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The Terminals: A Novel by Royce Scott Buckingham
The riveting story of a covert team of young, terminally ill teens who spend their last year alive running dangerous missions as super-spies for an organization that may not be all it seems.When 19 year-old Cam Cody is diagnosed with a terminal illness, he expects to spend the rest of his shortened life in an adjustable bed. Then one night, a mysterious man offers Cam one chance to join a covert unit of young “terminals.” They are like him, only they spend the last year of their lives executing exciting and dangerous missions to make the world a better place.With nothing to lose, Cam is in.A helicopter flies Cam to a secret tropical location, where he’s tossed out with a parachute and an instruction manual. After a rough landing, he meets his nine teammates. The other terminals don’t seem sick; Zara is beautiful, Donnie is an amazing athlete, and Calliope sings like a bird. He soon learns that they’re enhanced with an experimental super steroid TS-8, which suppresses their illnesses’ symptoms and heightens their physical and mental abilities. It’s also fatal if taken for more than a year.Cam joins this extreme spy team, and they begin pulling dangerous operations in multiple countries. As his teammates fall around him, he starts to receive cryptic messages from a haggard survivor of last year’s class hiding in the forest. She reveals that the program isn’t what it seems, leading Cam to question whether any of them are really sick at all.
Hardcover
First published October 14, 2014
11 people are currently reading
947 people want to read
About the author
Royce Buckingham
28 books60 followersRoyce Buckingham lives in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
January 20, 2015
I did not expect to fall in love with this book as much as I did. Royce Buckingham is an amazing writer who has the rare ability of being succinct, right to the point, and cold-hearted, whenever necessary. I really enjoyed the characters in The Terminals and how they interacted with one another. Cam is a nineteen year-old college student who wants a second chance at life, or the opportunity to make a difference with the time that he has left. To do this, he leaves his family, friends, and entire life behind him. I really like Cam because he is caring, passionate, and stubborn; he does not back down, no matter what. The prologue really sets the tone for the entire novel and introduces the reader to an organization that will do whatever is necessary to further its own interests, even if that means death. Overall, this is an amazing book. Buckingham leaves the reader hanging; I can see this turning into a successful series. If you liked the Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz, then this is the perfect book for you to turn to next.
February 16, 2015
Just another average, trashy YA action novel, sacrificing . . . well, basically everything for thrills.
I wanted to like this. I unfortunately couldn't find any reason to. Implausible world and character choices. Moving on. :(
I wanted to like this. I unfortunately couldn't find any reason to. Implausible world and character choices. Moving on. :(
dnf
October 28, 2014Nope, can't do it. It feels very much like I'm reading a book. There is no connection, no immersion into the story. Also, it feels like it was written in the 90s, before YA was elevated to the quality level that it's at today.
Read
October 2, 2016I was thinking about this book long after it was over. What an awesome and yet horrible premise! Totally shivering about the part with the caiman.
July 23, 2016
I received a free copy of The Terminals from Goodreads First Reads.
Well, Buckingham spins an interesting, fast-paced, "espionage/action/adventure" tale with an intricate plot and multiple twists and turns. Still, I was a little disappointed with the conclusion--the big reveal about what and who was involved, and why. (Probably because I had kinda guessed it already. Poo. I kept thinking of Resident Evil 5 with Wesker claiming, "Humans have escaped this winnowing for far too long." Similar,...but not an exact parallel.) The epilogue does leave room for more though, like a potential sequel.
In the midst of a promising college and sports career, Cam, our 19-year-old protagonist, receives a diagnosis for a terminal disease, and a prognosis of possibly a year or less before succumbing to the disease. He's approached by a mysterious man who enters his life offering him a chance to join his organization and do something for the good of mankind--a chance to be a hero, or, better yet, a "superhero". Obviously, Cam accepts and is whisked away to what appears to be a tropical haven where he meets nine others not unlike himself. All have the same diagnoses and similar backgrounds. But, it isn't long, though, before Cam realizes that his cohorts not only appear healthy outwardly but are abnormally physically adept. What's more, Cam can't shake the feeling or ignore ominous signs that the organization he eagerly joined is not what it appears to be.
I must say, I didn't find Cam entirely likeable. At times, I found him pretty annoying, like his egotistical thinking and occasional whining. But, he had his moments, like his private encounter with Zara. (If and when you read the book you'll know what I mean.) He was more respectful than most in his situation would have been (and were), more respectful than she was to herself. I really appreciated that; now if only more would follow his example.
I suppose what surprises me most (even though it probably shouldn't after meeting certain people in my life) is how gullible Cam and his friends are. I'm like: "okay, this supposedly well-meaning organization is offering the chance to 'save the world'. But, the trainer and recruiter want you to trust them even though they won't trust you." Blindfolds, really? I guess it's easier to convince young adults. You know, people who want to save the world and make a difference, and still think they can--before they become cynical.
Then, there's the charismatic trainer whose seems to have a quick pre-thoughtout answer for everything. Someone who invites you to question him, but obviously would prefer you didn't, that you'll just trust him. (You'll have to forgive me. I'm a highly suspicious person by nature and I'm especially suspicious of charismatic people. Experience had taught me to be so.)
Overall, excepting the occasional profanity and "hormonal moments" (teenagers, *sigh*), The Terminals was a pretty good read. Occasionally funny, ultimately sad.
Well, Buckingham spins an interesting, fast-paced, "espionage/action/adventure" tale with an intricate plot and multiple twists and turns. Still, I was a little disappointed with the conclusion--the big reveal about what and who was involved, and why. (Probably because I had kinda guessed it already. Poo. I kept thinking of Resident Evil 5 with Wesker claiming, "Humans have escaped this winnowing for far too long." Similar,...but not an exact parallel.) The epilogue does leave room for more though, like a potential sequel.
In the midst of a promising college and sports career, Cam, our 19-year-old protagonist, receives a diagnosis for a terminal disease, and a prognosis of possibly a year or less before succumbing to the disease. He's approached by a mysterious man who enters his life offering him a chance to join his organization and do something for the good of mankind--a chance to be a hero, or, better yet, a "superhero". Obviously, Cam accepts and is whisked away to what appears to be a tropical haven where he meets nine others not unlike himself. All have the same diagnoses and similar backgrounds. But, it isn't long, though, before Cam realizes that his cohorts not only appear healthy outwardly but are abnormally physically adept. What's more, Cam can't shake the feeling or ignore ominous signs that the organization he eagerly joined is not what it appears to be.
I must say, I didn't find Cam entirely likeable. At times, I found him pretty annoying, like his egotistical thinking and occasional whining. But, he had his moments, like his private encounter with Zara. (If and when you read the book you'll know what I mean.) He was more respectful than most in his situation would have been (and were), more respectful than she was to herself. I really appreciated that; now if only more would follow his example.
I suppose what surprises me most (even though it probably shouldn't after meeting certain people in my life) is how gullible Cam and his friends are. I'm like: "okay, this supposedly well-meaning organization is offering the chance to 'save the world'. But, the trainer and recruiter want you to trust them even though they won't trust you." Blindfolds, really? I guess it's easier to convince young adults. You know, people who want to save the world and make a difference, and still think they can--before they become cynical.
Then, there's the charismatic trainer whose seems to have a quick pre-thoughtout answer for everything. Someone who invites you to question him, but obviously would prefer you didn't, that you'll just trust him. (You'll have to forgive me. I'm a highly suspicious person by nature and I'm especially suspicious of charismatic people. Experience had taught me to be so.)
Overall, excepting the occasional profanity and "hormonal moments" (teenagers, *sigh*), The Terminals was a pretty good read. Occasionally funny, ultimately sad.
December 26, 2014
I got this through first-reads, and did it as a buddy read with someone in a GR group. She DNF'd it, seemed she just couldn't get into it, I on the other hand, was interested from the gate.
April 15, 2015
While I was easily sucked into the story, I was also constantly pulled out of it just as easily.
Cam is too...good. Too smart, too fast to move past tragedy. Not that it's too hard to move past tragedies. We barely get a handful of scenes of characterization (or at least a chance to become attached before bad things happen.
Also, Cam has an attraction toward basically every female he meets. And many of those are mutual. A lot of the plot felt...cobbled together, I guess.
If you want action, I guess this is an alright book. But it basically feels like a power fantasy, or a daydream. Kinda fun, but ultimately unfulfilling.
Cam is too...good. Too smart, too fast to move past tragedy. Not that it's too hard to move past tragedies. We barely get a handful of scenes of characterization (or at least a chance to become attached before bad things happen.
Also, Cam has an attraction toward basically every female he meets. And many of those are mutual. A lot of the plot felt...cobbled together, I guess.
If you want action, I guess this is an alright book. But it basically feels like a power fantasy, or a daydream. Kinda fun, but ultimately unfulfilling.
October 24, 2014
Just won this in the giveaway, can't wait to read it.
I enjoyed reading The Terminals. Very cool, fast-paced YA espionage/adventure type book. When I first read the plot I thought, this is either going to be very stupid or very awesome. After reading The Terminals, I've gone with very awesome! I thoroughly enjoyed all the action throughout the book. I also like how it leaves off at the end so maybe there will be a sequel. I think it would make a great book series, and perhaps a TV series as well. Overall, pretty great read!
I enjoyed reading The Terminals. Very cool, fast-paced YA espionage/adventure type book. When I first read the plot I thought, this is either going to be very stupid or very awesome. After reading The Terminals, I've gone with very awesome! I thoroughly enjoyed all the action throughout the book. I also like how it leaves off at the end so maybe there will be a sequel. I think it would make a great book series, and perhaps a TV series as well. Overall, pretty great read!
November 4, 2014
3.75 Stars
A YA adventure novel with terminally ill MCs that have superpowers. Think Spy Kids meet Survivor and Bourne Legacy, but a bit darker. Great plot, good start, and fast-paced. The ending is open-ended and leaves room for a sequel (similar to classic Sci-fi). The characters don't have a lot of depth, but the story moves so fast that it doesn't hurt the overall work. A quick and easy read, recommended for young adults.
GoodReads FirstReads Giveaway
A YA adventure novel with terminally ill MCs that have superpowers. Think Spy Kids meet Survivor and Bourne Legacy, but a bit darker. Great plot, good start, and fast-paced. The ending is open-ended and leaves room for a sequel (similar to classic Sci-fi). The characters don't have a lot of depth, but the story moves so fast that it doesn't hurt the overall work. A quick and easy read, recommended for young adults.
GoodReads FirstReads Giveaway
February 4, 2015
This is a little different then what a usually read (boy protagonist for one), but that's a good thing I think. I did find myself surprised at how quickly the body count racked up, and felt it was a pity to be introduced to such interesting seeming people only to have them taken away so soon. There was one twist that wasn't a twist (super shady groups never deal well with blackmail) so some of the emotional punch just wasn't there at the end.
October 7, 2014
Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for access to this title.
3.5 stars.
There is plenty of action and corruption to go around in this one. And extra violence from that action. I enjoyed the twists in this and thought the epilogue did great job at leaving the reader wanting more. I will be watching for the next installment.
3.5 stars.
There is plenty of action and corruption to go around in this one. And extra violence from that action. I enjoyed the twists in this and thought the epilogue did great job at leaving the reader wanting more. I will be watching for the next installment.
October 19, 2014
I won this novel in a goodreads drawing.
An excellent YA sci fi novel about kids turned into an Impossible Mission Force, when they are diagnosed with a deadly disease. Of course, like always in these stories, things aren't what they seem.
Full of great action, and a lot of tension. I think the book is actually more subversive than the author knows.
An excellent YA sci fi novel about kids turned into an Impossible Mission Force, when they are diagnosed with a deadly disease. Of course, like always in these stories, things aren't what they seem.
Full of great action, and a lot of tension. I think the book is actually more subversive than the author knows.
Want to read
September 11, 2014Thanks to Goodreads First Reads and author Royce Buckingham I get the pleasure of reading "The Terminals" for free, yes F R E E!
November 26, 2014
A book worth reading. Surprisingly different in common areas and with more sensibility then most YA novels. Realistic where it needed to be and fictional enough to keep interest.
November 13, 2014
Fast pace, lots of action, mystery, and adventure. Though the ending did get a little confusing.
December 5, 2014
little short for my likeing but good read needs to be a series
December 16, 2014
Highly entertaining. Fast paced. I expect there will eventually be a sequel. Loved it.
January 14, 2015
I thought this book was a Very good book. The ending is surprising and the whole book is just awesome.
June 16, 2016
is there a second one?? I need to know what happens next!!
September 16, 2020
This is way too underrated in my opinion. It was pretty enjoyable. It's a fun fast-paced YA action book that definitely kept me at the edge of my seat. I somehow liked all of the characters, which is a great thing. I felt every emotion, whether it was at the heartbreaking moments or the most dramatic violent sequences. The story was beautifully structured and it was straight to the point. I also loved how each chapter has a little section above that says "Cam's Playlist" and shows Cam's catalogue of fictional songs by fictional emo/metal bands. That was pretty awesome and unique.
Here are the few things that bothered me though.
-- I feel like Buckingham doesn't understand teenagers that well, therefore making the dialogue and interactions seem a bit stereotypical and unrealistic at some parts.
-- I get that Cam wanted a girlfriend, and that was presented from the beginning, but did he seriously need to crush and have an attraction on every female he meets? I'm not joking, he literally did.
-- Yes, I like how fast-paced the novel is, but I feel like there were too many great elements in it that were just crowded into 280 pages. In other words, it wouldn't have bothered me if the book was a bit longer, or if some great moments weren't rushed through.
-- That ending could've been way more triumphant, and that epilogue just left me confused. By the looks of it, I don't think we'll be getting a sequel any time soon.
Overall, I recommend this novel for action lovers who like reading about evil secret spy organizations. Appreciate the underground, for goodness' sake!
7/10
Here are the few things that bothered me though.
-- I feel like Buckingham doesn't understand teenagers that well, therefore making the dialogue and interactions seem a bit stereotypical and unrealistic at some parts.
-- I get that Cam wanted a girlfriend, and that was presented from the beginning, but did he seriously need to crush and have an attraction on every female he meets? I'm not joking, he literally did.
-- Yes, I like how fast-paced the novel is, but I feel like there were too many great elements in it that were just crowded into 280 pages. In other words, it wouldn't have bothered me if the book was a bit longer, or if some great moments weren't rushed through.
-- That ending could've been way more triumphant, and that epilogue just left me confused. By the looks of it, I don't think we'll be getting a sequel any time soon.
Overall, I recommend this novel for action lovers who like reading about evil secret spy organizations. Appreciate the underground, for goodness' sake!
7/10
August 31, 2021
This book was amazing! It was written well and the story was VERY engaging and captured my attention quickly. I don't feel like the story had lulled at any point. I was instantly hooked from the prologue and it got better from there! I enjoyed the uniqueness of this story and the characters. I enjoyed the way the characters reacted with each other and how they acted as a team. I also LOVED the plot of Siena and how she played into the story. I loved the explanation of the TS9 and everything the story explained at the end of the book and I very much enjoyed that it was NOT a stereotypically cliche ending.
October 4, 2017
A good concept, but the 'voice' felt shallow. The writing was basic and lacked any prose, the narrator describes only actions and skips any other descriptions whatsoever, except of course to describe in lecherous detail literally every female he comes into contact with. The plot was interesting enough, and the setting was ok, but the characters all felt flat.
July 26, 2024
I had liked two other books by this author that I had read - Goblins and Demonkeeper. This one was totally different and I really didn't care for it. Most of the characters I liked were dispatched too quickly. The ending also begged for a sequel which I don't think has happened. But that's ok since I wouldn't read it anyway.
January 4, 2025
I had liked two other books by this author that I had read - Goblins and Demonkeeper. This one was totally different and I really didn't care for it. Most of the characters I liked were dispatched too quickly. The ending also begged for a sequel which I don't think has happened. But that's ok since I wouldn't read it anyway.
October 11, 2020
a great book full of plot twists and action. is in need of a sequel because of the ending. but other than that a good book.
September 27, 2024
Very enjoyable read. I need to see if there are more in a series as it ended very open to that?
January 4, 2017
hard to put down
March 18, 2016
I give this book 3/5 stars because there was too many gaps for me, for example, the ending; the ending is so vague but yet it sounds like there's going to be a sequel, like, there is the perfect setup for a sequel, but I've heard no word of one. (Mini spoiler) Also, at the end, it's uncertain if two characters died or not - it doesn't specifically tell you because in one chapter it seems like they did but in the one after it mentions them/it sounds like they're still alive but then they aren't mentioned. Plus, I guessed the "big" plot twist very early on in the book. However, I really liked the plot line and it did have a lot of good twists; I never knew what was going to happen next. I loved the main character, I thought he was super relatable and I liked his sense of humor. I also really liked the thing the author did with each chapter being a song on Cam's playlist and then having a line from the song be specifically chosen - that was really cool. However, the romance in this book/Cam's romantic feelings toward others felt really forced and it was just weird to read; I don't think the book needed it. Overall, I really enjoyed this story but I have too many issues with it.
December 31, 2015
On the surface, Cam has it all. He’s a gifted athlete, he’s smart and he’s about to start college. However, once he’s learned that he has a terminal form of cancer, he’s resolved to spending the rest of his life in a hospital.
One night, a mysterious man comes to Cam and gives him an opportunity that he can’t refuse. He’s been invited to be a part of a secret mission with other teen and young adult “terminals,” i.e. others who have been given a short life sentence because of cancer. Their mission is to help keep the world safe from terrorists, pirates and corrupt governments. Eventually, they will die, but not before becoming heroes.
The cover is decent - five teens/young adults posing on a mountain top with a jungle and helicopter behind them. The tag line is “Only the badass die young,” with the word “good” scratched out. The book seems too long (it’s only 278 pages) because the type face is quite small and there is very little white space. I couldn’t really relate to any of the characters, because most were underdeveloped or killed off within a short amount of time. It didn’t hold my interest as much as I wanted it to, especially because the premise was interesting.
One night, a mysterious man comes to Cam and gives him an opportunity that he can’t refuse. He’s been invited to be a part of a secret mission with other teen and young adult “terminals,” i.e. others who have been given a short life sentence because of cancer. Their mission is to help keep the world safe from terrorists, pirates and corrupt governments. Eventually, they will die, but not before becoming heroes.
The cover is decent - five teens/young adults posing on a mountain top with a jungle and helicopter behind them. The tag line is “Only the badass die young,” with the word “good” scratched out. The book seems too long (it’s only 278 pages) because the type face is quite small and there is very little white space. I couldn’t really relate to any of the characters, because most were underdeveloped or killed off within a short amount of time. It didn’t hold my interest as much as I wanted it to, especially because the premise was interesting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews