End of Days

End of Days #1

by Eric Walters

Another riveting page-turner from Canada's favourite teen author—and this time, the adventure takes place in outer space.

It's 2012 and the world's most renowned astrophysicists, astronomers, and theoretical mathematicians have all died within the same 12-month period. But as these scientists discover, none of them are really dead after all. They have been taken hostage by alien forces. And while their family and friends are mourning their passing, and with the help of a 16-year-old with rare gifts, they face the ultimate struggle of prevailing over evil and returning themselves—and the earth—to safety.

Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult, Dystopia, Fiction, Apocalyptic, Teen, Fantasy

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 27, 2011

About the author

Eric was born in Toronto in 1957, which makes him "real old". But, as Eric says, "Just because I have to grow old doesn't mean that I have to grow up!" In his many roles as parent, teacher, social worker, youth sports coach and writer he is in constant contact with children and young adults. He draws from these experiences and feels that this helps him to capture the realistic interaction between young people—the conflicts, tensions, stresses and interests that make up their lives.

Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.

Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).

"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.

Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.

Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.

The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).

Reviews

[Maleeha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a book titled End of Days written by Eric Walters.The plot of this book is that an asteroid is heading towards Earth and the only people who can help destroy the asteroid are professional astrophysicists. They are finding a way to stop the asteroid from hitting the earth.
There are many genres in this book such as, action, suspense and mystery.The real action part is more than halfway through the book when the asteroid is coming near Earth.

In my opinion, I think most of main characters are believable in the real world because there are astrophysicists and protesters . When I first saw the title of this book (End of Days) I thought it was about how the world was going to end.There were a few parts in the book that I thought was shocking, I didn’t expect that to happen. The reason I enjoyed this book is because how the author wrote it. There were parts of the book that were unclear but as I was continuing the book the unclear parts made sense.

One strength of the book I thought was the way the author described the characters.On page# 5 it states “ All four men were clean-shaven with short hair, dressed in almost identical suits and wearing leather shoes that made no sound.” Another strength was the way the author made 2 different stories ( one story was about the astrophysicists and the story was about a boy who was going to help save the world) and then the stories somehow came together. Overall I was amazed how well this book was written and I hope I can read it again.

[Nordic21 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written. There were hardly any gaps, and very realistic. He did his research. I agree people may act like that if they knew the "end" was near. Asteroid? Flood?

[Millad Bahrami · Rating 1 out of 5]

People give this book 5/5 stars and I don't see why.
In short, this book has probably the best opening I have ever read, and the rest is complete garbage. The book as a whole is probably the second worst book I have ever read.

long:
I will try not to spoil the book. To start, this book nailed the character introduction. The first chapter did an excellent job of both introducing the characters and introducing the problem. After the main problem is introduced, another arises and it is set up masterfully. A group of scientists have 24 years to stop an asteroid from destroying earth. in t-minus 17 years, and old rich guy tells the news to the whole world and causes mass panic. in the mean time, a religious group says that the scientists are messing with gods plan and try to stop them. This is probably the best set up in a book i have ever read all written so amazingly.
A group of scientists have 17 years to save the earth. The world is in mass panic mode and a bunch of religious nuts are trying to kill them. Its got good characters so far, a good evil force, and a good amount of obstacles to overcome.

So what does Eric Walters do? he throws away his amazing set-up in favour of a story about a 16 year old kid named Billy and a forced romantic sub plot with a shoehorned character named Christina. One of the best parts about the beginning was the pacing. the rest of the book is either wow that was way to quick, or this is so boring I want to skip a few pages. The book is all bad pacing, bad characters, bad sub plots, bad plot and horrible logic. (although it was written ok) Did Eric Walters even do his research? first of all we can stop asteroids from hitting earth. Secondly, the picture at the back of the book is wrong. the asteroid's trajectory would curve from the gravity of other planets. there are other logic issues but there are too many to name. The ending is also just horrible but i wont spoil it.

it really sucks that this book started out so good bet ended up so bad. Eric Walters can be a really good writer but just wasn't for most of this book. I strongly recommend not reading this book and just reading the first chapter. the book is just very terrible




like the star wars prequels, if 5/6 of the movies were bad.
eric walters proves he can do better
no reaserch

[Alice McCall · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Disclaimer* --- This is my first book review so it's going to be bad. sorry...

Ok so I have many mixed feelings about this book and I can't pinpoint a solid opinion on it yet. However, here is a little explanation of my current feelings about this the End of Days:

While reading this book I've noticed it has many great points where you can't stop reading and other points where you have to muster up all you have to finish the chapter. Basically, there was no in-between of boring and exciting.

What the story does to the reader is make you entirely re-think what you believe would happen to the world at the end of its days. Or at least, that's what it did to me. The story compels you into it's deep, well thought out theories and really showcases the power of technology and human intellectuality. It's shocking to read about how we can create such advanced technology with the good intention of further exploring our universe, but in the end, have it completely destroy us and our only home.

Not only does it display all the sciencey stuff about rockets, asteroids, space and all the bla bla bla nerdy stuff, but End of Days is also a great representation of how society reacts to pivotal, life-changing occurrences. The way that the "End of Days" demonstrated the world as we know it and how it quickly changed into something so alarmingly different after the announcement of the upcoming doomsday of the world showed the philosophical edge of "End of Days".

Even though I really could sit here go on for hours about this book, I won't since this review is long enough.

Overall, I recommend this book to you if you enjoy sci-fi apocalyptic stories that really get you thinking.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just read Seveneves instead. Similar plot, much better execution, plus lots more science and stakes feel a lot higher.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eric Walters did it again! He manages to write amazing novels that all have something to do with the current events. This time? The apparent end of the world. Are the Mayans correct? Will we all go "boom" at the end of 2012? Will the movie 2012 come to reality? Did those people preaching by the sidewalk actually know of a Judgment day and is it in the near future? Is the illuminati gonna kill us all?



But Eric Walters, he used those theories and created this book, "End of Days". His theory: an asteriod will hit the Earth, therefore dooming all life.

I enjoyed the book thoroughly. It brought me in for a journey and kept me reading. I liked his scientific theories, all of which, made sense to a student in grade 9. I thought the writing was very engaging and also had enough humor to keep a teenager reading.

I am a huge fan of science fiction. I have read (and loved) the Star Trek series and yes, I have watched the original episodes with Leanord Nemoy and William Shatner and even before them. So for me to say that this book earned it's place on my nerd shelf is quite a huge honour.

There was just this one moment when I went



Cause I got lost in all the science. But ignoring some parts, I found the book to be really good.

The characters were true and real but most of all, I loved the twists in the plot. Mr.Walters takes us on a rollercoaster, and does Earth survive?

Why don't you read it and find out?

Overall, a good take on how the world might end, definitely recommended

[Orianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book. Walters realistically addressed the reactions different sects of humanity would have to an extinction-level event. It was interesting to see him tackle a futuristic novel as opposed to one focused on past events, which is usually his forte. The dialogue between Billy and his mentor is intriguing, as is Professor Sheppard's musings regarding the decaying of civilization and order. Their conversations really get you thinking. I enjoyed rereading this book- onto the sequel!

[Jennifer G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book because my youngest wants to read it and her teacher mentioned that there is a rape scene in either this book or the sequel (note: It's in the sequel, and it's more of an after the fact kind of thing, not enough in my view to stop an almost-11-year-old from reading it). I thought that I would be reading a short book, but was surprised when I found out that it is a full-length adult book and even more surprised when I really, really liked it.

In the story, scientists discover that an asteroid is going to hit the earth, not immediately, but in 20-30 years. The main character is an astro-physicist who gets kidnapped in the middle of the night and taken to a secure facility where many of the world's most renowned scientists are trying to solve the problem of how to destroy the asteriod and save the earth.

What is really interesting about the book is that it raises many interesting questions. Is it better to let society know that the end of the world may be imminent? Or would it better to let this remain unknown? Not wanting to spoil anything, I will only point out that some religious groups also get very involved. Is this fated? Or should man step in to try to save the world?

Loved the book. Liked the sequel, Regenesis. Was not impressed to find out that there is no third book... Or at least it hasn't been written yet.

[Sam]

The science fiction novel, End of Days by Eric Walter is a riveting book that takes readers on a journey into the future where the existence of Earth and the human race is at stake. Readers go on this journey through the eyes of Billy, Joshua Fletcher, and other scientists where they must use teamwork and their knowledge to save the world.
The book End of Days, by Eric Walters, is a thrilling book for teens and young adults who are interested in the world of science fiction. This novel takes readers into the future where a team of scientists have discovered that an asteroid is on a collision course with Earth. The scientist’s job is to create a plan to destroy or alter the course of the asteroid. When the plan to destroy the asteroid backfires, the human race is at a jeopardy of going extinct. The world's richest and brightest man, Joshua Fitchett, devises a plan to save humanity. 100 kids will be sent into space just before the asteroid begins to enter Earth’s atmosphere where they will live until Earth is safe enough for them to return. The other plan is to take thousands of children and young adults to Idaho where an underground bunker is waiting for them to live while the Earth is being hit with asteroids. Joshua recruits a street kid, Billy, to lead these kids while up in space. Joshua teaches Billy everything he needs to know to make this plan succeed. Billy has the responsibility of taking 100 kids into space to live until Earth is safe enough to live on. Billy is the leader of the future of the human race.
Eric Walters is writing to a young audience about the importance of teamwork and using the resources available to fight for something that is important to them, in this case, saving the human race. Walters conveys this message by challenging the main characters throughout the story. They must come up with a plan to either destroy the asteroid or alter its course so it does not collide with Earth. The plan that the scientists come up with is to send ships with explosives up into space to blow up the asteroid. Walters writes, “The massive room was filled with scientists and technicians, all monitoring and coordinating the launch of the first ship” (Walters 132). At this part of the novel, the scientists had put all of their resources and knowledge that they had to build these rocket ships so they could save the planet. The scientists from around the world have to team up to create this plan. Billy has to team up will Joshua to make sure everything is in order before the asteroid hits Earth. The scientists and Joshua and Billy’s team must use everything that they have available to them so that they can give the human race the best chance at survival. All of the resources first needed to be used to create the rockets to destroy this asteroid hurtling towards Earth. Joshua and Billy needed to use the resources to create a safe haven for the future. “So this was the old man’s plan; to create a compound, a complete environment, that would house his ‘chosen’ ones-and the generation to follow-after the asteroid hit” (Walters 118). Joshua created this underground shelter to save the human race. Without teamwork and using what is available to them, the human race may not be able to be saved.
I think that this book was engaging, entertaining, and very well-written. I was continuously flipping to the next page. I never wanted to put the book down, all I wanted to do was find out what was going to happen to Earth and the people living there. Walters wrote this book so that readers were left wanting more. Almost every chapter was a cliffhanger, keeping readers engaged. With every flip of the page, readers learned of a different problem and how the characters were going to fix this problem. The book was entertaining. I was introduced to a futuristic world where Earth was in danger along with the existence of the human race. It was interesting to learn about how this futuristic world went about to solve this dilemma. Walters wrote this book very well. It is evident that Walters did his research before writing the novel. He included scientific information that is accurate to help support the plot of the story. Walters use of detailed scientific information, keeping readers on the edge of their seat, and his ability to keep readers interested throughout the entire novel are why I believe that End of Days is a good read for teens interested in this topic.
After reading, I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading about science, space, and technology. This was a very interesting book and I never wanted to put it down. For people who do not enjoy this topic, they will not get sucked into this fictional world and not find any interest in it. Walters conveys the message of the importance of teamwork and using resources by challenging the main characters in the novel.

[Ty Dvorack · Rating 1 out of 5]

End of Days Book Review

I am reviewing ‘End of Days’ by Eric Walters; I personally enjoyed this book, except for some minor details and events. To start off the worlds greatest mathematicians and scientists are gathered, from around the world. They are brought together to prevent the extermination of the human race. You are transported into the book in the year of 1998, which is 24 years before an asteroid will strike the earth with a deadly blow.

Eventually we reach a point in the book where find ourselves many years in the future only a few years away from impact. At this time the public has been informed of its impending doom and the world has erupted at its core into extreme chaos. Street crime has become commonplace, and few major cities are still thriving. Gangs and groups of criminals have invaded many faltering cities, fighting others for every scrap of food they can find. Even the government and the police are running out of supplies. They have very little ammunition left to rid the streets of these gangs. This is Walter’s interpretation of the events that may unfold if the news of an apocalypse had penetrated the government and got to the roots of society. Throughout this book a plethora of characters are established. Walter follows the views of many different individuals, however mostly Professor Shepard and Billy.

Personally, I was fond of this book, however the first half of it was somewhat dry and unentertaining. From that point on the book was an exhilarating roller coaster. I thought that these two separate writing styles could have been blended to enhance the overall experience. To begin the book a character, Professor Shepard is introduced. I thought that his traits were well developed and thought out. He was someone who seemed to always want to do what was best for society, no matter what other people’s opinions were. Shepard was dedicated to his work, and was quite relatable. He became fearful of the end, and felt the heavy weight of humanity pushing down constantly on his shoulders. His actions were somewhat predictable however, and we never got to see him work his way up to become the most influential person on Earth. To me this was somewhat disappointing, for we only got to see the aftermath of his work and decisions. I loved being introduced to the superior character in the book, Billy. Billy was the headman of a group of abandoned children. He is not the most brutal, or the biggest child in the group, however he is able to manage the two hundred, person clan in the ruts of New York. Later Billy is ordered to lead the only surviving group of humans in outer space. I began to see what might have been Billy’s true personality. When his brutality was striped away he was kind and was the ideal leader. There were many layers to his personality, making him a complex and unpredictable character. I was heavily involved with each paragraph that Billy was present in.

I did greatly enjoy the basic plot of the book, it was less predictable than any other apocalyptic book that I have ever read, and I think that it was a demonstration of how to write a book with a strong ending. The book was brilliant in some areas, however it lacked in practicality. I do not believe that people would instantly panic if they were informed of a supposed ‘apocalypse’, for it has happened in the past. Educated people do not believe everything that they hear. I thought that it was a bit of a cop-out by Eric Walters, not explaining how the world erupted in chaos, but just showing us. I understand that that is his writing style; although for me it seemed fake, for the world would not change that quickly. I took liking to the final picture of a dystopian world that Walters created. The aspect of the religious groups, rioting was well thought out and realistic. I didn’t feel much emotion reading this book, I think that this is because he did not explain, or even indirectly explain what the characters were feeling and experiencing.

This book is much better looking at this book as a whole, than seeing the two main characters separately. I found myself engaged with the second half of this book, and would rate it 3 out of 5 stars. This story did not seem to have an impactful meaning, however the characters were well developed, as well as the basic plot. I would recommend this book to someone who likes a fast paced, exiting thriller. This is not one of my favorite books however it was engaging. Well-done Eric Walters.

[Anahita · Rating 3 out of 5]

felt like it was missing something… but it was still good. first bit was difficult to get through but it picked up towards the middle and end

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real page-turner! Walters isn't the first writer to imagine what would happen if a massive asteroid was hurtling toward Earth, but he makes a good story out of it. And it's a big story. We follow scientists and ordinary people as they strive to prevent or prepare for the end of life on Earth over a seventeen year period. The problem is explored in a kaleidoscopic way as the reader watches the scientific, social, political, philosophical, religious, and personal responses of individuals and the masses. Gritty and violent, informative and believable, and with the lightest touch, sentimental.

The book has quite a few important, adult characters, which is unusual in a YA book. In fact, we wait till page 68 to even meet a kid. I read this compulsively to find out what would happen next, and the surprises just kept on coming. The characters are well enough drawn to be believable (not usually one of Walter's strong suits) and I admit I felt a little choked up a couple times at the end.

Entertaining!

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

How might the end of the world come to be? Who knows, but all I know is its a hell of a journey to read on how society reacts to an apocalypse.


The story brings light onto one of the possible scenarios of how humanity could be incinerated: death by asteroid (a BIG one). In response to the asteroid, two groups arise to hault it somehow and save the Earth. They both have there own solutions and throughout the book, it follows one character from each group in there attempts.

What really stood out to me was how the author, Eric Walters, was able to create two different stories and they somehow come together. How he wrote the book made the situations and characters very true and realistic, incorporated with plot twists that I loved.


Overall, a well-written book full of action and suspense; a great take on how the world might end.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scientists have found out that an huge asteroid is traveling towards Earth and the asteroid is big enough to destroy Earth and all the fauna and flora living on it. But the information is not being broadcasted in the media. To avoid mass panic a very rich group of people are kidnapping all of the space scientists to an isolated spot in the world in hope of them finding a cure to the problem. But until a boy named Billy joins them they are stuck.
I picked this book up because goodreads recommended this to me and I know that most books by Eric Walter is really good so I decided to try this book.
I finished this book because it it awesome and the story just drew me in.
I would recommend this book to Aloka because she likes science fiction books and this is a science fiction book.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really hate Eric Walters. He's cliche, boring, plain, and his books are either too serious or theme based for me to really enjoy them. Point being, there not my thing.

