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Pandemonium by Chris Wooding
The Lazarus Serum can bring you back from the dead. Only thing is, it turns you into a Pale. Jed can't imagine anything worse, but then the choice is taken out of his hands...
Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
13 people are currently reading
504 people want to read
About the author
Chris Wooding
79 books2,197 followersChris Wooding grew up in a small town in Leicestershire, where not much of anything happened. So he started to write novels. He was sixteen when he completed his first. He had an agent by eighteen. By nineteen he had signed his first book deal. When he left university he began to write full-time, and he has been doing it professionally all his adult life.
Now thirty-nine, Chris has written over twenty books, which have been translated into twenty languages, won various awards and been published around the world. He writes for film and television, and has several projects in development.
Chris has travelled extensively round the world, having backpacked all over Europe and North America, Scandinavia, South East Asia, Japan and South Africa. He also lived in Madrid for a time. When he wasn’t travelling on his own, he spent his twenties touring with bands and seeing the UK and Europe from the back of a van.
He also learned not so long ago that his family tree can be traced back to John Milton, author of Paradise Lost, which has no bearing on him whatsoever but it’s kind of interesting anyway.
Chris lives in London.
Now thirty-nine, Chris has written over twenty books, which have been translated into twenty languages, won various awards and been published around the world. He writes for film and television, and has several projects in development.
Chris has travelled extensively round the world, having backpacked all over Europe and North America, Scandinavia, South East Asia, Japan and South Africa. He also lived in Madrid for a time. When he wasn’t travelling on his own, he spent his twenties touring with bands and seeing the UK and Europe from the back of a van.
He also learned not so long ago that his family tree can be traced back to John Milton, author of Paradise Lost, which has no bearing on him whatsoever but it’s kind of interesting anyway.
Chris lives in London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
November 4, 2012
4 Nov '12
Not a Young Adult nor Dystopia nor Zombie novel. So Goodreads shelves, up yours.
Let me rephrase. It's set in a distant future where our scientists have discovered a serum that has the ability to bring people back to life. Dystopian themes may or may not be present in this distant future of ours, but it was never the point of this short story.
So the "zombies" are not actually zombies. They're just ... humans that have been brought back to life. And not everyone is compatible with this serum, so it only works for a number of the population. But these "pales" can still function like any other human being, so ... zombie? Not so much.
Finally. Young Adult? No. This read too juvenile for YA. This was more middle-grade than anything. Characters and interactions and motives were shallow and undeveloped -- granted, it's only a few pages long, so there was no time for any of that. But really, there were far too many questions and logical absurdities that would grate on any older readers' minds:
1) The serum being available in the school sick room?! What, so nurses can just shoot dead students up with that??
2) I get the whole bullying thing, I really do. But for friends to just suddenly turn on each other at the drop of a hat, and turning on each other to the extent of attempted murder? I'm not sure.
3) Perhaps point number two can be brushed aside as children being immature, but parents suddenly being hostile towards their own children?? Well then, why shoot him up with the serum in the first place? Why even have him tested to see if he's compatible?
...and some others I just can't be bothered thinking about right now.
So. I think this would be acceptable for young, young readers who simply doesn't care about the deeper aspects of worldbuilding and character development and inner consistencies.
Still love Chris Wooding's work, though. Perhaps this is just not for me or my age group.
3 Aug '12
ARC approved by NetGalley
Not a Young Adult nor Dystopia nor Zombie novel. So Goodreads shelves, up yours.
Let me rephrase. It's set in a distant future where our scientists have discovered a serum that has the ability to bring people back to life. Dystopian themes may or may not be present in this distant future of ours, but it was never the point of this short story.
So the "zombies" are not actually zombies. They're just ... humans that have been brought back to life. And not everyone is compatible with this serum, so it only works for a number of the population. But these "pales" can still function like any other human being, so ... zombie? Not so much.
Finally. Young Adult? No. This read too juvenile for YA. This was more middle-grade than anything. Characters and interactions and motives were shallow and undeveloped -- granted, it's only a few pages long, so there was no time for any of that. But really, there were far too many questions and logical absurdities that would grate on any older readers' minds:
1) The serum being available in the school sick room?! What, so nurses can just shoot dead students up with that??
2) I get the whole bullying thing, I really do. But for friends to just suddenly turn on each other at the drop of a hat, and turning on each other to the extent of attempted murder? I'm not sure.
3) Perhaps point number two can be brushed aside as children being immature, but parents suddenly being hostile towards their own children?? Well then, why shoot him up with the serum in the first place? Why even have him tested to see if he's compatible?
...and some others I just can't be bothered thinking about right now.
So. I think this would be acceptable for young, young readers who simply doesn't care about the deeper aspects of worldbuilding and character development and inner consistencies.
Still love Chris Wooding's work, though. Perhaps this is just not for me or my age group.
3 Aug '12
ARC approved by NetGalley
December 22, 2022
Wow, it really is a short book Kira :p.
Sometimes even though a book is so short you can't even finish a paragraph, it wasn't the case at all in this one.
Once you start reading Pale you'll be hooked by it, the story is so intriguing, it's not one of the best, but still, it is a good one.
People always talked about serums that could bring people back from death, but no one ever thought about the consequences, we would usually see how people are weird, changed, and even losing completely their humanity, but no one ever thought about how the society would react to something like that, so this book comes with the authentic idea of how would people's life be if they were brought back from death?
Sometimes even though a book is so short you can't even finish a paragraph, it wasn't the case at all in this one.
Once you start reading Pale you'll be hooked by it, the story is so intriguing, it's not one of the best, but still, it is a good one.
People always talked about serums that could bring people back from death, but no one ever thought about the consequences, we would usually see how people are weird, changed, and even losing completely their humanity, but no one ever thought about how the society would react to something like that, so this book comes with the authentic idea of how would people's life be if they were brought back from death?
August 5, 2012
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Pale by Chris Wooding is a novella about Jed, a bully, who antagonizes the Pales-- people who have taken the Lazarus Serum after dying and have been resurrected into someone who vaguely looks like the person they were before but now have pale skin, eyes, and hair. Jed has it all-- a best friend who is a huger bully than he is, a beautiful girlfriend, and popularity. Then in one moment all of that changes.
This book was written for middle schoolers, but I was impressed by how in 70 pages, Wooding does more than many writers do in 5 times the number of pages. The novella isn't perfect-- the ending is not the best and sometimes the writing is almost too simple. That said, I was flipping pages until I got to the end and was captivated from start to finish. Not to mention, that instead of immediately falling asleep, I stayed up thinking about the implications of the story and what it meant ethically and emotionally. We are never told how the Lazarus injection works or much backstory on how it gets started. Some reviewers were very bothered by this. Usually, I have a lot more problem with it-- but we are getting the story from Jed's perspective and he doesn't know how the injection works, just that it does. So it makes sense we don't get a huge description of it. The story lays open for much more, and I wonder if Wooding is intending to write another novella or expanding this to full novel length.
Overall, a gripping, intense read that captivated me from start to finish.
Pale by Chris Wooding is a novella about Jed, a bully, who antagonizes the Pales-- people who have taken the Lazarus Serum after dying and have been resurrected into someone who vaguely looks like the person they were before but now have pale skin, eyes, and hair. Jed has it all-- a best friend who is a huger bully than he is, a beautiful girlfriend, and popularity. Then in one moment all of that changes.
This book was written for middle schoolers, but I was impressed by how in 70 pages, Wooding does more than many writers do in 5 times the number of pages. The novella isn't perfect-- the ending is not the best and sometimes the writing is almost too simple. That said, I was flipping pages until I got to the end and was captivated from start to finish. Not to mention, that instead of immediately falling asleep, I stayed up thinking about the implications of the story and what it meant ethically and emotionally. We are never told how the Lazarus injection works or much backstory on how it gets started. Some reviewers were very bothered by this. Usually, I have a lot more problem with it-- but we are getting the story from Jed's perspective and he doesn't know how the injection works, just that it does. So it makes sense we don't get a huge description of it. The story lays open for much more, and I wonder if Wooding is intending to write another novella or expanding this to full novel length.
Overall, a gripping, intense read that captivated me from start to finish.
July 31, 2012
This review will also appear on Read Between the Lines.
I got a copy of this one as an ARC through NetGalley.
Jed seems to have it all. He's got a loyal group of friends, a hot girlfriend and a powerful lawyer father, but that all changes when he shoves his girlfriend out of the path of a moving car. His girlfriend makes a split second decision to have him injected with something known as Lazarus Serum. The Serum will bring him back to life, but will also make him one of The Returned. The Returned, or Pales as they're more commonly called thanks to their colorless skin and hair, are the lowest rung of the social ladder. They're treated like outcasts and are stripped of their belongings and forced into the slums. Jed has always believed Pales were beneath him, but now that he is one, he's forced to learn some hard lessons about treating people differently based on what they look like.
I can be pretty picky when it comes to juvenile and young adult fiction because I consider it to be such an important time frame when it comes to getting young people interested in reading. I'm hard to please at times, but let me say this - I loved this book.
Right off the bat, I was surprised by how dark and engaging the writing is. The prose manages to be descriptive without going overboard. It's easy to picture what's happening without stumbling over words - a trait I consider to be very important for books aimed at this particular age group. The Author doesn't shy away from describing things that might not be "age appropriate" and it really strengthens the story and makes you feel for the characters when the slums and violence against the Pales are mentioned.
I believed Jed might be a difficult character to relate to but it's easy to sink into his shoes as an outsider even among outsiders. You really feel his frustration and disbelief as his friends and family pull away from him based solely on the fact he looks different now. You feel his surprise and joy when the other Pales accept him and look after him. He manages to grow as a character and turn into someone you might like to know. A great feat for a book less than 100 pages long.
My only complaint is that the book seemed to end suddenly and without really wrapping up all the loose ends in the story, especially when it comes to the secondary characters, but overall this is still a great read that I would happily suggest to a young reader or someone looking for a light, but engaging story.
I got a copy of this one as an ARC through NetGalley.
Jed seems to have it all. He's got a loyal group of friends, a hot girlfriend and a powerful lawyer father, but that all changes when he shoves his girlfriend out of the path of a moving car. His girlfriend makes a split second decision to have him injected with something known as Lazarus Serum. The Serum will bring him back to life, but will also make him one of The Returned. The Returned, or Pales as they're more commonly called thanks to their colorless skin and hair, are the lowest rung of the social ladder. They're treated like outcasts and are stripped of their belongings and forced into the slums. Jed has always believed Pales were beneath him, but now that he is one, he's forced to learn some hard lessons about treating people differently based on what they look like.
I can be pretty picky when it comes to juvenile and young adult fiction because I consider it to be such an important time frame when it comes to getting young people interested in reading. I'm hard to please at times, but let me say this - I loved this book.
Right off the bat, I was surprised by how dark and engaging the writing is. The prose manages to be descriptive without going overboard. It's easy to picture what's happening without stumbling over words - a trait I consider to be very important for books aimed at this particular age group. The Author doesn't shy away from describing things that might not be "age appropriate" and it really strengthens the story and makes you feel for the characters when the slums and violence against the Pales are mentioned.
I believed Jed might be a difficult character to relate to but it's easy to sink into his shoes as an outsider even among outsiders. You really feel his frustration and disbelief as his friends and family pull away from him based solely on the fact he looks different now. You feel his surprise and joy when the other Pales accept him and look after him. He manages to grow as a character and turn into someone you might like to know. A great feat for a book less than 100 pages long.
My only complaint is that the book seemed to end suddenly and without really wrapping up all the loose ends in the story, especially when it comes to the secondary characters, but overall this is still a great read that I would happily suggest to a young reader or someone looking for a light, but engaging story.
January 31, 2013
It's funny that I would read this now, as it has to do with the living dead and well, given my current shuffling gait and the moans with which I wander in search of brains..I mean food...I get hungry when I'm sick. Food. Not brains. I don't eat brains...
Anyway, as a quick review, "Pale" is a High-Low book (something I am DELIGHTED by as there aren't enough books written at a low reading level for teens to enjoy. Especially in topics that they're interested in. So for anyone liking dystopic or zombies or even just for a solid read on bullying and consequences and true friendship...yeah this book has it.
Not that I liked the main character. He drove me nuts until somewhere in the last few pages where I decided I really didn't want him to get what he deserved, I wanted him to be a better...person?
The story takes place in a future where the newly dead can be revived with an injection that will leave them...pale. And oh, their hearts don't beat - they're still more dead than alive. But yet...still are themselves. Just no longer accepted by society.
I find myself thinking about the deeper messages here. About how we hang onto things that aren't healthy for anyone to hold onto, and then become resentful of the things we're trying to hold onto.
Maybe I get too introspective when I'm sick and I'm seeing more than is there. But all in all, this was a solid read and one I would highly recommend. Especially if you have a teen struggling with reading. They'll enjoy the story, and you'll enjoy the fact that as a paperback you can find it for about $6.95 which is a bargain when it comes to high-low books.
That's it, I'm shuffling back to bed.
BRAAAAAAAAAINS!
Anyway, as a quick review, "Pale" is a High-Low book (something I am DELIGHTED by as there aren't enough books written at a low reading level for teens to enjoy. Especially in topics that they're interested in. So for anyone liking dystopic or zombies or even just for a solid read on bullying and consequences and true friendship...yeah this book has it.
Not that I liked the main character. He drove me nuts until somewhere in the last few pages where I decided I really didn't want him to get what he deserved, I wanted him to be a better...person?
The story takes place in a future where the newly dead can be revived with an injection that will leave them...pale. And oh, their hearts don't beat - they're still more dead than alive. But yet...still are themselves. Just no longer accepted by society.
I find myself thinking about the deeper messages here. About how we hang onto things that aren't healthy for anyone to hold onto, and then become resentful of the things we're trying to hold onto.
Maybe I get too introspective when I'm sick and I'm seeing more than is there. But all in all, this was a solid read and one I would highly recommend. Especially if you have a teen struggling with reading. They'll enjoy the story, and you'll enjoy the fact that as a paperback you can find it for about $6.95 which is a bargain when it comes to high-low books.
That's it, I'm shuffling back to bed.
BRAAAAAAAAAINS!
April 13, 2013
This is a book written in very simple prose, I believe aimed at teens who are struggling with reading. It's a short story, and has a somewhat interesting premise. However, possibly in the interest of keeping it short, there is a lot that is not explored thoroughly enough for my tastes. It opens with the main character, Jed, and his best friend beating up a kid known as a "Pale". Pale is the derogatory nickname given to the "Returned", or people who died and were brought back to life with the Lazarus Serum. The Serum bleaches out people's skin, hair and eyes, hence the name. I think this story had potential, but it really wasn't realized. I will explain why below, after the spoiler break...
**spoilers**
The part of the story I found most lacking is an explanation of the logic involved in bringing these people back from the dead. Only people of certain blood types can use the serum. And, when people are "returned", they are still considered dead, and they are discriminated against and ghettoized - lawyers specialize in taking away their worldly possessions and giving them to their "surviving" family members, as dead people can't keep their own property... What??? Why would anyone choose to have their family members/friends resurrected, knowing that they face this? Why would loving family members take away people's possessions and livelihoods just because they're "Returned"? It really did not make any sense to me that people would keep using a serum that led to this sort of situation. I know it's an allegory, but I needed more convincing than the book gave that this would actually happen.
**spoilers**
The part of the story I found most lacking is an explanation of the logic involved in bringing these people back from the dead. Only people of certain blood types can use the serum. And, when people are "returned", they are still considered dead, and they are discriminated against and ghettoized - lawyers specialize in taking away their worldly possessions and giving them to their "surviving" family members, as dead people can't keep their own property... What??? Why would anyone choose to have their family members/friends resurrected, knowing that they face this? Why would loving family members take away people's possessions and livelihoods just because they're "Returned"? It really did not make any sense to me that people would keep using a serum that led to this sort of situation. I know it's an allegory, but I needed more convincing than the book gave that this would actually happen.
July 25, 2012
pale got my attention from the
beginning till the end .
at first i thought when i first saw this.
it is vampires or something else .
but god when i start reading this
im impressed it not about vampires or something else .
jed is a normal living human that beat's
a pale(from being dead they lived again and becomes
what a zombie ?nope they just regenerate i guess)
one day jed and his girlfriend sadie goes for a movie
and that is the day when he chage
for a normal human to being a pale .
i feel betrayal and lost in this book
not only for jed but all the other pale's too .
although this is a fast read i love this
definitely one of my favorite books for this year.
many Thanks again to netgalley and Stoke books for this one.
beginning till the end .
at first i thought when i first saw this.
it is vampires or something else .
but god when i start reading this
im impressed it not about vampires or something else .
jed is a normal living human that beat's
a pale(from being dead they lived again and becomes
what a zombie ?nope they just regenerate i guess)
one day jed and his girlfriend sadie goes for a movie
and that is the day when he chage
for a normal human to being a pale .
i feel betrayal and lost in this book
not only for jed but all the other pale's too .
although this is a fast read i love this
definitely one of my favorite books for this year.
many Thanks again to netgalley and Stoke books for this one.
April 21, 2022
So in my opinion the pale book was actually one of the interesting and expressing books that I had read at school and I Also I think the book was very friendly when treating people the way you would like to be treated, and what you look like doesn’t matter in friendships. The main character Jed becomes a pale. As a human he beat Pales up. He learns that sometimes things happen for a reason. And learns to live without his stubborn friends and to live with his new family the group of Pales .
July 24, 2012
-For Itching for Books: http://itchingforbooks.blogspot.com/2...
First of all, I had no idea this author wrote so many novels. That's cool. And the genres in which he writes in are some of my favorite so that's a plus as well.
Now, with that aside, let's talk about the awesomeness of this great but short lived story.
Pale was interesting from beginning to end, no matter how quick. I know I'm stressing on its lightness but that's only because it was so entertaining that it should have gone on longer. I loved the premise on which the story's built. Wooding wasn't just describing a world where people "returned" from the dead, but he also detailed how they were treated, not as people, but as irrelevant and unwanted in society. There's definitely the aspect of bullying; in fact, the main character, Jed, enabled and participated in bullying along with his friends. Funny how the tables turn on him. I believe the appropriate verbage is "KARMA."
Jed had a lot going for him. He came from a well-off kind of family, and he had a blossoming relationship with Sadie, his girlfriend. It was all good up till one terrible moment took everything away from him. Jed is brought back into a form he's dreaded for so long. "...I'd rather die" was his final remark before his dramatic return.
After which, everyone he thought loved and cared about him changed. He was no longer accepted within his family, and his friends turned their backs on him. Even his girlfriend, bitch, the one who had something to do with his situation, was too ashamed to be seen with him. Indeed, everything was going downhill until Jed started connecting with the Pales and learning more about their group.
His new found friendship will change his views on a lot of things, and suddenly Jed becomes more understandable, tolerable to the people he formerly loathed.
This is a story that I believed was another dystopian/romance focused but once I got into it that completely faded. Again, my only disappointment is how short it was because I truly enjoyed it. My question is, will there be a spin-off or some sort of continuation?
First of all, I had no idea this author wrote so many novels. That's cool. And the genres in which he writes in are some of my favorite so that's a plus as well.
Now, with that aside, let's talk about the awesomeness of this great but short lived story.
Pale was interesting from beginning to end, no matter how quick. I know I'm stressing on its lightness but that's only because it was so entertaining that it should have gone on longer. I loved the premise on which the story's built. Wooding wasn't just describing a world where people "returned" from the dead, but he also detailed how they were treated, not as people, but as irrelevant and unwanted in society. There's definitely the aspect of bullying; in fact, the main character, Jed, enabled and participated in bullying along with his friends. Funny how the tables turn on him. I believe the appropriate verbage is "KARMA."
Jed had a lot going for him. He came from a well-off kind of family, and he had a blossoming relationship with Sadie, his girlfriend. It was all good up till one terrible moment took everything away from him. Jed is brought back into a form he's dreaded for so long. "...I'd rather die" was his final remark before his dramatic return.
After which, everyone he thought loved and cared about him changed. He was no longer accepted within his family, and his friends turned their backs on him. Even his girlfriend, bitch, the one who had something to do with his situation, was too ashamed to be seen with him. Indeed, everything was going downhill until Jed started connecting with the Pales and learning more about their group.
His new found friendship will change his views on a lot of things, and suddenly Jed becomes more understandable, tolerable to the people he formerly loathed.
This is a story that I believed was another dystopian/romance focused but once I got into it that completely faded. Again, my only disappointment is how short it was because I truly enjoyed it. My question is, will there be a spin-off or some sort of continuation?
September 1, 2012
I received this title from NetGalley and was intrigued by their header that the book was written for an older audience but written at a level for much younger readers. The book is probably written at a third or fourth grade level, but the content is intended for teenagers. The basis of the novella is that certain blood types are able to be brought back to life by an injection commonly called the Lazarus Serum. The people brought back are physically different: their skin becomes pale as does their hair and eyes. The description is similar to what an albino person looks like, but even more pale. The people brought back by the Lazarus Serum are called Pales and are separated from the rest of society. They are dead and have almost no rights other than being able to attend school.
It took some getting used to the writing style of the short, choppy, simple sentences. It actually almost made me quit reading the book, but since it was only about 70-80 pages on my Kindle app, I finished it, and I am glad I did. Though it is short, it was very thought provoking. I could see how the Pales were treated and separated, living in slums, as very reminiscent of how the Jews were treated for years and how every minority is treated. It raised many questions not only for how minorities and those viewed as different or alien are treated, but how easy it is to go along with the crowd. Before he is a pale, Jed beats up Pales with his best friend. Jed goes along with everyone, doing things no decent human being would do. But it raises the question of what a person could do when going with the majority and never questioning why anything is done or why it is the way it is. For that reason, I think that's why the book was written at a lower level, because Jed thinks on about a fourth grade level.
Overall, I enjoyed the novella though there were things about it I didn't like, mainly the fourth grade reading level, but I'm willing to overlook it. I became interested and invested in the characters and would enjoy reading a sequel, if there ever was one.
It took some getting used to the writing style of the short, choppy, simple sentences. It actually almost made me quit reading the book, but since it was only about 70-80 pages on my Kindle app, I finished it, and I am glad I did. Though it is short, it was very thought provoking. I could see how the Pales were treated and separated, living in slums, as very reminiscent of how the Jews were treated for years and how every minority is treated. It raised many questions not only for how minorities and those viewed as different or alien are treated, but how easy it is to go along with the crowd. Before he is a pale, Jed beats up Pales with his best friend. Jed goes along with everyone, doing things no decent human being would do. But it raises the question of what a person could do when going with the majority and never questioning why anything is done or why it is the way it is. For that reason, I think that's why the book was written at a lower level, because Jed thinks on about a fourth grade level.
Overall, I enjoyed the novella though there were things about it I didn't like, mainly the fourth grade reading level, but I'm willing to overlook it. I became interested and invested in the characters and would enjoy reading a sequel, if there ever was one.
August 30, 2012
I read this in about half an hour sitting in the pub waiting for my boyfriend to turn up from work (I was very early).
Interesting and very easy read. The main protagonist though, Jed, is fairly unlikeable throughout the short story/novella. The story opens up with he and his friends beating up a 'Pale' - someone who is dead but not dead dead. Not necessarily a zombie or vampire either though, the Lazurus Serum allows those with the correct blood type to be brought back from the dead provided it has been administered as soon as first death occurs. The serum allows people to live again but the heart does not beat but they basically can carry on as normal. Normal except they are not accepted by the general society who has shunned them and forces them to live in a slum area.
The story is fairly predictable to be honest. It starts with Jed's prejudices and then his acceptance once the tables are turned. Even then his character never really grows out of its bullying nature and is still deplorable.
There is great scope for this story; through expansion from the author to give more detail about the serum itself and its effect on those it is used on, the treatment of the Pales/Returned and how they function in a society that no longer wants them, but most importantly, with some deeper character development, Jed could become emphatic towards the reader. As the story stands, although I enjoyed reading it and found it interesting, I did not empathise with any of the characters in the slightest.
An advance reader copy was kindly supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.
Interesting and very easy read. The main protagonist though, Jed, is fairly unlikeable throughout the short story/novella. The story opens up with he and his friends beating up a 'Pale' - someone who is dead but not dead dead. Not necessarily a zombie or vampire either though, the Lazurus Serum allows those with the correct blood type to be brought back from the dead provided it has been administered as soon as first death occurs. The serum allows people to live again but the heart does not beat but they basically can carry on as normal. Normal except they are not accepted by the general society who has shunned them and forces them to live in a slum area.
The story is fairly predictable to be honest. It starts with Jed's prejudices and then his acceptance once the tables are turned. Even then his character never really grows out of its bullying nature and is still deplorable.
There is great scope for this story; through expansion from the author to give more detail about the serum itself and its effect on those it is used on, the treatment of the Pales/Returned and how they function in a society that no longer wants them, but most importantly, with some deeper character development, Jed could become emphatic towards the reader. As the story stands, although I enjoyed reading it and found it interesting, I did not empathise with any of the characters in the slightest.
An advance reader copy was kindly supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.
July 21, 2017
Also posted on my blog at http://snugglingonthesofa.wordpress.c...
‘Pale‘ by Chris Wooding is part of a series aimed at children with dyslexia, or have trouble or lack of enthusiasm with reading. Thus, it is quite a short book. I thought the ideas behind the book were good. Its nice to see a book in this category with fantasy elements.
The premise is that when someone dies, if they are injected straight away with a serum then they can come back to life as a Pale. However, they look different. As such, they are treated differently by society. Most Pales live in a place called the Graveyard, and are stripped of their wealth and belongings. Jed, a popular boy, despises Pales, like the rest of his classmates. However, when he saves his girlfriend from being hit by a car, he becomes one. And so he gets to see what life is like on the other side.
Although I enjoyed the fantasy aspect, it is also very clear how this book relates to real life; bullying, segregation and thankfulness. Therefore I think this book is appropriate for children/teenagers, as there is a strong message they can take away. Furthermore, the action in this book makes it a good read.
I’m going to give it 4 sofas as it wasn’t really long enough for me, but I think it is perfect for its target audience. And the cover is good too!
‘Pale‘ by Chris Wooding is part of a series aimed at children with dyslexia, or have trouble or lack of enthusiasm with reading. Thus, it is quite a short book. I thought the ideas behind the book were good. Its nice to see a book in this category with fantasy elements.
The premise is that when someone dies, if they are injected straight away with a serum then they can come back to life as a Pale. However, they look different. As such, they are treated differently by society. Most Pales live in a place called the Graveyard, and are stripped of their wealth and belongings. Jed, a popular boy, despises Pales, like the rest of his classmates. However, when he saves his girlfriend from being hit by a car, he becomes one. And so he gets to see what life is like on the other side.
Although I enjoyed the fantasy aspect, it is also very clear how this book relates to real life; bullying, segregation and thankfulness. Therefore I think this book is appropriate for children/teenagers, as there is a strong message they can take away. Furthermore, the action in this book makes it a good read.
I’m going to give it 4 sofas as it wasn’t really long enough for me, but I think it is perfect for its target audience. And the cover is good too!
July 29, 2012
I read this in an hour which I think is awesome. The book is only 72 pages but feels like a full novel. Note that this is not a SHORT STORY people need to research what a short story is before they say something. This is a NOVELLA. I hated the main character, but in a good way. He was supposed to come off as a mean kid and his friends were worse. To me, this story was very unique and I enjoyed it. It was interesting to see the Pales treated like most Gay and Black citizens are treated, segregation is a bitch. I would say that if a kid read this they'd learn a lesson and I like that about this book. I also really enjoyed the supernatural side to this book. How Pales are people who have died but have come back because of a serum. It was very unique and different. So check it out if you get the chance. One thing I really like is that the book will be available in September in Paperback and eBook form. It's a short book but I think even if a book is under 100 pages it should be in paperback too. That way everyone can enjoy it.
Thanks to NetGalley for this e-Arc.
and thanks to Rachel for letting me know where to get this book!
Check out her YouTube channel here: http://www.youtube.com/user/ForTheLov...
-R.D.
Thanks to NetGalley for this e-Arc.
and thanks to Rachel for letting me know where to get this book!
Check out her YouTube channel here: http://www.youtube.com/user/ForTheLov...
-R.D.
March 19, 2023
This book was a great way of showing a perspective of a bully. He didn't have a care in the world on the Pales he was assaulting, but it was a good way on introducing people to karma. He of course becomes a pale himself and see's the world in a pales perspective. It was great how they did that.
My only criticism really is that Jed was so determined on turning his girlfriend into a pale. But overall, it was great...
But, a year after I read it in my school, someone felt like reporting it. Bear in mind, this book is for eleven and up. And for the most idiotic reason it got banned: because it had the word arson in it. I got really annoyed when I found out it got banned from the school because of her. Who knew slowflakes from American libraries are spreading to British schools?!
Sorry, I'm just really annoyed about it. If people are going to think in that mind-set, then they'll hardly be ANY good books to read.
So, what do you guys think of the person who felt like reporting this book for the dumbest reason?
My only criticism really is that Jed was so determined on turning his girlfriend into a pale. But overall, it was great...
But, a year after I read it in my school, someone felt like reporting it. Bear in mind, this book is for eleven and up. And for the most idiotic reason it got banned: because it had the word arson in it. I got really annoyed when I found out it got banned from the school because of her. Who knew slowflakes from American libraries are spreading to British schools?!
