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Linus Hoppe #1
The Destiny of Linus Hoppe
Linus Hoppe has always lived in Realm One, an ideal world. Now, at 14, he must be tested by the Great Processor to determine where he deserves to live from here on. If he achieves a high score, nothing in his life will change. But if he scores too low, he’ll be relegated to an inferior realm, possibly far from his family and friends.
There’s really nothing for Linus to worry about—unless, of course, he chooses to alter his destiny.
There’s really nothing for Linus to worry about—unless, of course, he chooses to alter his destiny.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2001
4 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Anne-Laure Bondoux
44 books189 followersAnne-Laure Bondoux has received numerous literary prizes in her native France. Among her previous books published by Delacorte Press is The Killer’s Tears, which received the prestigious Prix Sorcières in France and was a Mildred L. Batchelder Honor Book in the United States.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 27, 2009
inus Hoppe has lived all of his life in the first Realm, a protected place where citizens are intelligent, productive, peaceful, and happy. But Linus is about to take an exam that will change his life forever. Everyone at the age of sixteen must be examined by the Great Processor to determine where they will live out their years, and some of the realms are purportedly worse than others – 3 is for rebels, and 4 is for the mentally ill. With the test looming over him, Linus begins to question the use of the examination, and how it separates the citizens. He begins to think it might be better if he lived in Realm 2. After meeting Yosh (from Realm Two) online, Linus learns that they may be able to beat the Great Processor and switch scores – with the help of a secret organization. As they make their plans, however, the police catch wind of the scheme and the boys are forced to go underground. The organization disbands and destroys its records, but the boys are able to break into the Great Processor and switch their test scores with the help of Linus’ computer hacking friend, Chem. The test – which no one remembers afterward – is a terrible ordeal. Linus avoids taking the pill that will make him forget his experience and vows to do something to change things once he’s settled in Realm 2. To be continued…
This started out well – dystopian society, subversive teens seeking justice – but it never quite gelled for me. Linus is probably right to question the way his world is stratified, but it’s never really clear why this is a bad thing or how being in Realm 2 will afford him a better opportunity to work/fight for changes to the system. He just, you know, doesn’t want to be the privileged rich kid. The language is overly simplistic (this is particularly evident in any dialogue that takes place between characters), the characterizations are flat (it’s hard to relate to/care about any of them), and the plot twists are resolved too quickly (is their contact in the secret organization planning to turn them in?). The technology and hacking sections really need more details in order to make them believable (the supposed geniuses of the Net sound like idiots who don’t know the first thing about hacker-jargon). Linus’ older sister seems to be much younger than her years and her relationship with her brother is disturbingly intimate – she’s always getting into his business, busts in on him when he’s taking a bath, pouts when he brushes her off (maturity, apparently, is not her strong suit). Blah blah blah… The descriptions of the actual exam, however, are pretty intriguing and horrifying – a montage of violent images and experiences.
When I read translations of books that were originally written in another language, I sometimes wonder if something has been lost in the translation – would I have enjoyed the book more if I read it in French, or German, or Russian? The Destiny of Linus Hoppe was a page-turner, but it felt overly simplistic. It’s written for young adults, but it seems to be for the younger set of young adults (upper elementary, perhaps, through middle school) – readers who aren’t going to notice or care that it’s lacking in detail. There’s enough suspense to keep them turning pages, but more sophisticated readers are going to find this unsatisfying. There’s a sequel, The Second Life of Linus Hoppe, that follows Linus’ adventures in Realm 2.
This started out well – dystopian society, subversive teens seeking justice – but it never quite gelled for me. Linus is probably right to question the way his world is stratified, but it’s never really clear why this is a bad thing or how being in Realm 2 will afford him a better opportunity to work/fight for changes to the system. He just, you know, doesn’t want to be the privileged rich kid. The language is overly simplistic (this is particularly evident in any dialogue that takes place between characters), the characterizations are flat (it’s hard to relate to/care about any of them), and the plot twists are resolved too quickly (is their contact in the secret organization planning to turn them in?). The technology and hacking sections really need more details in order to make them believable (the supposed geniuses of the Net sound like idiots who don’t know the first thing about hacker-jargon). Linus’ older sister seems to be much younger than her years and her relationship with her brother is disturbingly intimate – she’s always getting into his business, busts in on him when he’s taking a bath, pouts when he brushes her off (maturity, apparently, is not her strong suit). Blah blah blah… The descriptions of the actual exam, however, are pretty intriguing and horrifying – a montage of violent images and experiences.
When I read translations of books that were originally written in another language, I sometimes wonder if something has been lost in the translation – would I have enjoyed the book more if I read it in French, or German, or Russian? The Destiny of Linus Hoppe was a page-turner, but it felt overly simplistic. It’s written for young adults, but it seems to be for the younger set of young adults (upper elementary, perhaps, through middle school) – readers who aren’t going to notice or care that it’s lacking in detail. There’s enough suspense to keep them turning pages, but more sophisticated readers are going to find this unsatisfying. There’s a sequel, The Second Life of Linus Hoppe, that follows Linus’ adventures in Realm 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2017
Interesting!
March 7, 2018
I just can't. DNFing this bad boy.
December 3, 2011
Title: The Destiny of Linus Hoppe
Genre: Science Fiction
Summary: A massive computer of the future, tests teenagers to determine which socio-economic level they will spend the remainder of their lives. Linus a teenager born into one of the privileged realms is on the verge of taking his test must decide in which realm he prefers to live his life.
A. The critique addresses the story's theme that society is allowing computers to increasingly control all aspects of the lives of its citizens. Questioning authority, rebellion, and non-conformity is discouraged in the future. The benefits from studying hard and abiding by the rules is an easy, productive, profitable life in a protected environment.
B. Students who perform poorly, rebel, or are mentally challenged are relegated to live in lesser Realms where, manual labor, poor living conditions, and pollution are the norm. Linus Hoppe, questions the artificiality of the highest realm in which he lives and in so doing questions his desire to attempt to score well on the test. The story asks us to question the belief that the division between socio-economic levels is normal, and beneficial to society, but rather artificial, and damaging to the safety and health of society.
The story tends to stereotype the people in the upper socio-economic levels as being overly perfect and lacking human flaws. Also, the story raises the question of class prejudice. For example on pg. 27 Linus' father justifies the computers assignment of people to specific socio-economic divisions by saying, "some people are capable of running things, making important decisions, coming up with new ideas...others don't have those abilities...They may be good at more physical, manual tasks...it's a fair exchange". Another example of the justification of being assigned to a specific socio-economic level is given when on pg 129, when a lady giving test instructions to the students tells them, "some of you...will have to be excluded from society because you will be judged incapable of integrating into it..."
C. This story could be used in a curriculum covering the emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, communication technologies, in a technology education, communications, or information technology classes.
Genre: Science Fiction
Summary: A massive computer of the future, tests teenagers to determine which socio-economic level they will spend the remainder of their lives. Linus a teenager born into one of the privileged realms is on the verge of taking his test must decide in which realm he prefers to live his life.
A. The critique addresses the story's theme that society is allowing computers to increasingly control all aspects of the lives of its citizens. Questioning authority, rebellion, and non-conformity is discouraged in the future. The benefits from studying hard and abiding by the rules is an easy, productive, profitable life in a protected environment.
B. Students who perform poorly, rebel, or are mentally challenged are relegated to live in lesser Realms where, manual labor, poor living conditions, and pollution are the norm. Linus Hoppe, questions the artificiality of the highest realm in which he lives and in so doing questions his desire to attempt to score well on the test. The story asks us to question the belief that the division between socio-economic levels is normal, and beneficial to society, but rather artificial, and damaging to the safety and health of society.
The story tends to stereotype the people in the upper socio-economic levels as being overly perfect and lacking human flaws. Also, the story raises the question of class prejudice. For example on pg. 27 Linus' father justifies the computers assignment of people to specific socio-economic divisions by saying, "some people are capable of running things, making important decisions, coming up with new ideas...others don't have those abilities...They may be good at more physical, manual tasks...it's a fair exchange". Another example of the justification of being assigned to a specific socio-economic level is given when on pg 129, when a lady giving test instructions to the students tells them, "some of you...will have to be excluded from society because you will be judged incapable of integrating into it..."
C. This story could be used in a curriculum covering the emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, communication technologies, in a technology education, communications, or information technology classes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 7, 2013Can you change your destiny? Can you trick a computer that determines the fate of everyone on the planet? Everyone...
Instead of studying for his end-of-year exams, Linus worries about questions like this. At fourteen, he is supposed to be studying for The Exam. At fourteen, everyone is tested by The Great Processor and placed in realm one, two or three depending on their scores.
Linus lives in realm 1, the best realm to live in. He's made a virtual friend in realm 2: Yosh. Yosh had a brain lesion when he was young. The doctors said he’d be mentally retarded if he recovered. Linus thinks if Yosh were in Realm 1, with a supporting family and all the best of everything, he’d do as well as Linus does - that Yosh could pass the test if he’d had all the breaks Linus did growing up in Realm 1. So Linus does what any good friend would do - he plans an illegal visit to realm 2. No one goes between realms, but Linus and his best friend Chem find ways around all of the blocks.
Meeting Yosh in person is a surprise, he's different from the friend online, he gets jittery really easy and Linus finds himself having to calm Yosh down. A Lot. But that's what friends are for - and as their friendship grows, so does Linus' desire to trade places with Yosh - and live in realm 2, while giving his friend a chance at the luxuries and good medical care of realm 1.
No one, ever, wants to go to realm 3.
So now Linus and Chem have a deadline and a lot of work to do - how to fool the Great Processor during the Exam, and fool it just right - so Linus doesn't end up in realm 3, but can swap places with Yosh and get him into realm 1.
The police believe they have it all covered - that no one can trick the Great Processor. They even have spy rings to catch the ones who try - and it's rumored they send the criminals to realm 3. Will Chem and Linus be able to rescue their friend from realm 2? Can they avoid the police? Can Linus change his destiny?
Instead of studying for his end-of-year exams, Linus worries about questions like this. At fourteen, he is supposed to be studying for The Exam. At fourteen, everyone is tested by The Great Processor and placed in realm one, two or three depending on their scores.
Linus lives in realm 1, the best realm to live in. He's made a virtual friend in realm 2: Yosh. Yosh had a brain lesion when he was young. The doctors said he’d be mentally retarded if he recovered. Linus thinks if Yosh were in Realm 1, with a supporting family and all the best of everything, he’d do as well as Linus does - that Yosh could pass the test if he’d had all the breaks Linus did growing up in Realm 1. So Linus does what any good friend would do - he plans an illegal visit to realm 2. No one goes between realms, but Linus and his best friend Chem find ways around all of the blocks.
Meeting Yosh in person is a surprise, he's different from the friend online, he gets jittery really easy and Linus finds himself having to calm Yosh down. A Lot. But that's what friends are for - and as their friendship grows, so does Linus' desire to trade places with Yosh - and live in realm 2, while giving his friend a chance at the luxuries and good medical care of realm 1.
No one, ever, wants to go to realm 3.
So now Linus and Chem have a deadline and a lot of work to do - how to fool the Great Processor during the Exam, and fool it just right - so Linus doesn't end up in realm 3, but can swap places with Yosh and get him into realm 1.
The police believe they have it all covered - that no one can trick the Great Processor. They even have spy rings to catch the ones who try - and it's rumored they send the criminals to realm 3. Will Chem and Linus be able to rescue their friend from realm 2? Can they avoid the police? Can Linus change his destiny?
February 25, 2010
This novel is set in Paris, which is probably the reason for the usage of some French language throughout the story. Anne-laure Bondoux introduces a creative story where high school kids must take a test to decide where they will live/work after graduation. The main character, a 14 year old boy named Linus has to be tested by the Great Processor to determine which Realm he will live in. Currently he lives in Realm One, which is referred as the Protected Zone and which most desire to stay. But Linus has other plans; he questions the whole process of the test and wants to find out on his own what really exists in Realm Two and Realm Three. Linus decides he wants to determine his own destiny and not have some Great Processor do it for him. Along with his friends, Linus hacks into the computer that makes the decisions in order to change the realm he is meant to be in. Though it is illegal to hack the computer, Linus and his friends are aware that if caught they are subject to severe punishment.
Author Anne-laure Bondoux creates a sci-fi read that would be appealing to a variety of teens. I enjoyed the premise of the story which kept me wanting to read what was to happen next. Though the character dialogue was lacking in some scenes, the novel still had a genuine feel to it and I think most young adult readers will enjoy the fast pace action story which exists in this read.
Author Anne-laure Bondoux creates a sci-fi read that would be appealing to a variety of teens. I enjoyed the premise of the story which kept me wanting to read what was to happen next. Though the character dialogue was lacking in some scenes, the novel still had a genuine feel to it and I think most young adult readers will enjoy the fast pace action story which exists in this read.
June 19, 2011
I like a lot of the ideas in the book and found it especially interested as this is the only dystopian teen fiction book that I've been able to get so far that has been written in another country and then translated into English rather than written in the English tradition. As a book though, it feels a little awkward, perhaps due to the translation or perhaps due to the story itself. It seems to go a little quickly- it's a short book at 149 pages- but I didn't really want it to last longer either. I don't really understand Linus's motivation for wanting to move from his nice Realm One to Realm Two. I'm sure it's stated several times in several ways and is well woven in to the story, but I still don't understand it, not that Realm One is that appealing. Some parts seem to move a little too quickly such as Linus considering "an accident" and finding a person to switch places with. Perhaps Linus is not a narrator that should be trusted and we aren't enlightened to all of his thoughts rather than some so that these things are going on in his head in ways we aren't aware. I'm also not sure that the great Processor bit makes much sense in this volume- perhaps it is explained in the sequel.
June 18, 2009
From School Library Journal:
Grade 6-9-This futuristic thriller examines the concepts of humanity and trust. Like all 14-year-olds in Paris, Linus must be tested by the Great Processor to determine where he will spend the remainder of his life. If his score is high, he will continue to live near his family in Realm One, an ideal world. If his score is low, his life will be forever changed as he is sent to live in the polluted, smelly Realm Two, or Realm Three, which is reserved for rebels and others in need of "reeducation." The anxiety felt by those anticipating the test is clear at the onset and intensifies as the time nears. Upset by the inequity of the system, Linus contemplates the dangerous act of tampering with the exam results and joins forces with his sister, his best friend, and two new friends from Realm Two to get assigned there. Reminiscent of Jonas in Lois Lowry's The Giver (Houghton, 1993), the teen embarks on a dangerous quest that becomes more intense as the trustworthiness of friends is questioned. Despite some awkward phrasing, this tale is engaging enough for reluctant readers. Fans will anticipate its sequel.-Jessi Platt
Grade 6-9-This futuristic thriller examines the concepts of humanity and trust. Like all 14-year-olds in Paris, Linus must be tested by the Great Processor to determine where he will spend the remainder of his life. If his score is high, he will continue to live near his family in Realm One, an ideal world. If his score is low, his life will be forever changed as he is sent to live in the polluted, smelly Realm Two, or Realm Three, which is reserved for rebels and others in need of "reeducation." The anxiety felt by those anticipating the test is clear at the onset and intensifies as the time nears. Upset by the inequity of the system, Linus contemplates the dangerous act of tampering with the exam results and joins forces with his sister, his best friend, and two new friends from Realm Two to get assigned there. Reminiscent of Jonas in Lois Lowry's The Giver (Houghton, 1993), the teen embarks on a dangerous quest that becomes more intense as the trustworthiness of friends is questioned. Despite some awkward phrasing, this tale is engaging enough for reluctant readers. Fans will anticipate its sequel.-Jessi Platt
January 16, 2008
I liked the idea behind this, even if there are quite a few books out there now about stratification of society (esp. based on intelligence). But I'm sure this would have blown my mind if I were a 9 year old (since it's a 4th grade reading level book).
The language used by the characters was a bit odd. I guess that might be because the author lives in Paris...? Or perhaps people in her futuristic world just speak a bit differently.
The language used by the characters was a bit odd. I guess that might be because the author lives in Paris...? Or perhaps people in her futuristic world just speak a bit differently.
December 10, 2011
Honestly, I actually enjoyed the book. Yes, the ending (that Linus, Yosh, Chem, Zanz, & Mieg were all excited about) was ~17 pages long, and the book was somewhat fast-paced, and yet I loved the main character. I don't know how, but I can relate to him. I like the development of his thoughts & moods; it's very much like a regular day-to-day teen. I also liked that there was no weird, unexpected, extra throw-in at the end of the story so it went along smoothly. 4/5
July 13, 2014
This another good addition to the growing body of dystopian novels. Linus' story is a little reminiscent of Fahrenheit 451. I wanted Linus to achieve the freedom he was seeking; but the level of tension and suspense leads me to worry that circumstances won't turn out the way Linus wants them to be.
September 12, 2016
J'ai lu ce livre pour accompagner un élève dans sa lecture. La structure des phrases est simple, mais Bondoux réussit tout de même à introduire de nombreuses subtilités dans l'histoire. J'y ai trouvé aussi de nombreuses opportunités pour des discussions sur différents sujets importants, comme l'identité personnelle, la place dans la société, la maladie mentale, etc.
January 29, 2011
This book was just okay. It was slow to build up then the "exciting" end happened in a matter of twenty pages.
October 19, 2022
[lecture du collège]
J'ai détesté ce livre.
J'ai détesté ce livre.
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