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Toys
Hays Baker and his wife Lizbeth possess super-human strength, extraordinary intelligence, stunning looks, a sex life to die for, and two beautiful children. Of course, they do--they're Elites, endowed at birth with the very best that the world can offer. The only problem in their perfect world: humans and their toys!
The one with the most toys--dies
The top operative for the Agency of Change, Hays has just won the fiercest battle of his career. He has been praised by the President, and is a national hero. But before he can savor his triumph, he receives an unbelievable shock that overturns everything he thought was true. Suddenly Hays is on the other side of the gun, forced to leave his perfect family and fight for his life.
Now a hunted fugitive, Hays is thrown into a life he never dreamed possible--fighting to save humans everywhere from extinction. He enlists all of his training to uncover the truth that will save millions of lives--maybe even his own.
The one with the most toys--dies
The top operative for the Agency of Change, Hays has just won the fiercest battle of his career. He has been praised by the President, and is a national hero. But before he can savor his triumph, he receives an unbelievable shock that overturns everything he thought was true. Suddenly Hays is on the other side of the gun, forced to leave his perfect family and fight for his life.
Now a hunted fugitive, Hays is thrown into a life he never dreamed possible--fighting to save humans everywhere from extinction. He enlists all of his training to uncover the truth that will save millions of lives--maybe even his own.
467 pages, Paperback
First published March 14, 2011
571 people are currently reading
6684 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
955 books355k followersOfficial US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
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James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,465 reviews
July 1, 2023
An 'Elite' agent sees his life completely become unravelled after being attacked by the destitute majority… the humans! Great premise and as ever a great page turner in this Patterson (co-writing with Neil McMahon) sci-fiction thriller! 7 out of 12. Easily one of the better James Patterson reads.
2012 read
2012 read
May 7, 2011
If you are a Patterson reader you will not recognize his style in this book. Almost all of his books lately have been co-authored with someone else but now I suspect they were written by the author with his/her name in small print and just endorsed by Patterson. I don't know if Patterson has a writer's block or if he no longer has time to write because he's sitting around reading all these 'new' authors book to select the ones to 'endorse'. I'm sure it's profitable for him but as a reader I have no idea whether I'm going to enjoy his book or not. Glad I don't buy them anymore and use the library.
For Sci-fi fans this one should be enjoyable. I did like it more than I thought when I started reading. I also was thankful it was a book I could easily get thru in a day!
For Sci-fi fans this one should be enjoyable. I did like it more than I thought when I started reading. I also was thankful it was a book I could easily get thru in a day!
September 25, 2011
I have only ever read one James Patterson book before, and I understand this is a different genre for him. Honestly, I think he should stick with what he knows. This book reminds me of a comic book written by someone with only a cursory knowledge of comic books. The dialog was over the top bravado worthy of an 80's action movie. Not only were the actions of the characters (running at 40 mph with strides of 10 yards) over the top, the descriptions of them were pure cheese.
On the bright side, the chapters are ridiculously short (2 - 4 pages), so even a notoriously slow reader like myself was able to read it in mere days. I should be finishing it up tonight before bed.
On the bright side, the chapters are ridiculously short (2 - 4 pages), so even a notoriously slow reader like myself was able to read it in mere days. I should be finishing it up tonight before bed.
December 7, 2015
Gawd I must be in masochistic mode - thought that nothing I would handle this week could be as bad as that last Atwood...
How wrong shall I be? (think The King and I)
Kicked this one off the TBR pile
May 25, 2011
Wow, talk about a guys' dream book. Flashy cars, hot chics, looooong fight scenes and steroid pumped dudes. This must be a guys version of us women's chic lit. I listened to this on audio 'playaway' so all the detailed fights were read to me... unfortunately without amazing CGI effects for distraction, the cheesiness was palpable. I literally LOL'd numerous times throughout this man fantasy book.
All that aside I found it very strange that such a well known author would need a co-author. Makes me wonder if this book was actually written by the 'co-author' and just edited & endorsed by Patterson. Needless to say I most likely won't be reading another James Patterson book.
All that aside I found it very strange that such a well known author would need a co-author. Makes me wonder if this book was actually written by the 'co-author' and just edited & endorsed by Patterson. Needless to say I most likely won't be reading another James Patterson book.
August 20, 2016
When I picked up this Patterson book I didn't even think twice about whether I wanted to read it -- of course I did. I read everything Patterson and his entourage writes except his juvenile scifi books. I didn't even read the description -- so positive was I that I would enjoy it. The title alone was intriguing.
Imagine my surprise, when I got a couple pages into the book and I realized that this was not your usual run of the mill murder thriller. About page 30 I nearly put the book down because I just don't like futuristic endeavors. I slogged through it however and my emphatic opinion is that it should have never been listed as an adult book. It was very juvenile, very simplistic and a 10 year old could read and understand it with little or no issue -- some of the plot however is better suited for teens.
The story was fell into place a bit too easily, a bit too pat and contrived. The most intriguing thing was that one of the Elite characters, Lizbeth, had violet hair. I was a tad intrigued by the creepy Jessica and Jacob dolls, however. I got a chuckle out of various descriptions regarding their equally creepy antics. In fact, as I write this, I chuckle.
I'll stick to his old standbys --- the murder club and his standalone thrillers. And you can bet that next time I'll read the dust jacket desrcription before purchasing/reading.
Imagine my surprise, when I got a couple pages into the book and I realized that this was not your usual run of the mill murder thriller. About page 30 I nearly put the book down because I just don't like futuristic endeavors. I slogged through it however and my emphatic opinion is that it should have never been listed as an adult book. It was very juvenile, very simplistic and a 10 year old could read and understand it with little or no issue -- some of the plot however is better suited for teens.
The story was fell into place a bit too easily, a bit too pat and contrived. The most intriguing thing was that one of the Elite characters, Lizbeth, had violet hair. I was a tad intrigued by the creepy Jessica and Jacob dolls, however. I got a chuckle out of various descriptions regarding their equally creepy antics. In fact, as I write this, I chuckle.
I'll stick to his old standbys --- the murder club and his standalone thrillers. And you can bet that next time I'll read the dust jacket desrcription before purchasing/reading.
August 8, 2011
I was at the library doing some writing in the peace and quiet. Lunchtime rolled around but I hadn't brought anything from home to read. I saw Toys on the shelf and thought 'that last JP book (now you see her) wasn't so horrible, I'll give this a try over lunch.
Let me tell you, this is the worst JP book I have ever read! Completely unreadable. More so than even his last 10 -15 books! As usual, the idea of the story is good. It's the writing that sucks! Ridiculous, predictable, completely flat characters that I don't care about at all!
My advice - don't even get it from the library - waste of time.
Let me tell you, this is the worst JP book I have ever read! Completely unreadable. More so than even his last 10 -15 books! As usual, the idea of the story is good. It's the writing that sucks! Ridiculous, predictable, completely flat characters that I don't care about at all!
My advice - don't even get it from the library - waste of time.
November 25, 2025
Wow - what a nice surprise from James Patterson.
I was starting to get a bit bored by his books, but this one was completely different and a massive change.
I read this book in less than 24 hours.
Five stars.
I was starting to get a bit bored by his books, but this one was completely different and a massive change.
I read this book in less than 24 hours.
Five stars.
November 19, 2012
Oh my God! I think this is the worst book I've read in ages. Picked it up at the library without even reading the blurb because you usually get a fairly good read with James Patterson. But this! This is little more than a collection of really badly chosen words assembled on the page in random fashion. The only relationship that said words have with each other is that they appear on the same page. I did say in my profile that I would not slate authors, however, I can't help but slate this book.
It started off with a fairly good premise of the Elites and their powers, though I must stay it reads more like a YA book, though a very juvenile one. The characters are paper-thin to the point of transparency. The story doesn't flow, it's not smooth, I felt like I had hiccups the whole time I was reading it. The parts that were intended to be sexy actually were dull, fake and could act as a contraceptive.
If truth be told, this book was such a let down, so uninspiring and so poorly written that it makes me wonder if James Patterson is franchising out his name. Such a shame coming from the author of the wonderful Maximum Ride series, and beautifully written books like Sam's Letters to Jennifer. Would the real Mr Patterson please stand up?
It started off with a fairly good premise of the Elites and their powers, though I must stay it reads more like a YA book, though a very juvenile one. The characters are paper-thin to the point of transparency. The story doesn't flow, it's not smooth, I felt like I had hiccups the whole time I was reading it. The parts that were intended to be sexy actually were dull, fake and could act as a contraceptive.
If truth be told, this book was such a let down, so uninspiring and so poorly written that it makes me wonder if James Patterson is franchising out his name. Such a shame coming from the author of the wonderful Maximum Ride series, and beautifully written books like Sam's Letters to Jennifer. Would the real Mr Patterson please stand up?
May 13, 2011
I'm having trouble slogging through this fable/superhero/the fate of the world hangs in the balance book. I am not sure who the author was aiming at with this, but it seems like the characters are flat and 2 dimensional, like in a book aimed at preteens, but there are too many sexual themes, some of them kind of creepy (ie. sexual fantasies about one's sibling) to be a book for kids. The chapters remind me of ten minute segments of a B grade television series. Can't recommend and don't even know if I will finish it.
March 30, 2011
Along with McMahon, Patterson is diving into the world of dystopia with one of his most recent books. Set in the not so distant future after World War III has ravaged much of North America, Toys introduces readers to the idea of Elites. These are people who are genetically enhanced to be better than regular humans. They are stronger, faster, more attractive and smarter. Basically, Elites are everything we would want to be, and they know it. Elites were created to improve on humanity, which had almost destroyed the world, and themselves, with their violence. As a result, Elites have no trouble looking down on the dirty, stinky humans. Yes, we even smell to these advanced people.
Hays Baker is just one of the Elites. In their society, he and his wife Lizbeth are considered the creme de la creme. They are even better than the rest of the Elites, and they work for the Agency, a secret organization that is sort of like a combined FBI and CIA that polices North America to keep it safe from evil, particularly humans. They are both considered heroes and have been honored by the President himself. Hays and Lizbeth also have two beautiful children, though, in this society children are not born from their mothers but from biological incubators.
As our tale begins Hays and Lizbeth are called in to investigate a horrible murder of a number of Elites in Toyz, an amazing store that carries all the modern entertainment devices in the world for purchase. It quickly becomes clear that the victims were targeted by human terrorists. It doesn't take long for Hays to be drawn into a chase with a number of the terrorists, and he finds himself hurtling off the roof of a parking garage with one of them. Unfortunately, the landing is less than smooth, and he ends up in the hospital.
As the doctors start to work on him, they notice something different about him. He doesn't seem to be an Elite. Is it possible? Could he be human? Could everything he has known be a lie?
Out of fear, Hays escapes from the hospital and finds himself on the run. He makes his way home to his parents where he learns some surprising secrets about his past that will bring him into core of the dispute between Humans and Elite. This revelation includes information about 7-4, the horrible event that killed thousands and led to the current state of affairs.
While he is being hunted by his former friends and his wife, Hays starts to get a new look at the world, and he can't help but wonder if he is on the wrong side. It probably doesn't help that the Elites now seem to want him dead.
This is a really quick and exciting read that evokes a sense of Total Recall, the early John Grisham books, and even the Bourne books by Robert Ludlum. While there is not a lot of depth, which is typical of Patterson, it is pretty fun. It's a nice easy, fluffy read that keeps ya on the edge of your seat.
Hays Baker is just one of the Elites. In their society, he and his wife Lizbeth are considered the creme de la creme. They are even better than the rest of the Elites, and they work for the Agency, a secret organization that is sort of like a combined FBI and CIA that polices North America to keep it safe from evil, particularly humans. They are both considered heroes and have been honored by the President himself. Hays and Lizbeth also have two beautiful children, though, in this society children are not born from their mothers but from biological incubators.
As our tale begins Hays and Lizbeth are called in to investigate a horrible murder of a number of Elites in Toyz, an amazing store that carries all the modern entertainment devices in the world for purchase. It quickly becomes clear that the victims were targeted by human terrorists. It doesn't take long for Hays to be drawn into a chase with a number of the terrorists, and he finds himself hurtling off the roof of a parking garage with one of them. Unfortunately, the landing is less than smooth, and he ends up in the hospital.
As the doctors start to work on him, they notice something different about him. He doesn't seem to be an Elite. Is it possible? Could he be human? Could everything he has known be a lie?
Out of fear, Hays escapes from the hospital and finds himself on the run. He makes his way home to his parents where he learns some surprising secrets about his past that will bring him into core of the dispute between Humans and Elite. This revelation includes information about 7-4, the horrible event that killed thousands and led to the current state of affairs.
While he is being hunted by his former friends and his wife, Hays starts to get a new look at the world, and he can't help but wonder if he is on the wrong side. It probably doesn't help that the Elites now seem to want him dead.
This is a really quick and exciting read that evokes a sense of Total Recall, the early John Grisham books, and even the Bourne books by Robert Ludlum. While there is not a lot of depth, which is typical of Patterson, it is pretty fun. It's a nice easy, fluffy read that keeps ya on the edge of your seat.
January 4, 2012
I have read a lot of dystopia/scifi books lately and I have to say that this one comes up short. Not in terms of the future world created, which actually had potential, but in terms of the plot and the characters. It just seemed farfetched that all of the sudden the main character finds out that he isn't who he thinks he is, yet can somehow overcome years of prejudice against what he is and is not only magically okay with it, but is also ready to join up with the people he's fought and despised all his life? It wasn't believable, there was no anguish about what to do, no second thoughts. And then, for it to be this big deal to rescue him and the idea that he is supposed to be 'the saviour' because he has inside information, but he actually has no information at all. He has no real use to the resistance, but for some reason it is essential to rescue him. All in all I don't think this book is successful
September 14, 2017
The unrelenting pace of the first person narrative of this story, plus the incentive to finish it and return the book to the second-hand stand of the hotel rather than add to my baggage weight, meant that I read the 448 pages in a little over a day.
Hays Baker literally runs at four times the speed of Usain Bolt, who is only human after all. You'll understand that little joke when you've read the first few paragraphs.
There are lots of twists and turns, right up until the last page. It is skillfully written, employing a tactic that was told to me by novelist Sue Moorcroft: leave each chapter with a cliff-hanger. It worked for me. I had to read on.
It's a good story, and uniquely creative as far as I know. Perhaps somebody will contradict me on that one. I don't really care as I enjoyed it and I don't hesitate to highly recommend it.
Hays Baker literally runs at four times the speed of Usain Bolt, who is only human after all. You'll understand that little joke when you've read the first few paragraphs.
There are lots of twists and turns, right up until the last page. It is skillfully written, employing a tactic that was told to me by novelist Sue Moorcroft: leave each chapter with a cliff-hanger. It worked for me. I had to read on.
It's a good story, and uniquely creative as far as I know. Perhaps somebody will contradict me on that one. I don't really care as I enjoyed it and I don't hesitate to highly recommend it.
May 17, 2011
Another title Mr. Patterson did not write alone, but from the cover art it's hard to tell his co-author was there. As many others have pointed out it's a very different fantasy tale than usual, but not anything I cared for. In fact, I quit after less than 100 pages. Unfortunately, many of those pages had very little text on them...a typical Patterson technique. This was also common with Robert B. Parker and many business books with not much to say but still needing to look important enough to meet the retail price.
I found the details of life in 2061 unbelievable and poorly explained. I felt there was too much change in 50 years to be possible. I have read a lot of science fiction, so the concepts were not new, just that the story read more like a graphic novel than a serious book.
I found the details of life in 2061 unbelievable and poorly explained. I felt there was too much change in 50 years to be possible. I have read a lot of science fiction, so the concepts were not new, just that the story read more like a graphic novel than a serious book.
August 1, 2012
Toys is the 25th stand-alone novel by James Patterson and is co-written with Neil McMahon. It is set in 2061, in a dystopic world ruled by genetically engineered super-humans known as the Elite, at a time when ordinary humans are regarded as dirty, barbaric, evil and hopeless. In this world, toys (rather than religion) are the opiate of the masses. In this world, Hays Baker and his wife, Lizbeth are Elite operatives for the Agency of Change. After an attack by rogue humans, which leaves Hays seriously injured, surgeons discover that Hays is actually an Augmented human, making him the target of scorn of the Elite, including Lizbeth, and a candidate for a slow death by torture by his boss, Jax Moore. Hays then ecsapes, steals a car and heads for his parents’ farm to learn the truth. In reading fiction, we are asked to suspend our disbelief, but there is a limit. It’s 2061, for heaven’s sake: are we really meant to believe that it never occurred to Hays that the fancy Mazda he stole might have a locator beacon? That he, himself, might have a chip embedded? That no-one would guess he was going to see his parents? And then the World Leaders immediately trust him to save humankind? This novel, in Patterson’s trademark short chapter format, is full of shallow characters, wooden dialogue and transparent plot. Patterson is putting his name on some real rubbish lately. One advantage of reading this is that I now know that I don’t need to read anything else co-written with Neil McMahon. 2/5
March 8, 2011
This book takes us to the year 2061, where there are two types of beings on Earth, HUMANS and ELITES.
Hays Baker and his wife Lizbeth possess super-human strength, extraordinary intelligence, high powered jobs, stunning looks, a sex life to die for, and two beautiful children. Of course they do--they're Elites, endowed at birth with the very best that the world can offer. The only problem in their perfect world: humans and their toys!
Only things are not always as they seem, as the bottom falls out of Baker's world and he suddenly learns he must give up the life he has always known and realizes he must foil the plan of the ELITES and try to save the HUMANS from extinction. He will need to tap into all of his resources to save millions of lives including his own.
Let me start by saying you will never look at your children's toys the same way again and the frightening thing is that the authors have set this book just 50 years into the future. This story was a very interesting and scary read but in a totally different way than other books I have read by Patterson. I have not read his Maximum Ride series but this book seems to dovetail into that type of book. The scientific, futuristic, save the world style, rather than the serial killer, mystery style. But Patterson with his group of talented co-writers seem to pull off both effortlessly.
The Humans vs. Elites mirrors the typical Good vs. Evil storyline but the addition of the political element gives you pause as it relates to what is happening in the government today. The privatization of many things that have been previously handled by government and other political ideas put forth right here in Wisconsin by our current governor could be a precursor to things happening in this book. Taken down to the raw level, the ELITES would be the billionaires and corporate America and the HUMANS would be the middle/lower class that is facing extinction.
This book is definitely a futuristic thriller, and the back of the book says "James Bond and Jason Bourne have been topped," but I don't think when the authors put this book together they realized that as is was released that the United States would be going through what it is right now with America being divided and ripped apart by those elected and the huge corporations that got them elected vs. the middle class. Then again, maybe they did, which makes this book's release time brilliant.
Just be aware of the toys of the future, those robotic animals and ones that clone human-like behavior, may lead to the total unraveling of the world as we know it. Sometimes "THE ONE WITH THE MOST TOYS--DIES".
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from The Hachette Book Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Hays Baker and his wife Lizbeth possess super-human strength, extraordinary intelligence, high powered jobs, stunning looks, a sex life to die for, and two beautiful children. Of course they do--they're Elites, endowed at birth with the very best that the world can offer. The only problem in their perfect world: humans and their toys!
Only things are not always as they seem, as the bottom falls out of Baker's world and he suddenly learns he must give up the life he has always known and realizes he must foil the plan of the ELITES and try to save the HUMANS from extinction. He will need to tap into all of his resources to save millions of lives including his own.
Let me start by saying you will never look at your children's toys the same way again and the frightening thing is that the authors have set this book just 50 years into the future. This story was a very interesting and scary read but in a totally different way than other books I have read by Patterson. I have not read his Maximum Ride series but this book seems to dovetail into that type of book. The scientific, futuristic, save the world style, rather than the serial killer, mystery style. But Patterson with his group of talented co-writers seem to pull off both effortlessly.
The Humans vs. Elites mirrors the typical Good vs. Evil storyline but the addition of the political element gives you pause as it relates to what is happening in the government today. The privatization of many things that have been previously handled by government and other political ideas put forth right here in Wisconsin by our current governor could be a precursor to things happening in this book. Taken down to the raw level, the ELITES would be the billionaires and corporate America and the HUMANS would be the middle/lower class that is facing extinction.
This book is definitely a futuristic thriller, and the back of the book says "James Bond and Jason Bourne have been topped," but I don't think when the authors put this book together they realized that as is was released that the United States would be going through what it is right now with America being divided and ripped apart by those elected and the huge corporations that got them elected vs. the middle class. Then again, maybe they did, which makes this book's release time brilliant.
Just be aware of the toys of the future, those robotic animals and ones that clone human-like behavior, may lead to the total unraveling of the world as we know it. Sometimes "THE ONE WITH THE MOST TOYS--DIES".
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from The Hachette Book Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
April 19, 2011
Toys is a mystery thriller set in the future when being human is an abomination and the Elites rule the world.
Hays Baker is an elite. Being elite meant you had super powers, super strength, great looks and all the toys you could need to make your life easier. Hays, and his wife, Lisbeth, are operatives for the Agency of Change. Their job is to hunt down human beings a.k.a. skunks who cause a threat to their world.
After successfully handling an important mission, Hays is on the rise when President Jacklin hints of bigger things for Hays and his wife, before the end of the evening's celebrations however, Hays' life is about to turn upside-down. All he thought he knew has turned out to be a lie and he finds himself on the run from all he has ever known or loved.
After chasing down a group of skunks who beheaded several executive of the Toys Corporation, Hays is almost killed and when he awakes, he finds himself under arrest. Escaping the Agency of Change operatives, Hays hides himself in the human zone and there his eyes begin to open and he sees that skunks are not what he was taught in school. After living with them for some time he comes to appreciate their creativity and intelligence. Torn between two worlds, Hays must make a choice...help to eradicate the human skunks or expose the Elites plan to wipe them off the face of the earth once and for all.
I liked the plot, it was different and unique. The Jessica and Jacob dolls really sounded creepy and the simStims would be quite dangerous to experiment with but what a time folks could have with such a toy. I didn't like the short chapters, I read fast and it felt like I was always turning pages but for most, I'm sure it wouldn't be a bother. I found a few of the time lines missed their flow, like when they were headed to Canada and ended up in Russia...I had to re-read that passage a few times because the author seemed to slide right past that and it made the flow confusing. There were a few neat twists and turns throughout the plot, however, I was able to predict the ending. All in all, it was a quick and enjoyable read with minor to moderate expletives and violence.
Hays Baker is an elite. Being elite meant you had super powers, super strength, great looks and all the toys you could need to make your life easier. Hays, and his wife, Lisbeth, are operatives for the Agency of Change. Their job is to hunt down human beings a.k.a. skunks who cause a threat to their world.
After successfully handling an important mission, Hays is on the rise when President Jacklin hints of bigger things for Hays and his wife, before the end of the evening's celebrations however, Hays' life is about to turn upside-down. All he thought he knew has turned out to be a lie and he finds himself on the run from all he has ever known or loved.
After chasing down a group of skunks who beheaded several executive of the Toys Corporation, Hays is almost killed and when he awakes, he finds himself under arrest. Escaping the Agency of Change operatives, Hays hides himself in the human zone and there his eyes begin to open and he sees that skunks are not what he was taught in school. After living with them for some time he comes to appreciate their creativity and intelligence. Torn between two worlds, Hays must make a choice...help to eradicate the human skunks or expose the Elites plan to wipe them off the face of the earth once and for all.
I liked the plot, it was different and unique. The Jessica and Jacob dolls really sounded creepy and the simStims would be quite dangerous to experiment with but what a time folks could have with such a toy. I didn't like the short chapters, I read fast and it felt like I was always turning pages but for most, I'm sure it wouldn't be a bother. I found a few of the time lines missed their flow, like when they were headed to Canada and ended up in Russia...I had to re-read that passage a few times because the author seemed to slide right past that and it made the flow confusing. There were a few neat twists and turns throughout the plot, however, I was able to predict the ending. All in all, it was a quick and enjoyable read with minor to moderate expletives and violence.
February 13, 2011
I'm a HUGE James Patterson fan, so as soon as I saw this in the box from Hachette Books I freaked out! Anyway, I was pretty skeptical of this book at first. James Patterson is known for his murder mystery books, so that is what I was expecting. When I read the back of the book, I really thought that Patterson had stepped out of his element, and I just couldn't see this working. Was I ever wrong! This book has the same fluid and wonderful writing style you will see in all of Patterson's other books, and the characters are just as well developed and easy to love.
I had been hesitant when I picked up Sam's Letters to Jennifer and Sunday's at Tiffany's as well, because those were more romantic type books. Patterson didn't disappoint in those two books, and certainly didn't in this one either! I was hooked from the first sentence, and it just got better from there.
I love Patterson's Alex Cross novels, and Michael Bennett novels, and I'm hoping that this can be another series staring Hays Baker. I'm not really sure how that would be possible...but I would love it!
I love when you are reading a book and halfway through you think you've completely figured everything out, and then BAM, you've been wrong the whole time! This is a DEFINITE must read for Patterson fans!
I had been hesitant when I picked up Sam's Letters to Jennifer and Sunday's at Tiffany's as well, because those were more romantic type books. Patterson didn't disappoint in those two books, and certainly didn't in this one either! I was hooked from the first sentence, and it just got better from there.
I love Patterson's Alex Cross novels, and Michael Bennett novels, and I'm hoping that this can be another series staring Hays Baker. I'm not really sure how that would be possible...but I would love it!
I love when you are reading a book and halfway through you think you've completely figured everything out, and then BAM, you've been wrong the whole time! This is a DEFINITE must read for Patterson fans!
January 8, 2012
Toys is another one of James Patterson’s excellent page turners. I usually don’t enjoy science fiction or fantasy genres, but this one was a great read.
In a futuristic setting, about a hundred and sixty years from the present, Hays Baker works for the Agency of Change, relatively similar to our equivalent FBI. He believes he is an ‘Elite’, the best of the best people in the world, and he views, like other Elites, that humans are skunks. Humans are the bottom rung of society. They are barbaric, ruthless, destructive, and intolerable. His wife, Lizbeth, also works for the Agency of Change, and they have two daughters, Chloe and April.
Hays’s world is turned upside down in the blink of an eye, and he runs for his life not understanding the reasons why the people that are after him are after him. He learns that what he believed to be the truth are actually lies, and he begins asking more questions that can only be answered one at a time.
Memorable and a fantastic read!
In a futuristic setting, about a hundred and sixty years from the present, Hays Baker works for the Agency of Change, relatively similar to our equivalent FBI. He believes he is an ‘Elite’, the best of the best people in the world, and he views, like other Elites, that humans are skunks. Humans are the bottom rung of society. They are barbaric, ruthless, destructive, and intolerable. His wife, Lizbeth, also works for the Agency of Change, and they have two daughters, Chloe and April.
Hays’s world is turned upside down in the blink of an eye, and he runs for his life not understanding the reasons why the people that are after him are after him. He learns that what he believed to be the truth are actually lies, and he begins asking more questions that can only be answered one at a time.
Memorable and a fantastic read!
July 10, 2011
This was quite horrid. If I hadn't enjoyed some of his previous books there is no way I would have gone near this.
Most of the chapters are approx two pages and it has such stupid plot twists ... like ... oh, no wait, that wasn't an important character who died, that was just the fake robot version of them, and they use that TWICE! Possibly more that I missed when skimming to the end in disbelief at the absurd plot. And the ending is pure stupid too.
In my opinion even if you have read and enjoyed his other books don't go near this one. And not sure I can be bothered with this author again.
Most of the chapters are approx two pages and it has such stupid plot twists ... like ... oh, no wait, that wasn't an important character who died, that was just the fake robot version of them, and they use that TWICE! Possibly more that I missed when skimming to the end in disbelief at the absurd plot. And the ending is pure stupid too.
In my opinion even if you have read and enjoyed his other books don't go near this one. And not sure I can be bothered with this author again.
August 11, 2014
This book is different than normal James Patterson books in the fact that it's set in 2061. So he is tackling the future. But there are bad guys and good guys. This is a very fast paced story with lots of twists and turns. It's very entertaining and I had a hard time putting it down. That's probably why I read it in about a day. Very enjoyable and I would highly recommend picking this up for a good time.
August 1, 2023
I really don't like writing negative reviews and I normally try to find some redeeming qualities in a book to congratulate - I know that the author has usually put a lot of work in so it feels wrong to just criticise. But, against my better judgement, for the first time I'm leaving an entirely negative review.
Despite my strong desire to force this book through a shredder after only a few excruciating pages, I persevered and finished it. I think I only continued to read due to some morbid fascination to see if it could possibly keep getting worse, which it somehow managed with flying colours. To anyone considering reading Toys, I offer the following advice: just don't.
Quite possibly the worst book I have ever read. How it got published in the first place is a mystery to me.
Despite my strong desire to force this book through a shredder after only a few excruciating pages, I persevered and finished it. I think I only continued to read due to some morbid fascination to see if it could possibly keep getting worse, which it somehow managed with flying colours. To anyone considering reading Toys, I offer the following advice: just don't.
Quite possibly the worst book I have ever read. How it got published in the first place is a mystery to me.
January 27, 2025
2025 52 Book Challenge - 13) Title Is 10 Letters Or Less
I listened to this book because Matt Bomer was the narrator of the audiobook, and he was fantastic.
However, the book itself was a bit of a let down. This was the first James Patterson book that I've read, and I've been told by friends that there are much better ones. The plot was interesting, though it feels like society and technology have changed too much for 50 years time, and the writing felt choppy.
I listened to this book because Matt Bomer was the narrator of the audiobook, and he was fantastic.
However, the book itself was a bit of a let down. This was the first James Patterson book that I've read, and I've been told by friends that there are much better ones. The plot was interesting, though it feels like society and technology have changed too much for 50 years time, and the writing felt choppy.
June 11, 2022
Totally different than any other James Patterson book I've ever read (and there's been A LOT) but I liked it!
The battle between the Elites and the Humans.... who are the actual "good guys"? Who really wins at the end! Definitely a change up to my normal thriller reads.
The battle between the Elites and the Humans.... who are the actual "good guys"? Who really wins at the end! Definitely a change up to my normal thriller reads.
December 11, 2023
This book was a super fast read. Non-stop action! Great idea on a possible dark future because of machines. The whole concept of the story I totally loved. Takes place in the year 2061. If you want a nice sci-fi 'junk food' fun read, then check this book out. For fast readers you could probably get through this in a day or 2.
Happy reading! :)
Happy reading! :)
March 1, 2020
This is the very first James Patterson book that I've read and it's clear as to why the author is so popular. Even though "Toys" has mixed reviews from readers, for me, the book was really hard to put down. The storyline is quite gripping and keeps you hooked from the very first page.
July 12, 2020
Certainly very different from anything else that I've read by James Patterson. A hint of tongue in cheek humour present. Set in the future and rather bizarre.... But guess what, I kind of enjoyed it😂
November 23, 2022
I hazard to think this was more (much more) a Neil McMahon story than a Patterson tale.
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