan who can possibly help her make her way back to her old home. After sharing stories Logan and Erin decide that they can work together to achieve their goals by unraveling the mystery of the Markless but they get in too deep and things don't go as planned...
Swipe is a lot better once you start to understand what is going on. It will take you by surprise multiple times, although some are easy to see coming other twists will shock you. The ending will leave you sitting with your mouth agape! I was really glad to have the next novel at hand so I could dive into what left me hanging in Swipe's conclusion. Swipe is not only well written but has an unusual fresh story that's engaging and impressively engrossing. I was glad to have read it and I'm even more psyched for the second book titled Sneak. A great mature middle-grade adventure that has a little of everything—it'll have you very intrigued.
Synopsis:
Everyone gets the Mark.
It gives all the benefits of citizenship. Yet if getting the Mark is
such a good thing, then why does it feel so wrong?
Set in a future North America that is struggling to recover after famine and global war, "Swipe" follows the lives of three kids caught in the middle of a conflict they didn't even know existed. United under a charismatic leader, every citizen of the American Union is required to get the Mark on their 13th birthday in order to gain the benefits of citizenship.
The Mark is a tattoo that must be swiped by special scanners for everything from employment to transportation to shopping. It's almost Logan Langly's 13th birthday and he knows he should be excited about getting the Mark, but he hasn't been able to shake the feeling he's being watched. Not since his sister went to get her Mark five years ago . . . and never came back.
When Logan and his friends discover the truth behind the Mark, will they ever be able to go back to being normal teenagers? Find out in the first book of this exciting series that is "Left Behind" meets "Matched" for middle-grade readers.
Set in a future North America that is struggling to recover after famine and global war, "Swipe" follows the lives of three kids caught in the middle of a conflict they didn't even know existed. United under a charismatic leader, every citizen of the American Union is required to get the Mark on their 13th birthday in order to gain the benefits of citizenship.
The Mark is a tattoo that must be swiped by special scanners for everything from employment to transportation to shopping. It's almost Logan Langly's 13th birthday and he knows he should be excited about getting the Mark, but he hasn't been able to shake the feeling he's being watched. Not since his sister went to get her Mark five years ago . . . and never came back.
When Logan and his friends discover the truth behind the Mark, will they ever be able to go back to being normal teenagers? Find out in the first book of this exciting series that is "Left Behind" meets "Matched" for middle-grade readers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Swipe, #2)
By: Evan Angler
Release Date: September 4th, 2012
Genre(s): YA Science Fiction/Dystopia/Christian
My Review: (4.5/5 stars*)
Sneak is a excellent follow-up to Swipe! From the very first page it picks up where you last left off with Logan on the run. The sequel has a lot of action and adventuring going on. It didn't have many dull moments and it's completely thrilling from beginning to end. Which was my issue with the first book but this one covered all those bases. Once again you're caught questioning every one who enters Logan's life and wondering if he should trust them or if they're going to betray him. I, for the life of me didn't know who was on his side until the end which was brilliant. Sneak will leave you literally on the edge of your seat as you continue to turn the pages! There is so much going on all at once but never is it confusing to understand. I think this is one of the most mature middle grade books I've ever had the pleasure of reading. It was easy to forget that the characters were only twelve and thirteen-year-olds because their actions and thoughts would suggest otherwise. I loved the world that's created and the history that's integrated. It was nice to see all the characters from the first book and continue their stories and how they intertwine with eachothers. Logan is a fighter and a survivor of the mark and he's determined now more than ever to find his sister and save her. Erin is still a big part of the book and her motives are questionable throughout and it was interesting to have such an doubtful perspective thrown in. I still really liked her character even though she's no longer seen as the "good guy" and I especially enjoyed seeing the faces of the Dust who each have their own strange but interesting personalities. Sneak is wholly deserving of a 4.5 of 5 star rating, it really stepped up on all accounts.
Logan Langly is now on the run from D.O.M.E. and they won't stop until he and the members of the Dust are found. Having given up his life in Spokie to seek out the truth and find his sister he ventures through the unforgiving streets for answers and safety. Meanwhile the Dust are organizing and lie in wait for Logan to join them so they can take the next step—however dangerous and deadly that might be. Logan discovers that being Markless isn't easy and he'll need to find a way to reach Acheron—the place where is sister is being held—with or without the help of the others. Just as all is looking hopeless he starts to see a light at the end of the tunnel when he finds a network willing to help him and his cause. Now every step is crucial and nothing can stand in his way—not even Erin.
What an amazingly exciting middle-grade novel and a fantastic sequel to Swipe. There is many crazy plot twists, betrayal, suspense, heartbreak, and chaos to be found. I read this in one sitting and remain ever curious about what the next book will hold. Another story written wonderfully by Evan Angler. Although this series is for young readers I think it's more suitable for 13+. All the characters are mere teenagers but they are incredibly mature (most of them anyways), and nicely developed. The post-apocalyptic-like society is incredibly cool and the world's expansion is beyond fascinating in its structure and rules. Sneak is a nonstop action-adventure and I'd highly recommend it to anyone who likes reading about a product of an awesome imagination.
Logan Langly is now on the run from D.O.M.E. and they won't stop until he and the members of the Dust are found. Having given up his life in Spokie to seek out the truth and find his sister he ventures through the unforgiving streets for answers and safety. Meanwhile the Dust are organizing and lie in wait for Logan to join them so they can take the next step—however dangerous and deadly that might be. Logan discovers that being Markless isn't easy and he'll need to find a way to reach Acheron—the place where is sister is being held—with or without the help of the others. Just as all is looking hopeless he starts to see a light at the end of the tunnel when he finds a network willing to help him and his cause. Now every step is crucial and nothing can stand in his way—not even Erin.
What an amazingly exciting middle-grade novel and a fantastic sequel to Swipe. There is many crazy plot twists, betrayal, suspense, heartbreak, and chaos to be found. I read this in one sitting and remain ever curious about what the next book will hold. Another story written wonderfully by Evan Angler. Although this series is for young readers I think it's more suitable for 13+. All the characters are mere teenagers but they are incredibly mature (most of them anyways), and nicely developed. The post-apocalyptic-like society is incredibly cool and the world's expansion is beyond fascinating in its structure and rules. Sneak is a nonstop action-adventure and I'd highly recommend it to anyone who likes reading about a product of an awesome imagination.
Synopsis:
When Logan Langly backed
out of getting the Mark and went on the run, no one thought he could
survive on his own. Without the Mark, you can't buy food, go to the
doctor, or use a tablet--you aren't even a citizen.
But when he discovers that his sister is being held in a mysterious hidden prison named Acheron, Logan risks everything to travel through an underground network of the Markless to rescue her.
Logan arrives only to find that Acheron holds more secrets than anyone could have guessed and that all his careful planning is worthless against a government that will do anything to gain absolute control.
It seems there is only one place to turn. But can a banned book with whisper-thin pages and warnings about the real meaning of the Mark really hold the Answer?
But when he discovers that his sister is being held in a mysterious hidden prison named Acheron, Logan risks everything to travel through an underground network of the Markless to rescue her.
Logan arrives only to find that Acheron holds more secrets than anyone could have guessed and that all his careful planning is worthless against a government that will do anything to gain absolute control.
It seems there is only one place to turn. But can a banned book with whisper-thin pages and warnings about the real meaning of the Mark really hold the Answer?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Swipe, #3)
By: Evan Angler
Release Date: May 7th, 2013
Genre(s): YA Science Fiction/Dystopia/Christian
My Review: (4/5 stars*)
Storm is another great read in the Swipe series. I had thought this would be the last but I was happily surprised to find out that there will be more—after that ending the next is sure to be interesting! While I enjoyed Storm, Sneak is still my favorite novel of all the books so far. I liked the deepening of each character and the race against stopping the figurative and literal oncoming storm. It doesn't let up on the action as it moves forward, and there are plenty of plot twists that can attest to it. Things couldn't look more grim and yet somehow they are, and every time a problem is solved a newer even bigger one is created. Again, I loved seeing all the old faces and the additional viewpoint of new characters - especially Lily's. There is a huge amount of deception going on which was fun to see play out since Logan is already so mistrustful. This entire series takes a lot of thought-provoking ideas and transforms it into a realistic (although futuristic) way of life and how it would be if the Mark were brought into effect. Storm takes a bigger look at its government where two leaders rule: Chancellor Cylis and Lamson - both who believe they are doing what's best for the world but the people are uprising. It's a totally unique and captivating story where teenagers have started a war and they are all fighting for the same thing—freedom. Logan is inspiring and inciting a revolution and in doing so he's bringing down all the walls of the government and they are taking even more extreme measures to ensure their way of life remains including controlling the weather and bring about storms. Nothing is as it seems as you dig deeper and deeper into the story and that's what makes it worth reading.
