Expect Civilian Casualties

by Gary Bonn

Expect Civilian seventeen, Jason lives on isolated beaches, only moving on if he’s discovered and questions are asked. He’s strong, he’s athletic, a hunter hiding from a world he doesn’t like or understand. A world of abusive homes he fled six years before.One night a girl crouches in the light of his cooking fire. She’s wild, feral, moves and talks in strange ways – and doesn’t even have a name. He calls her Anna. After only a few days Jason can’t imagine living without her. She’s intoxicating, passionate, an adventure – and the most dangerous person he’s ever met.HuntedAnna knows she’s not like other people, that the world wants her and her kind dead. But Anna’s fierce love for her people means that she will sacrifice anything and anyone, except Jason, to protect them. Anna is an ingenious and resourceful enemy – as the world is about to discover.Deadly SecretsSomeone believes mankind is on the brink of ecological disaster and uses science to solve the problem – employing methods so illegal that the project is never revealed. Anna is the terrifying outcome and unleashed on an unsuspecting world.Paranormal WarStruggling with confused loyalties, Jason’s recruited by the army to help destroy Anna and her kind. Among the soldiers, he finds the kind of friends that feel like the family he never knew. Jason is plunged into action, not knowing which side he’s on.When you love people on both sides of a war – you can only lose.Goodreads Expect Civilian Young adult paranormal action adventure."This was hands down one of the most compelling books I have ever read in my life.""Expect Civilian Casualties is a mindblowing experience. Seriously, how did Gary Bonn think of this? It has to be one of the most unique stories I've ever read.""Where to start? I just can't actually put words to review this book, literally I am speechless, I have never, ever, read a book like this. Mr. Bonn's writing style blew my mind away.""It was poetry, it was travesty, it was dramatic and tragic and beautiful and horrendous and infinite."Please scroll up and click on the “Take a Look Inside” image.

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 19, 2012

About the author

Not to write is to wrong!

After years of bashing my head off a brick keyboard, Firedance Books rescued me by publishing my work.

I found myself in a gang of great writers who were all keen to help each other get published.
After a whirl of editing and mutual cooperation, one has a drool-worthy agent, one has an Ms with a superb publisher and three of us are already published.
For any would-be authors out there - this is the way to go ahead - a book is a team effort.
If you go through agents and publishers they will ask for numerous changes and strengthen your work as a result. If you intend to be self-published, make sure you have a gang of good quality editors - they will help you no end.
A big thanks to the Writerlot people - you are all heroes

Reviews

[Kitlina · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I was given a copy by the author for an honest review.*

People please pardon my English but I've got to say: THIS BOOK JUST FUCKED MY BRAIN!
Yup, I am not kidding. It was a brain fuck like no other.
Mr. Bonn got to give it to you, I think you might be a little genius. How in the name of all that is holy did you come up with this book?
I am not talking about the premise of the book itself, aliens and engineered people or something. I am talking about the way you said it all. How is it possible for a person to write like this?
Believe me I have read hundreds of books and not one of them, NONE, ZERO, ZILCH, NADA ..... have been written like this one.
It was poetry, it was travesty, it was dramatic and tragic and beautiful and horrendous and infinite.
How could I leave you a review when I don't fucking now what I just read?
Could you blame me?
Are you an alien or something?
Maybe an alien writer who has come to us earthlings to show us how books should be written perhaps?
I may not get over this episode in my life that I will now be redeeming as: The Day my Brain was Fucked!
Yes I know I'm not the most eloquent person on the planet. In that amazing phrasing of Jason's: "Piss off!", I don't need no input. I can self criticize with the best of them.
But hot damn, this just redid my circuits. My scale of value was reinvented. How am I supposed to judge other books now?
So maybe I should talk about the characters some. OK.
Jason, I love you so much I could bite your ass cheek twice a day and three times on Sunday. You are the most amazing character I have ever had the pleasure of reading about. This is not something I say lightly so you should pay attention.
Anna, you are the epitome of deranged :))))) No, don't mind me. You are so exceptional I can no more look at you then applaud you. Rhetoric question: *Did that make any sense?*
Gladys, Busby, Bethany, Naomi, Catherine, Mitch what an amazing family. What an accomplishment to make up those people. What greatness.
I just can't talk about this anymore I need a bath in a spring or an ocean, I need rain on my face. I need to get out of this box.

Thank you so much Mr. Bonn. You have really made a difference for me and I guess with a lot of people.

Here's to more awesomeness from your brave intellect.
Cheers!

[Lisa Lieberman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of rocky at the outset, but as the main character regains his sea legs, the author finds his footing too. The story felt like a darker version of one of Hayao Miyazaki's films: a mind-expanding adventure, playing technology off against nature, with basic human decency at the core.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really unusual novel which would please YA or adult readers. Bonn's writing is really fresh and vivid and you are sucked into Jason's world - and more importantly - his worldview swiftly and seamlessly. It is refreshing to have a hero who genuinely sees the world very differently from the rest of us - and distinctly refreshing in the YA sector where most protagonists are fairly conventional young females whose worlds are bound by school and boys. Jason has lived a feral life, fending for himself and living rough, although in a kind of natural splendour, on the sea shore. When he encounters a strange girl - who turns out to be the most dangerous person in the world - his lack of conventional judgements allows him to see her, and the ensuing war, in a unique and compelling way.
I don't know what to tell you about this book except to read it. It is a love story, but one unlike you've ever read. A war story, but again so different from any other war story I've encountered. And it's an alien invasion story, but completely lacking in Hollywood cliche or preconceived ideas.
Bonn's ideas are strong, his characters are lovely and the breathless journey he takes us on just has to be experienced. It's a book that compels you to be in the moment and ride it out even when the world moves so fast we can't know right from wrong, or who to trust. Be like Jason... just go with it.

[Mariela Germann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank NEVER TOO OLD FOR Y.A AND N.A Books and the author Gary Bonn for allowing to read this book for an honest review.


Oh my! Oh my!!! oh my!!!!!!!!!! Where to start? I just can't actually put words to review this book, literally I am speechless, I have never, ever, ever. read a book like this, never in my life, Mr. Bonn's writing style blew my mind away, I want to, not just want but desire to feel the way Jason did about the world, the way that it was describe, I even felt the way the characters did, by the end of the book, I was in tears, yes I am a very emotional woman.


I have never judge a book by it's cover, so do not let the cover fool you, the book has lots of potential, you just need to be patient and then BAM you'll be captured by the story. The story itself has lots of twists and never expect or try to guess what's going on, believe me, I commited those mistakes.

Oh well, I can't choose from one character to be my favorite because I like all of them, I sincerely do not have one character that I did not like, they all fit together perfectly. And oh my that ending, it was exceptional.... I couldn't have ask for anything different.

Thank you Mr. Bonn for this exceptional reading!!!!

[David Bowmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t a love story. It’s a science fiction, trans-dimensional, full-on war on terrorism love story.
And all seen through the eyes of Jason, a claustrophobic, homeless teenager. But Jason is unique. He wouldn’t say he was homeless; his home is the beach and the sea is his larder. A cave for shelter would be nice, but not essential. He wouldn’t say he was claustrophobic either, he would say he doesn’t like boxes or the people in the boxes who tell him what to do, what to think and how to behave. Jason loves water and the rain and the trees and moss and insects and a girl who happens to be The Leader of the enemy.
In Jason, Gary Bonn has created one of the most well-rounded and understanding characters in literature.
I’d love to be brave enough to see the world the way Jason does.
And it’s beautifully written by Gary Bonn.
A tremendous piece work that I highly recommended.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for giving this book to me in exchange for a review. And thank you to the group Never Too Old for Y.A. & N.A. Books for giving me an extension to finish this book.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Expect Civilian Casualties is a mindblowing experience. Seriously, how did Gary Bonn think of this? It has to be one of the most unique stories I've ever read. It's the story of Jason, who has spent years in the wild, and suddenly he gets mixed up in a war between humans and monsters. These monsters consume whole people. They don't eat them like cannibals, but the people just sort of disappear. Jason meets Anna, who happens to be one of these monsters, but she is also the love of his life. After realizing the harm her and her people do, Jason helps the humans do all they can to save human civilization.

The characters were wonderful. They were well written, and especially the main character had a lot of depth. I loved Gladys, Mitch, Busby, Naomi, Catherine and Bethany. They were a great team and showed Jason how important love and company were. Jason loved the outdoors. He hated TV and being inside. He would rather sleep on a table than in a nice comfy bed. It's interesting and very unheard of.

The writing style was different. At times I thought the sentences were a little choppy, but that's not a big deal. For the most part, I liked the writing style and being able to see directly through Jason's eyes and knowing what he was thinking.

There were times I really had no idea what was going on. I had to reread some parts a couple times to figure it out. There was always something going on. But that's war for ya.

I despise the ending. It just ended. No closure...nothing. And it just didn't end the way I wanted it to. Some may love it, but I'm not one of them. Luckily, the ending didn't ruin the rest of the book for me. It was so creative and unique, it deserves praise, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes YA and NA.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jason is a teenager living alone on a secluded beach. There are hints of abuse and time in an institution. One night, a young woman joins him at his fire. She doesn't have a name, so Jason calls her Anna. She is wild and vivacious, and they have a great time hanging out together on the beach. That is, until the day that Jason sees Anna eat another person.

She sucks the other person down her throat, like a Hollywood special effect, instead of consuming flesh like a zombie. Anna immediately takes off, closely followed by a large group of soldiers and scientists. They are trying to get a handle on what Anna is doing, and are trying to stop Anna and the others (she is not the only one) by any means possible. When a report is received on their location, the intention is to kill them, instead of capturing them.

Later, Jason tries to convince Anna to give herself up (her answer is an emphatic No). Jason learns that Anna, and everyone in her group, are compelled to each consume 1000 people, and then they will leave. Is this the first step in some sort of invasion?

As Jason gets to know some of the soldiers, he realizes that he could consider them to be his friends. But they also want to kill Anna, with whom Jason has fallen in love. Taking matters into his own hands, a scientist has decided to do something about climate change. It involves doing something extremely illegal to Anna and the others. Do Anna and Jason ever get back together?

This story is told from Jason's perspective, so it may seem rather dry reading. It is also a really well-done story, combining love and chaos. This is very much worth checking out.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer - I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to the author and the group mods.

First off, let's not talk about the cover. We all know it's a photoshop nightmare. A good cover can draw readers to a book, but don't let the cover turn you away from this one. Sci-fi and teen romance aren't my go-to genres, but Expect Civilian Causalities managed to win me over within the first twenty pages.

Though ECC is a unique novel, elements of the hard sci-fi plot contain echoes of familiarity. A number of "monsters" (genetically engineered human-consumers) threaten the existence of the human race and a military conflict ensues. If the author had chosen to tell the story through the eyes of a soldier or a scientist, it would have been something we've all seen or read before. But Jason, the narrator and main character, has a fascinating worldview that makes this story fresh and frequently breathtaking.

As young teen, Jason ran away from his life as a leukemia survivor raised in group homes. Being on his own and living off the land for the bulk of his adolescence has made him strong, clever, and surprisingly compassionate. He despises feeling trapped and is easily exhausted by people (and things, like television) who make demands or order him around. His razor sharp senses allow him to experience the world in almost excruciating detail. Though he sometimes struggles to understand subtle social cues and innuendos, he's incredibly observant and has a deep and sometimes poetic appreciation for both the natural world and human kindness. The events of the novel lead him to connect with a number of other characters, and it's not until then that he realizes how lonely he's been. Several characters, particularly a mathematician named Gladys, recognize the value of Jason's unique viewpoint. The author may be trying to make a philosophical statement about the importance of atypical thinkers or the plural nature of reality, but the novel only occasionally crosses the line into preachy territory.

Jason's romantic relationship with one of the "monsters" adds another interesting layer to the story. Though we've seen countless Romeo & Juliet stories before, the author manages to avoid most of the predicable tropes, and the scenes between Jason and Anna are particularly well-written and tender. Striking the right balance with sex scenes can be difficult in YA novels. The depictions here are incredibly sensual without being overtly sexual AND without being annoyingly chaste. The author makes it seem effortless, but don't let that fool you. It takes serious talent to render scenes like that so delicately.

Due in part to Jason's offbeat perspective and outsider status, his narration sometimes seems distant from the events of the story and from many of the characters. In addition, the military conflict and many of the action scenes are extremely chaotic and confusing. I feel fairly confident that these aspects of the novel were intentional and believe they are an effective way to convey Jason's disconnection from the world and the overwhelming nature of the conflict at the crux of the plot. Some of my favorite novels are those in which the world seems confusing to the narrator and, therefore, also to the reader. But the level of confusion here and the lack of easy answers may irk some readers. Similarly, I found a few grammatical errors (not typos) that might ruffle the feathers of very picky readers, but they might also have been intentional. Real people and realistic narrators don't always use perfect grammar.

I've participated in quite a few read for review programs and this novel took me by surprise and defied my expectations for indie published lit. Though the level of quality is probably partially attributable to a good editing team, Expect Civilian Casualties represents a truly refreshing take on both YA and hard sci-fi. Gary Bonn's talent is obvious and I'm looking forward to checking out more of his work.

[Dakini K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d like to begin by thanking Gary Bonn and the moderators of Never Too Old For YA Books for granting me the opportunity to read Expect Civilian Casualties. I’d also like to thank the mods for extending the review posting deadline because there is no way I would have been able to get it all together in the middle of Christmas madness.

ECC is an odd story removed from formulaic genre conventions and predictable narrative strands. Initially I found it difficult to access, but a couple of chapters in and I reached the level of engagement that would stick with me throughout the whole book.

Jason is a really interesting protagonist. I didn’t emotionally entangle with him, was able to keep a wider distance than I usually do with characters I appreciate. So, I guess there was little identification, but a different kind of affection. A new experience for me as a reader.

Gary Bonn’s writing is raw and honest. Dialogue is realistic and entertaining with a fair amount of innuendo and less implicit sauciness. The supporting characters all have an admirable strength behind them and personalities that complement their attributes.

There were times in all honesty that I didn’t understand what the hell was going on. This detracted from the reading experience, but I was able to piece together enough key information for me to cope with the holes in my knowledge.

I really like what the author did with gender in this book. Jason is the ‘hero’ and embraces stereotyped male behavioural traits like physical strength, ability to fight, a certain animalistic fierceness and extreme independence. He also has beautiful long curly hair that results in some people thinking he is a girl from behind and an inherent sensitivity and emotional overdrive that are constantly attributable to women. The younger female characters are direct, assertive, capable and sexually confident. They are also able to cry and connect with emotions and not overly masculinised. If not 3 dimensional as such, there is a lot of scope for all the characters to explore different sides of their personas in less traditional ways.

I really enjoyed reading Expect Civilian Casualties. I never knew where it was going to take me, couldn’t predict the ending and will be looking out for Gary Bonn’s work in the future.

[Leylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book to read for an honest review by the author and I literally finished reading Expect Civilian Casualties about 5 minutes ago and it left me flabbergasted. I am speechless. I was sure that Catherine loved Jason more so than a friend and that at some point we as readers would be told. I just got that feeling when they both interacted and all her biting. Then there is the whole Gladys and Anna communication history, in which I was also sure that Anna was Cheryl in a reincarnated scenario. Obviously that did not happen as here I am writing this nearly "speechless". It is a good story period. There are some questions that linger in my mind once I concluded reading like the disappearance of some characters from the rest of the story, how some things came to be or what was Anna's choice in the end. Overall, I was highly satisfied in the turns of events this story took.It went from one location to another but kept the essence of the main character intact. I won't lie, when I first started reading the story I was so confused as to what was going on. I nearly quit reading it because I could not find the flow to what I was reading, but the scenes kept me coming back for more. I am so glad I stuck it out until the end. Jason is a very well written character. He is so different than most stories and novels now a days. He provides insight to a very materialistic world full of boxes. As a fictional character, he did make me see things in a different light. Plus, as a side bonus every time I work out, I keep reminding myself that new muscles are being formed. Great motivator.
This book is great and I feel it would definitely appeal to a male audience too. The relationship of Anna and Jason is written in a way that is not the mushy corny lovey dovey scenes that most teens are accustomed to, but rather something more real. Even when despair happens, the way it is voiced by Jason makes it believable. The different relationships that bud from one event laced with political differences, war scenarios and emotion make this a good read for both males and females. I think the author did a great job balancing the overall plot of the story.

[Jason Graves · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this e-book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I will say that this is the second book by Mr. Bonn that I've read, but I read them backwards -- reading his second book, The Evil and the Fear, first. The Evil and the Fear is undeniably the better of the two, but I've already reviewed it elsewhere.

I enjoyed Expect Civilian Casualties. It was a quick and entertaining romp, with plenty of interesting ideas and characters. However, it lacked depth -- so many ideas were never developed and so many characters were never grown. Really, the only character with any appreciable development was the titular narrator, Jason. So many interesting back stories remained mute. The story reminded me of a stone skipping over a lake -- it made a lot of splash, but never plumbed the depths.

As well, there seemed to be an attempt at philosophical profundity that really came across as nothing more than a hand waving exercise. A pivotal character, Gladys, asks a few straightforward questions, and the pair -- Gladys and Jason -- behave as if they've discovered the secrets of the universe in Jason's answers; it rang hollow.

There is plenty of well-written action scenes and semi-naked flirty behavior, all of which was tasty. And the premise of the antagonists -- the monsters -- was absorbing and original. There are some great ideas in this book, but I just always felt like I was looking at them from a distance. Finally, the story ends like running into a wall; no real closure, it just ends.

This is a good first novel, and Mr. Bonn shows promise in his sophomore effort, as noted. I recommend this story to people who enjoy mystery thrillers, with the caveat that there are more thrills than mystery.

[Britt · Rating 1 out of 5]

THIS WOUlD BE A 3.5 IF IT WAS POSSIBLE>

This was hands down on of the most compelling books I have ever read on my life. I literally couldn't stop reading due to the sheer fact that I needed to know what the hell was going on. This may sound bad but hey it kept my interest throughout so.....Mr. Bonns writing style was extremely unique and really put you up close and personal with the main POV Jason and what he was going thru. He told the story as if you were looking thru his eyes. I loved it. However what the hell was this about?!?! I didn't think it was possible to enjoy a book where you weren't totally sure of the plot line but hey there a first time for everything. Jason is some type of unique boy, is he human is he one of "them". It never says. I think he has cancer but that was a total dead end plot line if you ask me. Then these beings were created to transport people to another reality to prevent the fall of the humans race on earth. I don't event know if that is right. That is just what I got and I'm totally not a spoilerific reviewer so I won't reveal to much more but it was intense! This books finds perfection in its imperfection. Love that things weren't so plain jane predictable that I could guess what was happening next. You have to really think and work your way thru the bijillion context clues and piece together some of the story yourself. Completely original style.

[Susan Roebuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take a deep breath because you may not let it out again until you reach the last page of Gary Bonn's debut novel of suspense and bone-crunching adventure, "Expect Civilian Casualties".
He dives straight into the story of one of the most beguiling heroes with the biggest heart I've ever encountered - tormented seventeen year old Jason who hasn't been to school since he was eleven, who survives by isolating himself on a secluded beach, and who just doesn't rationalize like most people.
But if Jason has special gifts they're nothing like those of a beautiful girl who joins him one day and who is wilder than he is. Their love is unique and more electrifying in the short time they're together than most people experience in a life-time.
When it becomes clear that the girl is not only a hunter, but is also being hunted, Jason becomes embroiled in a bitter war to save humanity. And the girl is on the wrong side.
Written in seemingly simple prose that wastes no words, the story evolves in a fast-moving plot that kept me on the edge of my seat. Bonn has the ability to move seamlessly from scene to action-packed scene with hardly a hint at what the outcome will be. And he's created an addictive protagonist that I miss dreadfully now I've finished the book which, like the author, deserves to do well.
Comment |

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this e-book for a fair and honest review from Gary bonn.

If you like action packed books with a little bit of romance you will defiantly love this book. It might be hard at first to like it but just keep reading. I really liked how this story played out. I was just really confused throughout the story. So I kept reading it to find out how the book was going to end and play out. I liked how Anna and Jason played as their characters. There was something different about Jason and his character. He seemed more with the program as you could say it. Anna at first your sitting their like what is wrong with this girl but that's what draws you into the story. This story does leave the reader wanting more which is a great thing.

The cover of this book really threw me off from the story. It just seemed really plain and I wish it showed both of the characters on the cover with more colors also but that's not what drew me into the book. So I'm not going to say much about it. But that's why in my opinion the book got four stars instead of five is because I didn't think the cover told some of the story. Also that the story confused me at first.

The characters in the book were all awesome. I would have to say that Jason was my favorite because he was the main character and because he was so different.

Thanks again Gary bonn for letting me read your book!:)

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was Very intense. The book was somewhat confusing at first because i couldnt decide what it was trying to tell me. Everything is resolved of course but so much is expressed and so many controversial topics are in this book! Wow. i enjoyed reading this book even though it isnt what i expected, this book made me really think about the way things are in the world and my perspective. i would recomend this book and in fact i already have! The book is not very long but i wouldnt recommend powering through it in one sitting, its one of those books to digest, really give it the time and attention- its worth it.

[Belkis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well this was really different. I'm not sure how I feel about this one. I liked it. It's thrilling and mysterious and confusing. Packed jammed with nonstop shifts in "almost plots" that aren't quite developed. I feel like I never really got my footing? I think maybe that was the point? I mean it kept me guessing till the very end and I'm still trying to figure it out. I'm not sure what I read!! How can that be?! To read a book, like the story, but still be asking yourself "what did I just read?" Definitely different. Definitely interesting.

[Cait S · Rating 1 out of 5]

I literally don't even know what to say right now. Full disclosure, I read 1/4 of this book and then dropped it. It's...awful? Awful is putting it mildly? I feel like I should apologize for absolutely hating it and not understanding in the slightest how it got published.

I think this is just one of those books that's like...an inside joke. You either get it or you don't. I don't. I'm pretty annoyed I wasted time forcing myself to even read part of it.

[Jae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I worked on the editing of this book - just so you know.
It is a story about a boy on the edge of society who finds love and belonging in the midst of chaos and horror. Gary tells the story with such focus through Jason's senses that the reader experiences everything Jason does. It is immediate and compelling.
Each time I read the ending I see something new. There's depth to this story.

[Patrick LeClerc · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a terrific book. Bonn has a real knack for writing young characters, and a true feel for conveying the experiences of characters confined to an institution and the effects that has on development.

Gary Bonn is one to watch.