Worst Nightmares Coming True

Live Reactions as I read the rest of the Gone series by Michael Grant

Now Reading Fear: Book Five of the series

Join me as I read and share your reactions!

Read my other Gone reviews. Read the Series Spotlight to to catch up and see which book to start with to join!

Caution- Proceed at your own risk- Spoilers may be ahead, but I kept it as vague as possible to not give away anything major!

This book definitely tones up the dial on the fear factor, so it is true to its name!

It is one of those books that I suspect, shows your worst fears realized. Which for this series, can be pretty daunting and downright horrifying!

The kids suspect that someone who cannot die (apparently) is on the way back and is looking for them.

The Healer, Lana, gets some inkling of the Darkness’s thoughts and knows that he is after Diana for her new connections to the dark side. How does Lana know this? She almost “hears” another characters’ voice- can the darkness sense Diana’s voice or fears because of her connection? Does this mean that the beloved Diana will go over to the Dark Side? (Pun most likely intended…?)

Will Diana’s guilt and fear lead to her downfall? She feels horrible about what she has done and greatly struggles with giving into her dark side or fighting it. Can it be stopped or does she feel it’s too late?

Penny= the queen of all fears=your worst nightmare! What’s even scarier is there is not a simple way to fight her- she can give  visions of your worst nightmare to a group of kids at once, so she can fight many people at a time.

It feels so real, that it is hard to fight what you feel is happening to you, even though your head might say it is not real. She really knows how to get in your head, as she uses even what you enjoy against you, to the point of you not knowing what is really happening and doing damage to others or to yourself in the process.

But this shows that even though people may fear you, they do not respect you or love you or like you in the slightest- which is a lesson that several characters might have to learn, as they let the thirst for more power and risk and danger overtake them…

Penny is not very smart though either, as she has lost her mind. She doesn’t think things through. Her hate rules everything. She wants to be in charge and uses the fear of others to get on top, so she can get back at them and express her hatred of being rejected all those times.

So this also is stemmed in fear on her end (of others, what they think of her, not being part of the group, being alone, we all have fears…) she wanted everyone to like her and wants to get back at Caine for rejecting her. She wants to get back at Lana now as well after their showdown. But if she kills the only one who can heal people, she might be signing her own death warrant in the process in this desert wasteland with no other way of getting help if everyone is your enemy (no one else to go to in the FAYZ, is there?).

Talking about death warrants, one of them was not signed for a major character in the FAYZ after all. The consequences of this could be fatal for many of the survivors left in the FAYZ and could have some pretty far reaching consequences.

The deliciousness of the fear in this book is that anything can happen and you are shivering in anticipation (and horror) just thinking about all the things that could wrong with the new ways of life here under the barrier. Past decisions come back to haunt some of the characters and the newfound power in the FAYZ just hints of all the darkness that is coming and ever growing as life continues for the kids as they try to do what they can to survive.

The fear is not only growing on the inside of the FAYZ either.

I like how the outside world is being explored more in this book of the series. Before we only saw glimpses, now we are getting a story line that is being shown alongside of all the craziness of the FAYZ.  And if what is inside is somewhat “contained,” then just imagine what the outside is like in response to the creation of the barrier. This also leads to more tension and dials up the fear as well because of the choices of those on the outside and how it will affect the kids-  will those on the outside do whatever they can to help?  Or will they risk the lives of the  children stuck inside?

To join me as I read the series (and possibly re-read the earlier books!) comment below and share where you are in the series or if you would like to start it! It’s always more fun to read together! I want to hear your reactions as you experience life in the FAYZ- so please do share below. And if you would like to post it on your blog- please link back to your blog in your comment! I would like to share some of your posts here in the Castle!

What scared you the most as you read? What power would you want to have in the FAYZ? Who would your allies and enemies be?

LIES: Will this be what causes more death in the FAYZ?

Lies by Michael Grant:

Review of Book Three of the Gone series

As the world becomes ever darker in the FAYZ, it becomes easier for everyone to believe someone who offers them an easy way “out.” It becomes increasingly against the odds to stay alive here, as we start to watch the breakdown of several key characters. Orsay, along with a new friend of hers, sees visions and gives the kids very realistic promises of what she sees and she knows things about them and their past that no one else would know. This casts doubt on whether or not what she says is real. She tells them that their parents are waiting for them when they turn 15. This is the time when they “blink out” and two possible things could happen: disappear into probable death or survive if they resist the temptation to take this way out, but then they remain in the deadly FAYZ.

(Book One review click here.  Book Two: Hunger)

At the same time this is going on, the “Human Crew” lead by Zil, who are all against the freaks, is now more dangerous than ever. They plan to kill the freaks and even normals who get in the way. Anyone, in fact, who does not agree to “follow” him. This is part of his ever increasing quest for power in the FAYZ and it has to do with a lot of death. He starts to lust for blood and violence and seems to be able to get away with it by covering his tracks.

While all this is going on, Sam is under ever increasing pressure as the others tell him he needs to step down, but also expect him to fight all of the battles. On their terms of course.  He is not allowed to deal with threats directly; rather the new council must meet and decide a course of action. This could prove to be deadly, as threats are allowed to roam free, unstopped.

Newcomers and New Dangers in the FAYZ

A new group of kids also adds more sparks to the mix, with what could result in a “fire” if the two groups of kids meet. Another “new visitor” also comes to the FAYZ and this could mean death for everyone. In this world where nothing strange seems to phase anyone at all anymore, this could definitely be the factor that does cause shock, as well as the end for many.

Diana starts to show some sense of right and wrong and even seems to care for other people as well, which could be the start of Caine listening to her concerns. Or not. As we know Caine, he does not listen to anyone. But Diana has a solution for this as well. For people who want more of Caine and Diana, they will find them in this book.

Sam and Astrid also start to drift apart because of the tension with her being on the council which dictates what Sam can and cannot do. They also have other issues and they may also be running into a roadblock of sorts just like the other “couple” of the book.

Last but not least, Little Pete also causes more of a stir that will definitely create friction and could be the cause of future danger for him, as people may start to suspect something more about this “harmless” little boy.

This book is definitely a must read, as the third book of the riveting Gone series. When everyone lies to each other, the truth becomes ever hazier and this can put everyone in even more danger. Lies will continue to shock and tug your emotions in every direction as you hope for the characters to survive and you see them on the brink of death and you see many on the edge, about to fall off with no more hope of surviving life in the FAYZ. (To purchase/read a sample on Amazon, click on the picture below.)

(Book One review click here.  Book Two: Hunger)

To find out more about how you can be a part of the FAYZ, click here

Lies is the third book in what will be a six book series. Plague is the next book, which you will definitely want to have at hand after this one! Look for my review on that. I will be also be reviewing the next two books, Fear and Light soon as well. Please sign up for updates at the top right so you can get the latest! I would love to hear your opinions on this series or if you are planning on reading. Always love to hear from you!

Check out my Series Spotlight on this series here!

Book One:

Book Two:

Book Three:

Book Four:

Book Five:

Book Six:

The FAYZ and Hunger: At the end of the world, it’s all that matters

Mini Review: Book Two of Gone Series

Hunger by Michael Grant

As kids start to realize what being in the FAYZ (Fallout Alley Youth Zone) really means, the picture starts to look bleaker. Kids are starving and are looking for answers and this means there will be the changing of teams all around, as kids do whatever it takes to survive. Old friendships and loyalities may not matter anymore.

Gripping and powerful, this story that will suck you right into the FAYZ and you will not be able to leave until you read all about this horrifying world. No rules. No order. No single leader.  Except for the looming darkness that starts to take on an ever more terrifying shape.

The ending really plays with your emotions and while some things may be tied up and partly resolved, as much as can be “resolved” in this world anyway, as you know if you have read the first book or review that there is no way out. But just as you feel slight relief that one aspect of life might be okay for the characters, another problem arises. A problem that is seemingly even darker than before. And that will quickly remind you of how terrifying the world of Gone really is.

Last words: Don’t enter the FAYZ as there is no way out.

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You can now actually enter the world of the FAYZ- check out my post about the new interactive Transmedia World of Gone that author Michael Grant has created (or unleashed.) More to come as I explore more of it- but will definitely be cool to interact and be a part of the story!

Gone Series Order:

Book one: Gone

Book Two: Hunger

Book Three:
Lies: A Gone Novel

Book Four:
Plague: A Gone Novel

Book Five:

Fear

Book Six:

Light

See you at the FAYZ!

Have you heard? Transmedia Story-telling here to stay (will not be Gone)

The New Form(s) of Story-telling

 

Gone is now here and everywhere

For fans of Michael Grant’s Gone series (which you must read! Here’s why) there is an exciting announcement- the story gets bigger and better as it is becoming “transmedia”- meaning it is going across different forms of media- (internet, blog, book, ARG (alternate reality game) and even a new app!) so it will be told in different ways and you will be able to experience the story hands on, in a way. It is something that takes place, as Grant says, “in a world that you’re not going to expect. It’s a world where if you make a false move, you’re going to lose your mind.”

Muppet Babies and Ninja Turtles? Say what?

Still not sure what this means? You may have heard it before (as it is all the rage) but for those who need a refresher course, here it is. Transmedia storytelling is described by Henry Jenkins, who reintroduced the term, (after it was first used by Marsha Kinder to describe many different media franchises, including the Muppet Babies and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles): “as storytelling across multiple forms of media with each element making distinctive contributions to a fan’s understanding of the story world. By using different media formats, transmedia create “entry points” through which consumers can become immersed in a story world.”

Transmedia is a way to experience the story not just in many different ways, but on your own terms. Just like those choose your own adventure books (although on a much grander scale) you can make the story your own each time and you can determine how far you want to go and how much you want to know about the story.

The World of Gone: better than ever

The Gone series so far has been one of those stories that completely takes you into the world of the characters with the books alone, so I cannot even imagine what this will mean for the series and for all of us as we embark on this new multifaceted adventure that is sure to be the new way to enhance and experience a story to the fullest.

Caution Ahead: Dangerous, Risky Unpaved Life-Threatening Roads

Grant speculates that this may well be the new way that publishing is going. Let’s see where this thrilling new experience takes us and as Grant’s site, gobzrk.com warns: Be careful (or in terms reminiscent of the choose your own adventure books) Proceed at your own risk!

Received information from Grant’s new website (this is where you can join in the fun and expolore this new world!):

Take part in this new world! Join the Fayz

Q&A w/ Michael Grant

Here one second, GONE the next: What happens when all of the adults disappear?

When the adults disappear, who will be in charge? And how hard will they fight for this power?

Review of Gone By Michael Grant

(Check out all of my Gone  series reviews right at the bottom of this post- and more to come!)

Also check below to see the book order of the series if you would like to catch up! Read the Series Spotlight for highlights on the books (or to choose which book to catch up on or start with!)  I have read so far and to join me as I finish reading the series (and possibly re-reading it!)

This book is one that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a fast paced, adventure story with lively and lovable characters. From the very first page, even the first sentence, there is non-stop action and tension as the story unfolds. The story centers around the unexplainable event of all of the adults disappearing before everyone’s eyes. Students sit in their classrooms to see their teachers disappear right before their eyes-they are literally there one second and GONE the next.

Rollercoaster-can’t breathe-pace of action

I loved this book because of the non-stop action that carries the story forward at a very fast pace. The characters must deal with a huge change in their lives. Everything changes in a split second right before their eyes. Imagine how you would feel if you had to deal with such a huge change in a split second. Some of the children thought it was cool, which can be understood. Absolute freedom! Some children were scared, especially the younger ones who depended on their parents for all of their needs. I can imagine they would be scared. Have you ever gotten lost from your parents as a little child? It can be very scary, but their parents are gone for good and they don’t know why. The action continues at a breath-taking rate from here, as some children discover another strange occurrence after all of the adults disappear. Sam, the main character, and his friends suspect it may have something to do with the high level of radiation at the power plant in town, but they are not sure exactly how. There is also some type of wall or barrier that blocks their town from the outside world. The kids start to refer to their town as the FAYZ (Fallout Alley Youth Zone) and this is just the start of the many changes to come.

Sam discovers he has some type of strange ability or power. It is very powerful. He discovered it before the disappearances. He isn’t sure what it is or the full extent of his power, but he knows it can be dangerous as he may have hurt someone with it prior to the adults vanishing. He also discovers he is not the only one with a strange power.

There’s a new boss in town?

Some kids from nearby come to their side of the town and take over. They have powers as well and their leader, Caine, has very strong and dangerous powers and he uses them to gain control, but tries to be as diplomatic about it as possible. Under his leadership, the town of children quickly becomes a place controlled by Caine’s rules and fear and violence are used to keep everyone in order. It becomes a scary place to live in and the reader is drawn into this world of horror, wondering what is going to happen next. The characters are very well developed and the reader cares about them and becomes very much drawn into their journey and plight.

Able to Connect to Characters

I connect to this book in several ways. I can connect with Sam, as he feels alienated at times from his friends. He faces great danger and has to make difficult choices of right and wrong. He chooses not to take the easy way out and refuses to use his power to hurt others. Like him, I want to help other people and sometimes have to make a difficult choice in order to do the right thing. On the other hand, those who have a darker side (as we all do in some way!) will also be able to relate, as there are some darker issues and struggles. Overall, the story is very exciting and if you want to know what other decisions Sam and his friends must make in this increasingly terrifying new world, (and if they all survive) you have to read GONE to see what happens! It is part of a series, so definitely consider having the next one- Hunger ready at hand, as you will definitely want to see what happens next right away!

   

You can now get involved in the story and enter the world of the FAYZ yourself- learn more about the new Transmedia World of Gone

My review on Hunger

My review on Lies.

Reviews on Plague, Fear and Light coming soon!

Check out my Series Spotlight for Gone highlights and teasers!

Book Order:

Gone

Hunger

Lies

Plague

Fear

Light

Click on the picture below to be taken to the Amazon page for this book.