With the mark you're given the rights of being a citizen but without it you're left in the dust to die. As a result of being Marked the government has unleashed a virus into their own systems—a deadly biological weapon meant to stop the Markless. The only problem is that instead of stopping them and becoming immune themselves they're the ones dying. Under a one world government society is finally realizing it's not peace the leaders are after—it's power. Logan Langly and his friends are searching for the cure to deadly epidemic that's killing those who are Marked. All while trying to stop Chancellor Cylis' army in hopes to win their freedom once and for all.
Storm had a lot of character building and plot advancement going on which was cool. Although it felt like a filler novel that seems to be working toward a larger picture it's still a fantastic installment. It's a reading journey worth taking as Storm continues the struggle between the government and it's people. Everyone trying to reach the same goal but by using different methods—good and bad. I'm already wishing the next book was written and released because I can't wait for it. This is an epic middle-grade read with a story that makes a lot of great points as well as effectively entertaining you. Mature young-adults will surely love this series!
With the mark you're given the rights of being a citizen but without it you're left in the dust to die. As a result of being Marked the government has unleashed a virus into their own systems—a deadly biological weapon meant to stop the Markless. The only problem is that instead of stopping them and becoming immune themselves they're the ones dying. Under a one world government society is finally realizing it's not peace the leaders are after—it's power. Logan Langly and his friends are searching for the cure to deadly epidemic that's killing those who are Marked. All while trying to stop Chancellor Cylis' army in hopes to win their freedom once and for all.
Storm had a lot of character building and plot advancement going on which was cool. Although it felt like a filler novel that seems to be working toward a larger picture it's still a fantastic installment. It's a reading journey worth taking as Storm continues the struggle between the government and it's people. Everyone trying to reach the same goal but by using different methods—good and bad. I'm already wishing the next book was written and released because I can't wait for it. This is an epic middle-grade read with a story that makes a lot of great points as well as effectively entertaining you. Mature young-adults will surely love this series!
Synopsis:
In a future United
States under the power of a charismatic leader, everyone gets the Mark
at age thirteen. The Mark allows citizen to shop, go to school, and even
get medical care--without it, you are on your own. Few refuse to get
the Mark. Those who do . . . disappear.
Logan Langly went in to get his Mark, but he backed out at the last minute. Ever since, he's been on the run from government agents and on a quest to find his sister Lily, who disappeared when she went to get her Mark five years earlier. His journey leads him to befriend the Dust, a vast network of Markless individuals who dissent against the iron-grip rule of the government. Along the way to the capital to find Lily, the Dust receive some startling information from the Markless community, opening their eyes to the message of Christianity and warning that humanity is now entering the End of Days.
In "Storm," Logan and his friends are the leaders of the Markless revolution. But while some Markless are fighting Chancellor Cylis' army, the Dust is busy trying to find a cure for a horrible epidemic sweeping through the Marked. And it's difficult for them to know who to trust, especially when they aren't sure if Logan's sister Lily, one of the commanders in Cylis' army, is on their side or not. And all across the nation--and the world--the weather is become less stable, and a storm is brewing that bigger than any of them could have ever imagined....
Logan Langly went in to get his Mark, but he backed out at the last minute. Ever since, he's been on the run from government agents and on a quest to find his sister Lily, who disappeared when she went to get her Mark five years earlier. His journey leads him to befriend the Dust, a vast network of Markless individuals who dissent against the iron-grip rule of the government. Along the way to the capital to find Lily, the Dust receive some startling information from the Markless community, opening their eyes to the message of Christianity and warning that humanity is now entering the End of Days.
In "Storm," Logan and his friends are the leaders of the Markless revolution. But while some Markless are fighting Chancellor Cylis' army, the Dust is busy trying to find a cure for a horrible epidemic sweeping through the Marked. And it's difficult for them to know who to trust, especially when they aren't sure if Logan's sister Lily, one of the commanders in Cylis' army, is on their side or not. And all across the nation--and the world--the weather is become less stable, and a storm is brewing that bigger than any of them could have ever imagined....
No comments:
Post a Comment