What do you think?
Rate this book
Swipe #3
Storm
In a future United States under the power of a charismatic leader, everyone gets the Mark at age thirteen. The Mark allows citizen to shop, go to school, and even get medical care--without it, you are on your own. Few refuse to get the Mark. Those who do . . . disappear.
Logan Langly went in to get his Mark, but he backed out at the last minute. Ever since, he's been on the run from government agents and on a quest to find his sister Lily, who disappeared when she went to get her Mark five years earlier. His journey leads him to befriend the Dust, a vast network of Markless individuals who dissent against the iron-grip rule of the government. Along the way to the capital to find Lily, the Dust receive some startling information from the Markless community, opening their eyes to the message of Christianity and warning that humanity is now entering the End of Days.
In "Storm," Logan and his friends are the leaders of the Markless revolution. But while some Markless are fighting Chancellor Cylis' army, the Dust is busy trying to find a cure for a horrible epidemic sweeping through the Marked. And it's difficult for them to know who to trust, especially when they aren't sure if Logan's sister Lily, one of the commanders in Cylis' army, is on their side or not. And all across the nation--and the world--the weather is become less stable, and a storm is brewing that bigger than any of them could have ever imagined....
Logan Langly went in to get his Mark, but he backed out at the last minute. Ever since, he's been on the run from government agents and on a quest to find his sister Lily, who disappeared when she went to get her Mark five years earlier. His journey leads him to befriend the Dust, a vast network of Markless individuals who dissent against the iron-grip rule of the government. Along the way to the capital to find Lily, the Dust receive some startling information from the Markless community, opening their eyes to the message of Christianity and warning that humanity is now entering the End of Days.
In "Storm," Logan and his friends are the leaders of the Markless revolution. But while some Markless are fighting Chancellor Cylis' army, the Dust is busy trying to find a cure for a horrible epidemic sweeping through the Marked. And it's difficult for them to know who to trust, especially when they aren't sure if Logan's sister Lily, one of the commanders in Cylis' army, is on their side or not. And all across the nation--and the world--the weather is become less stable, and a storm is brewing that bigger than any of them could have ever imagined....
288 pages, Paperback
First published May 6, 2013
41 people are currently reading
1044 people want to read
About the author
Evan Angler
6 books311 followersEvan lives without the Mark, evading DOME and writing in the shadows of Beacon.
Swipe is his first book. But if anyone asks, you know nothing about it, and you didn't hear anything from him. Don't make eye contact if you see him. Don't call his name out loud. He's in enough trouble already.
And so are you , if you've read his book.
Swipe is his first book. But if anyone asks, you know nothing about it, and you didn't hear anything from him. Don't make eye contact if you see him. Don't call his name out loud. He's in enough trouble already.
And so are you , if you've read his book.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
January 16, 2016
THAT PLOT TWIST THOUGH!!!
February 2, 2015
I have never been so disappointed in a series. The first book Swipe was great! The second book Sneak started to incorporate a religious theme but Storm took the religion too far. I don't mind reading Christian books but I usually like to know that is what I am reading. There was no mention of this being Christian fiction in the description on Overdrive. This book has used all kinds of religious symbolism from the Plague, the Flood, Satan and has the kids reading the banned book the bible and crying as they pray. I won't be reading the last book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2015
This book made me cry. A lot. It was amazing, though I still like the first and second better. That plot twist though was a shocker!
July 27, 2016
I don't know what to think. I liked the first one but even by the second it was beginning to lose whatever had kept me before. I didn't like the characters they annoyed me.The plot sometimes was good but at other was horrible to me. And Logan's sister...basically even if her reason for doing those things were really, REALLY good I still be annoyed at how she acted and I hope it's good because if it isn't....
I might read the fourth one just to see how the writer finishes it, to see what happens to Logan.Then again I might not since I don't really like how he has written the last two.
Oh and it does kind of annoy me also how he says he's writing from Logan's world about Logan and even writing that his first book was out in Logan's world by the time the third is happening. How does he know what Logan is thinking at any given time? From his grandma...no, then who? How does he know about the times when Logan's alone or with just another person? Cameras, another people, Logan himself but it can't be Logan because the first book is out before Logan even knows about the writer. So how?
I might read the fourth one just to see how the writer finishes it, to see what happens to Logan.Then again I might not since I don't really like how he has written the last two.
Oh and it does kind of annoy me also how he says he's writing from Logan's world about Logan and even writing that his first book was out in Logan's world by the time the third is happening. How does he know what Logan is thinking at any given time? From his grandma...no, then who? How does he know about the times when Logan's alone or with just another person? Cameras, another people, Logan himself but it can't be Logan because the first book is out before Logan even knows about the writer. So how?
September 17, 2015
4.5 The series is really getting better! Hopefully the next one will be AMAZING!
August 3, 2015
Crazy twists and epic story!
May 16, 2013
I finished the book forever ago and have been procrastinating on writing the review bigtime. Bad book blogger, right? Or maybe bad book? I really dislike writing negative reviews, but sometimes it just has to be done. It makes me feel mean and that sucks. I am not trying to be mean, just honest. So, here I go...
Storm really let me down. Let me just say that Swipe was the best of the three in the Swipe series. Sneak was adequate enough. I didn't agree with it much, but it was still an ok book and had me interested in finishing the series. But, if I had not already received a copy of Storm through Netgalley, I don't think I would have gone out of my way to continue the series. Anyways, about halfway through Storm I was so pissed at the author's choices for the book I almost didn't finish it. But, I hate not finishing a book, so I trudged through.
It wasn't worth it.
The ending was too ambiguous. The characters lacked in everyway and I felt they were extremely stereotyped. It made them unbelievable and extraordinaraly annyoying. By the end, I just wanted to scream at someone about how much time I wasted reading this series. I mean, WTF! I chose to read this over Clockwork Princess and Scarlet (which I still haven't got to yet) and as all bloggers know, reading time is precious. Bad books throw me off my momentum and make me have to step away from reading until I know I have picked a book that will make up for the debacle I just finished reading before. UUURRGG.
1 star for Storm.
Storm really let me down. Let me just say that Swipe was the best of the three in the Swipe series. Sneak was adequate enough. I didn't agree with it much, but it was still an ok book and had me interested in finishing the series. But, if I had not already received a copy of Storm through Netgalley, I don't think I would have gone out of my way to continue the series. Anyways, about halfway through Storm I was so pissed at the author's choices for the book I almost didn't finish it. But, I hate not finishing a book, so I trudged through.
It wasn't worth it.
The ending was too ambiguous. The characters lacked in everyway and I felt they were extremely stereotyped. It made them unbelievable and extraordinaraly annyoying. By the end, I just wanted to scream at someone about how much time I wasted reading this series. I mean, WTF! I chose to read this over Clockwork Princess and Scarlet (which I still haven't got to yet) and as all bloggers know, reading time is precious. Bad books throw me off my momentum and make me have to step away from reading until I know I have picked a book that will make up for the debacle I just finished reading before. UUURRGG.
1 star for Storm.
July 9, 2013
It really was a worthless read. Plot was murky and introducing Swipe into the plot didn't add, just confused.
October 5, 2017
This was an incredible book, maybe the best book I've ever read, with so many plot twists, and unexpected character changes. If you love dystopian books then you will love the swipe series.
December 7, 2018
This book was alright. Nowhere as good as the other two though. I would give it three stars but couldn't by the end of it. So I rated it two and a half stars.
May 29, 2024
A bit boring but there was some nice character growth and some plot twists. I think book 4 will be better.
May 6, 2013
Coming into this book, what I thought was the final book in the Swipe series, I had a good many expectations. The first two had been very good books with solid plots, stunning twists and characters that I enjoyed. I expected the third to live up to what had gone on in the first book and to deliver the same, not to mention a good ending. The book delivered :D (coming into this review I thought it was the last book, turns out there is a book four coming later this year :P)
Logan Langley has just escaped from the rumored Markless prison for Markless and flunkees of the Mark. He tried to rescue his sister, only to discover that she had been brainwashed and betrayed him. He has also learned about the terrible illness project titled Trumpet that is aimed to killing Marked people with a disease originally created to kill Markless people. He, Hailey, Erin and Logan set out to find the doctor who created the disease and see if she can help cure Erin, she has somehow caught it and they are scared that the illness will be activated into the population any day! They have to find some way to stop it, before it is too late.
Also there is a drought over the entire country because he weather mill has been broken by sabotage. For some reason their leader has been asking people to plunge his country into this drought, it will kill them! As Logan's friends the Dust work to find their friends and cause general havoc amongst the secret-no-longer Marked police, called I.M.P.s. A storm is coming.
Pros:The characters are really great. Logan is a slightly above average kid who is fighting for what he believes is right. And he really is a good guy. Hailey and Erin are great girls characters that are strong and sure. But still totally girls in the emotional way, it's just that they happen to be great at causing riots and making plans and hacking computers. Seriously, they're cool. The Dust (a group of rebel, Markless kids) made me laugh, especially Tyler. I loved their pranks on the IMPs that were also geared toward the purpose of finding their friend. This is just a wonderful Dystopian/end times/adventure/exciting book for Tweens and young (or old) teens. This is definitely a book that I would recommend to my siblings and it's clean and Christian!
The world is a cool dystopian one and the history of the broken ending world is one that I enjoyed hearing about. I really liked reading the description and loved several of the settings that occurred in this series. The plot kept rolling and I was definitely surprised by several things that came up. Mainly the ending and a couple other things along the way. Although some I did suspect the "big reveal" was still a surprise to me. Sorta. I could kinda see how perfect it would end up and then it kinda did...well it's hard to explain. ending was left a little open, a little mysterious (okay a lot) and was just about perfect. Also, I loved how the book Swipe was read by the characters and mentioned, I really like how the author "lived" in that world and "was running too". It's cool :D
Cons:The ending seemed a little like a spin off of Jesus :/ I didn't like or agree with that part of the ending and otherwise I had no problems with this book. Content wise there was one use of suck, some brief violence of riots, arrests, attacks, the death of many Marked citizens due to the illness and torture of sorts. (like animated/computer game type torture :P)
Overall, this was a great ending to a very exciting book and it definitely lived up to the other books in the series. I really love this series. I liked the book a whole lot and I just loved the ending. Mr.Angler did a good job, just don't let anyone know it was him *winks* And the book was interesting and a page turner :) I would definitely recommend this series to young Christians teens/tweens and girls and guys who love adventure, are just getting into dystopian type genres and are looking for an exciting, clean series to enjoy!
I received a free copy through Team Novel Teen and the publisher.
Logan Langley has just escaped from the rumored Markless prison for Markless and flunkees of the Mark. He tried to rescue his sister, only to discover that she had been brainwashed and betrayed him. He has also learned about the terrible illness project titled Trumpet that is aimed to killing Marked people with a disease originally created to kill Markless people. He, Hailey, Erin and Logan set out to find the doctor who created the disease and see if she can help cure Erin, she has somehow caught it and they are scared that the illness will be activated into the population any day! They have to find some way to stop it, before it is too late.
Also there is a drought over the entire country because he weather mill has been broken by sabotage. For some reason their leader has been asking people to plunge his country into this drought, it will kill them! As Logan's friends the Dust work to find their friends and cause general havoc amongst the secret-no-longer Marked police, called I.M.P.s. A storm is coming.
Pros:The characters are really great. Logan is a slightly above average kid who is fighting for what he believes is right. And he really is a good guy. Hailey and Erin are great girls characters that are strong and sure. But still totally girls in the emotional way, it's just that they happen to be great at causing riots and making plans and hacking computers. Seriously, they're cool. The Dust (a group of rebel, Markless kids) made me laugh, especially Tyler. I loved their pranks on the IMPs that were also geared toward the purpose of finding their friend. This is just a wonderful Dystopian/end times/adventure/exciting book for Tweens and young (or old) teens. This is definitely a book that I would recommend to my siblings and it's clean and Christian!
The world is a cool dystopian one and the history of the broken ending world is one that I enjoyed hearing about. I really liked reading the description and loved several of the settings that occurred in this series. The plot kept rolling and I was definitely surprised by several things that came up. Mainly the ending and a couple other things along the way. Although some I did suspect the "big reveal" was still a surprise to me. Sorta. I could kinda see how perfect it would end up and then it kinda did...well it's hard to explain. ending was left a little open, a little mysterious (okay a lot) and was just about perfect. Also, I loved how the book Swipe was read by the characters and mentioned, I really like how the author "lived" in that world and "was running too". It's cool :D
Cons:The ending seemed a little like a spin off of Jesus :/ I didn't like or agree with that part of the ending and otherwise I had no problems with this book. Content wise there was one use of suck, some brief violence of riots, arrests, attacks, the death of many Marked citizens due to the illness and torture of sorts. (like animated/computer game type torture :P)
Overall, this was a great ending to a very exciting book and it definitely lived up to the other books in the series. I really love this series. I liked the book a whole lot and I just loved the ending. Mr.Angler did a good job, just don't let anyone know it was him *winks* And the book was interesting and a page turner :) I would definitely recommend this series to young Christians teens/tweens and girls and guys who love adventure, are just getting into dystopian type genres and are looking for an exciting, clean series to enjoy!
I received a free copy through Team Novel Teen and the publisher.
May 6, 2013
What I Loved: I ate this book up, er, I meant to say that I read through it extremely fast, as I found myself gripped so tightly by Storm, the exciting third installment in the Swipe Series. The writing by Evan Angler was excellent, as I've come to expect. And now that the characters are an extremely well established part of the story, I really felt like the plot was able to take a rather daring all-over-the-place exciting frenzied flight - and we were even introduced to a few new characters, which I loved as well. Storm was chock full of chaos and mystery - I mean, so many characters that I thought I had completely figured out already- like Cylis, Lamson, Lily, Erin, Peck and Logan, and you get the picture! - really, really surprised me in Storm. Everything is not as it appears, as multiple kinds of "storms" start to rear up their ugly heads at our all-over-the-map, and well-worn, team of Dust and Markless, as they begin to stand up and start the end-times revolution.
I'm really anxious to find out what happens next to both Logan and Lily, especially whether or not they are both actually on the "wrong side of the tracks." Only time will tell, I suppose.
I also happened to love the part in Storm where a few of the characters found a copy of Swipe in the Library, and were able to read about themselves, as the "mystery author" recounted their journey so far. I thought it was a swell addition to the story world - and it made it feel all the more real. Translation: You are so very, very clever, Mr. Angler!
What I Didn't Like So Much: I really didn't dislike, or hate anything. Seriously. Storm did sort of feel like a "bridge book" at times though, and by that I mostly mean that the story felt like it was constantly gearing up for something far grander in the future with every turn of the page. All in all the story definitely didn't "get there" completely in Storm because there were far too many loose ends revealed, though I will say that everything in the plot, loose ends included, worked really well. I only hope there will be more books in the series to come . . . and SOON!
I’m recommending this book… If you love Dystopic novels like The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins or The Left Behind Series by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B. Jenkins then Storm is definitely a book you’ll want to read.
* In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson through Team Novel Teen. *
I'm really anxious to find out what happens next to both Logan and Lily, especially whether or not they are both actually on the "wrong side of the tracks." Only time will tell, I suppose.
I also happened to love the part in Storm where a few of the characters found a copy of Swipe in the Library, and were able to read about themselves, as the "mystery author" recounted their journey so far. I thought it was a swell addition to the story world - and it made it feel all the more real. Translation: You are so very, very clever, Mr. Angler!
What I Didn't Like So Much: I really didn't dislike, or hate anything. Seriously. Storm did sort of feel like a "bridge book" at times though, and by that I mostly mean that the story felt like it was constantly gearing up for something far grander in the future with every turn of the page. All in all the story definitely didn't "get there" completely in Storm because there were far too many loose ends revealed, though I will say that everything in the plot, loose ends included, worked really well. I only hope there will be more books in the series to come . . . and SOON!
I’m recommending this book… If you love Dystopic novels like The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins or The Left Behind Series by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B. Jenkins then Storm is definitely a book you’ll want to read.
* In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson through Team Novel Teen. *
May 6, 2013
What is the real threat?
While the Markless seem to be a threat to the government, the weather around the world has not been stable for quite some time. Because the Markless must grow and harvest their own food in order to survive, they are among the first to notice and worry about the adverse conditions. Although Logan and his friends have unveiled one conspiracy after another, things aren’t looking good this time around. Can they save the world despite the unfavorable circumstances?
Because Logan and his friends are teenagers, it’s a little hard for me to imagine them solving weather issues all by themselves. But based on my past experience with the first two books, I knew that there would be a great probability that the story would not only unfold at a rhythm that eased me into discovering new clues but also supported me to feel convinced that nothing out-of-character was going to happen. So, was I in good hands? After devouring Storm, I’m happy to report that I’m delighted! I’m really happy with the plot and if you like adventures, I think you’ll feel greatly satisfied with this installment because Logan and his friends are dealing with some urgent circumstances that require fast action here.
