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Truancy #2
Truancy City
As a new threat arises from outside the walls of the City, the warring Truants and Educators must join forces or be destroyed. The fate of the City is determined at last in this long-awaited conclusion to the Truancy trilogy.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published November 13, 2012
8 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
About the author
Isamu Fukui
7 books53 followersIsamu Fukui is a student at New York University in New York City. His first novel, Truancy, was published to rave reviews and garnered significant publicity, including two interviews on National Public Radio and features in The New York Daily News and Esquire.com.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 10, 2020
If I had to choose three words to describe this book: grisly, graphic, and overwhelming. It reads like an action movie in sexual content, violence, and fight scenes. The whole thing was a bit much. This book, after throwing unnecessary content at me, left me with an exhausted mind. And not in a good way, like when you finish Lord of the Rings---it's the kind of feeling that you get after watching John Wick---endless slaughter, no letting up.
And while Isamu again impressed me with his writing and ability to tie everything together in the finale---yes, I read this within 24 hours, his writing is great but his content is not---I can't honestly recommend this to anyone. Go watch Rogue One instead---it's less violent and more entertaining. And that's SAYIN' somethin'!
And, I'm sorry, but the concept of the Cities and Isamu's criminalization of schooling just didn't go over well with me. It seems like he only went to high school (which is like riding a bike, except the bike's on fire, and the ground's on fire, because it's hell) and experienced the worst time of his life and decided to write a book about it---and then a few more! An imbalanced view, and the feeling is intensified in the dedication when he dedicates the book to "all the educators who earned my respect against all odds." ??!?!? Seriously? Is he THAT against the education system? I can understand disliking the idea of school (I dislike the idea myself, in fact---especially high school and elementary), but still. If he made a whopper of a book, where things made sense, then I'd be a little easier on him, but he didn't. He's got a bizarre point of view.
And then the story---there's endless, ENDLESS fighting (rebels vs. empire) only to find out that A bunch of fight scenes over and over, punctuated with calmer reflections or sexual content, which immediately lead back to huge battles. And the characters' motives---and I mean ALL the characters' motives---seemed to be determined by other people. One guy wanted revenge on someone for someone else, another guy wanted to protect someone for some reason, this girl want to save someone else---like, what?! Don't they have ANY personal interest at all? Are they all a bunch of tragic, occasionally psychotic heroes?
Really, only read this if you read books 0 and 1 and want to know how things end. But other than that . . . eh.
And while Isamu again impressed me with his writing and ability to tie everything together in the finale---yes, I read this within 24 hours, his writing is great but his content is not---I can't honestly recommend this to anyone. Go watch Rogue One instead---it's less violent and more entertaining. And that's SAYIN' somethin'!
And, I'm sorry, but the concept of the Cities and Isamu's criminalization of schooling just didn't go over well with me. It seems like he only went to high school (which is like riding a bike, except the bike's on fire, and the ground's on fire, because it's hell) and experienced the worst time of his life and decided to write a book about it---and then a few more! An imbalanced view, and the feeling is intensified in the dedication when he dedicates the book to "all the educators who earned my respect against all odds." ??!?!? Seriously? Is he THAT against the education system? I can understand disliking the idea of school (I dislike the idea myself, in fact---especially high school and elementary), but still. If he made a whopper of a book, where things made sense, then I'd be a little easier on him, but he didn't. He's got a bizarre point of view.
And then the story---there's endless, ENDLESS fighting (rebels vs. empire) only to find out that A bunch of fight scenes over and over, punctuated with calmer reflections or sexual content, which immediately lead back to huge battles. And the characters' motives---and I mean ALL the characters' motives---seemed to be determined by other people. One guy wanted revenge on someone for someone else, another guy wanted to protect someone for some reason, this girl want to save someone else---like, what?! Don't they have ANY personal interest at all? Are they all a bunch of tragic, occasionally psychotic heroes?
Really, only read this if you read books 0 and 1 and want to know how things end. But other than that . . . eh.
July 4, 2013
A satisfying action-packed conclusion to a great YA trilogy, especially for guys.
June 16, 2014
Wait...what? This is the end of the series? No, it can't possibly end like that. There's gotta be another adventure lined up somewhere!
October 18, 2022
A satisfying conclusion to one of my nostalgic favorites. The author closes all plot threads neatly and expands upon the lore of the world he has constructed.
February 8, 2023
It's great!
April 30, 2014
Truancy City by Isamu Fukui Review
I don’t know what else to say except for… I love this book! If you want action, a little love, confusion, loyalty, freedom etc. then this is the trilogy for you! Seriously, what better book for teenagers then one about students leaving school (and becoming truants) to fight against the City for their unjust laws? And best of all...there are no CLIFFHANGERS! The truants have hope for the City to be saved and a new generation to rise.
1. The protagonists were portrayed beautifully. Instead of just telling the background stories of the characters, the author showed it. Using flashbacks or starting the character’s story that way. I found it interesting how every chapter was from a certain character’s point of view. It kept the book interesting and exciting. I also love how all the characters had internal conflict as well. It gave me insight on what they’re dealing with but hiding from others. Everybody has secrets, and for once it’s not hidden from the reader!
2. The plot is unique. Truancy City is a unique novel that I really enjoyed reading. For once the plot is different and it’s very suspenseful. I love suspenseful books, so this was perfect for me. I think Isamu Fukui was really able to remember his teenage times for him to write this book. The fact that students who didn’t have a chance in life or who dropped out of school are fighting against the City and the Government for their rights.They have guts! They obtain weapons and really fight against the City. I find this so intriguing because sometimes I feel like I want to do that too.
3. The conflict of the story was unpredictable. The students were always coming up with new ways to take down the Mayor. But what I love is that there are just so many factors involved, that there’s always some delays and last minute decisions. I always enjoy seeing characters under pressure and having to make an important decisions. It’s like “oh my god! What is he/she going to do?!” It makes it even more suspenseful that way. I was never able to guess what will happen next.
4. The language is so precise. Throughout the whole book Isamu Fukui is so precise. And even though I don’t know most of the words, the way he uses them makes it easy for the reader to interpret what they might mean. I applaud how most of the students who didn’t go to school or dropped out have excellent vocabulary! It shows that students aren’t stupid. But it’s not only that, they are so mature and adult-like that I have respect for them. The precise language helps me visualize what’s going clearly.
This book made me laugh, cry, and it sometimes gave me goosebumps. Sure this book has plenty of fighting scenes but besides that, there is also love and loyalty involved which just adds more to the excitement! Students risk their lives for each other, and make promises to their loved ones. I find it really nice because what they do could cost them their lives. So for them to fall in love and make promises shows that there is optimism floating around. I totally recommend this book and the two books before it; Truancy and Truancy Origins. This will not be a waste of your time!
I don’t know what else to say except for… I love this book! If you want action, a little love, confusion, loyalty, freedom etc. then this is the trilogy for you! Seriously, what better book for teenagers then one about students leaving school (and becoming truants) to fight against the City for their unjust laws? And best of all...there are no CLIFFHANGERS! The truants have hope for the City to be saved and a new generation to rise.
1. The protagonists were portrayed beautifully. Instead of just telling the background stories of the characters, the author showed it. Using flashbacks or starting the character’s story that way. I found it interesting how every chapter was from a certain character’s point of view. It kept the book interesting and exciting. I also love how all the characters had internal conflict as well. It gave me insight on what they’re dealing with but hiding from others. Everybody has secrets, and for once it’s not hidden from the reader!
2. The plot is unique. Truancy City is a unique novel that I really enjoyed reading. For once the plot is different and it’s very suspenseful. I love suspenseful books, so this was perfect for me. I think Isamu Fukui was really able to remember his teenage times for him to write this book. The fact that students who didn’t have a chance in life or who dropped out of school are fighting against the City and the Government for their rights.They have guts! They obtain weapons and really fight against the City. I find this so intriguing because sometimes I feel like I want to do that too.
