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Smasher
In this riveting suspense thriller, two children race the clock to stop a futuristic murderer and his plan to enslave the world.
In thirty days, a cold-hearted corporate tycoon will unleash a deadly biological computer virus on the entire world. As the public eagerly awaits his invention that promises ultimate relaxation, harmony, and community, the evil big-business sorcerer plans to put an end to freedom.
Can he be stopped? The world's only hope is if Charlie, a math genius with otherworldly skills, and Geneva, a robotic girl from the future, can team up to track down some very dark secrets. With a method that uses atomic particles, Geneva and Charlie use "Smasher" to break through the walls of time. They travel to find an unlikely solution. But will it work?
Fresh, unique, and gripping, this page-turner also celebrates the power of love, hope, and friendship as it also raises provocative questions about technology, progress, and the nature of persecution.
In thirty days, a cold-hearted corporate tycoon will unleash a deadly biological computer virus on the entire world. As the public eagerly awaits his invention that promises ultimate relaxation, harmony, and community, the evil big-business sorcerer plans to put an end to freedom.
Can he be stopped? The world's only hope is if Charlie, a math genius with otherworldly skills, and Geneva, a robotic girl from the future, can team up to track down some very dark secrets. With a method that uses atomic particles, Geneva and Charlie use "Smasher" to break through the walls of time. They travel to find an unlikely solution. But will it work?
Fresh, unique, and gripping, this page-turner also celebrates the power of love, hope, and friendship as it also raises provocative questions about technology, progress, and the nature of persecution.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published March 25, 2014
9 people are currently reading
895 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 18, 2014
I thought this book was amazing. I thought it was amazing because it was very intense and interesting. One of the interesting parts was when Geneva was able to mix the hum with the smasher creating a time portal. Another amazing part was when Geneva turned out to be a robot. Also an interesting part was when Brian found a blue feather and the feather played a interesting part in the story. I liked that the story had lots of suspense and lots of surprises. I also liked how Charlie only had 24 hours to SAVE THE WORLD
March 17, 2014
The Story-
Charlie is a young boy living in 1542. He has a very specific ability. The ability to work what some would call magic. He thinks of it as manipulating the "hum". He lives alone with his grandfather, who is teaching him to control his powers. Enter Geneva, a young robotic girl who has traveled back in time to find Charlie and bring him into the present. She tells Charlie that his skills are needed in the future and that an evil man is prime to take over the world.
Together they travel into the future and Charlie is frightened to find that the hum doesn't exist then, except within the evil Gramercy Foxx. Charlie and Geneva learn they have only 20 days to stop Foxx from controlling the minds of every being in the world. In their first attempt to stop him, Charlie rescues a puppy from Foxx's lab, a puppy that allows Charlie to again connect with the hum. Charlie and Geneva need to figure out what Foxx is up to and stop him, before he kills them.
My Thoughts-
This is an exciting adventure for upper middle grade readers. I felt that the story was well put together and the author's knowledge of technology came through in his writing. That being said, I was a little fuzzy about the hum, and finally decided to think of it like "the force" from Star Wars. That helped me through the first half of the book, but then the author brings in DNA code, computer code and the hum code, and I didn't grasp the idea he was trying to put forth. I decided to just go with the flow and accept that I didn't fully understand it because the story itself is so interesting.
Another fun aspect of the book is that both main characters, Charlie and Geneva, have secrets. In this book the author sends the reader through time to discovers Charlie's family history. Bly nicely ties the story together through blood lines. Then we have Geneva, and she is my favorite character. We don't fully find out all the things about her, but what we do learn is fascinating. SPOILER- The fact that she is one of Foxx's experiments leads you to wonder who she was to begin with. Plus, who is talking to her in her dreams/downtime? Foxx didn't know about Charlie, so it couldn't have been his memories leaking into hers. And then we have the ending, where will Geneva end up? There definitely could be a sequel that explores her story.
I also have to give a shout-out to the title. Smasher is a great one word attention grabber, and it works well with the story. In order to travel through time, Charlie and Geneva have to smash atoms together to create a rip in the universe. Sweet. Older children will enjoy this story. 4 stars!
Charlie is a young boy living in 1542. He has a very specific ability. The ability to work what some would call magic. He thinks of it as manipulating the "hum". He lives alone with his grandfather, who is teaching him to control his powers. Enter Geneva, a young robotic girl who has traveled back in time to find Charlie and bring him into the present. She tells Charlie that his skills are needed in the future and that an evil man is prime to take over the world.