Sorry, I'm just really annoyed about it. If people are going to think in that mind-set, then they'll hardly be ANY good books to read.
So, what do you guys think of the person who felt like reporting this book for the dumbest reason?
November 23, 2011
Pale is a dystopian novel about a world where dying does not necessarily has to mean the end of one's life, but as always in these type of settings the cure (aptly titled Lazarus Serum) comes with unwanted side effects.
Instead of focusing on the Serum and providing the reader with information as to how it effects (or doesn't effect) the body this book focuses on friendship and bullying and ticks all the age appropriate boxes (in other words, when you're a big bully karma will come and bite you in the ass).
While the bully storyline is the book's biggest asset, the lack of explanations because of this is also its major flaw. It leaves the reader with a lot of questions, for instance how is it that the heart of a Pale doesn't beat anymore, yet they still feel cold/warmth and can bleed (to death, perhaps)? A little more thought put into this would've easily made this a 4 star novel.
Instead of focusing on the Serum and providing the reader with information as to how it effects (or doesn't effect) the body this book focuses on friendship and bullying and ticks all the age appropriate boxes (in other words, when you're a big bully karma will come and bite you in the ass).
While the bully storyline is the book's biggest asset, the lack of explanations because of this is also its major flaw. It leaves the reader with a lot of questions, for instance how is it that the heart of a Pale doesn't beat anymore, yet they still feel cold/warmth and can bleed (to death, perhaps)? A little more thought put into this would've easily made this a 4 star novel.
May 19, 2013
I decided to read this book as the cover page looked quite odd and the blurb at the back made this book look very interesting.
The box on the bingo board this book fills is "A Book With A Male Main Character" This category is interesting as I hardly read any books from the perspective of a male.
My favourite quote from this book was "She doesn't deserve to be one of us" This was my favourite quote as Jed finally decided finally made the right decision to not make Sadie, his girlfriend into a pale.
Something new that I learnt from this book is that always help others even when they are in need even though they weren't any help to you.
My favourite character was David. He was interesting as he forgives Jed for all the cruel things Jed had done to him and when he was turned into a pale, David accepted him and decided to be his new friend.
The box on the bingo board this book fills is "A Book With A Male Main Character" This category is interesting as I hardly read any books from the perspective of a male.
My favourite quote from this book was "She doesn't deserve to be one of us" This was my favourite quote as Jed finally decided finally made the right decision to not make Sadie, his girlfriend into a pale.
Something new that I learnt from this book is that always help others even when they are in need even though they weren't any help to you.
My favourite character was David. He was interesting as he forgives Jed for all the cruel things Jed had done to him and when he was turned into a pale, David accepted him and decided to be his new friend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2013
This book is intended for reluctant or struggling readers or children with dyslexia.
Pale is too short to really get meaty, but what was here had a good twist on ya paranormal stories about being brought back to life and its downfalls.
A young boy, who enjoyed bullying the 'pales' who were once live children, but had died and been brought back to life with a miracle drug learns what its like to be treated so badly by small-minded peers.
A good, solid short read, with an appeal to a larger-than-target audience. Well done!
This copy was provided by NetGalley and Stoke Books (Distributed by Lerner Publisher Services) in exchange for an honest review.
Pale is too short to really get meaty, but what was here had a good twist on ya paranormal stories about being brought back to life and its downfalls.
A young boy, who enjoyed bullying the 'pales' who were once live children, but had died and been brought back to life with a miracle drug learns what its like to be treated so badly by small-minded peers.
A good, solid short read, with an appeal to a larger-than-target audience. Well done!
This copy was provided by NetGalley and Stoke Books (Distributed by Lerner Publisher Services) in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2013
This whole novella can be summed up in one word. KARMA. In fact, Jed’s teacher uses just that word when the unthinkable happens to Jed. Jed used to think he was better than the Pales. He used to think that they were below scum. That changed – when he became one. I was thoroughly entertained by this story but I wish that the narration was a bit more advanced. It’s written at a MG level and I think that this story could of been even more awesome as a YA…and as a novel. I could of easily read another hundred pages. Very enjoyable and very dark.
July 12, 2014
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/mini-rev...
This was a novella, so a quick read. The premise was intriguing, and I liked the whole plot about the Lazarus Serum. Jed, the main character, goes through some real changes, and has to make tough moral decisions. The book moves fast, sometimes too fast, skipping over the consequences of some of Jed’s decisions. It would’ve worked better if the plot had been expanded upon more, and turned into a full-length novel.
This was a novella, so a quick read. The premise was intriguing, and I liked the whole plot about the Lazarus Serum. Jed, the main character, goes through some real changes, and has to make tough moral decisions. The book moves fast, sometimes too fast, skipping over the consequences of some of Jed’s decisions. It would’ve worked better if the plot had been expanded upon more, and turned into a full-length novel.
June 21, 2016
I was highly impressed with Pale. This book is a hi-lo, high interest, low reading level for struggling and reluctant readers. There are so few hi-lo books published with this type of YA appeal. Teachers are begging for them. Which is why I was saddened to see so many poor reviews here. I wonder if the reviewers understood the intent of this book.
January 29, 2014
It was an amazing concept but the execution did not live up to what it could have been. It is very low level reading but targeted for older teens. Maybe someone else would like this but for me it just wasn't my cup of tea.
July 20, 2024
I’m impressed by what the author achieved in only 70 pages. This book should be a school assignment.
Besides, the concept is pretty interesting and deserves a full length novel in my opinion.
Besides, the concept is pretty interesting and deserves a full length novel in my opinion.
September 4, 2012
I’m pretty sure that from now on, I should be more careful before choosing the next books I’m going to read. I was eager to start reading Pale, expecting, of course, a novel. And when I began reading, I discovered a novella instead ^_^ Even so, reading Pale was a real pleasure and I don’t regret a second the time I spent. Especially that I only needed about an hour to finish it.. The only thing I feel sorry about is the fact that such an interesting idea was presented somehow superficial, in only 70 pages, when it could have become a much more captivating novel.
Pale covers the forever fascinating subject of immortality. This time, the attempt to fight death is represented by the Lazarus Serum, which offers the possibility to come back from the dead to a small category of people. But the adverse effects of the serum and the irony that only a few people fill the natural criteria to benefit from this new discovery are shaping huge debates and also a general feeling of hate for the ones that returned from death. Despite the fact that the Pales remain the exact same persons they were before dying (keeping their cognitive abilities, their memories and their behavior), their altered appearance determines the society to reject and brutalize them. And an unaspicious legislation makes their new lives even more difficult. The myths and the superstitions are the next to come – the fear, the envy and the ignorance being the trigger to a real war against the returned ones.
On this background we meet Jed and his friends, a group of children that absorbed from the adults the whole chord of thoughts and reactions against the Pales. And when one of the kids finds himself on the other side of the fence, the reader’s vision transfers in an opposite angle. We have now a different perception over the world, right from the inside of the Pales’ community and the society’s cruelty is highlighted even more. The concept of family is ruined, the friends become enemies and the ones we were seeing until now in a dark or at least in an unclear light become the only comfort for the main character.
The story makes you think about Pandora’s box. The Pales are the trigger of the negative feelings’ explosion: hate, revenge, envy, cruelty, vanity, abuse. But in the same time, they remain the only symbol of hope, the last bit of gentleness, kindness and harmony. Unlike other books where the living dead are usually the villains, in Pale, the roles are reversed. The humanity only lies in the hearts of the living dead, while the normal humans lost any trace of humaneness.
Pros:
- The author’s style is remarkable, blending the childish tone and the infantile perception over the events with a well hidden cold and sharp touch. Although the novella is considered to be Young Adult, there are some deeper meanings, hidden between the lines.
Cons:
- Because of the limited number of pages, a lot of important details were not clarified, so the reader remains with some questions that don’t receive an explanation. Also, the novella’s storyline could have been extended, in order to become a premise for a more complex plot.
Pale covers the forever fascinating subject of immortality. This time, the attempt to fight death is represented by the Lazarus Serum, which offers the possibility to come back from the dead to a small category of people. But the adverse effects of the serum and the irony that only a few people fill the natural criteria to benefit from this new discovery are shaping huge debates and also a general feeling of hate for the ones that returned from death. Despite the fact that the Pales remain the exact same persons they were before dying (keeping their cognitive abilities, their memories and their behavior), their altered appearance determines the society to reject and brutalize them. And an unaspicious legislation makes their new lives even more difficult. The myths and the superstitions are the next to come – the fear, the envy and the ignorance being the trigger to a real war against the returned ones.
On this background we meet Jed and his friends, a group of children that absorbed from the adults the whole chord of thoughts and reactions against the Pales. And when one of the kids finds himself on the other side of the fence, the reader’s vision transfers in an opposite angle. We have now a different perception over the world, right from the inside of the Pales’ community and the society’s cruelty is highlighted even more. The concept of family is ruined, the friends become enemies and the ones we were seeing until now in a dark or at least in an unclear light become the only comfort for the main character.
The story makes you think about Pandora’s box. The Pales are the trigger of the negative feelings’ explosion: hate, revenge, envy, cruelty, vanity, abuse. But in the same time, they remain the only symbol of hope, the last bit of gentleness, kindness and harmony. Unlike other books where the living dead are usually the villains, in Pale, the roles are reversed. The humanity only lies in the hearts of the living dead, while the normal humans lost any trace of humaneness.
Pros:
- The author’s style is remarkable, blending the childish tone and the infantile perception over the events with a well hidden cold and sharp touch. Although the novella is considered to be Young Adult, there are some deeper meanings, hidden between the lines.
Cons:
- Because of the limited number of pages, a lot of important details were not clarified, so the reader remains with some questions that don’t receive an explanation. Also, the novella’s storyline could have been extended, in order to become a premise for a more complex plot.
August 22, 2012
In the Chris Wooding's world, when people die, or they're hurt so badly, they get Lazarus Serum. This Serum can bring them back to life. But just in they're "freshly" dead. Serum can't bring to life people, who are dead for a long time. But when you get Lazarus Serum, you're going to change into a Pale. A Pale is a person, who got a white skin, white hair, even white and terrifying eyes. Pales needn't breath, and their heart doesn't beat. People are saying, that Pales, can live forever.
But every single Pale have really hard life. They have no rights, no property and even no respectable home. Kids are cruel. So very Pale kid is in school bullied. They hang out in group where are only Pale kids, 'cause normal kids loot at them like they're some kind of mess. But they're not. Maybe they are different - at outside. Inside, they're the same, like they were before they died.
It looks, like that Jed has everything. With his girlfriend - Sandie - they are together for two years. He's got a best friend Kyle. He's got a perfect dad. He can do everything with him, they spend a lot of time together. Jed's dad is Afterlife lawyer. He fight against Pales - he's a "big man" - very important for normal people.
But when Jed surprisingly died - Lazarus Serum brought him back to life - as a Pale. Everything in his life is suddenly different. Dad can't even look at him - god, he is Afterlife lawyer! His mom's still crying. And his best friend suddenly hate him. And his girlfriend...
This is really, really short story. My ebook had 37 pages. That is why this book could not be better than it is. Autor's idea was really amazing and interesting. If he worked more on this one, he could write longer story. He could worked more on the characters, and the story could be more elaborate. I think, that with this idea, autor could do much better.
Although it was really short. I liked it. BUT! When I finally get into the story, it was over. What a pity. Even in such a short time, Jed's character passed through change. At the start, he was such a jerk, he hated everyone just because of their look. But then, he could appreciate even a behavior of people.
I would recommend it to everyone, who's looking for some short but interesting story.
Thanks belongs to NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for ARC ebook.
But every single Pale have really hard life. They have no rights, no property and even no respectable home. Kids are cruel. So very Pale kid is in school bullied. They hang out in group where are only Pale kids, 'cause normal kids loot at them like they're some kind of mess. But they're not. Maybe they are different - at outside. Inside, they're the same, like they were before they died.
It looks, like that Jed has everything. With his girlfriend - Sandie - they are together for two years. He's got a best friend Kyle. He's got a perfect dad. He can do everything with him, they spend a lot of time together. Jed's dad is Afterlife lawyer. He fight against Pales - he's a "big man" - very important for normal people.
But when Jed surprisingly died - Lazarus Serum brought him back to life - as a Pale. Everything in his life is suddenly different. Dad can't even look at him - god, he is Afterlife lawyer! His mom's still crying. And his best friend suddenly hate him. And his girlfriend...
This is really, really short story. My ebook had 37 pages. That is why this book could not be better than it is. Autor's idea was really amazing and interesting. If he worked more on this one, he could write longer story. He could worked more on the characters, and the story could be more elaborate. I think, that with this idea, autor could do much better.
Although it was really short. I liked it. BUT! When I finally get into the story, it was over. What a pity. Even in such a short time, Jed's character passed through change. At the start, he was such a jerk, he hated everyone just because of their look. But then, he could appreciate even a behavior of people.
I would recommend it to everyone, who's looking for some short but interesting story.
Thanks belongs to NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for ARC ebook.
August 6, 2012
I got an eGalley of this book to review through NetGalley.com. It was a super quick read that addressed an interesting concept in a simple way. This definitely wasn’t my favorite read by Chris Wooding; I much preferred his Malice series or some of his stand alone books like Poison and Storm Thief.
Jed is friends with a bunch of boys who hate and bully Pales. Pales are people who are given a serum after dying that brings them back to life, after being brought to life they are very Pale in color. When Jed is part of a horrible accident he ends becoming exactly what he hates.
I didn’t realize that this book is kind of a specialty book; it’s supposed to be a high interest book for older readers who have trouble reading. As such some of the things in the book are intended for a YA and older crowd; but the plot, characters, and writing are very simple.
The idea of Pales is a neat one. Basically some people have DNA that allows them to take a serum after dying, this serum brings them back to life mostly unchanged.
The main character is fairly simple; he’s your typical popular bully. His friends are very typical of the type of people who hang around bullies. You don’t really see a lot more depth in Jed’s character until he is turned into a Pale.
The plot is also very simple; basically a bully becomes one of the people he used to bully and is forced to reevaluate his actions.
Despite the very simple story, characters, and writing style there is a good lesson here. Jed ends up reevaluating his actions and learning what true friendship means. I should mention that there are some graphic scenes where kids are beaten (by their peers) and this is probably only a book for YA and up.
Overall an okay book. Definitely not my favorite Chris Wooding book, but it is an interesting concept explored in a very simple way. The writing, characters, and plot are all very simple but the content of the book is at an older kid level (there’s beatings and a lot about making out/girlfriends, etc). This is a good book to interest older kids who read at a lower age level. I’d recommend this to a YA boy who reads at a middle grade or lower level.
Jed is friends with a bunch of boys who hate and bully Pales. Pales are people who are given a serum after dying that brings them back to life, after being brought to life they are very Pale in color. When Jed is part of a horrible accident he ends becoming exactly what he hates.
I didn’t realize that this book is kind of a specialty book; it’s supposed to be a high interest book for older readers who have trouble reading. As such some of the things in the book are intended for a YA and older crowd; but the plot, characters, and writing are very simple.
The idea of Pales is a neat one. Basically some people have DNA that allows them to take a serum after dying, this serum brings them back to life mostly unchanged.
The main character is fairly simple; he’s your typical popular bully. His friends are very typical of the type of people who hang around bullies. You don’t really see a lot more depth in Jed’s character until he is turned into a Pale.
The plot is also very simple; basically a bully becomes one of the people he used to bully and is forced to reevaluate his actions.
Despite the very simple story, characters, and writing style there is a good lesson here. Jed ends up reevaluating his actions and learning what true friendship means. I should mention that there are some graphic scenes where kids are beaten (by their peers) and this is probably only a book for YA and up.
Overall an okay book. Definitely not my favorite Chris Wooding book, but it is an interesting concept explored in a very simple way. The writing, characters, and plot are all very simple but the content of the book is at an older kid level (there’s beatings and a lot about making out/girlfriends, etc). This is a good book to interest older kids who read at a lower age level. I’d recommend this to a YA boy who reads at a middle grade or lower level.
April 28, 2015
If you have the right blood type and the damage to your body isn't too great, the Lazarus Serum can bring you back to life... as a Pale.
And since we humans are always searching for differences to hate people over, this causes a lot of problems in "Pale." Christopher Wooding's sci-fi novella feels like it should be expanded into a full-length novel, but it's a pretty entertaining short story on its own.
Jed has always detested the Pales, and even declares to his friends that he would rather die than come back as one. But after he dies saving his girlfriend Sadie from a runaway car, she tells the medics to give him the Lazarus Serum -- and when he wakes up, he is now a Pale.
He tries to keep living his life, but nothing is the same -- his parents can't stand the sight of him, his old friends hate him, and the only place he can live is the Graveyard, a ghetto for Pales. But as he conspires to get Sadie back, he ends up in a deadly trap by his former "friend" Kyle...
"Pale" really needs to be expanded from a short story into a novel -- in fact, it feels more like the first few chapters of a novel than a full-length short story. There's so much that I wanted to see more of, particularly since Wooding hints that the Pales will soon become numerous enough to no longer be oppressed.
Fortunately, he avoids the super-obvious parallels to racism, homophobia and other kinds of bigotry, and simply allows the cruelty against the Pales to stand on its own. Wooding's writing is snappy, spare and strong, and he moves the story along at a fast clip.
He also makes a protagonist who is, honestly, kind of a jerk -- he beats up Pales, expects to be treated nicely when he BECOMES a Pale, and then selfishly conspires to turn someone else into one. It's a credit to Wooding that he inspires any sympathy for this character at all, and he manages to slowly change Jed into a more likable person.
"Pale" left me wishing that Wooding had written a full-length book about Jed's new life, but it's a pretty strong short story on its own.
And since we humans are always searching for differences to hate people over, this causes a lot of problems in "Pale." Christopher Wooding's sci-fi novella feels like it should be expanded into a full-length novel, but it's a pretty entertaining short story on its own.
Jed has always detested the Pales, and even declares to his friends that he would rather die than come back as one. But after he dies saving his girlfriend Sadie from a runaway car, she tells the medics to give him the Lazarus Serum -- and when he wakes up, he is now a Pale.
He tries to keep living his life, but nothing is the same -- his parents can't stand the sight of him, his old friends hate him, and the only place he can live is the Graveyard, a ghetto for Pales. But as he conspires to get Sadie back, he ends up in a deadly trap by his former "friend" Kyle...
"Pale" really needs to be expanded from a short story into a novel -- in fact, it feels more like the first few chapters of a novel than a full-length short story. There's so much that I wanted to see more of, particularly since Wooding hints that the Pales will soon become numerous enough to no longer be oppressed.
Fortunately, he avoids the super-obvious parallels to racism, homophobia and other kinds of bigotry, and simply allows the cruelty against the Pales to stand on its own. Wooding's writing is snappy, spare and strong, and he moves the story along at a fast clip.
He also makes a protagonist who is, honestly, kind of a jerk -- he beats up Pales, expects to be treated nicely when he BECOMES a Pale, and then selfishly conspires to turn someone else into one. It's a credit to Wooding that he inspires any sympathy for this character at all, and he manages to slowly change Jed into a more likable person.
"Pale" left me wishing that Wooding had written a full-length book about Jed's new life, but it's a pretty strong short story on its own.
August 2, 2012
3 1/2 for me. Review appears on readinglark.blogspot.com
There are several important issues integrated into this novella.
The issue of ethics in biotechnology runs in the background, since the premise of the book is dependent upon a medical treatment known as the Lazarus serum, which is capable of revitalizing some people after they have died. It doesn't work on everyone- some people are just not biological matches, and those whose bodies are severely damaged cannot be brought back. Though it's not thoroughly discussed (mostly because the narrator is a child), the ethical undercurrent is there.
Prejudice is explored, in the form of people's ill-treatment of those who have received the Lazarus serum. Those people who have received the serum are easy to spot, since their skin, eyes and hair are all lacking much color- hence the common practice of calling them Pales. The living generally don't welcome their company; they are uncomfortable around people who no longer age, have a heartbeat, or a need to breathe. Statements are made in the book that are reminiscent of what is traditionally considered racism, such as, "You all look alike to me." The most interesting part of this treatment is that one character gets to experience both sides.
Bullying is another theme. The book opens on a scene of a Pale getting beaten up for going to school, because the other children tell him he doesn't belong there. The abuse is chronic, and all about exerting power over another. As is often true in real life, those who have the power to stop it try to do what they can, but are largely unsuccessful.
At this short length, Wooding has sparsely filled out the plot, leaving some of the intricacies to be considered by the reader without his guidance. I LOVE this as a possible classroom read, with all the discussion that could follow. It's a story that won't take you long to read, but will have you pondering the finer points for long afterward.
There are several important issues integrated into this novella.
The issue of ethics in biotechnology runs in the background, since the premise of the book is dependent upon a medical treatment known as the Lazarus serum, which is capable of revitalizing some people after they have died. It doesn't work on everyone- some people are just not biological matches, and those whose bodies are severely damaged cannot be brought back. Though it's not thoroughly discussed (mostly because the narrator is a child), the ethical undercurrent is there.
Prejudice is explored, in the form of people's ill-treatment of those who have received the Lazarus serum. Those people who have received the serum are easy to spot, since their skin, eyes and hair are all lacking much color- hence the common practice of calling them Pales. The living generally don't welcome their company; they are uncomfortable around people who no longer age, have a heartbeat, or a need to breathe. Statements are made in the book that are reminiscent of what is traditionally considered racism, such as, "You all look alike to me." The most interesting part of this treatment is that one character gets to experience both sides.
Bullying is another theme. The book opens on a scene of a Pale getting beaten up for going to school, because the other children tell him he doesn't belong there. The abuse is chronic, and all about exerting power over another. As is often true in real life, those who have the power to stop it try to do what they can, but are largely unsuccessful.
At this short length, Wooding has sparsely filled out the plot, leaving some of the intricacies to be considered by the reader without his guidance. I LOVE this as a possible classroom read, with all the discussion that could follow. It's a story that won't take you long to read, but will have you pondering the finer points for long afterward.
July 21, 2012
Pale is a cautionary tale of what happens when the persecutor becomes the persecuted. In this short story, there is a technology called The Lazarus Serum that brings people back from the dead. Mainly it can only be used in emergency cases right after someone has died. When these people come back, of course, they're spurned as outcasts and are referred to in a derogatory sense as "Pales". The main character, a boy named Jed, is one of the people who are disgusted by the Pales until he's in a fatal accident and becomes one of them himself. It reminded me a bit of the premise of the Skinned series by Robin Wasserman, except this book is definitely aimed at a much younger audience. It's written at a very young reading level, I'm talking like 5th grade reading level, and is more a lesson on bullying and acceptance than it is a contemporay dystopian/sci-fi book. Just to clear that up for anyone going into this book expecting it to be something it's not.
Now, me being familiar with the way Chris Wooding writes, this was different than what I'm used to. Like I said, it's obviously meant for younger kids to read, but I don't think he just splashed this story out with a little sci-fi on the fringes because it's trendy right now. I think he wanted to put something out there for younger kids with a good message, but give it an interesting twist with the dystopian/sci-fi element. I know that when I was younger I didn't want to read chapters full of backstory and scientific mumbo jumbo about the way the world I was reading about worked. I just wanted a good story that was easy to read. Maybe some kids these days do want more, but there's tons of other books out there for them to satiate their baby genius brains if they are so inclined. I do agree that I, personally, would have liked much more information and character development and all that jazz, and I know Chris Wooding is capable of that as an author, so I respect his decision to keep this story short and simple.
Now, me being familiar with the way Chris Wooding writes, this was different than what I'm used to. Like I said, it's obviously meant for younger kids to read, but I don't think he just splashed this story out with a little sci-fi on the fringes because it's trendy right now. I think he wanted to put something out there for younger kids with a good message, but give it an interesting twist with the dystopian/sci-fi element. I know that when I was younger I didn't want to read chapters full of backstory and scientific mumbo jumbo about the way the world I was reading about worked. I just wanted a good story that was easy to read. Maybe some kids these days do want more, but there's tons of other books out there for them to satiate their baby genius brains if they are so inclined. I do agree that I, personally, would have liked much more information and character development and all that jazz, and I know Chris Wooding is capable of that as an author, so I respect his decision to keep this story short and simple.
September 1, 2012
This novella is a quick and easy read that doesn't take a lot to process. As it states in the description, Pale is a story about a zombie-state-inducing serum called the Lazarus; but really, you could replace the word "Pale" with "gay," "chav," "nerd," or "slut," take away the science-fiction factor, and you'll have a story to pretty much the same effect. Pale is less of a story about zombies and more of one about discrimination, bullying, and what true friendship is.
That being said, it also dumbs down these aesops to practically nothing, so that you could cut and paste them into a cartoon aimed at preschoolers without losing any viewers. In this story, the main character's "friends" are bullies who ditch him at the drop of a hat as soon as he becomes a Pale - yes, without a single regret or thought to the years of friendship they'd previously shared. His girlfriend is the one who had him brought back to life, and yet she dumps him immediately after, not willing to overstep social boundaries in favor of her so-called love for her boyfriend. Along comes another Pale boy who is nice, includes him in his group, and helps him when he's in danger - and the main character henceforth claims that he now knows what true friendship is. Thus, the aesop has been established: True friends are people who do stick with you, and do not start beating you up if your appearance changes to something they're uncomfortable with.
The writing is like this as well. Simple, short sentences.
I'd recommend this for children and preteens 8-13. This novella should do well in holding the interest of that demographic. Older teens and adults, however, might find it lacking, and if they're anything like me they will be questioning the logic (or lack thereof) behind the premise and some of the character's actions.
Thanks to Netgalley.com and Stoke Books for providing me with an ARC of this book!
That being said, it also dumbs down these aesops to practically nothing, so that you could cut and paste them into a cartoon aimed at preschoolers without losing any viewers. In this story, the main character's "friends" are bullies who ditch him at the drop of a hat as soon as he becomes a Pale - yes, without a single regret or thought to the years of friendship they'd previously shared. His girlfriend is the one who had him brought back to life, and yet she dumps him immediately after, not willing to overstep social boundaries in favor of her so-called love for her boyfriend. Along comes another Pale boy who is nice, includes him in his group, and helps him when he's in danger - and the main character henceforth claims that he now knows what true friendship is. Thus, the aesop has been established: True friends are people who do stick with you, and do not start beating you up if your appearance changes to something they're uncomfortable with.
The writing is like this as well. Simple, short sentences.
I'd recommend this for children and preteens 8-13. This novella should do well in holding the interest of that demographic. Older teens and adults, however, might find it lacking, and if they're anything like me they will be questioning the logic (or lack thereof) behind the premise and some of the character's actions.
Thanks to Netgalley.com and Stoke Books for providing me with an ARC of this book!
January 29, 2013
*****YOU CAN READ THIS REVIEW AND MORE ON Corralling Books ******
What would you feel like to come back to life, after you've died? That's what this book, Pale, by Chris Wooding is about. It tells the tale of Jed, who has recently died and come back to life using the Lazarus Serum. It was a really interesting idea for me to read, with Wooding's take on the living dead.
This story can be rather controversial, with the idea of someone coming back to life. I feel that Wooding has done a good job of not delving too much into the controversial issues, such as religion, only mentioning them in passing.
Wooding as clearly thought out all the problems that a person would face if they had come back to life. Religious people would discriminate them, believing it is wrong for a person to live beyond their time. Their different looks would provoke others to bully them. They are considered dead, so most or all of their possessions are usually taken away from them.
I sympathised with the main character, Jed. Wooding writes about Jed's feelings in a clear, unflinching way. This way of writing appeals to our human nature, and makes us sympathise strongly with Jed and his transition into his new status in life.
This book was short, far too short for my liking. This is just my personal opinion though. I would've liked to see Jed face a few more problems and for him to mature out a bit longer. The conclusion was quite unrealistic, as I felt that Jed could not have matured that quickly (the span of a week) to make his hard decison in turning Sadie to a Pale or leaving her to fully die.
I rate this book a definite 4.5 stars out of 5. I only wish it had been more elaborate, but it is aimed to be for low-reading level readers. But in the end, this all really didn't count, as I really loved how well thought out this book was!
(I got a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
What would you feel like to come back to life, after you've died? That's what this book, Pale, by Chris Wooding is about. It tells the tale of Jed, who has recently died and come back to life using the Lazarus Serum. It was a really interesting idea for me to read, with Wooding's take on the living dead.
This story can be rather controversial, with the idea of someone coming back to life. I feel that Wooding has done a good job of not delving too much into the controversial issues, such as religion, only mentioning them in passing.
Wooding as clearly thought out all the problems that a person would face if they had come back to life. Religious people would discriminate them, believing it is wrong for a person to live beyond their time. Their different looks would provoke others to bully them. They are considered dead, so most or all of their possessions are usually taken away from them.
I sympathised with the main character, Jed. Wooding writes about Jed's feelings in a clear, unflinching way. This way of writing appeals to our human nature, and makes us sympathise strongly with Jed and his transition into his new status in life.
This book was short, far too short for my liking. This is just my personal opinion though. I would've liked to see Jed face a few more problems and for him to mature out a bit longer. The conclusion was quite unrealistic, as I felt that Jed could not have matured that quickly (the span of a week) to make his hard decison in turning Sadie to a Pale or leaving her to fully die.
I rate this book a definite 4.5 stars out of 5. I only wish it had been more elaborate, but it is aimed to be for low-reading level readers. But in the end, this all really didn't count, as I really loved how well thought out this book was!
(I got a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
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