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Tournament
In 2014, a worldwide nuclear war demolishes a wide swath of the planet. Alaska, the only part left of the United States, joins with the other surviving countries to set up a Global Government. Its primary responsibility is to prevent another devastating war. Leadership changes every two years, based on the outcome of the only competitive outlet the survivors can agree on: a worldwide soccer tournament. In 2044, 17-year-old twin soccer stars Jason and Nate are ready to play the game of their lives. But they soon discover that Alaska’s new president has some very special plans and winning the Tournament is the least of their worries. For more details and to read the first chapter visit www.Tournament2044.com, For Grades 6 +
300 pages, Paperback
First published June 11, 2013
2 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Goebel
4 books9 followersI have always wished that "reader of books" was a paid profession. Born in the Philippines, I moved a lot as a child and books were my constant companions during the never-ending "new kid" transitions. This near-pathological love for being immersed in an imaginary world has continued into adulthood, as the two-foot high stacks of books on my bedside table attest.
My work history is, ahem, non-linear to say the least. I've sold books, worked for a publishing company, been a lawyer, been manatee research assistant, worked at an Aquarium, worked as a marketing copywriter, worked as a development and membership writer/editor, and now work as a technical writer with a group of fisheries biologists. I've always wanted to write, and now, finally, I am!
I live in Massachusetts with my husband, two teenage sons, and two middle-age dogs.
My work history is, ahem, non-linear to say the least. I've sold books, worked for a publishing company, been a lawyer, been manatee research assistant, worked at an Aquarium, worked as a marketing copywriter, worked as a development and membership writer/editor, and now work as a technical writer with a group of fisheries biologists. I've always wanted to write, and now, finally, I am!
I live in Massachusetts with my husband, two teenage sons, and two middle-age dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 17, 2013
Excellent book for teens. If you loved Hunger Games, you'll love Tournament
November 11, 2013
Compelling plot, great characters, great read!
July 18, 2013
I bought this book for a summer read for my teen and she has recommended it to all her teammates as well as her non soccer friends. Finally a sports novel that has an intelligent, strong, talented independent girl! Cassie is a character that will inspire girls both on and off the field and one you would want to be your daughter's best friend. I don't usually read the same books as my child but they talked so much about it I had to see what they were so excited about.The authors of this book really get teens - I enjoyed the realistic dialog and relationship dynamics. Soccer players will be able to relate to the descriptions of the technical aspects of the soccer games - this veteran soccer mom learned a few things herself! But the book is much more than just a soccer tournament and will appeal to non sports fans as well. It captures the real issues teens deal with - fitting in, the stress of living up to your parent expectations, awkwardness of first relationships, fears and rewards of competition and how strong the bond of friendship & siblings can be. Jason and Nate are twins and remain fiercely loyal and supportive of each other despite the trying situations they encounter. Their personalities bring out the best in each other and you can't help but root for them. We were sad the story had to come to an end but hope Cassie, Jason and Nate will have more adventures in the future. Until then don't walk, sprint and buy this book.
August 10, 2013
Futbol in a not so distant post-apocalyptic future
Well, most of the world has been decimated by a nuclear World War III. Out of the few countries left intact, governance is decided by a futbol (soccer) game every two years. This is a Young Adult tale starring the U.S. soccer team.
The book started out a little slow for me but energy was generated quickly and I found myself flipping through the pages, trying to find out what happened next.
Character development was exceptional on the main protagonists - Cassie (a strong female role model on the team); twins Jason and Nate, one making the team and the other being shipped off to a secret camp; and Reed, handsome egotistical star player. Short chapters alternated between these characters.
I do wish there had been a bit more world building. I wanted to know more about the post-nuclear world and how it had fared thirty years after WWIII.
I enjoyed the story and the characters and the soccer sequences and I hope there will be a sequel.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Well, most of the world has been decimated by a nuclear World War III. Out of the few countries left intact, governance is decided by a futbol (soccer) game every two years. This is a Young Adult tale starring the U.S. soccer team.
The book started out a little slow for me but energy was generated quickly and I found myself flipping through the pages, trying to find out what happened next.
Character development was exceptional on the main protagonists - Cassie (a strong female role model on the team); twins Jason and Nate, one making the team and the other being shipped off to a secret camp; and Reed, handsome egotistical star player. Short chapters alternated between these characters.
I do wish there had been a bit more world building. I wanted to know more about the post-nuclear world and how it had fared thirty years after WWIII.