I don’t know about you, but one of the things that I really wanted to find out after reading Sneak (Swipe, #2) was whether or not Logan’s sister was a trustworthy ally and I must say I’m excited with what I find out! In fact, I’m happy to share that I’m totally amazed by a number of eye-opening revelation offered in this book that I now feel I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
If you’re uncertain if you’d like to read this series because the books are labeled as Christian novels, I’d like to share that while the story talks about faith and freedom, the religious theme is not a loud one – it is subtly intertwined with the political theme in the books that I personally don’t find it awkward when I read about the characters talking about their choice of beliefs in the story.
Overall, I’m impressed with the series and I hope you will too.
--
Originally posted on Leisure Reads.
A copy of the book was provided by publisher for review purposes.
While the Markless seem to be a threat to the government, the weather around the world has not been stable for quite some time. Because the Markless must grow and harvest their own food in order to survive, they are among the first to notice and worry about the adverse conditions. Although Logan and his friends have unveiled one conspiracy after another, things aren’t looking good this time around. Can they save the world despite the unfavorable circumstances?
Because Logan and his friends are teenagers, it’s a little hard for me to imagine them solving weather issues all by themselves. But based on my past experience with the first two books, I knew that there would be a great probability that the story would not only unfold at a rhythm that eased me into discovering new clues but also supported me to feel convinced that nothing out-of-character was going to happen. So, was I in good hands? After devouring Storm, I’m happy to report that I’m delighted! I’m really happy with the plot and if you like adventures, I think you’ll feel greatly satisfied with this installment because Logan and his friends are dealing with some urgent circumstances that require fast action here.
I don’t know about you, but one of the things that I really wanted to find out after reading Sneak (Swipe, #2) was whether or not Logan’s sister was a trustworthy ally and I must say I’m excited with what I find out! In fact, I’m happy to share that I’m totally amazed by a number of eye-opening revelation offered in this book that I now feel I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
If you’re uncertain if you’d like to read this series because the books are labeled as Christian novels, I’d like to share that while the story talks about faith and freedom, the religious theme is not a loud one – it is subtly intertwined with the political theme in the books that I personally don’t find it awkward when I read about the characters talking about their choice of beliefs in the story.
Overall, I’m impressed with the series and I hope you will too.
--
Originally posted on Leisure Reads.
A copy of the book was provided by publisher for review purposes.
May 9, 2013
Evan Angler returns with his third book in his dystopian series for middle school readers.
Set in the future, everyone over the age of thirteen gets “the Mark” except for those who are fighting back like Logan Langly and his friends, the Dust. Logan tries rescuing his sister Lily, only to find she is part of the government’s military force.
In Storm, a deadly epidemic is spreading throughout the Marked, and the weather is becoming less stable, creating a major drought. While the Dust race to find a cure for this bioengineered disease, there are other problems. Some of their friends are captured and brainwashed. Who can they trust when friends become foes and no ones knows who is really on their side? What about the “book” that knows all about their earlier adventures and warns of impending doom? What happens when sabotage is prevented but its prevention causes greater problems?
Angler builds a future world that is not too dark for his readers yet it will cause them to think. The technology, weather spinning out of control, biotechnology and growing government control contribute to the realistic possibilities. Though published by Thomas Nelson, this series has a very subtle faith element. There are allusions to biblical truth. Some could think “the Mark” as being the “Mark of the Beast” mentioned in the Book of Revelations but it is unclear if this is the author’s intention.
The book’s ending is weak, perhaps because the next book, Spark, is coming out in November 2013. The series is a good alternative to the Hunger Games, and suitable for younger readers. Older teens will also enjoy it.
Disclaimer: Book reviews are my opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thanks to the publisher for the advance reading copy.
Set in the future, everyone over the age of thirteen gets “the Mark” except for those who are fighting back like Logan Langly and his friends, the Dust. Logan tries rescuing his sister Lily, only to find she is part of the government’s military force.
In Storm, a deadly epidemic is spreading throughout the Marked, and the weather is becoming less stable, creating a major drought. While the Dust race to find a cure for this bioengineered disease, there are other problems. Some of their friends are captured and brainwashed. Who can they trust when friends become foes and no ones knows who is really on their side? What about the “book” that knows all about their earlier adventures and warns of impending doom? What happens when sabotage is prevented but its prevention causes greater problems?
Angler builds a future world that is not too dark for his readers yet it will cause them to think. The technology, weather spinning out of control, biotechnology and growing government control contribute to the realistic possibilities. Though published by Thomas Nelson, this series has a very subtle faith element. There are allusions to biblical truth. Some could think “the Mark” as being the “Mark of the Beast” mentioned in the Book of Revelations but it is unclear if this is the author’s intention.
The book’s ending is weak, perhaps because the next book, Spark, is coming out in November 2013. The series is a good alternative to the Hunger Games, and suitable for younger readers. Older teens will also enjoy it.
Disclaimer: Book reviews are my opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thanks to the publisher for the advance reading copy.
January 31, 2016
Let me start by saying that this is a fantastic series. I am thoroughly enjoying it. That being said, I didn't enjoy this book as much as the other two I've read. Most of it is because there is quite a bit of rehashing what has happened in the other books. That's probably convenient for people who waited a long time before reading the next book of the series, but I thought it was a bit heavy handed.
Genre: Dystopian
Worldview: Christian
Pros: I like the characters in the series. I appreciate the complexity of the plot lines. The thing I like most about it is the way the author uses modern day technology as the plagues in Revelation. That part is amazingly clever and I wish I'd thought of it.
Cons: As mentioned above, a fair bit of rehashing what happened earlier in the series. It still bothers me that 12 and 13 year olds are so independent and able to defeat adults. And I don't understand why Logan's parents are such losers.
I'm looking forward to reading the final installment.
Genre: Dystopian
Worldview: Christian
Pros: I like the characters in the series. I appreciate the complexity of the plot lines. The thing I like most about it is the way the author uses modern day technology as the plagues in Revelation. That part is amazingly clever and I wish I'd thought of it.
Cons: As mentioned above, a fair bit of rehashing what happened earlier in the series. It still bothers me that 12 and 13 year olds are so independent and able to defeat adults. And I don't understand why Logan's parents are such losers.
I'm looking forward to reading the final installment.
February 29, 2020
This is a mini ‘Books For Christian Girls’ review. It is not a full content review and will not receive one. These mini-reviews are years old and just for clarity on the rating the book received on Goodreads.
8/7/2014-
“Not my favorite in the series, but interesting plot twists throughout this third book.”
2/7/2020-
Mentioned in a recent video that I would be unhauling this series for different reasons, but mainly because I found the last book to be very weird.
*Main Content-
A doctor discusses different religion's and their end-time predictions.
Minor cussing: idiot, screw-up/screwed, stupid, sucks/sucker, wimp, and many made-up cuss words. Slurs about the Marked and the Markless.
People die & are tortured (up to semi-detailed); A few blood scenes (barely-above-not-detailed).
Very light hints about who-likes-whom.
8/7/2014-
“Not my favorite in the series, but interesting plot twists throughout this third book.”
2/7/2020-
Mentioned in a recent video that I would be unhauling this series for different reasons, but mainly because I found the last book to be very weird.
*Main Content-
A doctor discusses different religion's and their end-time predictions.
Minor cussing: idiot, screw-up/screwed, stupid, sucks/sucker, wimp, and many made-up cuss words. Slurs about the Marked and the Markless.
People die & are tortured (up to semi-detailed); A few blood scenes (barely-above-not-detailed).
Very light hints about who-likes-whom.
December 11, 2016
What a terrible book.
First, it suddenly went VERY Christian. The characters kept praying, which was just weird? These random kids found a random book to them, the Bible, and they went from not knowing one thing about it to fully believing in it. There were talks of dreams and visions and faith. My problem here isn't religion. I have no problem with it. It just did NOT fit the story at all???
Second, the author decided to put himself into the story. His first book was "released" in the actual story. Talk about having an ego, eh?
So. Terrible book. Terribly written. And I'll never ever waste my time again with an Evan Angler book. Lesson learnt.
First, it suddenly went VERY Christian. The characters kept praying, which was just weird? These random kids found a random book to them, the Bible, and they went from not knowing one thing about it to fully believing in it. There were talks of dreams and visions and faith. My problem here isn't religion. I have no problem with it. It just did NOT fit the story at all???
Second, the author decided to put himself into the story. His first book was "released" in the actual story. Talk about having an ego, eh?
So. Terrible book. Terribly written. And I'll never ever waste my time again with an Evan Angler book. Lesson learnt.
November 8, 2013
Decent book - wasn't as compelling as the first. Would have been a solid three star book, but then the author used his original story as a plot point. I finished the book, but felt disgusted by the author's gall the whole time. Good twist at the end, but using the first book really pissed me off. I won't be reading any further novels from this author.
September 9, 2015
Dear Author, you lose 2 stars for breaking a big cardinal of writing by inserting book1 into the story line. For pete's sake. Really the gang is reading Swipe (book 1).
Annoying way to make you hate book 3.
I was so irritated quietly reading my dystopia novel and now I am hip deep in Christian literature. I will now officially quit reading. Damn it I was somewhat enjoying the book.
Annoying way to make you hate book 3.
I was so irritated quietly reading my dystopia novel and now I am hip deep in Christian literature. I will now officially quit reading. Damn it I was somewhat enjoying the book.
March 23, 2016
Faill.. I read this so long ago and didn't write a review, guess I'll just have to reread it lol
May 13, 2015
It was terrible. I strongly dislike it.
April 13, 2020
Unwitting leaders of a revolution for those who refused to pledge loyalty to the future global leader, Logan and the rest of the Dust are being pulled in multiple directions. While Logan, Peck, Erin, and Hailey head west to try to save Erin's life and stop an epidemic, the rest of the Dust have a mission in the capital city of Beacon--continue to protest the leader's minions while searching for their lost friend. Then Logan's sister Lily brings him a new mission, as a brewing storm is about to be unleashed.
The continuing saga of Logan and the Dust ramps up in this book. The Dust continue to gain new members and allies, both Markless and Marked. The ending feels like a huge leap off the side of a cliff, but overall, the book was engaging.
In the first book, I really disliked both Tyler and Eddie. I know they're kids, so of course their immaturity would be expected. But it's taken to such an extreme, it just bugs me. I like both of them so much more in this book, even though they're still goofy and immature. It's like it has a purpose now.
There were a few oddball things that happened in the book, like horses showing up out of nowhere when two of the characters were traveling via the River, or a teenager being walked to the scene of his parents' death, even to the point of them showing him their dead bodies. I just don't know why the sheriff would do that.
By the end of this book, I had come to realize that Evan Angler is a pen name, considering that it turns out he's actually a character in the book. I truly don't understand why the author chose this plot device, though, as so far, it doesn't add much to the book. I think that perhaps this could have been more fully utilized by having a narrator that was more connected to the reader throughout the series. I'll be curious to see if this is expanded on in the next book though.
This story has really come into its own by this book. It's uncommon, at least in my experience, for Christian end-times fiction to come in from this angle, as there's very little in the way of Christianity even still now. One character did express his faith a bit more in this book and then left on some kind of pilgrimage, which I'm sure will come into play more in the next book. It did become clear in this book that the rapture had happened in the past though, which I'd been curious about. I'm not too optimistic about the next book, given reviews I've read, but I'm going in with an open mind, because I've disagreed with reviews plenty of times before. At this point, I'd still recommend this book to those who enjoy end-times fiction and YA books.
The continuing saga of Logan and the Dust ramps up in this book. The Dust continue to gain new members and allies, both Markless and Marked. The ending feels like a huge leap off the side of a cliff, but overall, the book was engaging.
In the first book, I really disliked both Tyler and Eddie. I know they're kids, so of course their immaturity would be expected. But it's taken to such an extreme, it just bugs me. I like both of them so much more in this book, even though they're still goofy and immature. It's like it has a purpose now.
There were a few oddball things that happened in the book, like horses showing up out of nowhere when two of the characters were traveling via the River, or a teenager being walked to the scene of his parents' death, even to the point of them showing him their dead bodies. I just don't know why the sheriff would do that.
By the end of this book, I had come to realize that Evan Angler is a pen name, considering that it turns out he's actually a character in the book. I truly don't understand why the author chose this plot device, though, as so far, it doesn't add much to the book. I think that perhaps this could have been more fully utilized by having a narrator that was more connected to the reader throughout the series. I'll be curious to see if this is expanded on in the next book though.
This story has really come into its own by this book. It's uncommon, at least in my experience, for Christian end-times fiction to come in from this angle, as there's very little in the way of Christianity even still now. One character did express his faith a bit more in this book and then left on some kind of pilgrimage, which I'm sure will come into play more in the next book. It did become clear in this book that the rapture had happened in the past though, which I'd been curious about. I'm not too optimistic about the next book, given reviews I've read, but I'm going in with an open mind, because I've disagreed with reviews plenty of times before. At this point, I'd still recommend this book to those who enjoy end-times fiction and YA books.
May 8, 2013
Description
In a future United States under the power of a charismatic leader, everyone gets the Mark at age thirteen. The Mark lets citizen shop, go to school, and even get medical care—without it, you are on your own. Few refuse to get the Mark. Those who do . . . disappear.
Logan Langly went in to get his Mark, but he backed out at the last minute. Ever since, he’s been on the run from government agents and on a quest to find his sister Lily, who disappeared when she went to get her Mark five years earlier. His journey leads him to befriend the Dust, a vast network of Markless individuals who dissent against the iron-grip rule of the government. Along the way to the capital to find Lily, the Dust receive some startling information from the Markless community, opening their eyes to the message of Christianity and warning that humanity is now entering the End of Days.
In Storm, Logan and his friends are the leaders of the Markless revolution. But while some Markless are fighting Chancellor Cylis’ army, the Dust is busy trying to find a cure for a horrible epidemic sweeping through the Marked. And it's difficult for them to know who to trust, especially when they aren't sure if Logan's sister Lily, one of the commanders in Cylis' army, is on their side or not. And all across the nation—and the world—the weather has become less stable and a storm is brewing that bigger than any of them could have ever imagined.
My thoughts
This somewhat controversial story is about so many things it is hard to discuss even a fraction of them in a short review. Government control, loss of personal freedoms, trust, abuse of trust, loyalty, conforming, brain washing, a higher calling just to name a few ....
Storm is set in the future where the markless rebels struggle to survive against a one world government which controls all resources, even the weather. The government places tracking devices (the mark) in all of the people at a certain age. A person can refuse the mark, but be forced to live as an outcast barely above a criminal and be put through mind washing techniques if incarcerated. The book is full of action packed and thought provoking sequences of events that will keep your mind locked in and begging for more.
The World Government is portrayed as having two equal rulers, one in Europe and one in the USA, for the sake of world peace. The markless (as the people who refused the government mark are called) can barely survive. Because of a previous massive war, the weather is even controlled by the government and without a mark to scan when making purchases, the markless struggle to live while trying to gain basic freedoms back.
I received an advanced copy of this book before it was released to the public for an honest review. I loved this book and it presented a clear and horrifying possibility even thought it is not the first book in the series. The book does not give a lot of back history on many of the characters, but a full and compelling story is achieved just the same. Enough situation and character information is provided to set up a good foundation. Some of the more important trials, successes, & failures are highlighted as the characters move forward in Storm. The actual word "Storm" is used in varying circumstances in the book and acts as yet another "reference" that can be taken & played upon in different ways. (a whole report cold be written on that alone.
The thing that struck me most about this book is that EVERYONE truly thinks they were fighting for what is right and best for the citizens of the world, but they find themselves against each other again & again. Some are secretly fighting from the inside, acting as if they are complying with the government control and loss of freedoms, while others openly refuse the mark and protest. This book demonstrates that their is a time to fight, to follow, to lead, and a time to just shut up & listen to gather accurate information. There are also characters who feel as if they are being lead by a higher power.
There are so many levels of right, wrong, & people trying to achieve the same goal in so many different ways this book will definitely give many teens (and adults) a lot to think about. Sometimes we see someone as an enemy, but we honestly may not know their reasoning behind a certain situation. We may also see someone as an honest ally yet be totally deceived even though they have helped because of a hidden agenda. What one sees as trying to destroy the foundation, might actually have been done in the best interest. Judgments are always hard to make without all of the circumstances and private motives known.
This book is a realistic look into the world around us. Good, evil, confused, deception for good, deception to get ahead, greed, ... what can happen if one fights against something without knowing all of the circumstances vs. the dangers of not fighting at all. Fighting openly vs. fighting behind the scenes to gain more info. The well written story shows how easy it is for people to have misplaced loyalty when they do not have all of the details. When people's lives, and the lives of their family are in danger they often panic and accept help from the sources who orchestrated the whole catastrophic event that put them in that desperate situation giving more control to the "bad guy". In Storm, the majority of the population has conformed to the wishes of the government and received the mark thinking conforming would make them safe. As has happened in the past, the citizens conforming to the government wishes can still backfire. The citizens' loyal obedience is actually used against them when it is needed for a leader to get more control after a while. Sacrifice a few for the good of the many.
This was an amazing read and it will help many teens (& adults) see things from many points of view. I believe I read this book is, or is going to be, an AR book teens will read in school. I think reading Storm will further educate teens about things not always being what they seem. Books like these will help our young people (even though fiction) to try to look at things from more than one view point & to not always believe in the media, government controlled ideas pushed upon society daily, and portrayed as freedom of choice. Learn to think for yourselves and pick your battles carefully or you might just play into the hands that you thought you were fighting against.
In a future United States under the power of a charismatic leader, everyone gets the Mark at age thirteen. The Mark lets citizen shop, go to school, and even get medical care—without it, you are on your own. Few refuse to get the Mark. Those who do . . . disappear.
Logan Langly went in to get his Mark, but he backed out at the last minute. Ever since, he’s been on the run from government agents and on a quest to find his sister Lily, who disappeared when she went to get her Mark five years earlier. His journey leads him to befriend the Dust, a vast network of Markless individuals who dissent against the iron-grip rule of the government. Along the way to the capital to find Lily, the Dust receive some startling information from the Markless community, opening their eyes to the message of Christianity and warning that humanity is now entering the End of Days.
In Storm, Logan and his friends are the leaders of the Markless revolution. But while some Markless are fighting Chancellor Cylis’ army, the Dust is busy trying to find a cure for a horrible epidemic sweeping through the Marked. And it's difficult for them to know who to trust, especially when they aren't sure if Logan's sister Lily, one of the commanders in Cylis' army, is on their side or not. And all across the nation—and the world—the weather has become less stable and a storm is brewing that bigger than any of them could have ever imagined.
My thoughts
This somewhat controversial story is about so many things it is hard to discuss even a fraction of them in a short review. Government control, loss of personal freedoms, trust, abuse of trust, loyalty, conforming, brain washing, a higher calling just to name a few ....
Storm is set in the future where the markless rebels struggle to survive against a one world government which controls all resources, even the weather. The government places tracking devices (the mark) in all of the people at a certain age. A person can refuse the mark, but be forced to live as an outcast barely above a criminal and be put through mind washing techniques if incarcerated. The book is full of action packed and thought provoking sequences of events that will keep your mind locked in and begging for more.
The World Government is portrayed as having two equal rulers, one in Europe and one in the USA, for the sake of world peace. The markless (as the people who refused the government mark are called) can barely survive. Because of a previous massive war, the weather is even controlled by the government and without a mark to scan when making purchases, the markless struggle to live while trying to gain basic freedoms back.
I received an advanced copy of this book before it was released to the public for an honest review. I loved this book and it presented a clear and horrifying possibility even thought it is not the first book in the series. The book does not give a lot of back history on many of the characters, but a full and compelling story is achieved just the same. Enough situation and character information is provided to set up a good foundation. Some of the more important trials, successes, & failures are highlighted as the characters move forward in Storm. The actual word "Storm" is used in varying circumstances in the book and acts as yet another "reference" that can be taken & played upon in different ways. (a whole report cold be written on that alone.
The thing that struck me most about this book is that EVERYONE truly thinks they were fighting for what is right and best for the citizens of the world, but they find themselves against each other again & again. Some are secretly fighting from the inside, acting as if they are complying with the government control and loss of freedoms, while others openly refuse the mark and protest. This book demonstrates that their is a time to fight, to follow, to lead, and a time to just shut up & listen to gather accurate information. There are also characters who feel as if they are being lead by a higher power.
There are so many levels of right, wrong, & people trying to achieve the same goal in so many different ways this book will definitely give many teens (and adults) a lot to think about. Sometimes we see someone as an enemy, but we honestly may not know their reasoning behind a certain situation. We may also see someone as an honest ally yet be totally deceived even though they have helped because of a hidden agenda. What one sees as trying to destroy the foundation, might actually have been done in the best interest. Judgments are always hard to make without all of the circumstances and private motives known.
This book is a realistic look into the world around us. Good, evil, confused, deception for good, deception to get ahead, greed, ... what can happen if one fights against something without knowing all of the circumstances vs. the dangers of not fighting at all. Fighting openly vs. fighting behind the scenes to gain more info. The well written story shows how easy it is for people to have misplaced loyalty when they do not have all of the details. When people's lives, and the lives of their family are in danger they often panic and accept help from the sources who orchestrated the whole catastrophic event that put them in that desperate situation giving more control to the "bad guy". In Storm, the majority of the population has conformed to the wishes of the government and received the mark thinking conforming would make them safe. As has happened in the past, the citizens conforming to the government wishes can still backfire. The citizens' loyal obedience is actually used against them when it is needed for a leader to get more control after a while. Sacrifice a few for the good of the many.
This was an amazing read and it will help many teens (& adults) see things from many points of view. I believe I read this book is, or is going to be, an AR book teens will read in school. I think reading Storm will further educate teens about things not always being what they seem. Books like these will help our young people (even though fiction) to try to look at things from more than one view point & to not always believe in the media, government controlled ideas pushed upon society daily, and portrayed as freedom of choice. Learn to think for yourselves and pick your battles carefully or you might just play into the hands that you thought you were fighting against.
March 18, 2018
I would give this series a 6/10 but this book a 6/10
I really enjoy this series, I do enjoy Christian books but normally don't like the in your face ones that are quoting to you every few minutes, but with this series I actually didn't even know it was a Christian series till almost half way through the 1st book, it does a good job of building a dystopian world that actually feels believable for people to live in after what happened.
That being said I do not believe that the characters actions and the way they do things is very believable, yes yes I know its a young adult book series so needs to be toned down, but the "pranks" against the government would get all the heroes arrested or even shot in book one, the way the government tries to track down the troublemakers is really a joke, and their epic plans would have very little actual affect on the larger scheme of things where the book would make them out to be some sort of dangerous revolution.
Book 3 fell a little for me because the main problem with the series (the childishness of all the actions and pretending the characters would have actually lived this long) took a larger roll as they tried to come to some epic showdown, I still enjoyed the book but wasn't as impressed as with the others.
I really enjoy this series, I do enjoy Christian books but normally don't like the in your face ones that are quoting to you every few minutes, but with this series I actually didn't even know it was a Christian series till almost half way through the 1st book, it does a good job of building a dystopian world that actually feels believable for people to live in after what happened.
That being said I do not believe that the characters actions and the way they do things is very believable, yes yes I know its a young adult book series so needs to be toned down, but the "pranks" against the government would get all the heroes arrested or even shot in book one, the way the government tries to track down the troublemakers is really a joke, and their epic plans would have very little actual affect on the larger scheme of things where the book would make them out to be some sort of dangerous revolution.
Book 3 fell a little for me because the main problem with the series (the childishness of all the actions and pretending the characters would have actually lived this long) took a larger roll as they tried to come to some epic showdown, I still enjoyed the book but wasn't as impressed as with the others.
June 11, 2022
Would've rated this Higher if not for Lily
This book was really good in the sense that the kids were fighting back, making plans, giving hope to the Markless, trying to tell the Marked the truth. The Global Union was a sham and citizens were being killed using biological weapons. Erin was dying but doctors were doing what they could.
Logan trusted his sister when he ran to stop Conner from destroying the mill and in the end.....she used him as a scapegoat. And yet, some of the Dust STILL trust her smh
Lily really pisses me off. The things shes willing to do TO her brother, against him, and the things she's willing to let people do or THINK of him is just WRONG! Everything she's done to him is messed up past normal betrayal and all he ever wanted to do was save HER! And then save the hopeless....he is such a good kid and didn't deserve what Lily did. And she had the audacity to tell Logan she loved him before she did it. Its all about her and getting ahead on HER plans. If she was really good, she would tell them her plans so they could help, but she thinks she's the best. I hate her and thanks to her this book got three stars.
There is a book 4 though, so....anyone enjoying this series may still like it and forgive the ending of this one. I just couldn't
This book was really good in the sense that the kids were fighting back, making plans, giving hope to the Markless, trying to tell the Marked the truth. The Global Union was a sham and citizens were being killed using biological weapons. Erin was dying but doctors were doing what they could.
Logan trusted his sister when he ran to stop Conner from destroying the mill and in the end.....she used him as a scapegoat. And yet, some of the Dust STILL trust her smh
Lily really pisses me off. The things shes willing to do TO her brother, against him, and the things she's willing to let people do or THINK of him is just WRONG! Everything she's done to him is messed up past normal betrayal and all he ever wanted to do was save HER! And then save the hopeless....he is such a good kid and didn't deserve what Lily did. And she had the audacity to tell Logan she loved him before she did it. Its all about her and getting ahead on HER plans. If she was really good, she would tell them her plans so they could help, but she thinks she's the best. I hate her and thanks to her this book got three stars.
There is a book 4 though, so....anyone enjoying this series may still like it and forgive the ending of this one. I just couldn't
June 3, 2021
*light spoilers* I picked up this series again and it was... good to say the least. The first two books were good, the characters were likable (aside from Lily because I never really know whose side she's on) and the plot was compelling. At first it seemed like a typical dystopian book of the government vs. the rebel kids going against the system, and I expected it to be like that for the rest of the series. In the second book it started to swerve into a Christian book and I wasn't sure if I liked it or not so I decided to read on to the next book.
This book didn't hold up to my expectations. I fell in love with the first book, then I started to doubt the second, now I'm only reading this and the fourth book to finish the series. Maybe it was just poor research on my behalf on what the genre of this book really was but the whole religious thing going on in the dystopia scene wasn't for me.
This book didn't hold up to my expectations. I fell in love with the first book, then I started to doubt the second, now I'm only reading this and the fourth book to finish the series. Maybe it was just poor research on my behalf on what the genre of this book really was but the whole religious thing going on in the dystopia scene wasn't for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2020
As the book went on I started to have to push myself to read it. The first two were much better. I'm going to try and finish the series but I might have to move on to something I like better. I liked it up until the part when Logan goes to General Lamson's office. I was so disappointed when he found out he set off Trumpet. I would've been okay with that but then Advocate Langly was supposed to give him a death sentence. Wanting to free her brother Lily let the markless decide. Of course they stay silent and she's shocked that they didn't save him. So to save Logan she puts him in this one of those BCI helmets but this time, instead of a frozen lake, it's all nothingness. So now I feel like I have to read the next book to see what happens to Logan (if he escapes) but I already know I'm not going to enjoy it. Ugh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2022
I love that the book inception continues! But same complaint as book #2: too many far-fetched plot lines… “I’m a kid but can escape and outsmart the most controlling and technically advanced governments in the world”, and “oh, perfect, horses! And we just magically know how to ride them!” And “Sure, I can get into any heavily guarded government building I want!”
Nope, not buying it. I actually did a little digging into author Evan Angler and couldn’t find anything! He has 100% embraced his persona of a Markless man on the run, trying to piece together the story of the Dust. I applaud his commitment and love that he’s embraced his world like that. Even with the flaws, I still enjoyed it and will continue the series! And I will say, reading this through a COVID lense was quite interesting.
Nope, not buying it. I actually did a little digging into author Evan Angler and couldn’t find anything! He has 100% embraced his persona of a Markless man on the run, trying to piece together the story of the Dust. I applaud his commitment and love that he’s embraced his world like that. Even with the flaws, I still enjoyed it and will continue the series! And I will say, reading this through a COVID lense was quite interesting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews