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Swipe #1
Swipe
Logan Langly is just months away from his thirteenth birthday and the biggest day of his life—the day he will finally be marked. The mark lets people get jobs, use public transportation, or even buy concert tickets. Becoming marked means becoming free—or so he is told. Five years ago when Logan's sister went to get her mark, she never came back. Now Logan can't shake the feeling he's being watched... And then he finds the wire.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2012
169 people are currently reading
4369 people want to read
About the author
Evan Angler
6 books311 followersEvan lives without the Mark, evading DOME and writing in the shadows of Beacon.
Swipe is his first book. But if anyone asks, you know nothing about it, and you didn't hear anything from him. Don't make eye contact if you see him. Don't call his name out loud. He's in enough trouble already.
And so are you , if you've read his book.
Swipe is his first book. But if anyone asks, you know nothing about it, and you didn't hear anything from him. Don't make eye contact if you see him. Don't call his name out loud. He's in enough trouble already.
And so are you , if you've read his book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 478 reviews
September 11, 2012
You know why I loved this book? It was classic dystopian. It didn't have love diseases like delirium or fights to the death like (well, you know which book I'm talking about) or even evil monsters like Enclave or Ashes. It was plain old normal people realizing that their world, however high-tech and comfortable, is without the freedoms and choices the old world had, that there was something wrong with the current system and risking everything to change it. It's good old action and suspense and a tad bit of fluff romance.
The suspense builds slowly but surely to a point where I just wasn't sure what was real anymore. Up until the last 50 pages, I had the Dust (think Divergent's factionless) pegged as the bad guys... and a whirlwind of kidnapping, running, and conversation later, the roles are reversed. I didn't even know what to think! So many questions are brought up, so many people to suddenly see in a new light. Betrayal as well as Logan doing some unimaginable things. Just... wow. You don't know how glad I was I had Book 2 at hand or I would have done something violent LOL.
P.S. Although it's pubbed by Thomas Nelson, it doesn't refer to God as their savior or anything. So breathe a sigh of relief or frustration, whatever the case may be.
I do love Logan as a character and Erin as a character (she plays a pivotal role) and Hailey and others as characters but I can't necessarily believe that they're 13. Thirteen! At this point in our lives, most of us are getting our first crushes and griping at our homework and popping pimples (good times). We are NOT understanding the evil consequences of the leaders' actions, fighting to learn more about our presumed-dead sisters or finding true love. Name one normal teenager who might successfully go through this as well as evade specialized federal agents for days. BUT I'm trying to overlook that one flaw in favor of all the other pros this series has to offer.
I'm currently on Sneak (Book 2) and Erin gets progressively worse (read: sides with the government) and I just want to scream considering she was the perfect love interest in the beginning (of Swipe) and I can understand her intentions and she just doesn't get it. Erin! Open your eyes!!!
Basically.... GET THIS BOOK!
**I was provided a gratis review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
The suspense builds slowly but surely to a point where I just wasn't sure what was real anymore. Up until the last 50 pages, I had the Dust (think Divergent's factionless) pegged as the bad guys... and a whirlwind of kidnapping, running, and conversation later, the roles are reversed. I didn't even know what to think! So many questions are brought up, so many people to suddenly see in a new light. Betrayal as well as Logan doing some unimaginable things. Just... wow. You don't know how glad I was I had Book 2 at hand or I would have done something violent LOL.
P.S. Although it's pubbed by Thomas Nelson, it doesn't refer to God as their savior or anything. So breathe a sigh of relief or frustration, whatever the case may be.
I do love Logan as a character and Erin as a character (she plays a pivotal role) and Hailey and others as characters but I can't necessarily believe that they're 13. Thirteen! At this point in our lives, most of us are getting our first crushes and griping at our homework and popping pimples (good times). We are NOT understanding the evil consequences of the leaders' actions, fighting to learn more about our presumed-dead sisters or finding true love. Name one normal teenager who might successfully go through this as well as evade specialized federal agents for days. BUT I'm trying to overlook that one flaw in favor of all the other pros this series has to offer.
I'm currently on Sneak (Book 2) and Erin gets progressively worse (read: sides with the government) and I just want to scream considering she was the perfect love interest in the beginning (of Swipe) and I can understand her intentions and she just doesn't get it. Erin! Open your eyes!!!
Basically.... GET THIS BOOK!
**I was provided a gratis review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
June 13, 2015
Wow. Just wow. It sucked me in. I lived in Spokie.
Only a few books have ever made me feel like this. It was scary. It was intense. It was amazing.
Only a few books have ever made me feel like this. It was scary. It was intense. It was amazing.
August 29, 2021
The suspense is what made this book!
I went into this with the mindset that it would be a Last Days/Rapture kinda story what with the Mark and all (Mark of the Beast). It wasn't until I finished reading and was mentally preparing this review that it dawned on me that this wasn't really a "Christian-fiction" so to speak. That's not to say it wasn't a clean read because it was- no language or explicate scenes- but there weren't many Christian elements one usually sees (praying, themes of trust and faith, depending on God, etc.) I don't believe God was even mentioned (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong). I would consider this a dystopian/sci-fi but that's just me.
Anyway...like I said from the start, the suspense was everything. There were some really great twists and surprises along the way. Some were kinda predictable but still well done. The constant feeling of being spied on, creeping around in ominous parks after dark, and not knowing who to trust made me keep reading late into the night. The Mark itself was so similar in many ways to the Mark of the Beast described in Revelation. Scary realistic. Unless Marked, characters couldn't work, buy, travel, vote or anything. Technically they weren't even considered citizens. I could also see the One World Order in the story- global unity and all that.
I had a hard time relating to some of the characters, especially some of the Dust. Logan was an okay character. He went from a panicky kid in the beginning to a determined/desperate kid doing what needed to be done. Erin is a character all her own and it was interesting seeing her and Logan clash with their polar opposite personalities. I really would have liked more back story on Meg. And Wallace....that part was really sad.
I haven't read a lot of sci-fi books. Futuristic technology usually goes over my head and I have trouble visualizing it but I think my favorite technological parts were the walls in the school. (If you haven't read this yet then that statement probably sounds strange, but trust me. The walls are cool)
I believe I covered just about every aspect. Overall I really enjoyed this and am giving it a 3.5 rating. Looking forward to seeing what's in store for Logan in the next book. The ending was great and really leaves the reader wanting more. I recommend this to anyone who's up for a suspenseful dystopian.
I went into this with the mindset that it would be a Last Days/Rapture kinda story what with the Mark and all (Mark of the Beast). It wasn't until I finished reading and was mentally preparing this review that it dawned on me that this wasn't really a "Christian-fiction" so to speak. That's not to say it wasn't a clean read because it was- no language or explicate scenes- but there weren't many Christian elements one usually sees (praying, themes of trust and faith, depending on God, etc.) I don't believe God was even mentioned (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong). I would consider this a dystopian/sci-fi but that's just me.
Anyway...like I said from the start, the suspense was everything. There were some really great twists and surprises along the way. Some were kinda predictable but still well done. The constant feeling of being spied on, creeping around in ominous parks after dark, and not knowing who to trust made me keep reading late into the night. The Mark itself was so similar in many ways to the Mark of the Beast described in Revelation. Scary realistic. Unless Marked, characters couldn't work, buy, travel, vote or anything. Technically they weren't even considered citizens. I could also see the One World Order in the story- global unity and all that.
I had a hard time relating to some of the characters, especially some of the Dust. Logan was an okay character. He went from a panicky kid in the beginning to a determined/desperate kid doing what needed to be done. Erin is a character all her own and it was interesting seeing her and Logan clash with their polar opposite personalities. I really would have liked more back story on Meg. And Wallace....that part was really sad.
I haven't read a lot of sci-fi books. Futuristic technology usually goes over my head and I have trouble visualizing it but I think my favorite technological parts were the walls in the school. (If you haven't read this yet then that statement probably sounds strange, but trust me. The walls are cool)
I believe I covered just about every aspect. Overall I really enjoyed this and am giving it a 3.5 rating. Looking forward to seeing what's in store for Logan in the next book. The ending was great and really leaves the reader wanting more. I recommend this to anyone who's up for a suspenseful dystopian.
July 27, 2022
A Quickie Review
Evan Angler's first novel starts off what seems to be a crackling good series. With plenty of intensity, a bit of romance, and a world that is decidedly dark but eerily smacks of our own, this book had me hook, line, and sinker. This one may be considered "young adult" fiction, but I have a feeling that older readers will be just as enthralled. I hope I can get my hands on the later books in the series very soon.
Score: 4.75/5
Evan Angler's first novel starts off what seems to be a crackling good series. With plenty of intensity, a bit of romance, and a world that is decidedly dark but eerily smacks of our own, this book had me hook, line, and sinker. This one may be considered "young adult" fiction, but I have a feeling that older readers will be just as enthralled. I hope I can get my hands on the later books in the series very soon.
Score: 4.75/5
May 25, 2023
You can take the girl out of dystopian, but you can’t take the dystopian out of the girl. I find myself gravitating more and more to the genre of my teens, and this book was another great addition to my favorites.
I’m not sure what I was expecting, but it definitely wasn’t this. I thought maybe it would be more explicit with eschatological views, and perhaps it will as the series progresses, but it surprised me with how *normal* everything was. Everything that is, except the Mark and the surveillance state.
Something I loved about this was the chance to focus on the characters, their motives, fears, and personalities. I have a feeling I’ll appreciate this even more when the crazier stuff starts.
And the tech—I am officially a dystopian nerd, did I mention? Especially the powder and gel. *claps*
I was technically buddy-reading this with the Very Awesome Mikayla, though I fell behind due to #life so we finished reading at different times.
CW: implied death, bullies, crushes, sneaking around/lying.
I’m not sure what I was expecting, but it definitely wasn’t this. I thought maybe it would be more explicit with eschatological views, and perhaps it will as the series progresses, but it surprised me with how *normal* everything was. Everything that is, except the Mark and the surveillance state.
Something I loved about this was the chance to focus on the characters, their motives, fears, and personalities. I have a feeling I’ll appreciate this even more when the crazier stuff starts.
And the tech—I am officially a dystopian nerd, did I mention? Especially the powder and gel. *claps*
I was technically buddy-reading this with the Very Awesome Mikayla, though I fell behind due to #life so we finished reading at different times.
CW: implied death, bullies, crushes, sneaking around/lying.
June 25, 2015
Oh my goodness...I absolutely loved this book! So full of suspense! I can't wait to get the next!
May 30, 2012
This is a book that should have had a lot more work done on it before it was published. The premise is good enough that they really could have made something out of it, but a lot more editing would have been required to clean up its issues and turn it into a genuinely good book.
This book is a huge offender against the concept of "show, don't tell." In some cases, behaviors and beliefs (including romantic subplots) arise basically out of nowhere for the convenience of the plot without really being established as a reasonable outcome of events.
The author seems to think that putting 'nano' in front of other words is good science fiction world building. In fact, one sentence mentions nanosyrup, nanosleep, nanosolvent, nano-gas, and nanoink. It's never made clear why only nano-gas is hyphenated, or whether actual nanotechnology is involved in all of these things or how.
I don't actually feel that books necessarily need to explain the way the technology works. The problem here is that the author makes vague gestures in that direction, such as saying that nanosyrup has "been engineered to taste sweet electronically, without the need for calories or chemicals" which are completely unnecessary to the plot, really don't make any sense, and are therefore kind of pointlessly frustrating and distracting. I suspect that the author was trying to fill out a rich story world, but was unsure about how to go about it and this was the result.
What's really sad here is that there is enough of a core concept present that someone could have made a good book out of it. I'm not sure why the author and editors did not decide to put the extra time in to clean it up and make a good book out of it. It was mildly entertaining, but I can't recommend it when there are so many far better books available to use your limited pool of reading time for.
I might check out later books in the series sometime to see if things improve. For anyone who hasn't read this yet, I'd say just wait. Take a look at reviews of the later books in the series in a couple of years, and see if they ever got a good handle on this series and turned it into something really good.
This book is a huge offender against the concept of "show, don't tell." In some cases, behaviors and beliefs (including romantic subplots) arise basically out of nowhere for the convenience of the plot without really being established as a reasonable outcome of events.
The author seems to think that putting 'nano' in front of other words is good science fiction world building. In fact, one sentence mentions nanosyrup, nanosleep, nanosolvent, nano-gas, and nanoink. It's never made clear why only nano-gas is hyphenated, or whether actual nanotechnology is involved in all of these things or how.
I don't actually feel that books necessarily need to explain the way the technology works. The problem here is that the author makes vague gestures in that direction, such as saying that nanosyrup has "been engineered to taste sweet electronically, without the need for calories or chemicals" which are completely unnecessary to the plot, really don't make any sense, and are therefore kind of pointlessly frustrating and distracting. I suspect that the author was trying to fill out a rich story world, but was unsure about how to go about it and this was the result.
What's really sad here is that there is enough of a core concept present that someone could have made a good book out of it. I'm not sure why the author and editors did not decide to put the extra time in to clean it up and make a good book out of it. It was mildly entertaining, but I can't recommend it when there are so many far better books available to use your limited pool of reading time for.
I might check out later books in the series sometime to see if things improve. For anyone who hasn't read this yet, I'd say just wait. Take a look at reviews of the later books in the series in a couple of years, and see if they ever got a good handle on this series and turned it into something really good.
May 15, 2012
You can read all my reviews at Alluring reads.
Swipe was a refreshing surprise to me. I was a little nervous going into it, as it is the first Middle Grade novel that I have read for the blog and it is marketed as Religious but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Swipe is a fast-paced novel full of suspense, mystery and some great twists. Evan Angler has given this story the perfect pacing and I was engrossed in the story from page one.
It's a dystopian novel that tells of a world that is separated into two unions, the American Union and the European union. Each Union is run by it's own general and there has been a program implemented within called The Mark Program. On each citizens 13th birthday they receive a mark on their wrist that allows them to become contributing members of society (purchase goods, get jobs etc.) When Logan's sister Lily doesn't return home from getting her mark Logan becomes paranoid that someone is watching him. As with any regulated government program there are dissenters, the "markless", these people refuse to get the mark and live in a secluded area known as "Slog Row."
The rich dystopian setting made for a truly interesting read. From the tables in restaurants being interactive electronic newspapers to the price of land being so high that houses are built vertically with up to 20 floors, 1 room being on each floor. It was details like that that made Swipe such a great read, I didn't feel as if there were any holes in the plot that made me question how the state of the world came to be. It is labelled as Religious and Christian and though there are definitely possible undertones in the characters motivations it is very light in that area. Though hinted at, it never takes centre stage.
The characters within Swipe were people that I connected with and felt for. The intensity with which Logans paranoia is portrayed made me feel bad for this young boy who was constantly looking over his shoulder. I also felt for Erin, and completely understood her mission of getting her family back together. Though I did question Mrs. Arbitors reasoning for not joining her family in their move to Spokie I imagine that there were probably problems in the marriage to begin with.
Swipe is a really good MG dystopian novel that I definitely recommend giving a try because it just may surprise you as it did me. I will be anxiously awaiting the follow-up in the series, Sneak, which will be released in Fall of this year.
Swipe was a refreshing surprise to me. I was a little nervous going into it, as it is the first Middle Grade novel that I have read for the blog and it is marketed as Religious but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Swipe is a fast-paced novel full of suspense, mystery and some great twists. Evan Angler has given this story the perfect pacing and I was engrossed in the story from page one.
It's a dystopian novel that tells of a world that is separated into two unions, the American Union and the European union. Each Union is run by it's own general and there has been a program implemented within called The Mark Program. On each citizens 13th birthday they receive a mark on their wrist that allows them to become contributing members of society (purchase goods, get jobs etc.) When Logan's sister Lily doesn't return home from getting her mark Logan becomes paranoid that someone is watching him. As with any regulated government program there are dissenters, the "markless", these people refuse to get the mark and live in a secluded area known as "Slog Row."
The rich dystopian setting made for a truly interesting read. From the tables in restaurants being interactive electronic newspapers to the price of land being so high that houses are built vertically with up to 20 floors, 1 room being on each floor. It was details like that that made Swipe such a great read, I didn't feel as if there were any holes in the plot that made me question how the state of the world came to be. It is labelled as Religious and Christian and though there are definitely possible undertones in the characters motivations it is very light in that area. Though hinted at, it never takes centre stage.
The characters within Swipe were people that I connected with and felt for. The intensity with which Logans paranoia is portrayed made me feel bad for this young boy who was constantly looking over his shoulder. I also felt for Erin, and completely understood her mission of getting her family back together. Though I did question Mrs. Arbitors reasoning for not joining her family in their move to Spokie I imagine that there were probably problems in the marriage to begin with.
Swipe is a really good MG dystopian novel that I definitely recommend giving a try because it just may surprise you as it did me. I will be anxiously awaiting the follow-up in the series, Sneak, which will be released in Fall of this year.
January 9, 2016
3.5 stars
I really wanted this book to become a favorite. I really, really did. I did like this book, it just had a slow start. (I was halfway through the book until it started making sense.) Another thing is, I guess I was expecting it to be a dystopian, but it seemed more like "future" than dystopian if that makes any sense. I did like the book though, and I plan on reading sneak very soon. Maybe I'll like the series better once I finish the whole series.
Clean rating: No swearing. Brief violence such as getting knocked unconscious by a hit over the head, punches, etc.
I really wanted this book to become a favorite. I really, really did. I did like this book, it just had a slow start. (I was halfway through the book until it started making sense.) Another thing is, I guess I was expecting it to be a dystopian, but it seemed more like "future" than dystopian if that makes any sense. I did like the book though, and I plan on reading sneak very soon. Maybe I'll like the series better once I finish the whole series.
Clean rating: No swearing. Brief violence such as getting knocked unconscious by a hit over the head, punches, etc.
October 13, 2019
This book was amazing! I loved, loved, loved it. It was captivating and very suspenseful, not to mention the author has incredible writing skills. There were numerous words that even I didn’t fully understand, and they flowed naturally in the story. A lot of books try this, but they never come off well—either the big words come off condescending, or like the author purposely put them in there to make it sound “better.” In Swipe, every word flowed, fit with the story, and made the story better.
The characters were, plainly put, awesome. They were realistic and lovable and easy to connect to. There were a lot of characters, but the way it was written made it no problem to keep track of them all. Another truly amazing aspect is how every single character tied into the story in an important way. You start the story, meet all these random characters, and wonder how in the world they’re all connected, then it all comes together in the end. Not to say I didn’t see some of the reveals coming, but it was still done really well.
One thing worth mentioning as well is that despite the numerous characters, each one has their own personality and is their own person, truly developed and written in for a reason. I did not see one random background character that swoops in and out without contributing; every single character contributed, someway, to the plotline, and every character was very well done.
On the downside, it was a bit confusing. I had trouble understanding certain scenes or what was happening. I can’t say for sure it was the writing or storyline itself, because this was a very detailed story, so I could have just gotten distracted and lost track of what was happening. But I will say that some of the dialogue was just so choppy—as well were a couple scenes—and in the beginning I had a hard time making sense of things. However, I have to say, my confusion never lasted for long and it did all make sense in the end. It was just a smidge confusing in the beginning.
The other downside I have is the random ‘girl problems’, as Logan puts it, that seems to be going on behind everything: Logan trying to figure out who he likes and who likes him. Oh, Hailey likes me. Hmm, but I think I like Erin. Does she like me?—that sort of stuff. And I suppose that the stuff between Erin and Logan, well that’s realistic and understandable at that age. So I do understand the reason behind it, mostly, and I appreciate it that there is actually a reason. But for me, in the context of the story it just seemed completely out of place. I’m glad the author didn’t take it any further, though I am curious to know if there’s going to be future stuff between Erin and Logan (I hope not, as they are such great friends right now and I’d hate to see it turn into romance).
As a whole however this was a spectacular read. Vivid, suspenseful and full of fun, this is one book you don’t want to miss: a unique dystopia in a world of stereotypes.
Like my reviews? Follow my blog:
http://jcbuchanan.com
The characters were, plainly put, awesome. They were realistic and lovable and easy to connect to. There were a lot of characters, but the way it was written made it no problem to keep track of them all. Another truly amazing aspect is how every single character tied into the story in an important way. You start the story, meet all these random characters, and wonder how in the world they’re all connected, then it all comes together in the end. Not to say I didn’t see some of the reveals coming, but it was still done really well.
One thing worth mentioning as well is that despite the numerous characters, each one has their own personality and is their own person, truly developed and written in for a reason. I did not see one random background character that swoops in and out without contributing; every single character contributed, someway, to the plotline, and every character was very well done.
On the downside, it was a bit confusing. I had trouble understanding certain scenes or what was happening. I can’t say for sure it was the writing or storyline itself, because this was a very detailed story, so I could have just gotten distracted and lost track of what was happening. But I will say that some of the dialogue was just so choppy—as well were a couple scenes—and in the beginning I had a hard time making sense of things. However, I have to say, my confusion never lasted for long and it did all make sense in the end. It was just a smidge confusing in the beginning.
The other downside I have is the random ‘girl problems’, as Logan puts it, that seems to be going on behind everything: Logan trying to figure out who he likes and who likes him. Oh, Hailey likes me. Hmm, but I think I like Erin. Does she like me?—that sort of stuff. And I suppose that the stuff between Erin and Logan, well that’s realistic and understandable at that age. So I do understand the reason behind it, mostly, and I appreciate it that there is actually a reason. But for me, in the context of the story it just seemed completely out of place. I’m glad the author didn’t take it any further, though I am curious to know if there’s going to be future stuff between Erin and Logan (I hope not, as they are such great friends right now and I’d hate to see it turn into romance).
As a whole however this was a spectacular read. Vivid, suspenseful and full of fun, this is one book you don’t want to miss: a unique dystopia in a world of stereotypes.
Like my reviews? Follow my blog:
http://jcbuchanan.com
October 19, 2023
The idea of every purchase, movement and more being tracked has always been a disturbing idea. And in this even more so. Seriously, why can't a kid go by an ice cream cone for themselves? Way too controlling! I wanted to know what led to this and that wasn't explained so it irked me through the enter book. I hope it is answered later in the series. I don't like any of the adults in this. And I trusted few of the kids/teens. Erin annoyed me. She seems very self-centered and willing to do whatever it takes to get her way and often unreal for her age. Logan's character was better one for a 12-13 year old. Boy has a lot to learn about girls though so he is a bit naive. This book had me questioning who or what to trust. There is a lot happening on multiple sides and poor Logan is caught in the middle. Kept me edgy for results. Looking forward to reading book 2.
Won this as a Firstreads on the Goodreads website. Free give-away win!
2023: Is it sad that I am starting to see something like this as a possible future? An overcontrolling government that tells us what to believe, how to think and who can or cannot even so much as have a business, a home, or even food and clothes. Logan needs to learn to pick better friends lol. None of them are very good apparently. I cant safely say why without spoilers. That tech for listening is quite impressive. "Powder" and "ointment" and you are good to go!
Won this as a Firstreads on the Goodreads website. Free give-away win!
2023: Is it sad that I am starting to see something like this as a possible future? An overcontrolling government that tells us what to believe, how to think and who can or cannot even so much as have a business, a home, or even food and clothes. Logan needs to learn to pick better friends lol. None of them are very good apparently. I cant safely say why without spoilers. That tech for listening is quite impressive. "Powder" and "ointment" and you are good to go!
July 21, 2025
This is a reread: read the book back when it was fairly new and one of my kids was reading this series. It's still 3 stars, the series wasn't renewed after 4 years due to waning popularity. As I recall (we read all four) the last book went too far in the wrong direction for this series, but I'm not planning to reread all of them. The one I liked best is the one with the highest ratings, book 3.
There's nothing Christian in this book other than the concept of a mark (but that's on the forehead in a prophesy). Everyone is to receive mark on their wrist on their thirteenth birthday in order to be able to buy things, sell things, work, ride public transportation, you name it. Evan is only a couple of months away, but is nervous because his sister apparently didn't survive the procedure five years earlier. He's sure he's being watched, even though others think he's being paranoid. When he meets a new girl, the two of them go sleuthing after she discovers her dad works for the DOME, who are the ones who give the mark and also police all things to do with the markless.
It's okay, but nothing to write home about. Had I been on a reading group and written a review when I read it, who knows if I'd have read it again.
There's nothing Christian in this book other than the concept of a mark (but that's on the forehead in a prophesy). Everyone is to receive mark on their wrist on their thirteenth birthday in order to be able to buy things, sell things, work, ride public transportation, you name it. Evan is only a couple of months away, but is nervous because his sister apparently didn't survive the procedure five years earlier. He's sure he's being watched, even though others think he's being paranoid. When he meets a new girl, the two of them go sleuthing after she discovers her dad works for the DOME, who are the ones who give the mark and also police all things to do with the markless.
It's okay, but nothing to write home about. Had I been on a reading group and written a review when I read it, who knows if I'd have read it again.
March 11, 2018
This book has suspense on every page! Grabs you from the beginning and doesn't let go, not even at the end of the book! I must read the second in the series now...
August 26, 2025
A pretty unique YA dystopian novel. There’s parallels to today’s current political climate that are honestly shocking considering this was published in 2011. Definitely makes you think
August 5, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I brought it home from the library with the same feeling of anticipation I had for Among the Hidden, and it did not disappoint. I did read it slower than I should have, but for three very good reasons.
1. I was mourning the end of Dragon Keeper. Still am.
2. I needed to use my time to fulfill my self-imposed writing quota and, since I didn't have much time and couldn't concentrate during the day, it didn't leave time for bedtime reading for several days.
3. My eyes were having focusing issues, partially due to having the wrong prescription in my right eye and also due to actually having issues focusing on close up things when my distance vision is corrected, so I couldn't read in the car like I wanted to because I couldn't see well enough to do it.
So my slowness (a little over two weeks rather than two days) had nothing to do with the story. At all. I loved it and can't wait to continue the story. And now that I'm interested in the series, and my eyes seem to be somewhat better, I think the other books will go much faster.
Writing: 4/5
Swipe was a well-written book. Angler definitely drew me into the story, as evidenced by how, when I had time to read and could see the words, I read large chunks of it at a time. He kept up the suspense, and, though I had suspicions about who the true bad guy was from looking at his website, I couldn't really tell for sure from the story until the end. The constant use of words like "gonna" in dialogue did kind of bug me, but it is how people talk, so it's really just a nitpick on my part. (And, yes, that is the reason I didn't give it 5/5.)
Setting: 5/5
Swipe is set in a future United States where the whole of North America has been united as the American Union (A. U.). There is also a movement toward a global union. It is dystopian, which is one of the reasons my bad guy/good guy suspicions were the way they were, but it's a slow reveal, similar to that of Lois Lowry's The Giver, though there is really no other comparison between the two books, seeing how incredibly different the plot and worldbuilding are. And it seems to give the indication that the revelations of the truth about society are nowhere near over. The culture is well developed, even the difference in Logan and his friend Erin based on him living in basically rural Spokie and her being from huge city Beacon. There is a bit of sci-fi technology, but nothing so far-fetched it is unbelievable.
Plot: 4/5
The plot of Swipe is twisty and complicated, taking many turns along the way. It is full of adventure, suspense, danger, and intrigue. At the beginning, Logan is paranoid that he is being stalked, that he has been since his sister disappeared, as well as being terrified of getting the Mark. Erin, who has already been Marked, is unwillingly traveling to Spokie for her dad's "government work" when she'd really rather stay home in Beacon. These two circumstances, once brought together, send them into dangerous investigations that lead them deep into trouble. And there's the Dust, who are a major part of the story and show it from a different perspective, though without getting rid of any suspense. I really loved the story. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was how Logan deceived his parents. I don't really see any way around it, they would have thought he was crazy if he told them what danger he was really in, and he had to find out why he was being watched and by who, but still. He did get majorly grounded for his actions, so it was not without consequences.
Character Development: 5/5
I loved Logan and Erin. They were both well-developed and grew throughout the story. Erin was a bit cliche, the headstrong, stubborn female lead, but I didn't mind. In fact, as the ending leaves it in doubt whether she will be in future books, I was desperately looking for her name in reviews declaring, my sister with me, that if she is not, we will turn Evan Angler over to DOME. :) Logan was really a paranoid kid at the beginning, but he already had hero elements in him, which Erin helped to bring out. I loved seeing them grow, and greatly enjoyed the time I spent with them. They felt like real people who I only want to get to know more.
Swipe is definitely a book I recommend, the morning after I finished it, I handed it right over to my youngest sister and she finished it that same day. Anyone who likes adventure, dystopian, or just an exciting book will love Swipe.
1. I was mourning the end of Dragon Keeper. Still am.
2. I needed to use my time to fulfill my self-imposed writing quota and, since I didn't have much time and couldn't concentrate during the day, it didn't leave time for bedtime reading for several days.
3. My eyes were having focusing issues, partially due to having the wrong prescription in my right eye and also due to actually having issues focusing on close up things when my distance vision is corrected, so I couldn't read in the car like I wanted to because I couldn't see well enough to do it.
So my slowness (a little over two weeks rather than two days) had nothing to do with the story. At all. I loved it and can't wait to continue the story. And now that I'm interested in the series, and my eyes seem to be somewhat better, I think the other books will go much faster.
Writing: 4/5
Swipe was a well-written book. Angler definitely drew me into the story, as evidenced by how, when I had time to read and could see the words, I read large chunks of it at a time. He kept up the suspense, and, though I had suspicions about who the true bad guy was from looking at his website, I couldn't really tell for sure from the story until the end. The constant use of words like "gonna" in dialogue did kind of bug me, but it is how people talk, so it's really just a nitpick on my part. (And, yes, that is the reason I didn't give it 5/5.)
Setting: 5/5
Swipe is set in a future United States where the whole of North America has been united as the American Union (A. U.). There is also a movement toward a global union. It is dystopian, which is one of the reasons my bad guy/good guy suspicions were the way they were, but it's a slow reveal, similar to that of Lois Lowry's The Giver, though there is really no other comparison between the two books, seeing how incredibly different the plot and worldbuilding are. And it seems to give the indication that the revelations of the truth about society are nowhere near over. The culture is well developed, even the difference in Logan and his friend Erin based on him living in basically rural Spokie and her being from huge city Beacon. There is a bit of sci-fi technology, but nothing so far-fetched it is unbelievable.
Plot: 4/5
The plot of Swipe is twisty and complicated, taking many turns along the way. It is full of adventure, suspense, danger, and intrigue. At the beginning, Logan is paranoid that he is being stalked, that he has been since his sister disappeared, as well as being terrified of getting the Mark. Erin, who has already been Marked, is unwillingly traveling to Spokie for her dad's "government work" when she'd really rather stay home in Beacon. These two circumstances, once brought together, send them into dangerous investigations that lead them deep into trouble. And there's the Dust, who are a major part of the story and show it from a different perspective, though without getting rid of any suspense. I really loved the story. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was how Logan deceived his parents. I don't really see any way around it, they would have thought he was crazy if he told them what danger he was really in, and he had to find out why he was being watched and by who, but still. He did get majorly grounded for his actions, so it was not without consequences.
Character Development: 5/5
I loved Logan and Erin. They were both well-developed and grew throughout the story. Erin was a bit cliche, the headstrong, stubborn female lead, but I didn't mind. In fact, as the ending leaves it in doubt whether she will be in future books, I was desperately looking for her name in reviews declaring, my sister with me, that if she is not, we will turn Evan Angler over to DOME. :) Logan was really a paranoid kid at the beginning, but he already had hero elements in him, which Erin helped to bring out. I loved seeing them grow, and greatly enjoyed the time I spent with them. They felt like real people who I only want to get to know more.
Swipe is definitely a book I recommend, the morning after I finished it, I handed it right over to my youngest sister and she finished it that same day. Anyone who likes adventure, dystopian, or just an exciting book will love Swipe.
May 18, 2012
I received this book for review as part of the Books Blog Tour. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated in any way for them.
* This review is rather rant filled. You are forewarned. *
Swipe is about a 12 year old boy named Logan Langly. On every citizens 13th Birthday boys and girls alike line up to get their marks. These aren't test grades but rather a tattoo that lets the wearer do everything from getting a job to simple pleasures such as buying an ice cream cone. Unlike most kids his age Logan doesn't want the mark. His sister died several years before getting hers and ever since that day Logan has felt like he's been watched. The Mark that once held such joy now seems like a bad omen and it's up to Logan and his new friend Erin to find out the reason why.
Sounds like such a great book doesn't it? Maybe it's because the Book is geared to Middle Graders making it harder to connect with but I just didn't find this book enjoyable at all. Not a single character was likeable. Even the background players annoyed me with their behavior. Logan in particular knew something was going on but instead of going with his gut and reporting it he took the advice of a girl named Erin he's known less then 5 seconds. Speaking of Erin I found her character to be a lot like Hermione Granger except if Hermione was self centered, manipulative and living in a Dystopian society. I certainly think Erin has a larger role to play than she is letting on but as to what that is I can only speculate.
The buildup of the entire story was for Logan to come to this big revelation that The Mark was bad. I kept waiting for some insight into why The Dust/unmarked felt this way but right at the end when it's finally revealed all they could come up with is we think so. I'm sorry, but would you take the word of someone trying to kidnap you for weeks on end? I know I wouldn't. Even when that person said my sister is alive, I still wouldn't believe them to the point Logan seems to. Now granted this is a child were talking about with an already fragile psyche but after all he's seen I didn't think he could be that stupid.
The entire concept of the Dust/Unmarked children really baffled me. Why kidnap these kids saving them from an unknown fate if nobody is going to parent them? Surely some of the unmarked adults could take them under their wings and create a stable-ish environment for them. The Dust/Unmarked children reminded me of the lost boys from Peter Pan just more savage. I guess my biggest gripe with them is I didn't feel bad for their situation. They all had families who loved them and this guy Peck comes along, kidnaps and brainwashes them then doesn't even take care of them properly. Even if marked rejects died it would be a better fate then that these kids are living in.
I really could go on and on nitpicking every little thing that bugged me but I will spare you. In the end the only thing I found quasi enjoyable about this book were the cool DOME gadgets that Erin steals. Sadly that isn't enough to give me back the days I wasted reading this book. I will be giving Swipe by Evan Angler ★★.
* This review is rather rant filled. You are forewarned. *
Swipe is about a 12 year old boy named Logan Langly. On every citizens 13th Birthday boys and girls alike line up to get their marks. These aren't test grades but rather a tattoo that lets the wearer do everything from getting a job to simple pleasures such as buying an ice cream cone. Unlike most kids his age Logan doesn't want the mark. His sister died several years before getting hers and ever since that day Logan has felt like he's been watched. The Mark that once held such joy now seems like a bad omen and it's up to Logan and his new friend Erin to find out the reason why.
Sounds like such a great book doesn't it? Maybe it's because the Book is geared to Middle Graders making it harder to connect with but I just didn't find this book enjoyable at all. Not a single character was likeable. Even the background players annoyed me with their behavior. Logan in particular knew something was going on but instead of going with his gut and reporting it he took the advice of a girl named Erin he's known less then 5 seconds. Speaking of Erin I found her character to be a lot like Hermione Granger except if Hermione was self centered, manipulative and living in a Dystopian society. I certainly think Erin has a larger role to play than she is letting on but as to what that is I can only speculate.
The buildup of the entire story was for Logan to come to this big revelation that The Mark was bad. I kept waiting for some insight into why The Dust/unmarked felt this way but right at the end when it's finally revealed all they could come up with is we think so. I'm sorry, but would you take the word of someone trying to kidnap you for weeks on end? I know I wouldn't. Even when that person said my sister is alive, I still wouldn't believe them to the point Logan seems to. Now granted this is a child were talking about with an already fragile psyche but after all he's seen I didn't think he could be that stupid.
The entire concept of the Dust/Unmarked children really baffled me. Why kidnap these kids saving them from an unknown fate if nobody is going to parent them? Surely some of the unmarked adults could take them under their wings and create a stable-ish environment for them. The Dust/Unmarked children reminded me of the lost boys from Peter Pan just more savage. I guess my biggest gripe with them is I didn't feel bad for their situation. They all had families who loved them and this guy Peck comes along, kidnaps and brainwashes them then doesn't even take care of them properly. Even if marked rejects died it would be a better fate then that these kids are living in.
I really could go on and on nitpicking every little thing that bugged me but I will spare you. In the end the only thing I found quasi enjoyable about this book were the cool DOME gadgets that Erin steals. Sadly that isn't enough to give me back the days I wasted reading this book. I will be giving Swipe by Evan Angler ★★.
August 24, 2019
3.5 stars. Possible spoilers ahead, I tried to be careful while still explaining my thoughts.
Over all, it was enjoyable, but there were a few things I didn't like as much that lowered my rating.
Ages:
First of all, the kids are all acting like they're older than their age-acting more like 15 or 16 instead of barely 13. I guess it's fine, but it keeps making me forget how young they actually are.
Next, I don't think that Peck was only a teenager himself. He acted much more like he was in his thirties, and I feel like this would have been a little more realistic.
Personally, I felt like the ages for basically all of the characters was a little unrealistic, and they could have been older.
D.O.M.E:
*chuckles* Okay. So DOME is supposed to be a secret agency, with a lot of top secret agents, potentially dangerous undercover agents. Most of it was good, but there are a lot of things I kept wondering about.
In one scene, DOME goes to take out DUST, but even though they are using high end weapons-they're supposed to be that type of weapon-and smoke bombs, but still, even though they are all adults versus mostly kids, they lose. Perhaps they just needed to lose here to continue the story along, and I get that, but if you're really that dangerous, and working for the government, you've got to be able to easily take out some kids. I mean, I'm no secret agent myself, so I could be wrong.
Also, when one character sneaks into the DOME building and goes to steal stuff, yes, they are allowed because of another character, but if you're not an agent there, wouldn't it be a good idea to have the scanners show a different color, instead of only green? Perhaps for agents; it's green, intruders; red, and for visitors that are allowed in, but aren't actually part of the DOME; yellow. Or something like that. They would have been able to stop that character from stealing a whole bunch of top secret supplies!
*slaps forehead*
DOME is okay as a secret government agency, but it could be a lot better.
Content:
No bad language-though lots of name calling and phrases used as slang created for the book.
No sexual content.
Some violence, but quite mild.
Ages 12 and up
Over all, it was enjoyable, but there were a few things I didn't like as much that lowered my rating.
Ages:
First of all, the kids are all acting like they're older than their age-acting more like 15 or 16 instead of barely 13. I guess it's fine, but it keeps making me forget how young they actually are.
Next, I don't think that Peck was only a teenager himself. He acted much more like he was in his thirties, and I feel like this would have been a little more realistic.
Personally, I felt like the ages for basically all of the characters was a little unrealistic, and they could have been older.
D.O.M.E:
*chuckles* Okay. So DOME is supposed to be a secret agency, with a lot of top secret agents, potentially dangerous undercover agents. Most of it was good, but there are a lot of things I kept wondering about.
In one scene, DOME goes to take out DUST, but even though they are using high end weapons-they're supposed to be that type of weapon-and smoke bombs, but still, even though they are all adults versus mostly kids, they lose. Perhaps they just needed to lose here to continue the story along, and I get that, but if you're really that dangerous, and working for the government, you've got to be able to easily take out some kids. I mean, I'm no secret agent myself, so I could be wrong.
Also, when one character sneaks into the DOME building and goes to steal stuff, yes, they are allowed because of another character, but if you're not an agent there, wouldn't it be a good idea to have the scanners show a different color, instead of only green? Perhaps for agents; it's green, intruders; red, and for visitors that are allowed in, but aren't actually part of the DOME; yellow. Or something like that. They would have been able to stop that character from stealing a whole bunch of top secret supplies!
*slaps forehead*
DOME is okay as a secret government agency, but it could be a lot better.
Content:
No bad language-though lots of name calling and phrases used as slang created for the book.
No sexual content.
Some violence, but quite mild.
Ages 12 and up
August 20, 2012
Great first novel from a new YA author. I really enjoyed it.
The writing style is really, really polished. I think Angler is just technically a better writer than most people working in this genre right now. Every sentence was perfectly crafted. The action keeps you on the edge of your seat, but nothing here is extraneous-- the whole thing was a pleasure to read. His world was imagined very well, and was very fun and futuristic while being just familiar enough. The mystery with the Marks is a lot more complicated than the simplistic summary above makes it sound. He sprinkles clues in and makes them just obvious enough without making them too obvious. Fun read from start to finish.
I have some really minor complaints: first, I "read" these characters as being much more teenage than preteen. Could just be me though, and maybe I don't remember what I was like when I was 12! Also, speaking of the kids, I agree with some of the other reviews here that complain that not every character was really easy to get to know-- Logan and Erin were great, but I honestly didn't really get a good feel for any of their school age friends, or the Unmarked ones like Blake.
On the other hand, this was a rare surprise: the adults and parents are very memorable. Mostly in this genre, characters over the age of 18 are cookie cutters that exist basically to further the plot. Not true in this book- even though most of them are pretty minor supporting characters, just about all of the adults were sympathetic and well realized people. Really nice there.
I gave this five stars because it deserves all five.
This book is GREAT. A lot of YA novels are just fun, simple plots - adult fare lite, basically. Swipe is not lite fare. This book is a fun read, but it's full of powerful questions too. Exactly what YA novels should be like, from start to finish.
I cannot wait to read more from him ... mostly I'm pretty glad the second one is due so soon because I need to know what happens next!!
Highly recommended.
The writing style is really, really polished. I think Angler is just technically a better writer than most people working in this genre right now. Every sentence was perfectly crafted. The action keeps you on the edge of your seat, but nothing here is extraneous-- the whole thing was a pleasure to read. His world was imagined very well, and was very fun and futuristic while being just familiar enough. The mystery with the Marks is a lot more complicated than the simplistic summary above makes it sound. He sprinkles clues in and makes them just obvious enough without making them too obvious. Fun read from start to finish.
I have some really minor complaints: first, I "read" these characters as being much more teenage than preteen. Could just be me though, and maybe I don't remember what I was like when I was 12! Also, speaking of the kids, I agree with some of the other reviews here that complain that not every character was really easy to get to know-- Logan and Erin were great, but I honestly didn't really get a good feel for any of their school age friends, or the Unmarked ones like Blake.
On the other hand, this was a rare surprise: the adults and parents are very memorable. Mostly in this genre, characters over the age of 18 are cookie cutters that exist basically to further the plot. Not true in this book- even though most of them are pretty minor supporting characters, just about all of the adults were sympathetic and well realized people. Really nice there.
I gave this five stars because it deserves all five.
This book is GREAT. A lot of YA novels are just fun, simple plots - adult fare lite, basically. Swipe is not lite fare. This book is a fun read, but it's full of powerful questions too. Exactly what YA novels should be like, from start to finish.
I cannot wait to read more from him ... mostly I'm pretty glad the second one is due so soon because I need to know what happens next!!
Highly recommended.
May 9, 2012
Swipe is a story about a future world, in where everyone has to be Marked to survive. To have jobs, to eat, to go to school - you have to be Marked.
Logan Langley is paranoid. He thinks he is being watched. His parents and all the doctors he's seen don't believe him. Along comes new girl Erin. She's pretty and doesn't pay much attention to Logan, until he tells her his story about how his sister's Marking procedure went wrong and she never came back. From this moment, Logan and Erin are swept into adventure and espionage.
Evan Angler has done an amazing job setting out this world and his characters for us. Logan is might be paranoid and possibly crazy, but he is sweet and sensitive too. Erin is a wild card, constantly pushing the boundaries and showing her courage. All the other characters have their own little quirks which makes them all lovable.
As I followed Logan and Erin on their journey, I constantly speculated how the story would end. Would they find the bad guy? Will Logan be saved? But what I did not expect was the massive twist at the end of the story. Actually, make that plural, twists. So many things you thought you had figured out, well, you haven't!
Swipe is a bold new story, taking Dystopian to a whole new level. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for the sequel to be released.
Logan Langley is paranoid. He thinks he is being watched. His parents and all the doctors he's seen don't believe him. Along comes new girl Erin. She's pretty and doesn't pay much attention to Logan, until he tells her his story about how his sister's Marking procedure went wrong and she never came back. From this moment, Logan and Erin are swept into adventure and espionage.
Evan Angler has done an amazing job setting out this world and his characters for us. Logan is might be paranoid and possibly crazy, but he is sweet and sensitive too. Erin is a wild card, constantly pushing the boundaries and showing her courage. All the other characters have their own little quirks which makes them all lovable.
As I followed Logan and Erin on their journey, I constantly speculated how the story would end. Would they find the bad guy? Will Logan be saved? But what I did not expect was the massive twist at the end of the story. Actually, make that plural, twists. So many things you thought you had figured out, well, you haven't!
Swipe is a bold new story, taking Dystopian to a whole new level. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for the sequel to be released.
April 7, 2021
I know I've been saying this a lot lately, but this is the best book I've read in a long time. It's a smidge slow to get into, but after a little bit you're hooked. And at first, I didn't really get why it's a christian book, since it didn't make any christian references or anything, but then, about 50 to the end, I figured out that it's
March 15, 2016
I should say upfront: I'm not a dystopian person. If you give me a dystopian to read, unless there's something really amazing about it, it's not going to get rated above 2 stars. Dystopian stuff is usually just really scary/icky to me.
This book gets 2-ish stars in general, but I had to fight the urge to give it a 5 star rating when I had finished, due only to a single character. Hence, 3 stars is what it averages out to but... yes. It's true that it was well-written and I couldn't put it down. I finished it one one day and immediately went on to read the sequel (also read that same day). So in that sense it's good and I'm sure fans of the dystopian genre will love it. It's just not my cup of tea.
Except for Peck. He is awesome. One of the very awesomest characters ever, and I don't even know why. I can't even categorize him. (I actually have categories of my favorite characters and he's one of the few that just won't pigeon-hole...)
But... Peck! That is all.
This book gets 2-ish stars in general, but I had to fight the urge to give it a 5 star rating when I had finished, due only to a single character. Hence, 3 stars is what it averages out to but... yes. It's true that it was well-written and I couldn't put it down. I finished it one one day and immediately went on to read the sequel (also read that same day). So in that sense it's good and I'm sure fans of the dystopian genre will love it. It's just not my cup of tea.
Except for Peck. He is awesome. One of the very awesomest characters ever, and I don't even know why. I can't even categorize him. (I actually have categories of my favorite characters and he's one of the few that just won't pigeon-hole...)
But... Peck! That is all.
January 26, 2013
I've heard a lot about this series, so I was excited to find it at my library. Overall, I enjoyed the story and the characters, the mysterious Dust, the secrets behind the Mark. A lot of the time, however, I found myself not so much intrigued by all the questions and mysteries, as confused over who I should be rooting for and what exactly was going on. In this, I could definitely sympathize with the main character, Logan, who can't figure out who is stalking him or why, or what happened when his sister reportedly died after getting her Mark.
Although Swipe didn't exactly grip me by the throat and refuse to let go, I did enjoy the story and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Although Swipe didn't exactly grip me by the throat and refuse to let go, I did enjoy the story and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
July 24, 2014
This book had me dangling for more with each chapter. I loved the characters and how they changed throughout the story. I love how the author picked up the pace and added in things that I wouldn't think of which was awesome! The only thing I was still left wanting more of...was God. There was subtle hints maybe towards Him...but nothing definite? I am hoping I will find it in sneak!
April 26, 2018
This book begins a middle grade dystopian series. Logan Langly is the main character. He is approaching his thirteenth birthday when he will be eligible to get the Mark which makes him a citizen. With it, he can get a job, buy things, vote. But ever since his older sister Lily went for her mark and disappeared, Logan has felt like he is being watched and followed. His parents think he is paranoid.
Erin Arbitor is a new student at Spokie Middle. She and her father have relocated to Spokie because her dad is doing "government work" for DOME which is the police arm of the new world government. Erin wants to be back home in Beacon with both of her parents. Her mother stayed behind for her job. Erin is an excellent computer hacker.
Logan and Erin meet at school where he tries to convince her that he is being followed. Erin, having read her father's secret work files, thinks it would be a great idea to catch the criminal who is following Logan because it will get her and her father back to Beacon sooner.
The two of them investigate and learn that what the government is telling its citizens is not necessarily the truth. Lots of threads are left hanging in this first episode of the Swipe trilogy making the next books necessary.
While the book is generally enjoyable, I found the slang used for the Markless didn't make much sense. Using miser, tightwad, cheapskate, and other money related terms as pejoratives was really distracting for me because I kept wondering how things related to money. I also felt that the adults in the story were more-or-less cardboard characters. I also know that, while middle grade kids think, they are adults, these characters were mature well beyond their age and pretty unrealistic.
Erin Arbitor is a new student at Spokie Middle. She and her father have relocated to Spokie because her dad is doing "government work" for DOME which is the police arm of the new world government. Erin wants to be back home in Beacon with both of her parents. Her mother stayed behind for her job. Erin is an excellent computer hacker.
Logan and Erin meet at school where he tries to convince her that he is being followed. Erin, having read her father's secret work files, thinks it would be a great idea to catch the criminal who is following Logan because it will get her and her father back to Beacon sooner.
The two of them investigate and learn that what the government is telling its citizens is not necessarily the truth. Lots of threads are left hanging in this first episode of the Swipe trilogy making the next books necessary.
While the book is generally enjoyable, I found the slang used for the Markless didn't make much sense. Using miser, tightwad, cheapskate, and other money related terms as pejoratives was really distracting for me because I kept wondering how things related to money. I also felt that the adults in the story were more-or-less cardboard characters. I also know that, while middle grade kids think, they are adults, these characters were mature well beyond their age and pretty unrealistic.
Read
May 13, 2023Rtc
May 22, 2017
I enjoyed this book and would like to continue the series. Parts of the book moved slow and I could not get into what was happening, however it did not happen very often for me.
The world that the author created seemed like it could be something that really could happen - even in our lifetime. If you don't have the "Mark" you can't get a job or buy stuff, and people can't help you either, so you're pretty much guaranteed to be homeless and live a life of crime in order to survive.
The world that the author created seemed like it could be something that really could happen - even in our lifetime. If you don't have the "Mark" you can't get a job or buy stuff, and people can't help you either, so you're pretty much guaranteed to be homeless and live a life of crime in order to survive.
September 24, 2014
About this book:
“Everyone gets the Mark. It gives all the benefits of citizenship. Yet if getting the Mark is such a good thing, then why does it feel so wrong?
Set in a future North America that is struggling to recover after famine and global war, "Swipe" follows the lives of three kids caught in the middle of a conflict they didn't even know existed. United under a charismatic leader, every citizen of the American Union is required to get the Mark on their 13th birthday in order to gain the benefits of citizenship.
The Mark is a tattoo that must be swiped by special scanners for everything from employment to transportation to shopping. It's almost Logan Langly's 13th birthday and he knows he should be excited about getting the Mark, but he hasn't been able to shake the feeling he's being watched. Not since his sister went to get her Mark five years ago . . . and never came back.
When Logan and his friends discover the truth behind the Mark, will they ever be able to go back to being normal teenagers?”
Series: Book #1 of the “Swipe” series. (There are currently four and waiting for the fifth) {More about this series: “Find out in the first book of this exciting series that is "Left Behind" meets "Matched" for middle-grade readers.”}
Spiritual Content- Logan sees online about different religious but he doesn’t have the slightest idea what they taught; “God forgive us” is said; Instead of saying “For Pete’s Sake” and “For the love of Pete” the ruler’s name is put in place of Pete.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘shut it’, a ‘w*ss’, a ‘crummy’, two ‘idiot’s, three ‘screw’s, four forms of ‘suck’, five ‘shut up’s, and six ‘stupid’s; Five curses are said (or mumbled) but not written; Sarcasm; Dane says he can’t wait to get his Mark and “stop replying on my stupid parents”; “that meddling little—“ is said but interrupted; Killing people (semi-detailed); Slurs about the Markless.
Sexual Content- Who-likes-who and mentions of dating; Erin gets called pretty many times; Some may think that Logan has a crush on Erin, but Dane does have a crush on Hailey, and Hailey on Logan.
-Logan Langly
-Erin Arbitor (I’m including her here because she has the second most P.O.V.s)
P.O.V. switches between them, Blake, Hailey, Dane and Mr. Arbitor.
Dystopia
273 pages
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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars (and a half)
I wasn’t sure if I was going to do a review of “Swipe” on here, as the main character is a boy and this is a blog for girls. But some of y’all have requested it and because Erin has the second amount of P.O.V.s, I am. ;) Though this book (whole series, really) has a unique plot line, I wish there wasn’t so much minor cussing! :(
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“Everyone gets the Mark. It gives all the benefits of citizenship. Yet if getting the Mark is such a good thing, then why does it feel so wrong?
Set in a future North America that is struggling to recover after famine and global war, "Swipe" follows the lives of three kids caught in the middle of a conflict they didn't even know existed. United under a charismatic leader, every citizen of the American Union is required to get the Mark on their 13th birthday in order to gain the benefits of citizenship.
The Mark is a tattoo that must be swiped by special scanners for everything from employment to transportation to shopping. It's almost Logan Langly's 13th birthday and he knows he should be excited about getting the Mark, but he hasn't been able to shake the feeling he's being watched. Not since his sister went to get her Mark five years ago . . . and never came back.
When Logan and his friends discover the truth behind the Mark, will they ever be able to go back to being normal teenagers?”
Series: Book #1 of the “Swipe” series. (There are currently four and waiting for the fifth) {More about this series: “Find out in the first book of this exciting series that is "Left Behind" meets "Matched" for middle-grade readers.”}
Spiritual Content- Logan sees online about different religious but he doesn’t have the slightest idea what they taught; “God forgive us” is said; Instead of saying “For Pete’s Sake” and “For the love of Pete” the ruler’s name is put in place of Pete.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘shut it’, a ‘w*ss’, a ‘crummy’, two ‘idiot’s, three ‘screw’s, four forms of ‘suck’, five ‘shut up’s, and six ‘stupid’s; Five curses are said (or mumbled) but not written; Sarcasm; Dane says he can’t wait to get his Mark and “stop replying on my stupid parents”; “that meddling little—“ is said but interrupted; Killing people (semi-detailed); Slurs about the Markless.
Sexual Content- Who-likes-who and mentions of dating; Erin gets called pretty many times; Some may think that Logan has a crush on Erin, but Dane does have a crush on Hailey, and Hailey on Logan.
-Logan Langly
-Erin Arbitor (I’m including her here because she has the second most P.O.V.s)
P.O.V. switches between them, Blake, Hailey, Dane and Mr. Arbitor.
Dystopia
273 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars (and a half)
I wasn’t sure if I was going to do a review of “Swipe” on here, as the main character is a boy and this is a blog for girls. But some of y’all have requested it and because Erin has the second amount of P.O.V.s, I am. ;) Though this book (whole series, really) has a unique plot line, I wish there wasn’t so much minor cussing! :(
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
April 1, 2012
Originally posted at my blog.
Both blurb, title and trailer of this book are extremely intriguing and promising. Unfortunately, the book has its flaws that spoiled the pleasure of reading it, but still - a pretty solid read.
I found the double meaning of swipe in the title very clever - it means "to swipe" the mark in various deviced to get access to something or it can mean a person being swiped, as in MIA.
Although the premise was so good and the writing was strong, it took me a while to get used to characters and the story. Sometimes I just fall in love unconditionally with a book - and that wasn't the case. The pace is not really slow - even if the story could be nudged forward a step or two at times - but it's not enough to keep the reader engaged. I wish the whole book was as action-packed and engaging as the last 20% of it was. I swear, by the time the action was in full swing, I couldn't put Swipe down!
The story follows two kids - Logan (most of the time) and Erin, but there are other points of views thrown here and there. I feel that 3rd person POV didn't work in Swipe - it rendered the story emotionless, prone to info dumps. I don't mind emotionless on surface but with hidden emotions (I often felt this way with Hunger Games trilogy because of Katniss, who surpassed her own feelings in order to survive). Swipe lacks it.
The characters - especially Logan - were interesting, but underdeveloped. I'd love to look deeper into Logan's head, to see his fears and paranoia.
Swipe is definitely a book dedicated to younger readers. I didn't feel connected to the characters because there weren't any emotions coming from them. It was a constant action or dialogue and no character development whatsoever, and I appreciate those in books the most.
It doesn't make Swipe a bad book - I think that my younger students might love it! I'd recommend it to teenagers around Logan's age - 13.
Both blurb, title and trailer of this book are extremely intriguing and promising. Unfortunately, the book has its flaws that spoiled the pleasure of reading it, but still - a pretty solid read.
I found the double meaning of swipe in the title very clever - it means "to swipe" the mark in various deviced to get access to something or it can mean a person being swiped, as in MIA.
Although the premise was so good and the writing was strong, it took me a while to get used to characters and the story. Sometimes I just fall in love unconditionally with a book - and that wasn't the case. The pace is not really slow - even if the story could be nudged forward a step or two at times - but it's not enough to keep the reader engaged. I wish the whole book was as action-packed and engaging as the last 20% of it was. I swear, by the time the action was in full swing, I couldn't put Swipe down!
The story follows two kids - Logan (most of the time) and Erin, but there are other points of views thrown here and there. I feel that 3rd person POV didn't work in Swipe - it rendered the story emotionless, prone to info dumps. I don't mind emotionless on surface but with hidden emotions (I often felt this way with Hunger Games trilogy because of Katniss, who surpassed her own feelings in order to survive). Swipe lacks it.
The characters - especially Logan - were interesting, but underdeveloped. I'd love to look deeper into Logan's head, to see his fears and paranoia.
Swipe is definitely a book dedicated to younger readers. I didn't feel connected to the characters because there weren't any emotions coming from them. It was a constant action or dialogue and no character development whatsoever, and I appreciate those in books the most.
It doesn't make Swipe a bad book - I think that my younger students might love it! I'd recommend it to teenagers around Logan's age - 13.
April 12, 2016
An Electronic Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher for review. Quotes have been pulled from an ARC and may be subject to change.
Logan lives in Spokie, and is about to receive the Swipe. The Swipe is a way to pay for things, go anywhere and everywhere. Ever since David's sister died after getting the Swipe, he's been paranoid thinking people are out to get him. He might not be wrong. With the help of the new girl Erin, he delves deeper into the mystery of the death of his sister. And what he finds out may be as dangerous as he thought it would be.
Logan is rather paranoid and his parents may actually think he's lying about someone following him. His paranoid delusions grow and in confidence he tells Erin. As soon as Erin appeared on the page, I thought, "Logan, don't trust her. She is completely loyal to the AU." I liked Logan. He was smart, but not when it came to Erin. Maybe boys get distracted by pretty girls. Erin was one character I didn't trust. She seemed too strong willed and intelligent to just be helping out Logan just because he's her friend. She had ulterior motives and she gave me warning bells the deeper I got into the book.
I happily devoured this book only because it was so exciting and the pacing was fast. I loved it. The world building had just enough detail, but I did wish there was more of it.I don't understand much about the American union. It was briefly explained. But what I do know is that they're planning something sinister. A selection process of sorts, and Logan is caught right in the middle of it. I can't wait until all the answers get unraveled. The mystery will finally be solved. That ending was definitely a cliff hanger and it just made me even more happy that I had the next book to read in the series.
Logan lives in Spokie, and is about to receive the Swipe. The Swipe is a way to pay for things, go anywhere and everywhere. Ever since David's sister died after getting the Swipe, he's been paranoid thinking people are out to get him. He might not be wrong. With the help of the new girl Erin, he delves deeper into the mystery of the death of his sister. And what he finds out may be as dangerous as he thought it would be.
Logan is rather paranoid and his parents may actually think he's lying about someone following him. His paranoid delusions grow and in confidence he tells Erin. As soon as Erin appeared on the page, I thought, "Logan, don't trust her. She is completely loyal to the AU." I liked Logan. He was smart, but not when it came to Erin. Maybe boys get distracted by pretty girls. Erin was one character I didn't trust. She seemed too strong willed and intelligent to just be helping out Logan just because he's her friend. She had ulterior motives and she gave me warning bells the deeper I got into the book.
I happily devoured this book only because it was so exciting and the pacing was fast. I loved it. The world building had just enough detail, but I did wish there was more of it.I don't understand much about the American union. It was briefly explained. But what I do know is that they're planning something sinister. A selection process of sorts, and Logan is caught right in the middle of it. I can't wait until all the answers get unraveled. The mystery will finally be solved. That ending was definitely a cliff hanger and it just made me even more happy that I had the next book to read in the series.
June 25, 2012
An absorbing read, that sucked me into another world!
What might it be like to be a teenager living in the future? I have no idea, but it makes for a grand adventure!
When I read the prologue I wasn't completely sure that I'd like this book, but after I'd read the first chapter I knew Swipe would be amazing, and it didn't disappoint. Riveting, with a huge dose of mystery, set in the future, in an America where the people are split into two groups, the Marked, and the Markless.
The characters were so well developed, and I immediately latched onto Logan as a wonderful hero, who through no fault of his own, find himself in a crazy situations hunted by unknown forces.
What an adventure! Lots of action, suspense and mystery that kept me engaged throughout. The crazy thing is that Swipe is only the beginning!
Overall, a wonderful beginning to a cool new series. And I have the feeling that the next books will be even more intense! To me this book really felt like a beginning, it hinted at some upcoming revelations yet to come, that I am eagerly awaiting. What I really liked about this book was how there were a ton of secrets, and the author kept me engaged without doing a huge reveal, but dropping very small tidbits, that left me with even more questions than before! An action-packed novel, sure to have you hanging in suspense!
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, through Team Novel Teen. Thank you!
What might it be like to be a teenager living in the future? I have no idea, but it makes for a grand adventure!
When I read the prologue I wasn't completely sure that I'd like this book, but after I'd read the first chapter I knew Swipe would be amazing, and it didn't disappoint. Riveting, with a huge dose of mystery, set in the future, in an America where the people are split into two groups, the Marked, and the Markless.
The characters were so well developed, and I immediately latched onto Logan as a wonderful hero, who through no fault of his own, find himself in a crazy situations hunted by unknown forces.
What an adventure! Lots of action, suspense and mystery that kept me engaged throughout. The crazy thing is that Swipe is only the beginning!
Overall, a wonderful beginning to a cool new series. And I have the feeling that the next books will be even more intense! To me this book really felt like a beginning, it hinted at some upcoming revelations yet to come, that I am eagerly awaiting. What I really liked about this book was how there were a ton of secrets, and the author kept me engaged without doing a huge reveal, but dropping very small tidbits, that left me with even more questions than before! An action-packed novel, sure to have you hanging in suspense!
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, through Team Novel Teen. Thank you!
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