I enjoyed the story and the characters and the soccer sequences and I hope there will be a sequel.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 11, 2013
Just in time for great summer reading, Tournament by Jennifer Goebel and Dagmar Jacisinova joins the Roar and The Hunger Games as the latest contribution to the popular genre of Post-Apocalyptic Dystopian literature for teenagers. Set in a world mostly destroyed by nuclear war, the world’s brightest and most talented teenagers play soccer to determine who rules the world that is left. The novel’s protagonists from the country of Alaska, all that is left of the United States, compete against other teenage athletes from around the world in a do-or-die soccer match. They know their elders’ past mistakes, and, along the way, learn of present ones that they must correct. Teenage wits and moral sensibilities filtered through the fair-play rules of soccer lead the heroes against deadly forces on and off the soccer field. This fine first novel by Goebel and Jacisinova is a good read for young adults and anyone who loves this genre.
I look forward to more from these authors.
I look forward to more from these authors.
July 28, 2014
This was a good story. It goes into detail on how the world is and how it got there, which was nice, a lot of dystopians don't. It revolves around soccer a lot which I expected and I like how a "world cup" decides the government.
The story is about teenagers in Alaska which is all that's left of America after a nuclear war. Jason and Nate are twins that having been training their whole lives for their turn at the tournament. Nate gets a knee injury so Jason is picked for the team while Nate is taken away for "special training".
Then the story goes back and forth between Jason, Cassie, Luke and Reed who are on the team and Nate and Nikko who are training to start another war if the Alaskan team loses.
Some of this was surprising and some of it was predictable. But its a good read but probably aimed for the younger side of YA.
I received this book through Goodreads first reads.
The story is about teenagers in Alaska which is all that's left of America after a nuclear war. Jason and Nate are twins that having been training their whole lives for their turn at the tournament. Nate gets a knee injury so Jason is picked for the team while Nate is taken away for "special training".
Then the story goes back and forth between Jason, Cassie, Luke and Reed who are on the team and Nate and Nikko who are training to start another war if the Alaskan team loses.
Some of this was surprising and some of it was predictable. But its a good read but probably aimed for the younger side of YA.
I received this book through Goodreads first reads.
August 20, 2013
Okay, where to start... First of all, what a great idea for a middle grade/young adult book. Post apocalyptic sports! I like the originality.
More than that though, I really liked how the author characterized the youth in her story. They sounded like the kids I know, so they felt believable. Goebel really got the dialogue right. There's even a really sound character arc - young rivals all about winning growing up into honorable folks willing to sacrifice their individual goals for everyone else.
I could see how teens (especially the soccer loving type) would be all over this book, and passing it around. Hopefully there will be a sequel!
More than that though, I really liked how the author characterized the youth in her story. They sounded like the kids I know, so they felt believable. Goebel really got the dialogue right. There's even a really sound character arc - young rivals all about winning growing up into honorable folks willing to sacrifice their individual goals for everyone else.
I could see how teens (especially the soccer loving type) would be all over this book, and passing it around. Hopefully there will be a sequel!
August 17, 2013
What a great read! Borrowed it from my Grandson, who could not put it down on vacation, and found myself immediately involved with the story. The character development is very well done. I always enjoy a book more when I can visualize the characters and relate to them. The teens talk and act like your own kids, which makes it more believable. You feel the camaraderie between the team so you route for them even more in the big game.
This is a great first book. I hope to see more from these two ladies.
This is a great first book. I hope to see more from these two ladies.
July 12, 2013
What a great book! To be honest the beginning was a little slow for me, but very shortly thereafter, I was totally sucked in. It's one of those books that you try to find any excuse to sneak in a little more reading time. I loved the unexpected twists and turns in the story. I thought the characters were well-developed and interesting. In short, I would highly recommend picking this book up. It's a fun read.
January 28, 2014
An entertaining read, Tournament is a work of fiction but the parallel with the problems of today's world is evident. It gives a young reader enough impulses to ponder the values in life and one's responsibility as a world's citizen. The story is original and entertaining, the characters are true, honest and believable. Two thumbs up!
June 28, 2013
Great summer read for middle school kids who like to read about realistic characters in extremely difficult situations.Similar to the Hunger Games in tone and style but totally unique, I highly recommend Tournament.
July 11, 2013
I bought this book for my 13 years old nephew who is a great reader and also plays soccer. He loved the book and can not wait for the sequel. Great read for middle grade aged boys and girls who are into sports.
February 16, 2016
VERY GOOD DYSTOPIAN! I typically do not like dystopian novels, but because this novel had to do with sports, I chose to read it. Was I glad to read it? Yes. A million times yes, as this book has really sparked an interest in dystopian novels.
July 14, 2013
I'm a big fan of young adult fiction, and this action packed book fit the bill nicely. It's well written, gripping, and a great choice for the beach this summer. A nice gift for a teen boy (or girl)!
August 8, 2014
I won this from a goodreads giveaway and I absolutely loved it. It's exactly the kind of book I'm interested in!
April 10, 2014
Entertaining!!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews