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Tag, You're Dead by J C Lane
Six young people play a dangerous Game of Tag in public, chasing through the crowds, streets, and buildings of Chicago. This secret, one-of-a-kind, wildly expensive Game offers a macabre twist to the childhood version if you get Tagged, you get Dead. Three "Its" have their reasons for buying a place in the Game. Surgically enhanced Brandy is obsessed with destroying a naturally beautiful girl. Untalented Robert covets his target's position as superstar of the basketball team. Brainiac Charles craves a battle against an intellectual equal. Given their elite social status, they reject any possible downside to the contest. Each expects the satisfaction of killing their prey, then walking away. Hand-picked innocents play as Runners, under threat to their loved ones should they refuse to lovely, small-town Laura; celebrated athlete Tyrese; and Amanda, gamer extraordinaire. Alone, hunted by their adversary, each feels a single hope to survive. Technological wizardry controls the Game. As soon as Runners receive the Go signal on smartwatches locked to their wrists, the Game rockets them through the city, from the El to Michigan Avenue to the Lincoln Park Zoo. There is no time to rest. Every thirty minutes the Runner s location is transmitted to the It, which steadily diminishes the Runner s chance of ever reaching Home Base alive. The Game will not end until someone is Tagged, so the Runners must choose how to play. Will they accept death? Murder their Its? Or find a way to use individual strengths to stop the Game before anyone dies?"
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Published January 1, 1644
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 19, 2016
4.5 stars
Three young, rich, spoilt teens pay their way into a deadly game of tag. They are It.
They have chosen Runners. People they despise for no other reason than they are prettier, smarter or more talented than them. The Runners have no choice in the game. They must run or be killed. But they each have their own skills that will come to the fore in this deadly game.
I loved this Young Adult suspense thriller. It was easy to read, the language was age appropriate, the characters were well developed and the story held my interest right to the very end.
There is lots of room for discussion within the story and its development. The way the Its felt. What would lead them to want to kill? How did the Runners decisions affect the game and its outcome?
A recommended read suitable for the younger end of young adult. This story would have a great appeal to boys also.
With my thanks to Poisoned Pen Press via Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
Three young, rich, spoilt teens pay their way into a deadly game of tag. They are It.
They have chosen Runners. People they despise for no other reason than they are prettier, smarter or more talented than them. The Runners have no choice in the game. They must run or be killed. But they each have their own skills that will come to the fore in this deadly game.
I loved this Young Adult suspense thriller. It was easy to read, the language was age appropriate, the characters were well developed and the story held my interest right to the very end.
There is lots of room for discussion within the story and its development. The way the Its felt. What would lead them to want to kill? How did the Runners decisions affect the game and its outcome?
A recommended read suitable for the younger end of young adult. This story would have a great appeal to boys also.
With my thanks to Poisoned Pen Press via Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
January 27, 2022
3.5 stars
This was honestly ridiculous; in what world would the plot of this book take place? But also, it was pretty good.
This was honestly ridiculous; in what world would the plot of this book take place? But also, it was pretty good.
February 25, 2016
I was given this book free through NetGalley.
Wow....Just wow. I haven't gotten any work done since the day I opened this book!!!!! This book has great flow. I love a book that doesn't skip around and just goes from A-Z., TAG, YOU'RE DEAD did just that!!!!! It has a few main characters, but it is written so well that you know exactly who you are reading about. It just keeps you hooked all the way to the end. If the Hunger Games and The Purge had a baby, it would be TAG, YOU'RE DEAD. The suspense is super intense and Laura, Tyrese, and Amanda are all so different in so many ways. All from different walks in life. Laura is your everyday girl next door. Tyrese is your big black "come up" basketball star, and Amanda is the token hot geeky computer nerd. Looking at just these three characters there is one thing that is clear. Outside of what happened to them they probably would have never crossed paths. That's part of the beauty in this story. In a matter of a night they turn from normal people into people literally running for their lives. I will just go for the kill (no pun intended) I have never wanted to strangle the life out of a character so much as I wanted to do to Brandy. She is everything I hate about a human. Fake, greedy, stuck up, and murderous. There were literally times when I wanted to pull her out from the book and slap her!
At times this book makes you ask yourself some really hard questions. What would you do? Would you press the Tag button? Would you honestly kill someone that was coming to kill you? Would you have done what Amanda did and just give trust out so freely? It makes you tap into that survival part of your being and places you right in the heart of all the chaos.
I read this book in 3 days. That never happens! Bravo J.C. Lane! I am so pleased with this book beyond words. I can not wait to see what else you publish!
Wow....Just wow. I haven't gotten any work done since the day I opened this book!!!!! This book has great flow. I love a book that doesn't skip around and just goes from A-Z., TAG, YOU'RE DEAD did just that!!!!! It has a few main characters, but it is written so well that you know exactly who you are reading about. It just keeps you hooked all the way to the end. If the Hunger Games and The Purge had a baby, it would be TAG, YOU'RE DEAD. The suspense is super intense and Laura, Tyrese, and Amanda are all so different in so many ways. All from different walks in life. Laura is your everyday girl next door. Tyrese is your big black "come up" basketball star, and Amanda is the token hot geeky computer nerd. Looking at just these three characters there is one thing that is clear. Outside of what happened to them they probably would have never crossed paths. That's part of the beauty in this story. In a matter of a night they turn from normal people into people literally running for their lives. I will just go for the kill (no pun intended) I have never wanted to strangle the life out of a character so much as I wanted to do to Brandy. She is everything I hate about a human. Fake, greedy, stuck up, and murderous. There were literally times when I wanted to pull her out from the book and slap her!
At times this book makes you ask yourself some really hard questions. What would you do? Would you press the Tag button? Would you honestly kill someone that was coming to kill you? Would you have done what Amanda did and just give trust out so freely? It makes you tap into that survival part of your being and places you right in the heart of all the chaos.
I read this book in 3 days. That never happens! Bravo J.C. Lane! I am so pleased with this book beyond words. I can not wait to see what else you publish!
June 25, 2016
[Note: Thanks to the author, I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
This young adult thriller was an interesting read. It’s basically about a game of tag where if you happen to be the unfortunate person who is tagged, you’ll end up dead. Yep, just a tiny upgrade to a classic game.
There are a lot of characters in this book. On on hand we’ve got the rich brat Brandy, the untalented basketball player/rich brat Robert and the genius and rich Charles, these three are the taggers a.k.a the ‘Its’ a.k.a the people who are so rich that they pay a random stranger to orchestrate a game of tag to kill the people they most despise. On the other hand we’ve got the nice girl Laura, the athlete Tyrese and the gamer genius Amanda, the three Runners a.k.a the ones on the line to die.
The rules are to reach ‘Home Base’ before their respective taggers can tag them.
I didn’t find the book to be very seat-grippingly intense but it was a good thriller. It was sort of an AU where Hunger Games happens in real life. I liked the idea behind the whole thing and I loved how it all ended. However, I disliked that it felt very teenagy. I mean, of course the book has all teenagers in them and so naturally that is how it will feel but I just couldn’t take the whole thing super seriously.
But I wouldn’t discourage people from reading it cause that was the only thing I had a problem with. The element of mystery was done very well and the way the characters solved the issue was amazingly done. I also love how the ending is not exactly final. It would be interesting to know what happens next.
Why would you want to read this book? Because it’s a great idea that revolves around people who think that because they are rich they can get away with murder if only all the cards are played right. And I guess it makes you wonder if something like this would actually be possible because all you would need is a computer genius with enough brains to play with the feelings of angst and spite of rich people.
This young adult thriller was an interesting read. It’s basically about a game of tag where if you happen to be the unfortunate person who is tagged, you’ll end up dead. Yep, just a tiny upgrade to a classic game.
There are a lot of characters in this book. On on hand we’ve got the rich brat Brandy, the untalented basketball player/rich brat Robert and the genius and rich Charles, these three are the taggers a.k.a the ‘Its’ a.k.a the people who are so rich that they pay a random stranger to orchestrate a game of tag to kill the people they most despise. On the other hand we’ve got the nice girl Laura, the athlete Tyrese and the gamer genius Amanda, the three Runners a.k.a the ones on the line to die.
The rules are to reach ‘Home Base’ before their respective taggers can tag them.
I didn’t find the book to be very seat-grippingly intense but it was a good thriller. It was sort of an AU where Hunger Games happens in real life. I liked the idea behind the whole thing and I loved how it all ended. However, I disliked that it felt very teenagy. I mean, of course the book has all teenagers in them and so naturally that is how it will feel but I just couldn’t take the whole thing super seriously.
But I wouldn’t discourage people from reading it cause that was the only thing I had a problem with. The element of mystery was done very well and the way the characters solved the issue was amazingly done. I also love how the ending is not exactly final. It would be interesting to know what happens next.
Why would you want to read this book? Because it’s a great idea that revolves around people who think that because they are rich they can get away with murder if only all the cards are played right. And I guess it makes you wonder if something like this would actually be possible because all you would need is a computer genius with enough brains to play with the feelings of angst and spite of rich people.
February 19, 2016
**I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
Backstory: I've been stalking the publication progress of this book since I first read the pitch for it in a writing contest a couple years ago. Yes, I'm pretty shameless when it comes to books. So I was so excited when, after years of wanting to read it, I saw it available on NG to request! But with all that built up waiting, that always comes with an upcoming release I want to read, comes some pretty hefty expectations about hoping not to be let down.
Luckily, TAG, YOU'RE DEAD didn't disappoint!
Ever wonder what THE HUNGER GAMES would have been like if it had taken place in present day rather than a dystopian future? In TAG, rich people pay to play a game of tag during which they pick their unsuspecting target who is then kidnapped and forced to play. The "It" then gets to chase their victim all over the city (Chicago), and if they get within twenty feet of their victim before the victim reaches home base, they press the button on their special smart watch, and their victim gets killed (I won't spoil the "how" in this, but it's quite creepy). Every thirty minutes, the GPS on the smart watch the victims are forced to wear (and unable to take off) broadcasts their current location to their It. If the victim reaches home base before the It tags them, they become the new It, and the old It now becomes the victim with new home base coordinates. It continues until someone dies.
This book played into some of my worst fears. Being kidnapped and forced to run for my life from a mysterious person who, for some reason, paid to pursue and kill me? And I can't tell anyone about the game, because the mysterious Referee has a way to kill my friends and family if I do? Terrifying.
TAG is told in six POVs (third person) of three Its and their three victims (all teens). Each It has a different reason for wanting to play. Spoiled brat Brandy Inkrott is tired of being shown up by naturally beautiful girls, and wants to destroy one - a random stranger named Laura that the referee found for her. Rich boy Robert loathes his high school basketball teammate Tyrese for getting all the attention on the court - and from colleges - and wants him out of the picture. Super genius but eternally lonely Charles wants the challenge of competing against someone who can rival him intellectually; the referee finds geeky gamer girl - and fellow genius - Amanda for him to target.
Despite the fact that there are six main characters - and numerous side characters - I never got confused as to who anyone was. I found the dynamic between Tyrese and Robert really compelling, and I give the author enormous credit here because by the end of the book, I actually cared for Robert, despite the fact that he was extremely unlikable. Tyrese was probably my favorite character, and I really connected to him. I also loved Amanda - geeky gamer girl who is a tech genius? Yes please! I also loved her love/hate relationship with her internet friend "Nerys."
I couldn't put this book down and flew through the pages. The stakes are huge, the pacing is lightning fast, and by the end of the book my heart was pounding. This book requires some suspension of disbelief, but don't let that stop you - it was a great read!
Backstory: I've been stalking the publication progress of this book since I first read the pitch for it in a writing contest a couple years ago. Yes, I'm pretty shameless when it comes to books. So I was so excited when, after years of wanting to read it, I saw it available on NG to request! But with all that built up waiting, that always comes with an upcoming release I want to read, comes some pretty hefty expectations about hoping not to be let down.
Luckily, TAG, YOU'RE DEAD didn't disappoint!
Ever wonder what THE HUNGER GAMES would have been like if it had taken place in present day rather than a dystopian future? In TAG, rich people pay to play a game of tag during which they pick their unsuspecting target who is then kidnapped and forced to play. The "It" then gets to chase their victim all over the city (Chicago), and if they get within twenty feet of their victim before the victim reaches home base, they press the button on their special smart watch, and their victim gets killed (I won't spoil the "how" in this, but it's quite creepy). Every thirty minutes, the GPS on the smart watch the victims are forced to wear (and unable to take off) broadcasts their current location to their It. If the victim reaches home base before the It tags them, they become the new It, and the old It now becomes the victim with new home base coordinates. It continues until someone dies.
This book played into some of my worst fears. Being kidnapped and forced to run for my life from a mysterious person who, for some reason, paid to pursue and kill me? And I can't tell anyone about the game, because the mysterious Referee has a way to kill my friends and family if I do? Terrifying.
TAG is told in six POVs (third person) of three Its and their three victims (all teens). Each It has a different reason for wanting to play. Spoiled brat Brandy Inkrott is tired of being shown up by naturally beautiful girls, and wants to destroy one - a random stranger named Laura that the referee found for her. Rich boy Robert loathes his high school basketball teammate Tyrese for getting all the attention on the court - and from colleges - and wants him out of the picture. Super genius but eternally lonely Charles wants the challenge of competing against someone who can rival him intellectually; the referee finds geeky gamer girl - and fellow genius - Amanda for him to target.
Despite the fact that there are six main characters - and numerous side characters - I never got confused as to who anyone was. I found the dynamic between Tyrese and Robert really compelling, and I give the author enormous credit here because by the end of the book, I actually cared for Robert, despite the fact that he was extremely unlikable. Tyrese was probably my favorite character, and I really connected to him. I also loved Amanda - geeky gamer girl who is a tech genius? Yes please! I also loved her love/hate relationship with her internet friend "Nerys."
I couldn't put this book down and flew through the pages. The stakes are huge, the pacing is lightning fast, and by the end of the book my heart was pounding. This book requires some suspension of disbelief, but don't let that stop you - it was a great read!
July 15, 2016
Tag, You're Dead is a fast-moving thriller with a big cast of teen-age characters. Three Its have paid for a game of lifetime to chase human prey to a home base in Chicago. Two paid for the elite package to tag their victims dead if they can get within 20 yards before reaching safety. The victims Amanda, Laura, and Tyrese all start out in the dark about what is happening, dragged from their lives by the rich Its out for excitement or revenge.
The game never slows down from there as the frightened victims scramble to escape and find out there's no way out of the game.
Lane builds each chasee and chaser as distinct characters with their own motivations. Tyrese and his It are basketball rivals. A different It chose Amanda for her brain. With six characters there are so many complications and possibilities that it will really keep you guessing and rooting for the victims to win. I couldn't read this fast enough.
The game never slows down from there as the frightened victims scramble to escape and find out there's no way out of the game.
Lane builds each chasee and chaser as distinct characters with their own motivations. Tyrese and his It are basketball rivals. A different It chose Amanda for her brain. With six characters there are so many complications and possibilities that it will really keep you guessing and rooting for the victims to win. I couldn't read this fast enough.
December 11, 2018
Kitabı okumaya dün başlayıp gecenin geç saatlerinde bitirdim. Kesinlikle çok akıcı bir dille yazılmış. Okunması çok rahat ve konunun heyecanlı temposu bir an önce okuyup bitirmenizi sağlıyor. Kitapla ilgili söyleyebileceğim tek olumsuz eleştiri hiç gizem barındırmamasıydı. Yani kitabı elinize aldığınız andan itibaren konusunu ve olanları anlamakta, tahmin etmekte pek fazla sıkıntı çekmiyorsunuz. Diyebilirim ki okurken tek dileğim yazarın adaletli davranıp hak edenlerin layığını bulmasını sağlamalarıydı. Sıkıcı değildi ama benim için kurgusu fazlasıyla sıradandı.
Bunlar benim kitapla ilgili şahsi görüşlerimdi. Biraz da konusundan bahsetmem gerekirse. Zengin ancak ahlaki değerlerden yoksun kişilerin kendilerine olanlardan habersiz birer av seçmeleriyle başlayan bir kovalamaca. Oyunun kesin kuralları var. Avlara ve avcılarına birer akıllı kol saati telefon veriliyor ve avlar ulaşmaları gereken noktaya doğru harekete geçtikten her yarım saat sonra koordinatları avcılarına iletiliyor. Avcılar, avlarını bu noktaya ulaşmadan önce sobelemek zorunda yoksa bitiş noktasına ulaşan av, avcı konumuna yükseliyor ve işler değişiyor.
Özellikle okuma sıkıntısı yaşıyorsanız derdinize deva olabilecek nitelikte bir kitaptı. Şimdiden herkese iyi okumalar dilerim.
Bunlar benim kitapla ilgili şahsi görüşlerimdi. Biraz da konusundan bahsetmem gerekirse. Zengin ancak ahlaki değerlerden yoksun kişilerin kendilerine olanlardan habersiz birer av seçmeleriyle başlayan bir kovalamaca. Oyunun kesin kuralları var. Avlara ve avcılarına birer akıllı kol saati telefon veriliyor ve avlar ulaşmaları gereken noktaya doğru harekete geçtikten her yarım saat sonra koordinatları avcılarına iletiliyor. Avcılar, avlarını bu noktaya ulaşmadan önce sobelemek zorunda yoksa bitiş noktasına ulaşan av, avcı konumuna yükseliyor ve işler değişiyor.
Özellikle okuma sıkıntısı yaşıyorsanız derdinize deva olabilecek nitelikte bir kitaptı. Şimdiden herkese iyi okumalar dilerim.
June 28, 2016
Tag, You’re Dead has a very interesting premise, reminiscent of The Hunger Games but using modern technology, it’s a rip-roaring read. I was so surprised, and drawn in so completely that I started and finished it in one day!
This book was brilliantly written, with some extremely interesting characters. What struck me about Tag, You’re Dead is that while it may NEVER actually happen, it is something that could happen, in that it is delivered in a plausible way.
The characters that are thrown into this macabre game of tag are all very different to one another. There is nothing that makes them stand out as above average, so it’s very easy to root for the runners (those being chased) and get invested in the outcome. The concept of runners and Its is very unusul, but it makes for a super fast-paced read!
The blurb above tells you all you need to know about the plot so I won’t go any further into detail. What I will says is that Tag, You’re Dead is a highly unusual and inventive tale and I’m so glad I got to read it as it was (pardon the forthcoming pun) a fantastic change of pace for me compared to some of my usual reads.
J. C. Lane has done an exceptional job of creating a novel with wide appeal, as I’m pretty sure this book could be YA as well as a thriller, and it works equally well as both!
This book was brilliantly written, with some extremely interesting characters. What struck me about Tag, You’re Dead is that while it may NEVER actually happen, it is something that could happen, in that it is delivered in a plausible way.
The characters that are thrown into this macabre game of tag are all very different to one another. There is nothing that makes them stand out as above average, so it’s very easy to root for the runners (those being chased) and get invested in the outcome. The concept of runners and Its is very unusul, but it makes for a super fast-paced read!
The blurb above tells you all you need to know about the plot so I won’t go any further into detail. What I will says is that Tag, You’re Dead is a highly unusual and inventive tale and I’m so glad I got to read it as it was (pardon the forthcoming pun) a fantastic change of pace for me compared to some of my usual reads.
J. C. Lane has done an exceptional job of creating a novel with wide appeal, as I’m pretty sure this book could be YA as well as a thriller, and it works equally well as both!
July 16, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book... It's one of those YA that works for adults as well. Would love to read more in this series (assuming it is a series)...
November 18, 2019
Tag, was a game that the teenagers played that you sign up for online. There were several packages to choose from when signing up. One package resulted in death. The ones that initiated the game are called Its and the Runners are being chased. A message is sent to the Runners saying that have to participate in the game. If the Runners are caught they lose, if the Runners win the Its are chased. It's a deadly game of cat and mouse where the runners are in fear of their lives. 6 young people are playing a deadly game of cat and mouse because of jealousy, envy, and beauty. It takes strength and determination to beat the Its. Winner takes all either way because no one wants to lose at the game of Tag.
August 12, 2016
Originally reviewed on Becca's Books.
First of all, I'd like to thank the author J.C.Lane for getting in contact with me in regards to reading and reviewing Tag, You're Dead. I absolutely loved the premise of this book. It sounded exciting, fresh and not forgetting incredibly creative. I'm certain I haven't read a book quite like this one before and I couldn't wait to see what was in store for me. I loved the look of the cover and the blurb had me wondering how, exactly, the author would deliver such a story to the reader. It didn't take me long to find out as I was very eager to begin.
In J.C. Lane's Tag, You're Dead, we're taken back to the world of playground antics, only this time, it's a lot more sinister than merely shouting, "Tag! You're it!". In this money and power-ruled version of the game, the author brings to light three 'runners' and three 'its'. As you've probably worked out, three are on the run, and the other three are on the chase. Before we've even really ventured any further into this story, the identities of these people are delivered to us via J.C. Lane's fantastic descriptions, alongside the reasons behind their participation. Whether that be jealousy, spite, anger or pure greed, there is a fuel behind each of them that has them racing towards home-base. For some, death is the penalty if they don't beat their opponent. I suppose it all depends on how wealthy that person is, and their what their motive really is.
The pacing of Tag, You're Dead was absolutely spot-on for this thrilling read. It was quick, easy to follow, yet incredibly exciting to see where the author would take me next. Switching from one character to the other, from 'runner' to 'it', I was kept on my toes and desperate to figure out how the whole game would end. I was intrigued by each of the characters presented to me, and enjoyed figuring out how I felt about each of them in turn. Some I liked, some I hated, some I just couldn't stand which, all in all, made for a brilliant mix of people who carried the plot along. I was kept entertained by the characters' contrasting lifestyles, their unique personalities and separate friendships, and really wanted them all to come through okay on the other side.
As for the plot, it was action-packed, gripping, and kept me turning those pages. It was a race against time which only made me hurry onwards towards the finish line. What I loved most about Tag, You're Dead by J.C. Lane though, was how fantastically original the premise of the novel was. It definitely put a new spin on the much-loved game of Tag, anyway.
All in all, Tag, You're Dead by J.C. Lane was fresh, exciting and something completely brand-new. I can't thank the author enough for requesting a review for her novel from Becca's Books, and I will certainly be keeping an eye out for more books from J. C. Lane in the future. Becca's Books is awarding Tag, You're Dead by J. C. Lane with four of my bookish stars. If you're looking for something completely new and exciting, then I would definitely recommend this. A game like no other, and the stakes couldn't be any higher than each other's lives.
First of all, I'd like to thank the author J.C.Lane for getting in contact with me in regards to reading and reviewing Tag, You're Dead. I absolutely loved the premise of this book. It sounded exciting, fresh and not forgetting incredibly creative. I'm certain I haven't read a book quite like this one before and I couldn't wait to see what was in store for me. I loved the look of the cover and the blurb had me wondering how, exactly, the author would deliver such a story to the reader. It didn't take me long to find out as I was very eager to begin.
In J.C. Lane's Tag, You're Dead, we're taken back to the world of playground antics, only this time, it's a lot more sinister than merely shouting, "Tag! You're it!". In this money and power-ruled version of the game, the author brings to light three 'runners' and three 'its'. As you've probably worked out, three are on the run, and the other three are on the chase. Before we've even really ventured any further into this story, the identities of these people are delivered to us via J.C. Lane's fantastic descriptions, alongside the reasons behind their participation. Whether that be jealousy, spite, anger or pure greed, there is a fuel behind each of them that has them racing towards home-base. For some, death is the penalty if they don't beat their opponent. I suppose it all depends on how wealthy that person is, and their what their motive really is.
The pacing of Tag, You're Dead was absolutely spot-on for this thrilling read. It was quick, easy to follow, yet incredibly exciting to see where the author would take me next. Switching from one character to the other, from 'runner' to 'it', I was kept on my toes and desperate to figure out how the whole game would end. I was intrigued by each of the characters presented to me, and enjoyed figuring out how I felt about each of them in turn. Some I liked, some I hated, some I just couldn't stand which, all in all, made for a brilliant mix of people who carried the plot along. I was kept entertained by the characters' contrasting lifestyles, their unique personalities and separate friendships, and really wanted them all to come through okay on the other side.
As for the plot, it was action-packed, gripping, and kept me turning those pages. It was a race against time which only made me hurry onwards towards the finish line. What I loved most about Tag, You're Dead by J.C. Lane though, was how fantastically original the premise of the novel was. It definitely put a new spin on the much-loved game of Tag, anyway.
All in all, Tag, You're Dead by J.C. Lane was fresh, exciting and something completely brand-new. I can't thank the author enough for requesting a review for her novel from Becca's Books, and I will certainly be keeping an eye out for more books from J. C. Lane in the future. Becca's Books is awarding Tag, You're Dead by J. C. Lane with four of my bookish stars. If you're looking for something completely new and exciting, then I would definitely recommend this. A game like no other, and the stakes couldn't be any higher than each other's lives.
April 17, 2016
Received from NetGalley for my honest review.
A game of tag being played throughout Chicago. I LOVED this book! It was my kind of book, a game being played out with deadly consequences! It was very fast paced and kept me interested from start to finish. I disliked the players I was supposed to dislike, rooted for the players I was supposed to root for and wasn't sure about a few! I loved the personalities of all of them, they were so different and played the game differently.
The way the book was divided up between the different characters was a little awkward at times, but I think it was just a formatting issue of an ARC and hopefully it'll be fixed up before the release date, other than that, I had no complaints about this book. The characters were great, the story was great and the ending was satisfying! I'd recommend this book for any fans of reality tv, because though it wasn't broadcast as such, that's what it felt like. The cat and mouse game around Chicago was a ton of fun and I only put this book down because I was so tired late at night, otherwise I would have read it all in one sitting.
Great great book!! LOVED it!!
Setting = A
Plot = A+
Conflict = A+
Characters = A
Theme = A+
A game of tag being played throughout Chicago. I LOVED this book! It was my kind of book, a game being played out with deadly consequences! It was very fast paced and kept me interested from start to finish. I disliked the players I was supposed to dislike, rooted for the players I was supposed to root for and wasn't sure about a few! I loved the personalities of all of them, they were so different and played the game differently.
The way the book was divided up between the different characters was a little awkward at times, but I think it was just a formatting issue of an ARC and hopefully it'll be fixed up before the release date, other than that, I had no complaints about this book. The characters were great, the story was great and the ending was satisfying! I'd recommend this book for any fans of reality tv, because though it wasn't broadcast as such, that's what it felt like. The cat and mouse game around Chicago was a ton of fun and I only put this book down because I was so tired late at night, otherwise I would have read it all in one sitting.
Great great book!! LOVED it!!
Setting = A
Plot = A+
Conflict = A+
Characters = A
Theme = A+
June 30, 2016
Tag, You're Dead is a solid YA Mystery. It reminded me of the idea of the Running Man but with kids and of course its a slightly more serious game of Tag. What I enjoyed about this book was everyone was different, both the Tager and the Tagee (Is that even a thing?). Yes there were characters I disliked, but being told from different points of view helped me get a better insight into the story and their lives.
From the get go this book is full on action, I liked that it kept me interested and I can see this being a super popular read for the YA community. This was my first book by J.C Lane and I was not disappointed.
I don't think we've seen the end to this book either, it felt open to me like so much more could happen. I definitely think this is a book I'd recommend plus would say to look out for and will be recommending it to my teenage daughters to give a go - 3.5 stars.
From the get go this book is full on action, I liked that it kept me interested and I can see this being a super popular read for the YA community. This was my first book by J.C Lane and I was not disappointed.
I don't think we've seen the end to this book either, it felt open to me like so much more could happen. I definitely think this is a book I'd recommend plus would say to look out for and will be recommending it to my teenage daughters to give a go - 3.5 stars.
July 4, 2016
J.C. Lane (AKA Judy Clemens) has written a fast-paced thriller with fascinating technology and appealing characters. It's easy to take sides here. Beautiful girl-next-door Laura, talented athlete Tyrese, and gamer extraordinaire Amanda are being chased by three spoiled brats who don't like being bested by anyone-- especially if they're not a part of the proper social class.
What really takes center stage in Tag, You're Dead is how Laura, Tyrese, and Amanda can possibly win the game with the deck stacked so high against them. Once they realize what's really happened, once they've calmed down, and once they begin formulating their own strategies, the book really takes off.
Writing as Judy Clemens, J.C. Lane has written the marvelous Stella Crown mysteries, which I've read and enjoyed. It's good to see her writing something completely different and just as engaging.
What really takes center stage in Tag, You're Dead is how Laura, Tyrese, and Amanda can possibly win the game with the deck stacked so high against them. Once they realize what's really happened, once they've calmed down, and once they begin formulating their own strategies, the book really takes off.
Writing as Judy Clemens, J.C. Lane has written the marvelous Stella Crown mysteries, which I've read and enjoyed. It's good to see her writing something completely different and just as engaging.
July 16, 2016
Twisted game of tag for the rich and bored. Two pissed off entitled brats try to get their revenge on the people they think are holding them down. Another is just bored and looking for a challenge. So what do the rich and morally damaged people in this book do? They turn to a twisted genius who has created a game of tag so that people like them can get their revenge or die trying. In this game of tag either the target dies or "it" goes to prison. Its a fun, story with characters you can't help but hope lose and others you are routing for. If your looking for an adrenaline filled ride this is a good choice.
March 21, 2016
Copy received from NetGalley in exchange for honest review
I had high expectations from this book and they weren't met.
I know this was suppose to be a serious thriller about a game of life or death, but to me it just felt like a bunch of teenagers running around a city.
No offense to the author but it felt like they tried to achieve something intense, high-action, edge of your seat and mind-bending, but they missed the mark so much it felt like a dumbed down YA version.
I had high expectations from this book and they weren't met.
I know this was suppose to be a serious thriller about a game of life or death, but to me it just felt like a bunch of teenagers running around a city.
No offense to the author but it felt like they tried to achieve something intense, high-action, edge of your seat and mind-bending, but they missed the mark so much it felt like a dumbed down YA version.
January 23, 2021
A game of tag. From different places, backgrounds, and goals. What could go wrong? This game of tag is not like any others, if you are tagged, you are dead (unless you didn't buy the elite package). The Runners have a HomeBase that they must get to before they are tagged by their specified It. Once they get to their Base -- that is, if they make it -- they can decide to become "It" or continue as a "Runner". Once entered into the game, you are given a smartwatch that has access to the internet but no contacts or numbers to dial up. If you are a runner, your location gets transmitted every 30 minutes, or every 15 if you are an "It" who becomes a Runner in the next round. You cannot remove the smartwatch. You cannot alert authorities. You cannot contact others, or inform others in the game, or else they are entitled to the same punishment you are fated to go through. Failure in following these conditions will cause your death and an instant win. The "It's" are competing in a group of three, if they don't win, they will live the rest of their lives in prison as conspiracy for murder.
The game begins with Brandy, a teenage girl with a rich background. The Ref (unknown) presents a list of people, their information about them, all the way to the nitty gritty details. Brandy chooses someone she is not like: Sweet, Naturally Beautiful, Kind, and most of all has a Boyfriend. Her name is Laura, and to her demise, she doesn't have any idea what is going on, who this "It" is, or why they want to kill her. Same with another Runner, Tyrese, a very talented basketball player -- or so he hopes. His "It" is another guy n the same basketball team as him; Robert. Another guy with a rich family background, but slightly less skill at basketball. He'd been jealous of Tyrese since day one, thinking that he stole of his glory on the court, and off. The last "It" was Charles, a mastermind who never seemed to fit in with others, due to his intelligence. He was always bored to death by the average people around him, so he chose a runner that would hopefully give him a good run; Amand, another mastermind who instead uses her intelligence playing video games as PervuainGodess13(PG13) with Nerys.
At first the runners are confused, but once hearing the rules, they start towards their HomeBase, different for each player. But not Amanda, who remains at home until the Ref kills her avatar PG13, in which she gets a move on in the most predictable way possible. On Laura's run to HomeBase, she runs into Brandy's thugs several times, only escaping them with a narrow opportunity. Tyrese runs most of the way and when he couldn't, he hitched a car, btu after that, he couldn't go any farther. He goes to a gas station in which he fights 3 idiots and breaks his arm. A major downfall to him since now, Robert knew where he was and couldn't escape. As Amanda makes a straight beeline to the opposite direction, Charles is simply following her and her every move. Due to Charles' disappointment, he purchases the Elite package of the game that resulted into the players death. Amanda is startled and due to the heat of fear, she involves her gamer buddy, Nerys, the only one not blocked on the contact list. Laura fears for her life as well as she involves an innocent group of tourists, telling them exactly what was going on. They devise a plan in which they will lure Brandy away and allow Laura to get to her HomeBase safely. Tyrese escapes the hospital and makes it to his HomeBase, where he 'accepts' and becomes the "It". Now Robert's life is threatened and he no longer wishes to play the game. Amanda and her tech group, Solo and X, also create a plan. They hack into the watches system and make it look like Amanda is somewhere else, when in reality they are going to find Charles and turn him into a good guy. Laura's plan works, but she is not able to talk to Brandy. Tyrese runs and makes it to Roberts HomeBase, finding him in time. But instead of killing him with the watch, he rants about how he has nothing, and proceeds to beat Robert to death, before Robert kills himself by pressing the smartwatch and a dose of drugs is sent up in a needle through the watch which kills him instantly. Amanda lures Charles -- now Charlie -- onto the good side, and together they track the signals from the Ref to take them down. When they finally make it to the apartment, they find the room that the Ref was in, but the Ref wasn't there. They scramble to try and unplug all cords leading to the players' demisal. Laura, who doesn't want to kill Brandy 'refuses' the game. Brandy pushes the 'kill' button on the smartwatch, but just in time, Amanda pulls the plug to stop everything. The Runners all return to their normal lives (kinda, not really), except Tyrese who has the overwhelming guilt of killing his teammate. Laura returns home to her family and boyfriend. Amanda now has new friends such as Charles, Nerys, Solo and X where they geek out together and understand each other. Brandy is found, and put into prison for a life-time. Robert was never allowed to go back home and see his little brother, somebody he loved with his whole, corrupted heart. The Ref escapes and is no where to be found. But, it is the end. This round.
The game begins with Brandy, a teenage girl with a rich background. The Ref (unknown) presents a list of people, their information about them, all the way to the nitty gritty details. Brandy chooses someone she is not like: Sweet, Naturally Beautiful, Kind, and most of all has a Boyfriend. Her name is Laura, and to her demise, she doesn't have any idea what is going on, who this "It" is, or why they want to kill her. Same with another Runner, Tyrese, a very talented basketball player -- or so he hopes. His "It" is another guy n the same basketball team as him; Robert. Another guy with a rich family background, but slightly less skill at basketball. He'd been jealous of Tyrese since day one, thinking that he stole of his glory on the court, and off. The last "It" was Charles, a mastermind who never seemed to fit in with others, due to his intelligence. He was always bored to death by the average people around him, so he chose a runner that would hopefully give him a good run; Amand, another mastermind who instead uses her intelligence playing video games as PervuainGodess13(PG13) with Nerys.
At first the runners are confused, but once hearing the rules, they start towards their HomeBase, different for each player. But not Amanda, who remains at home until the Ref kills her avatar PG13, in which she gets a move on in the most predictable way possible. On Laura's run to HomeBase, she runs into Brandy's thugs several times, only escaping them with a narrow opportunity. Tyrese runs most of the way and when he couldn't, he hitched a car, btu after that, he couldn't go any farther. He goes to a gas station in which he fights 3 idiots and breaks his arm. A major downfall to him since now, Robert knew where he was and couldn't escape. As Amanda makes a straight beeline to the opposite direction, Charles is simply following her and her every move. Due to Charles' disappointment, he purchases the Elite package of the game that resulted into the players death. Amanda is startled and due to the heat of fear, she involves her gamer buddy, Nerys, the only one not blocked on the contact list. Laura fears for her life as well as she involves an innocent group of tourists, telling them exactly what was going on. They devise a plan in which they will lure Brandy away and allow Laura to get to her HomeBase safely. Tyrese escapes the hospital and makes it to his HomeBase, where he 'accepts' and becomes the "It". Now Robert's life is threatened and he no longer wishes to play the game. Amanda and her tech group, Solo and X, also create a plan. They hack into the watches system and make it look like Amanda is somewhere else, when in reality they are going to find Charles and turn him into a good guy. Laura's plan works, but she is not able to talk to Brandy. Tyrese runs and makes it to Roberts HomeBase, finding him in time. But instead of killing him with the watch, he rants about how he has nothing, and proceeds to beat Robert to death, before Robert kills himself by pressing the smartwatch and a dose of drugs is sent up in a needle through the watch which kills him instantly. Amanda lures Charles -- now Charlie -- onto the good side, and together they track the signals from the Ref to take them down. When they finally make it to the apartment, they find the room that the Ref was in, but the Ref wasn't there. They scramble to try and unplug all cords leading to the players' demisal. Laura, who doesn't want to kill Brandy 'refuses' the game. Brandy pushes the 'kill' button on the smartwatch, but just in time, Amanda pulls the plug to stop everything. The Runners all return to their normal lives (kinda, not really), except Tyrese who has the overwhelming guilt of killing his teammate. Laura returns home to her family and boyfriend. Amanda now has new friends such as Charles, Nerys, Solo and X where they geek out together and understand each other. Brandy is found, and put into prison for a life-time. Robert was never allowed to go back home and see his little brother, somebody he loved with his whole, corrupted heart. The Ref escapes and is no where to be found. But, it is the end. This round.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2016
This was a really good Young Adult thriller novel. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
The best thing about this book is that it's a super fast read. Usually thrillers aren't like that and so by the time I reach the end I get frustrated.
The best thing about this book is that it's a super fast read. Usually thrillers aren't like that and so by the time I reach the end I get frustrated.
June 21, 2016
You can seen my review at www.readinglark.blogspot.com on 22 June 2016
July 15, 2023
Percent to Perfect: 30%
Why you should read it: If you want a fast-paced, story with a cat-and-mouse plot, this might be for you.
Why you shouldn't read it: If you're expecting a well-written story with fleshed-out characters and a realistic plot, this is not for you.
___
I read this book in a day and a half- the plot is very entertaining, and it's a quick read. The writing was okay, but it reminded me of something a tween would post on Wattpad which is why I'm so baffled about this being adult fiction instead of a child's chapter book or a YA novel, at best.
The biggest area this book lacked in for me was the characters. This is a very short book to have an ensemble cast of 3 primary and 8 secondary characters, almost all of whom I found to be annoying, one-dimensional, and completely unrealistic.
Additionally, it felt like the author's only interactions with and knowledge of teens/young adults was by watching two TikToks. Account names like PeruvianGoddess13, HotNerys666, and HanSoloPleasureQueen, using phrases like "you desiccated turd" and "Devil spawn" was so painfully cringey to read that I almost quit. The most uncomfortable scene, however, was with Laura. Warning: minimal spoilers.
Why you should read it: If you want a fast-paced, story with a cat-and-mouse plot, this might be for you.
Why you shouldn't read it: If you're expecting a well-written story with fleshed-out characters and a realistic plot, this is not for you.
___
I read this book in a day and a half- the plot is very entertaining, and it's a quick read. The writing was okay, but it reminded me of something a tween would post on Wattpad which is why I'm so baffled about this being adult fiction instead of a child's chapter book or a YA novel, at best.
The biggest area this book lacked in for me was the characters. This is a very short book to have an ensemble cast of 3 primary and 8 secondary characters, almost all of whom I found to be annoying, one-dimensional, and completely unrealistic.
Additionally, it felt like the author's only interactions with and knowledge of teens/young adults was by watching two TikToks. Account names like PeruvianGoddess13, HotNerys666, and HanSoloPleasureQueen, using phrases like "you desiccated turd" and "Devil spawn" was so painfully cringey to read that I almost quit. The most uncomfortable scene, however, was with Laura. Warning: minimal spoilers.
August 14, 2023
Really great idea for a book. But so badly-written. The characters are flat archetypes, cartoonishly exaggerated and just not written to seem like actual human beings. Really needed a better editor. I'll keep skimming because I'm admittedly curious to see how it ends. But I still consider this a DNF. It's too bad, because if this were the first draft of something, it could've been turned into something great. There's definitely something here. I can also picture this concept as a TV/Netflix series; each episode as a standalone with one pair of participants.
Also for the love of god, I say this as a middle-aged white woman...fellow white ladies, can we all just agree that none of us should be trying to write from the POV of a Black teen boy? It's never going to go well. At best it'll be cringe, at worst it has the potential to get very offensive very fast.
Also for the love of god, I say this as a middle-aged white woman...fellow white ladies, can we all just agree that none of us should be trying to write from the POV of a Black teen boy? It's never going to go well. At best it'll be cringe, at worst it has the potential to get very offensive very fast.
October 29, 2017
This is one of the first young adult mysteries I have read. It disappointed in several ways.
Although it is a murder mystery, the murder takes place at the end of the book. I thought we would never get there.
There is a constant change of POV throughout, sometimes the page is only a few sentences. Head spinning.
While the premise is interesting, it reads like a film script.
It took me a long while to get caught up in the "thriller" aspects. I was so distracted by the nasty characters.
I read a library copy.
Although it is a murder mystery, the murder takes place at the end of the book. I thought we would never get there.
There is a constant change of POV throughout, sometimes the page is only a few sentences. Head spinning.
While the premise is interesting, it reads like a film script.
It took me a long while to get caught up in the "thriller" aspects. I was so distracted by the nasty characters.
I read a library copy.
September 10, 2018
Fast paced, with lots of teeny chapters which made it really hard to find a moment to put down. I read it on the way to work and as soon as I got home.
Great characters. Brutal game. I felt so sorry for one of the characters, but I won't spoil it by saying which one.
Hetro/lovely-dovey ending, but that just seems to be one of the unfortunate norms in the genre, not really a criticism of this book. It'd just be nice if sometimes it ended a bit differently. (I could write this paragraph on the end of so many books!)
Great characters. Brutal game. I felt so sorry for one of the characters, but I won't spoil it by saying which one.
Hetro/lovely-dovey ending, but that just seems to be one of the unfortunate norms in the genre, not really a criticism of this book. It'd just be nice if sometimes it ended a bit differently. (I could write this paragraph on the end of so many books!)
May 15, 2017
"Tag, You're Dead" is a thrilling multi perspective book based on today's setting.
This is such a great book since we are all able to relate to it (teens).
It starts off calm, then the ITS choose the runners and things turn into a chilling run away plot.
The end will leave you with goosebumps, and it's as unpredictable as the Hunger Games.
Get this book now and fall into the crowded and dangerous streets playing Tag.
This is such a great book since we are all able to relate to it (teens).
It starts off calm, then the ITS choose the runners and things turn into a chilling run away plot.
The end will leave you with goosebumps, and it's as unpredictable as the Hunger Games.
Get this book now and fall into the crowded and dangerous streets playing Tag.
February 24, 2019
Being someone who picks books based on odd or entertaining titles or cover art that catches my eye, this book was a must read. Tag you’re dead?! Come on! Can you say awesome. Now would I want to play a deadly game of Tag myself? Probably not. But this book makes you feel like you’re playing along with the spoiled and selfish Its and the confused but clever Runners. It’s a quick read but doesn’t skip a beat. It hits the ground running and I enjoyed it from start to finish.
May 6, 2017
Review to follow
December 5, 2018
Original and varied fiction..I really very like.
April 10, 2025
I found this book while looking for something else, and the title caught my attention. It ended up being a very happy accident since I couldn't seem to stop reading. Tag, You're Dead was definitely right up my alley in terms of thrills, suspense, and characters who make use of their skills to survive. The multiple POV was appreciated so we can see the lengths these characters are willing to go to make it out of such a messed up situation, which in many cases wasn't one of their own making. The author does a great job making you root for some characters while disliking others.
It starts off as a game of Tag built around selfishness and jealousy that spirals into unfortunate circumstances and chaos. For a game without many options except to run or die it managed to be a surprisingly long game of plan and escape. It had a few sets of characters playing against each other each with their own methods to set themselves apart in the story and in the game. The main rules are to make it to home base and to make sure no one knows that you're playing a game. Doing that while other people are just living their lives innocently around you ends up taking the characters on a wild ride. I won't spoil the book by going into too much detail, it's worth the read.
It starts off as a game of Tag built around selfishness and jealousy that spirals into unfortunate circumstances and chaos. For a game without many options except to run or die it managed to be a surprisingly long game of plan and escape. It had a few sets of characters playing against each other each with their own methods to set themselves apart in the story and in the game. The main rules are to make it to home base and to make sure no one knows that you're playing a game. Doing that while other people are just living their lives innocently around you ends up taking the characters on a wild ride. I won't spoil the book by going into too much detail, it's worth the read.
June 14, 2017
This is one of my favorite YA thrillers. The 6 main characters felt fleshed out and there reasons for playing (or not playing) the game fit. The whole idea of "the game" existing is so absurd that it works and the idea of it actually existing seems oddly plausible. I wish that we learned more about the referee and his life and such. The idea of kid controlling this all is strangely profound. I found that there were definitely charcaters that I liked more than others and the perspective would change and I would be immediately disappointed that I was reading about this character after I had become emotionally invested in another. But honestly, all 6 of the perspectives were great.
March 1, 2016
This book was provided by Poisoned Pen Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I gave this book a 3.5 out of 5 star rounding up to 4 stars.
The title was what got me really curious what the book was all about. The title was perfect for this novel as well. The opening was really great and I just didn't want to stop. I was a bit frustrated, though. There were a lot of POV changing and every time I was emotionally connected to a character, the POV had been changed. That was one of the few issues I had with this book. Other issue I had was the book had a weak ending. It seemed so easy for it to be over and there were so much emotion detached from a specific character that would witnessed something they never thought they would have seen. It all happened so fast and the moment I was finally feeling something for a character, the POV changed and that was the last piece of emotion I had for a character.
In my opinion, this book would be much stronger if the author stick with a character's POV longer because it would give us a chance to feel something about them. Like for example, a character was beaten so badly and naturally, I would feel terrible or rooting for his/her survivor from the beating. But it was cut off too quickly and the POV had switched over to other character with a completely different story line. Hell, I would read this book if it was written in series style by focusing on one character's POV through all of their adventure, then the next book would be about other character with same time line and witness all of the adventure they had to go through. That would be awesome series to read and to have the final book to wrap everything up. That would be a great way to read. Other suggestion would be "Part One: Character name" focus on that character's POV, then continued on to the next part of the book. That way it would remain as a standalone novel.
There were plenty ways to make the novel stronger. Unfortunately, this novel wasn't strong enough to be on my favorite shelf. It would have if the POV was well balanced and gave me time to see what they had to go through. When I reached the ending, finding out who were behind the game; it didn't surprise me. I'd figured it out the minute that scene was shown in the novel.
Again, I really enjoyed the book and finished it in a couple sittings. The bed and the job was what stopped me from reading. I definitely want to check more of the author's work since I think it was the author's first work. There is always a room to improve for any writers out there. This author has a lot of potential to be a great thriller writer.
I gave this book a 3.5 out of 5 star rounding up to 4 stars.
The title was what got me really curious what the book was all about. The title was perfect for this novel as well. The opening was really great and I just didn't want to stop. I was a bit frustrated, though. There were a lot of POV changing and every time I was emotionally connected to a character, the POV had been changed. That was one of the few issues I had with this book. Other issue I had was the book had a weak ending. It seemed so easy for it to be over and there were so much emotion detached from a specific character that would witnessed something they never thought they would have seen. It all happened so fast and the moment I was finally feeling something for a character, the POV changed and that was the last piece of emotion I had for a character.
In my opinion, this book would be much stronger if the author stick with a character's POV longer because it would give us a chance to feel something about them. Like for example, a character was beaten so badly and naturally, I would feel terrible or rooting for his/her survivor from the beating. But it was cut off too quickly and the POV had switched over to other character with a completely different story line. Hell, I would read this book if it was written in series style by focusing on one character's POV through all of their adventure, then the next book would be about other character with same time line and witness all of the adventure they had to go through. That would be awesome series to read and to have the final book to wrap everything up. That would be a great way to read. Other suggestion would be "Part One: Character name" focus on that character's POV, then continued on to the next part of the book. That way it would remain as a standalone novel.
There were plenty ways to make the novel stronger. Unfortunately, this novel wasn't strong enough to be on my favorite shelf. It would have if the POV was well balanced and gave me time to see what they had to go through. When I reached the ending, finding out who were behind the game; it didn't surprise me. I'd figured it out the minute that scene was shown in the novel.
Again, I really enjoyed the book and finished it in a couple sittings. The bed and the job was what stopped me from reading. I definitely want to check more of the author's work since I think it was the author's first work. There is always a room to improve for any writers out there. This author has a lot of potential to be a great thriller writer.
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