Until my mother who is a librarian shoved this down my throat. Wanting me to read it and review it...

OMG. BEST OF HIS BOOKS EVER. LOVE THE ENDING, EXTREMELY SCIENTIFIC, REALISTIC, EERIE.
BY FAR THE BEST YA APACOLYPTIC BOOK,

and second only to World War Z and Under The Dome.

[Jessalyn King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Newest favourite. Great characters, new life to a much used premise, while keeping it in the present (picture Armageddon if they'd failed, but had a backup plan to re-populate Earth with over-educated docile children) using the "rapture" and other various modern-day cults. The science seemed realistic too.

[Rhys Platypus · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book was very dull in the first 99 page s but got very interesting in the middle and end. my favorite character was probably the stupendously rich, famous, and smart Mr.Fitchett. i liked him because he was never wrong and he never mad a guess or assumption. this book wasn't that great but it kept me entertained for a couple of days.

[Reza]

End of Days

By: Reza Mozaffaripour


I have read the book End of Days written by Eric Walters. It starts with a few scientific papers written by astrophysicists and mathematicians about a distant asteroid approaching our solar system. Based on data relayed by an old satellite, Professor Daniel Sheppard predicts that, some 24 years hence, it will pass in close proximity to Earth. It isn’t until he is kidnapped from his bed and flown to an underground facility in the Swiss Alps that Sheppard realizes that the asteroid, thought to measure at least 200 km in diameter, is on a collision course with the planet. He is invited to join the top secret International Aerospace Research Institute which has been charged with averting the destruction of the planet.



Joshua Fitchett, the world’s wealthiest man, holds a press conference to announce the danger. Though prompted to do so by his belief that humankind deserves to know the truth, Fitchett’s statement leads to the end of law, order and good government. World stock markets crash, governments fall, increasingly violent demonstrations take place all around the globe, and within a few short years society has fallen into the chaos accompanied by the rise of religious people whose prophets warn of God’s wrath and the coming end of the world.



Fitchett goes underground and begins to work on his own plans to stop the extinction of humans. In a secret facility in Idaho, he starts training 200 young people whose mission will be the survival of humankind, and the preservation of human civilization after the asteroid collides with Earth. These young people are highly skilled in almost every field thinkable. From engineering to mathematics or medical biology. But one thing all of them lacked was the ability to be a leader that would be vital to the success to their ultimate goal.



Police officers in New York are sent out to find a sixteen-year-old kid named Billy Phillips, leader of a gang of some 200 kids who live on the top floor of an abandoned apartment building. Billy, who has been on his own since his family, was killed. He learned to be tough. But he has not lost the ability to be kind. Though, the lives of his gang depend on his ability to protect them from outsiders. For years now, he has looked out for them, and has kept them safe from the dangers of the corrupting world.
Surrounded by the police, who threaten to shoot the kids if Billy doesn’t come out, he had no other choice but to let them capture him to keep the gang safe. He was driven to a secret airport and taken to Fitchett’s underground facility.



At first, Billy wanted to escape from the facility and get back to his gang.
However, after meeting Joshua Fitchett, being told that he will be the leader of the 200 young people and the fate of life of humans, he put down the idea of escaping. Fitchett reveals to Billy that he has constructed an underground environment 600 metres below the surface where everyone in the facility will stay until it is safe to live on Earth.



Sheppard and his team of scientists launch 30 rocket ships into space, each full with a lot of nuclear bombs. The plan is to destroy the asteroid before it hits the planet. Billy, Fitchett and the entire civilization watch and pray for the bombs to destroy the asteroids. While the religious people disagree and will try o kill the scientists and pray for the mission to fail. They manage to explode the asteroid into hundreds of pieces, but still fragments remained with enough mass to destroy Earth, and it is estimated that it will take up to 20 years for life on Earth to be livable on.



With just days left to impact, Fitchett reveals a second project to Billy. Half of the 200 young people will not be going into the underground facility with Fitchett. Instead, they will be sent into space with five spaceships, the possibility that the coming collisions will destroy all life on Earth. As the asteroid’s fragments begin to hit Earth, Billy watches the end. It is the end of days or, just possibly, the beginning.

This book is truly outstanding and well written by Eric Walters, but nothing is perfect. One thing I disliked about the book was that it was a bit unrealistic. Billy keeps two hundred kids safe from a world that is extremely sketchy for adults let alone children. Also he goes to space without any real training but still manages to launch safely. NASA claims that they train their astronauts for at least three years and they need the following requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science, or mathematics. An advanced degree is desirable, quality of academic preparation, and much more body strength requirements. Billy only talked about space with Fitchett and he clearly does not have any of those skills.

Like I said this book was one of the best books that I have read, there was one thing in the book that I really liked. It is that the asteroid in the end did hit Earth. It did cause Earth to die but the story would be lame if it didn’t happen. Think of it, the storyline would basically be a bunch of scientists doing research on how to find a way to stop the asteroid. And once they succeeded that would be the end. Nobody would want to read a book like that, no action no nothing. Also everything Fitchett did to continue humanity would be useless and he wasted all his money for nothing. Eric Walters thought his book through to make the best story that he could.

After reading this book I would give it a rating of four out of five. While reading at some parts I couldn’t put the book down, I had to keep reading to see what would happen next. Eric Walters kept the story intriguing with action and survival. But I didn’t give it a five because the storyline like I said was a bit unrealistic at certain parts and he could have made it better.
Overall this book was amazing and very well written. I enjoyed reading this book and I would highly recommend you to read this book, and for you to enjoy it like how I did.

[Andy Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apart from a couple of minor plot points I thought this book was great. An asteroid is discovered heading towards Earth (how it's discovered is one of my problems with the book as it's soooo unlikely) and a secret organisation has 28 years to come up with a way to divert or destroy it. They do this in a hidden facility, by kidnapping the relevant scientists and engineers (faking their deaths) to avoid alarming the public. Although there are several important characters the story follows one of these scientists as time goes on and the plan develops. There's a real sense of tension and I feel a pretty realistic depiction of what happens as the deadline approaches. As far as I could tell, the research seemed pretty good and I liked the writing style. The book is written for a YA audience, but I didn't realise that when I read it (as a middle aged man) and it didn't feel like that (although perhaps some violence was toned down and I don't think there's any sex or swearing in hindsight).

Note that there is a sequel, but this story is pretty self-contained. I'll be buying the sequel.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's 2012 and a giant asteroid is heading directly for Earth. The best of the world's scientists have been kidnapped by a space agency to solve the problem of saving the earth. Similarly, the world's richest man has built a huge bunker that can withstand the impact of the impending collision and has populated it with the world's best and brightest kids, in the hopes that they eventually can return to Earth and restart the human race. Young Billy is the anomaly in the crowd , being from a rough neighborhood but chosen for his leadership skills. Eventually the two groups come together, and the race to save the planet is on. Billy was the most interesting character in the book, and I would have liked to have seen more of him.

[Allison ♥ · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.7 Stars. I honestly didn't feel a connection to this book, I kept getting lost in what was happening, and time seemed to go by too quickly before I could even understand what had happened in the previous chapter. I have no idea what a bunch of elderlies saw in Billy, he was just another street kid trying to survive, how does that even prove genius? The whole book was just a bit too scientific for my liking, and the ending seemed unfinished. Maybe there was a second book that I missed, I'm not sure, but even if there is by chance, I don't think I'd end up reading it. Overall, it was an okay book, and I don't regret reading it, I just feel like it could have used more action.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to be a fan of Eric Walters' wide ranging writing. Dystopian chaos with teens highly valued seems an appropriate choice for him. It does take a while for the main characters to weave together and to get to the point of all that slow burn information. I could have done with less adult time and more on the teen characters. I assume that is where the sequel will take us...?
Looking forward to the next book.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting!!!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it and will read the sequel, Regenesis as soon as possible.

[Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story. Combination of science adventure and cloak and dagger. Did have a little trouble keeping all the adult characters figured out.

[josie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 1/2 stars

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

1st of a 2 books series in the Armaggedon type end of world situation

[Snickles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would recommend this for fans of the movie 2012. Very well written and realistic, almost frightening!

[Hal · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could barely finish this book because of how bland it is. There’s an okay plot, but the characters are flat, and the story itself is missing something.

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

good