3. The conflict of the story was unpredictable. The students were always coming up with new ways to take down the Mayor. But what I love is that there are just so many factors involved, that there’s always some delays and last minute decisions. I always enjoy seeing characters under pressure and having to make an important decisions. It’s like “oh my god! What is he/she going to do?!” It makes it even more suspenseful that way. I was never able to guess what will happen next.
4. The language is so precise. Throughout the whole book Isamu Fukui is so precise. And even though I don’t know most of the words, the way he uses them makes it easy for the reader to interpret what they might mean. I applaud how most of the students who didn’t go to school or dropped out have excellent vocabulary! It shows that students aren’t stupid. But it’s not only that, they are so mature and adult-like that I have respect for them. The precise language helps me visualize what’s going clearly.
This book made me laugh, cry, and it sometimes gave me goosebumps. Sure this book has plenty of fighting scenes but besides that, there is also love and loyalty involved which just adds more to the excitement! Students risk their lives for each other, and make promises to their loved ones. I find it really nice because what they do could cost them their lives. So for them to fall in love and make promises shows that there is optimism floating around. I totally recommend this book and the two books before it; Truancy and Truancy Origins. This will not be a waste of your time!
November 30, 2012
For all of the people who say Fukui can't write... I'm assuming you think Twilight is a literary masterpiece, so I'm just going to ignore you. Fukui managed to take his action film plot and incorporate truths about love, revenge, and the role of government in society. The plot developed well and the ending was bittersweet and reflective. As this is a mostly character-centered book I will say my biggest thoughts on each of the major characters:
Cross: A boy haunted by his past who starts out with no purpose in life. He attempts to fill this hole with violence and total dedication to his teachers. He develops well and becomes his own person.
Takan: I didn't like him as much as I did in the first book. He seemed very cold, but after the reunion with his father, he started to become better.
Noni: Her insanity was probably the most interesting part of the book. Fukui did a great job of delving into the psyche of a deeply troubled girl and showed the effects of extreme obsession with revenge.
Umasi: He was probably my least favorite character. Although I know he did what he thought was right, I was still mad at him for essentially joining the Government.
Albino: She was the wise one in the novel who in my mind talks like Morgan Freeman. Does anyone else picture her as a God figure? She just seemed that way to me. Her death made me tear up a little. And Zen was SO cute! Although one thing about her pregnancy confused me. In what way did her child help the plot. Zen was a major part, yet the plot would have been fine without him.
Floe: I lied. Floe was the worst character to me. She was kind of a slut and led poor Sepp on. And why did she always wear a skirt to fight? That doesn't even make sense. Ugh. Whatever. I wasn't even that upset when she died.
Iris: One of the more complex characters in the novel. I was often going back and forth between liking her and hating her. Her death was pivotal in the development in the characters and the general message of the book.
It is interesting about the way Fukui switches points of view. It is not obvious enough yet it works because of his ability to describe his characters with indirect characterization. You learn more from what the characters do and think rather than what Fukui directly provides. This leaves characters up to interpretation. This book is the end, and even though the end was sad, it wrapped up nicely.
4.5 stars (-.5 for Floe and Zen's existence)
Cover: I like the colors and the graffiti is cool. Obviously, having a pretty cover is not that important to the story, which is fine by me.
Cross: A boy haunted by his past who starts out with no purpose in life. He attempts to fill this hole with violence and total dedication to his teachers. He develops well and becomes his own person.
Takan: I didn't like him as much as I did in the first book. He seemed very cold, but after the reunion with his father, he started to become better.
Noni: Her insanity was probably the most interesting part of the book. Fukui did a great job of delving into the psyche of a deeply troubled girl and showed the effects of extreme obsession with revenge.
Umasi: He was probably my least favorite character. Although I know he did what he thought was right, I was still mad at him for essentially joining the Government.
Albino: She was the wise one in the novel who in my mind talks like Morgan Freeman. Does anyone else picture her as a God figure? She just seemed that way to me. Her death made me tear up a little. And Zen was SO cute! Although one thing about her pregnancy confused me. In what way did her child help the plot. Zen was a major part, yet the plot would have been fine without him.
Floe: I lied. Floe was the worst character to me. She was kind of a slut and led poor Sepp on. And why did she always wear a skirt to fight? That doesn't even make sense. Ugh. Whatever. I wasn't even that upset when she died.
Iris: One of the more complex characters in the novel. I was often going back and forth between liking her and hating her. Her death was pivotal in the development in the characters and the general message of the book.
It is interesting about the way Fukui switches points of view. It is not obvious enough yet it works because of his ability to describe his characters with indirect characterization. You learn more from what the characters do and think rather than what Fukui directly provides. This leaves characters up to interpretation. This book is the end, and even though the end was sad, it wrapped up nicely.
4.5 stars (-.5 for Floe and Zen's existence)
Cover: I like the colors and the graffiti is cool. Obviously, having a pretty cover is not that important to the story, which is fine by me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2014
So this one is significantly better than the first one, but that's not saying much. There is one character who isn't completely annoying, Cross. However, with the exception of one small character, everyone at the end is revealed to be a good guy in some way. The bad guys were all trying to save everyone. The good guys didn't realize this and were fighting for what seemed to be a good cause. Almost everyone is redeemed, yet the ending feels really unsatisfying and not happy. The story in this book was actually worse than the first, even if it is better written.
I'm very glad to be done with this series.
I'm very glad to be done with this series.
February 26, 2013
An interesting end to the Trance saga. The Trance and the Student Militia find themselves banding together to fight a new enemy, the Government. They've figured out that the city was an experiment that failed and the Government is now ready to demolish it once and for all.
Umasi's sister Iris is the general leading the fight and Umasi now has to decide is he's going to join her or fight against her. All the characters from the previous novels are back, and while they don't all get a happy ending, resolution seems to come to each in its own way.
Umasi's sister Iris is the general leading the fight and Umasi now has to decide is he's going to join her or fight against her. All the characters from the previous novels are back, and while they don't all get a happy ending, resolution seems to come to each in its own way.
February 21, 2015
oh man how can one book hurt someone so much
this has the typical dystopia 3rd book feel where everything is an all out war
but this was done so well and the characters are all so complex and AH
milady like that was the biggest plot twist ever i dont think i could have ever predicted that happening like man you immediately knew who the dad was but MAN did i not see that coming
noni my child i just want to put you somewhere safe
ZEN
this has the typical dystopia 3rd book feel where everything is an all out war
but this was done so well and the characters are all so complex and AH
milady like that was the biggest plot twist ever i dont think i could have ever predicted that happening like man you immediately knew who the dad was but MAN did i not see that coming
noni my child i just want to put you somewhere safe
ZEN
December 16, 2012
CRAP!! They really need to let us give these books more than five stars, and I would have to say that this is the absolute best book I have ever read! I won't do much of a review for spoiler alerts, but you really need to read this!!!!!!!
Want to read
September 5, 2012HOLY CRAP THE COVER. O_____O Did not notice it until now. It's so beautiful though :o
January 24, 2013
Such a great trilogy....so sad its ended
October 3, 2012
By far the est book iv ever read:) :) :)
January 16, 2013
Too much fight scenes lost my interest
March 26, 2013
Honestly one of the best books I have ever read!!!
January 27, 2013
A really excellent conclusion to the Truancy trilogy. Keeps you one the edge of your seat till the very last page. The end is nothing like you'd expect!
June 28, 2013
Amazing!!! I cried at the end. I also gave this series the song iridescent by Linkin Park.
July 28, 2013
Just amazing..
January 1, 2014
Utter crap. What a horrible ending to what would've been a great trilogy. No one I know likes this book, I don't understand how the rating is so high.
March 16, 2013
I Was disappointed in some of the characters deaths and how the story played out.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews