Fourteen kids. One superstore. A million things that go wrong.
In Emmy Laybourne’s action-packed debut novel, six high school kids (some popular, some not), two eighth graders (one a tech genius), and six little kids trapped together in a chain superstore build a refuge for themselves inside. While outside, a series of escalating disasters, beginning with a monster hailstorm and ending with a chemical weapons spill, seems to be tearing the world—as they know it—apart.
Plot: 2 out of 5
At first glance I thought I would really enjoy this book. I was wrong. As my rating says, it fell flat for me.
Sadly in the course of twelve days I was supposed to believe in romance that went on between a group of sixteen to thirteen year olds was real.
I’m sorry.
What?
This book just disturbed me. I felt like the author threw everything that she possibly could at those poor kids and then tried to wrap it up into a book. She did murder, rape, drugs, and just about every bad thing she could. Not to mention the emotional damage that must have happened to those poor little kids after this whole fiasco.
I really didn’t understand what was going on at all half the time. The plot was all over the place. It was one bad thing after the next with no explanation as to why. And the main character was far from likable. I just wanted to hug those poor little kids. The things they went through while the big kids were running around doing adult behavior. It might be fiction, but it wasn’t believable at all and it annoyed me.
And the ending was the worst part for me. I couldn’t believe the twist the author pulled. It was just a train wreck. So yeah. Read this at your own risk folks.
Characters: 3 out of 5
I’m sorry to say, but the only reason this part of the book is getting three stars is because of the little kids. I adored them. They were so cute and adorable. Alex, Niko and Josie weren’t half bad either. I rather liked them. Dean (the main character) was selfish and a total wimp. I wanted to slap him half the time. And don’t get me started on the other teenagers. I get that they had lost everything, but they didn’t even try to be likeable. Nor did they have any redeeming qualities whatsoever.
Overall writing/setting: 2 out of 5
The overall writing style did a whole lot more telling then it did showing. The author tended to repeat alot of things and it made me feel like she was thumping me over the head with it. Which I didn’t like at all. The setting was kind of cool to start, but things escalated quickly and in the end I was left with a bad taste in my mouth. I just didn’t enjoy this book. Maybe some people will, but there was too much drama, too little showing, and too little explanation as to WHY this was all happening.
I’m giving this book two out of five stars. Recommended for ages 15+ due to violence as well as disturbing adult content. You can buy it on Amazon here.
I checked this book out of my local library in order to read and review it.
I am not a book reader and sure wish I had the time and want.
I can’t even remember the last time I read a good book.
This looks interesting. Thank you.
Well, I guess I won’t be checking out this book then!
I love that you give such honest reviews. It is refreshing to see someone not say “I loved this” about every book they read.
Aww thanks!
Good to know I can skip this one!
sounds like a cool concept
two out of five… looks like I can pass this!