Together they travel into the future and Charlie is frightened to find that the hum doesn't exist then, except within the evil Gramercy Foxx. Charlie and Geneva learn they have only 20 days to stop Foxx from controlling the minds of every being in the world. In their first attempt to stop him, Charlie rescues a puppy from Foxx's lab, a puppy that allows Charlie to again connect with the hum. Charlie and Geneva need to figure out what Foxx is up to and stop him, before he kills them.
My Thoughts-
This is an exciting adventure for upper middle grade readers. I felt that the story was well put together and the author's knowledge of technology came through in his writing. That being said, I was a little fuzzy about the hum, and finally decided to think of it like "the force" from Star Wars. That helped me through the first half of the book, but then the author brings in DNA code, computer code and the hum code, and I didn't grasp the idea he was trying to put forth. I decided to just go with the flow and accept that I didn't fully understand it because the story itself is so interesting.
Another fun aspect of the book is that both main characters, Charlie and Geneva, have secrets. In this book the author sends the reader through time to discovers Charlie's family history. Bly nicely ties the story together through blood lines. Then we have Geneva, and she is my favorite character. We don't fully find out all the things about her, but what we do learn is fascinating. SPOILER- The fact that she is one of Foxx's experiments leads you to wonder who she was to begin with. Plus, who is talking to her in her dreams/downtime? Foxx didn't know about Charlie, so it couldn't have been his memories leaking into hers. And then we have the ending, where will Geneva end up? There definitely could be a sequel that explores her story.
I also have to give a shout-out to the title. Smasher is a great one word attention grabber, and it works well with the story. In order to travel through time, Charlie and Geneva have to smash atoms together to create a rip in the universe. Sweet. Older children will enjoy this story. 4 stars!
June 11, 2014
A fascinating and touching story for the young and the young-at-heart
Charlie, a young, somewhat insecure boy, who is frequently bullied, finds himself on a quest to save not only his friends and family but the entire future of the world. During his many adventures, he has to face his fears and discovers that he has a lot more courage, spunk, and stamina than he ever thought possible. A fascinating page turner, with some deep insights into human nature, lots of fun science and technology, Smasher is a book for the young and the young-at-heart. Highly recommended!
Charlie, a young, somewhat insecure boy, who is frequently bullied, finds himself on a quest to save not only his friends and family but the entire future of the world. During his many adventures, he has to face his fears and discovers that he has a lot more courage, spunk, and stamina than he ever thought possible. A fascinating page turner, with some deep insights into human nature, lots of fun science and technology, Smasher is a book for the young and the young-at-heart. Highly recommended!
August 5, 2014
Smasher. A book of Adventure. Scott has proven to show great writing skill for it being his first book. Smasher is action filled and keeps the reader on his or her toes till the end.
October 8, 2014
I loved the concept. The ideas and characters kept me hooked all the way through! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone and everyone!
April 26, 2014
Read it. Fascinating in many ways. A sequel would be great.
February 20, 2014
Talk about a page-turner! Action upon action upon action begins, as our resident hero goes on a quest to stop a true megalomaniac from taking over the world.
We begin in 1542 in a mountain village near the town of Eamsford. The hero to be, Charles, is being bullied by the usual types when all of a sudden this young girl appears to help him. The girl has many strengths, however; she also has the ability to transport herself into the past and future worlds, and asks Charles to come with her into the distant future to the city of LAanges, year 2042. The girl, Geneva, informs Charles that he is the only one who can save the world. And although Charles is a bit skeptical at first, after talking to his grandfather he decides to run away and join Geneva in her plan.
Turns out, what he finds is tragic. It seems all of Charlie’s family has been killed because of their ‘gift’; they were all able to use the Hum, which is a force that gives the person wielding it great power. Unfortunately, the Hum should only be used out of love for the ‘fellow man’ but, in futuristic LAanges, it’s being used by the fiercest of bad guys…Gramercy Foxx. When it comes to Foxx, the Hum is his ticket to further his plan of taking over the world. When Charlie and Geneva find their way to Foxx’s labs in order to put a stop to come seriously bad stuff, readers will be enthralled by everything from a computer virus to an enormous Gorilla programmed to kill everything in its path to a little puppy that melts any heart.
There are so many factors that will make this book stay in the reader’s mind for a long time to come. From a friendship that will never break to dangerous minions who are on the threshold of ending the world as we know it, readers will feel as if they are hanging on for the ride of their lives.
Not since the creation of ‘Star Wars’ has there been such an exciting tale of futuristic worlds and true heroes that you will root for with all your might.
Sit author, Scott Bly, at his computer to knock out some more adventures of Charlie and Geneva ASAP!
We begin in 1542 in a mountain village near the town of Eamsford. The hero to be, Charles, is being bullied by the usual types when all of a sudden this young girl appears to help him. The girl has many strengths, however; she also has the ability to transport herself into the past and future worlds, and asks Charles to come with her into the distant future to the city of LAanges, year 2042. The girl, Geneva, informs Charles that he is the only one who can save the world. And although Charles is a bit skeptical at first, after talking to his grandfather he decides to run away and join Geneva in her plan.
Turns out, what he finds is tragic. It seems all of Charlie’s family has been killed because of their ‘gift’; they were all able to use the Hum, which is a force that gives the person wielding it great power. Unfortunately, the Hum should only be used out of love for the ‘fellow man’ but, in futuristic LAanges, it’s being used by the fiercest of bad guys…Gramercy Foxx. When it comes to Foxx, the Hum is his ticket to further his plan of taking over the world. When Charlie and Geneva find their way to Foxx’s labs in order to put a stop to come seriously bad stuff, readers will be enthralled by everything from a computer virus to an enormous Gorilla programmed to kill everything in its path to a little puppy that melts any heart.
There are so many factors that will make this book stay in the reader’s mind for a long time to come. From a friendship that will never break to dangerous minions who are on the threshold of ending the world as we know it, readers will feel as if they are hanging on for the ride of their lives.
Not since the creation of ‘Star Wars’ has there been such an exciting tale of futuristic worlds and true heroes that you will root for with all your might.
Sit author, Scott Bly, at his computer to knock out some more adventures of Charlie and Geneva ASAP!
April 3, 2014
Don't give up on your goal, if you have faith in yourself you can reach it. Charlie, a boy with a special power known as the "hum" is faced with a rigorous challenge. His ability allows him to have a more complex understanding if things... or, if you prefer, he's smarter than average people. Much smarter. But when a robotic girl from the future asks him for help, he doesn't feel so sure. He has to save the world from enslavement- which is nothing like the puzzles he's used to doing at home. Will he be able to save the human race, or will he give up and let humankind perish?
This book was good for the most part. The story was interesting- but the little educational inserts about code were...somewhat obvious. Although sometimes in my mind I would yell at the character to do something. Some points were a bit too predicable... While others weren't. This was what the best part of the writing was. Sometimes I'd think, "Oh no. ___ is gonna happen and then ___is gonna ____. Ugh." But then something totally different happens! Overall a somewhat good read, although not the best, and I'd recommend this to anyone who likes a good science fiction book and doesn't mind some plot twists.
This book was good for the most part. The story was interesting- but the little educational inserts about code were...somewhat obvious. Although sometimes in my mind I would yell at the character to do something. Some points were a bit too predicable... While others weren't. This was what the best part of the writing was. Sometimes I'd think, "Oh no. ___ is gonna happen and then ___is gonna ____. Ugh." But then something totally different happens! Overall a somewhat good read, although not the best, and I'd recommend this to anyone who likes a good science fiction book and doesn't mind some plot twists.
January 23, 2014
Not since Star Wars has a world been created with such a perfect blend of technology and magic. The book starts in a distant past, but mostly takes place in a distant future, both of which have strong echos of our present. The main characters, both hero's and villains, have strengths and weaknesses that will relate to every reader in every age group. Its a fun quick read that will warrant your attention.
October 13, 2014
i thought that this book was good.i liked the part when they hacked onto the best soft ware computer in the world.i also did not like when they did not tell me what was the hum intill way later in the book.i liked hopw genva was able to teleport.i also did not like when gneva was very vage.i liked that brian was very strong even thoe his grandpa was mean.i also like the ending.
March 8, 2015
Great story on time travel, and going into the future to save the world from a wicked man who wants to rule the world through mind control. Has robots, mind control, people with unusual abilities. Action-packed.
October 10, 2015
Truthfully I couldn't finish this book. I probably gave this book more than 100+ pages to prove itself, but it seemed to only get worst.Since this was one of the few ARCs I own, I felt even more dedicated to finish it, but I just couldn't.
-The characters were as flat as they got and pretty unlikable.
-Don't even get me started on the names of some of these. LaAnges really? I've complained about the names in fiction once, in my "The Young Elites" review, but it seems I needed a better explanation when it came to everything in this book.
-Seeing this under children's fiction/middle grade makes some of the elements of this book acceptable, but it seemed this book HAD potential if it was categorized as a young adult book.
-I haven't read THAT many middle grade stories compared to the huge amount of YA I have read... But it you were to compare this novel to "Wonder," "Inkheart," and "Percy Jackson," this book would easily be a one star if you were to compare it with some of these middle grade stories.
-Truthfully it was the villan who was the weakest when it came to this story. The only time I get some form of reasoning, it could only be the worst reasoning ever.
-It's easy to see and pick out the many clichés in this novel.
Disclaimer: I was given an ARC/uncorrected copy from the author.
March 17, 2016
“Smasher” – written by Scott Bly and published in 2014 by The Blue Sky Press. Finally, a fun, engaging middle-grade novel that incorporates the tech world and even some coding! Charlie time travels (following an awkward introduction in the 1500s) with Geneva to a future where a megalomaniac is trying to control the world by making everyone an intellectual zombie. “What a satisfying first move in his glorious chess game again humanity.” Charlie has always been aware of his familial connection with and ability to use “the Hum” and has been taught about the strength of its power, “the most important part is belief.”
And we’re off and running with wild chases and miraculous escapes centered around a 200-story office building and a glowing man-hole where the magical portal can be accessed. Along with Charlie and the remarkable Geneva, a puppy named Callaya and our bad guy Gramercy Foxx are all fleshed out very nicely and I was interested to see what would happen to them. Look for a pretty cool sequence where Charlie figures out how to email himself as an attachment to get into the evil lair.
A minor objection was the really unnecessary insertion of this excerpt, “All twelve cameras blinked off. Jane was relieved. She thought the HoloStreams made her look fat.” Both Bly and his editors should know better. Otherwise, I wholeheartedly recommend this to techy kids and already have one in line to read it next.
And we’re off and running with wild chases and miraculous escapes centered around a 200-story office building and a glowing man-hole where the magical portal can be accessed. Along with Charlie and the remarkable Geneva, a puppy named Callaya and our bad guy Gramercy Foxx are all fleshed out very nicely and I was interested to see what would happen to them. Look for a pretty cool sequence where Charlie figures out how to email himself as an attachment to get into the evil lair.
A minor objection was the really unnecessary insertion of this excerpt, “All twelve cameras blinked off. Jane was relieved. She thought the HoloStreams made her look fat.” Both Bly and his editors should know better. Otherwise, I wholeheartedly recommend this to techy kids and already have one in line to read it next.
May 11, 2014
I really wanted to like SMASHER, but it just didn't work for me.
First off, I felt the world building was a bit weak. I felt that the science was either not explained or over-explained, which ended up making everything rather confusing. For example, I often struggled to understand exactly where Charlie's power came from. Magic? Math and physics? Some combination of the two...? Or something else entirely...? As far as I can understand, it's a melding of the two, but without going back and rereading, I can't be sure. And, to me, the fact that I'd have to go back and reread to fully understand means that it wasn't clearly explained.
Secondly, I very often felt that the author employed "telling" rather than "showing," which resulted in a huge, overwhelming, and, sadly, boring experience. It seemed to me that the author had very transparent lessons for the reader, which, in my opinion, clashes with the overly complicated science/magic elements of the novel.
It seems that this book is getting fairly good reviews, so maybe my issues with SMASHER won't resonate with the majority of readers, but I feel that there are better scifi/action offerings out there for MG readers. Two of my recent favorites within this subgenre are THE QUANTUM LEAGUE BOOK 1: SPELL ROBBERS by Matthew J. Kirby and THE LOST PLANET by Rachel Searles.
First off, I felt the world building was a bit weak. I felt that the science was either not explained or over-explained, which ended up making everything rather confusing. For example, I often struggled to understand exactly where Charlie's power came from. Magic? Math and physics? Some combination of the two...? Or something else entirely...? As far as I can understand, it's a melding of the two, but without going back and rereading, I can't be sure. And, to me, the fact that I'd have to go back and reread to fully understand means that it wasn't clearly explained.
Secondly, I very often felt that the author employed "telling" rather than "showing," which resulted in a huge, overwhelming, and, sadly, boring experience. It seemed to me that the author had very transparent lessons for the reader, which, in my opinion, clashes with the overly complicated science/magic elements of the novel.
It seems that this book is getting fairly good reviews, so maybe my issues with SMASHER won't resonate with the majority of readers, but I feel that there are better scifi/action offerings out there for MG readers. Two of my recent favorites within this subgenre are THE QUANTUM LEAGUE BOOK 1: SPELL ROBBERS by Matthew J. Kirby and THE LOST PLANET by Rachel Searles.
February 19, 2015
This book was very different from anything I've read for kids- science, action, math, time travel-- jam packed with so many topics there's really something for every kids to latch on to.
Cons:
The story, as pointed out by other reviewers, does requires ALOT of suspension of belief, and there are plot lines that really are underdeveloped (like the main character's family background) or that cause confusion (who is the Interrogator continually referenced)
Pro:
Outweigh the cons by far. Not many kids are going to be as critical as we adults, and they are far more easily swept up in the good vs. evil aspects of the story. Tech the and action are really interesting and exciting. The subplot about animal experimentation is well handled and brings an extra emotional element. The futuristic society depicted, with its utter reliance on computers, and the population's slavish devotion to the new, is believable. A page turner, this one's going to be a winner for our 5-7th graders. And the cons can actually be good discussion points!
Cons:
The story, as pointed out by other reviewers, does requires ALOT of suspension of belief, and there are plot lines that really are underdeveloped (like the main character's family background) or that cause confusion (who is the Interrogator continually referenced)
Pro:
Outweigh the cons by far. Not many kids are going to be as critical as we adults, and they are far more easily swept up in the good vs. evil aspects of the story. Tech the and action are really interesting and exciting. The subplot about animal experimentation is well handled and brings an extra emotional element. The futuristic society depicted, with its utter reliance on computers, and the population's slavish devotion to the new, is believable. A page turner, this one's going to be a winner for our 5-7th graders. And the cons can actually be good discussion points!
January 31, 2015
Smasher by Scott Bly- 2014 – Science Fiction – 3rd grade and up – This was a surprising, different type of time travel story. Really enjoyed the different characters, major twists and turns, and adventures. Interesting complexities in the book. It has been a while since I read a complex science fiction book that is appropriate for 3rd grade and up, nice surprise.
Quote from book: “Tackled by bullies and slammed into mud, Charles couldn’t know he would soon encounter far more dangerous enemies. In fact, he would travel through space and time to face a power so terrible it threatened to end civilization. But every tale has a beginning. This one begins with a frog.”
Quote from book: “Tackled by bullies and slammed into mud, Charles couldn’t know he would soon encounter far more dangerous enemies. In fact, he would travel through space and time to face a power so terrible it threatened to end civilization. But every tale has a beginning. This one begins with a frog.”
June 5, 2014
The writing is disjointed and I had a hard time following along with the plot. The story never really found a comfortable rhythm, but rather just kept stuttering from one action scene to the next. There was a degree of predictability in the plot line as well which made the pacing even worse. I just didn't feel like the antagonist had enough motivation behind his evil ways. I think this boils down to inexperienced writing. A sequel hasn't been announced as far as I know, but it is defiantly a possibility with the way the book ended.
October 6, 2014
I hate giving bad reviews but after 100 ish pages i couldnt take it any more :(
The initial idea for the book summary was really cool but as i started reading it i got really really bored.first off a boy from 1542 when token to 2042 seeing every thing high tech didnt get future shock,didnt get scared of every thing and just went along with seeing things like that.another thing what is the hum? All we know its some sort of supernatural gift.ohh well maybe some one eles will like this book....
The initial idea for the book summary was really cool but as i started reading it i got really really bored.first off a boy from 1542 when token to 2042 seeing every thing high tech didnt get future shock,didnt get scared of every thing and just went along with seeing things like that.another thing what is the hum? All we know its some sort of supernatural gift.ohh well maybe some one eles will like this book....
December 27, 2014
When a boy is supposedly taken from 1542 to 2042 and doesn't freak out over elevators, when he doesn't get confused by someone referring to televisions or telephones, the premise immediately goes up in smoke.Skimmed this and didn't find it worth more. Great premise, poorly executed.
September 28, 2018
I've read this book a million times from sixth grade until now, ever since I got an autographed copy and even got to meet the author!
I love this book so much. I have always loved this book and I will always love this book.
I love this book so much. I have always loved this book and I will always love this book.
April 2, 2014
Amateurish writing.
September 26, 2014
Cool futuristic concepts, but more of a book for fifth graders
August 25, 2015
awesome with the futuritic vibe it felt really cool, i loved the last scene it was so cool.
June 15, 2016
Wow! This book got SUPER deep into its Sci-Fi aspect. I know some of you might disagree, but as a 5th grader, I think this is the most well-written book i've ever read!
February 1, 2018
This book is ridiculous and stupid. I would say I could write a better book in a day, but when I think about it, this is probably the quality of a book written in a day. The poor author spent years and years on this bit of uch, according to his bio. Dude, don't boast about that, it's pathetic!
This kid Charles is from the past, but the author says he decided not to make Charles talk like it. Ok. But the author also says he was interested in exploring how a character from the past would adjust to technology, and Charles understands computers better than me from just a day's worth of lessons. Insultingly stupid. I'm offended by the author's bad characterization and development.
The pseudo-science was also disgustingly stupid. The magic "Hum" allows Charles and others to do magic...but it's not magic, it's "believing in yourself" and moving "matter" around! Make up your mind, author dude.
This kid Charles is from the past, but the author says he decided not to make Charles talk like it. Ok. But the author also says he was interested in exploring how a character from the past would adjust to technology, and Charles understands computers better than me from just a day's worth of lessons. Insultingly stupid. I'm offended by the author's bad characterization and development.
The pseudo-science was also disgustingly stupid. The magic "Hum" allows Charles and others to do magic...but it's not magic, it's "believing in yourself" and moving "matter" around! Make up your mind, author dude.
January 6, 2021
A very unusual book. Not your average young adult/children’s book. As a technologically challenged person, I actually found this book a bit difficult to grasp.
January 21, 2024
I've been working through all the books I've wanted to read. This one should have been read years ago! Fantastic premise, incredible story. Loved it!
July 28, 2014
I received a free copy of this book through the Goodreads FirstReads program.
Wow. This book was kind of a mess. I wanted to like it -- I really did. The concept seemed cool: mystery girl shows up in 1542 to take a boy to the future to save the world. Throw some fantasy in with the sci-fi, mix with a touch of dystopia...I thought it would be fun. It wasn't. It was a confused mess that didn't make sense, which was certainly the biggest problem.
Is the Hum magic? Is it atomic energy? Is it a deity spirit, some kind of omniscient consciousness? It seems to be all three in turns, depending on what the plot requires at a given time. Since it is literally the driving force of the story, I'd have liked it to be better defined or at least consistent. How or why can Charlie sense and use it when others can't? What is it's relationship to technology and DNA? Why does it need to be believed in to work? Why has it disappeared in the future? I don't know, and I wonder if the author does either or if it was being made up as he went along.
Couple the mess that is the Hum with the tangle that is the world-building and the book is basically a printed headache. Nothing about the future makes sense, least of all the world-ending computer program called The Future (a name and play on words which gets old like six pages in -- "The Future is coming! We have to change The Future! He created The Future!"). It's a computer virus which is also a biological virus which is also magic? We have flawless synchronization and communication abilities, including biometric scanning, but still rely on passwords like "C@ll!$_$upr3m3" and e-mail?
I might have been able to forgive the plot and logic holes if the writing and such had been good. But it was, at most generous, amateurish. The dialogue was clunky and unbelievable. The point of view was inconsistent and switched every other paragraph. The pacing was terrible -- moving forward only in fits and starts to cram the majority of the actual plot into the last quarter of the book. The writing was also choppy: 250 pages divvied into 70 chapters with six or seven section breaks across their four pages. It alternated between over-explaining everything and skimming over the important details. It leaned towards telling rather than showing. The vocabulary is half simplisticand half technical jargon. The plot is predictable, and you see what's coming fifty pages before it happens. The writing is just not good or enjoyable; it's a chore to get through.
The characterizations are rougher than the writing. Our hero Charlie has no personality. Like, he's...caring and...good at puzzles, maybe? Geneva is mostly just a know-it-all martyr. Foxx is evil, period. I can't come up with anything else to describe any of them. Sometimes they switch personalities halfway through a scene (such as Geneva throwing a hissy fit to free the animals from their suffering and then yelling at Charlie when he saves a puppy from being trampled; Foxx is sometimes a stone cold genius and other times a megalomaniac Bond villain making stupid mistakes.) And the "one honest reporter in town" is literally named Jane Virtue (and acts like a 16 year old working for her school paper).
To top it all off... 1. The ending was a cop-out that left me unsatisfied. 2. The whole thing seemed to be a thinly-veiled rail against consumerism/capitalism and also maybe technology disconnecting us from our fellow humans. And 3. Charlie didn't need any time at all to adjust to 500 years of technology and instantly understood all of it, which is just annoying.
Wow. This book was kind of a mess. I wanted to like it -- I really did. The concept seemed cool: mystery girl shows up in 1542 to take a boy to the future to save the world. Throw some fantasy in with the sci-fi, mix with a touch of dystopia...I thought it would be fun. It wasn't. It was a confused mess that didn't make sense, which was certainly the biggest problem.
Is the Hum magic? Is it atomic energy? Is it a deity spirit, some kind of omniscient consciousness? It seems to be all three in turns, depending on what the plot requires at a given time. Since it is literally the driving force of the story, I'd have liked it to be better defined or at least consistent. How or why can Charlie sense and use it when others can't? What is it's relationship to technology and DNA? Why does it need to be believed in to work? Why has it disappeared in the future? I don't know, and I wonder if the author does either or if it was being made up as he went along.
Couple the mess that is the Hum with the tangle that is the world-building and the book is basically a printed headache. Nothing about the future makes sense, least of all the world-ending computer program called The Future (a name and play on words which gets old like six pages in -- "The Future is coming! We have to change The Future! He created The Future!"). It's a computer virus which is also a biological virus which is also magic? We have flawless synchronization and communication abilities, including biometric scanning, but still rely on passwords like "C@ll!$_$upr3m3" and e-mail?
I might have been able to forgive the plot and logic holes if the writing and such had been good. But it was, at most generous, amateurish. The dialogue was clunky and unbelievable. The point of view was inconsistent and switched every other paragraph. The pacing was terrible -- moving forward only in fits and starts to cram the majority of the actual plot into the last quarter of the book. The writing was also choppy: 250 pages divvied into 70 chapters with six or seven section breaks across their four pages. It alternated between over-explaining everything and skimming over the important details. It leaned towards telling rather than showing. The vocabulary is half simplisticand half technical jargon. The plot is predictable, and you see what's coming fifty pages before it happens. The writing is just not good or enjoyable; it's a chore to get through.
The characterizations are rougher than the writing. Our hero Charlie has no personality. Like, he's...caring and...good at puzzles, maybe? Geneva is mostly just a know-it-all martyr. Foxx is evil, period. I can't come up with anything else to describe any of them. Sometimes they switch personalities halfway through a scene (such as Geneva throwing a hissy fit to free the animals from their suffering and then yelling at Charlie when he saves a puppy from being trampled; Foxx is sometimes a stone cold genius and other times a megalomaniac Bond villain making stupid mistakes.) And the "one honest reporter in town" is literally named Jane Virtue (and acts like a 16 year old working for her school paper).
To top it all off... 1. The ending was a cop-out that left me unsatisfied. 2. The whole thing seemed to be a thinly-veiled rail against consumerism/capitalism and also maybe technology disconnecting us from our fellow humans. And 3. Charlie didn't need any time at all to adjust to 500 years of technology and instantly understood all of it, which is just annoying.
October 13, 2015
When Charles is rescued from bullies in the 1500s, he never imagines that he will be traveling to the far distant future of 2042. It is in this time that the evil industry tycoon Gramercy Foxx plans to unleash a new kind of virus, one that combines both technological and biological components, in his quest to take over the world. It is up to Charlie and his rescuer Geneva to stop Foxx before it is too late. Grades 4-7.
July 9, 2014
Charlie's ability to connect with the Hum puts him in danger in his world of 1542 but Geneva assures him that this ability is just what the future (where she comes from) needs. This was a page turner with lots of action and plot twists.
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