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The Changed
The Sickness didn't just kill the people; it killed the city. No water. No power. No hope. Now, at age sixteen, Oscar must brave the chaos of the streets and retrace his missing father's last known steps.
With food and supplies dwindling, many of those who lived through the Sickness have banded together into brutal gangs for survival. Unfortunately for Oscar, people like him are frequently the scapegoats for a city filled with rage and pain. People like him who survived the Sickness only to suffer inexplicable genetic mutations. Called demons by some, called unfortunate by others, but known to all as, "The Changed."
But none of these obstacles are enough to keep Oscar from embarking on what is the most important journey of his young life. Oscar isn't just looking for his father. He's searching for the only man who can lead them to the unbelievable origin of the Sickness, and heal the Changed. He's searching for their last hope.
With food and supplies dwindling, many of those who lived through the Sickness have banded together into brutal gangs for survival. Unfortunately for Oscar, people like him are frequently the scapegoats for a city filled with rage and pain. People like him who survived the Sickness only to suffer inexplicable genetic mutations. Called demons by some, called unfortunate by others, but known to all as, "The Changed."
But none of these obstacles are enough to keep Oscar from embarking on what is the most important journey of his young life. Oscar isn't just looking for his father. He's searching for the only man who can lead them to the unbelievable origin of the Sickness, and heal the Changed. He's searching for their last hope.
210 pages, Paperback
First published December 15, 2013
5 people are currently reading
1040 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 5, 2014
I LOVED this book. It's a terrific adventure, full of surprises, with a cast of truly different and interesting characters. I'm trying to think of something to compare it to, in terms of popular, genre-defining titles, but it pretty much stands on its own.
Taking place in a modern city ravaged by a strange plague that has killed most of the population and left a large portion of the rest altered in weird and fascinating ways, this is a story unlike any I have read before, and I had trouble tearing myself away from it.
Not only is the imagery and action in this book really well done, but the author does a great job of capturing the hero's inner journey. It has humor, mystery, fighting, magic and romance. It's hard to ask for more than that, except for the sequel's publishing date!
Taking place in a modern city ravaged by a strange plague that has killed most of the population and left a large portion of the rest altered in weird and fascinating ways, this is a story unlike any I have read before, and I had trouble tearing myself away from it.
Not only is the imagery and action in this book really well done, but the author does a great job of capturing the hero's inner journey. It has humor, mystery, fighting, magic and romance. It's hard to ask for more than that, except for the sequel's publishing date!
January 31, 2014
I was surprised by this book. It is really good. I wasn't sure that it would be when I started reading it but I really got into the story. It kept my attention. I think the author did a really good job. It is totally worth reading. I got this book for free from the author and I am so glad that he sent it to me. Great book Mr. Marsh
July 23, 2014
I received a copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.
This is a great book that is full of twists and turns. The story was well developed and I really connected with each character. Definitely plan to check out more by this author!
This is a great book that is full of twists and turns. The story was well developed and I really connected with each character. Definitely plan to check out more by this author!
June 24, 2018
Quite imaginative. My students would love this book! Some interesting concepts and characters. Most teens would be enthralled. :-)
January 31, 2014
I received this book free as a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
Grrrr. I just wrote my review and a misstep of the mouse while viewing the final review wiped it out. Here it goes again:
Whoa! A wild roller-coaster of a ride! Dystopian sci-fi with a bit of horror and (thankfully) not a zombie nor a vampire to be found. After a sickness has either killed or changed many of the population several people either turn to religious fanaticism, pure hateful prejudice, gaining as much power as possible and scouring up what remains of food and supplies or try rebuilding and bring together a sense of community for people. At least one leader attempts all of the above with what he believes an act of benevolence.
There is a bit of religion stomping. If you don't follow through with the story, that may be all you will take away from this book. If your overly sensitive to that type of subject matter then you might want to steer clear. I thought the usage of foul language a bit on the heavy side (a wee bit). The story wasn't at all improved upon in its usage except maybe in a couple areas of the book. There is also a suicide by handgun. Since this book is geared toward the YA, the main character being only 16, as a parent you might take into consideration the maturity of your youth.
Survival, fear, death, corpse laying about decaying, gangs, action, lots of running, war, alliances, friendship, family, good vs. evil, religion, prejudice, mutations, science, blooming romance, results of meddling, the price of assumptions, suicide, giving a helping hand, selfishness, doing what you believe is right, humor, a seer, inhuman strength, a "green thumb", and a bit of Dr. Dolittle.
I liked the storyline and the characters were wonderful. While I wasn't reading the book, I was thinking about it. The tale made me cringe, almost cry as well as made me laugh. I give this a solid 3.5 stars.
Grrrr. I just wrote my review and a misstep of the mouse while viewing the final review wiped it out. Here it goes again:
Whoa! A wild roller-coaster of a ride! Dystopian sci-fi with a bit of horror and (thankfully) not a zombie nor a vampire to be found. After a sickness has either killed or changed many of the population several people either turn to religious fanaticism, pure hateful prejudice, gaining as much power as possible and scouring up what remains of food and supplies or try rebuilding and bring together a sense of community for people. At least one leader attempts all of the above with what he believes an act of benevolence.
There is a bit of religion stomping. If you don't follow through with the story, that may be all you will take away from this book. If your overly sensitive to that type of subject matter then you might want to steer clear. I thought the usage of foul language a bit on the heavy side (a wee bit). The story wasn't at all improved upon in its usage except maybe in a couple areas of the book. There is also a suicide by handgun. Since this book is geared toward the YA, the main character being only 16, as a parent you might take into consideration the maturity of your youth.
Survival, fear, death, corpse laying about decaying, gangs, action, lots of running, war, alliances, friendship, family, good vs. evil, religion, prejudice, mutations, science, blooming romance, results of meddling, the price of assumptions, suicide, giving a helping hand, selfishness, doing what you believe is right, humor, a seer, inhuman strength, a "green thumb", and a bit of Dr. Dolittle.
I liked the storyline and the characters were wonderful. While I wasn't reading the book, I was thinking about it. The tale made me cringe, almost cry as well as made me laugh. I give this a solid 3.5 stars.
May 27, 2018
I received the first two books of this series in the Giveaways section. I was pleasantly surprised at this tale and will begin the second installment soon. Could totally see this as a television series or something along those lines.
July 23, 2016
A. Michael Marsh needs to get busy writing... I was interested in reading this before it ever arrived in the mail ( I won it from his personal giveaway on Facebook), but life had other plans. I was anxious to read this but never anticipated the depth of the pull that the story would have once I got the chance to start. From the fist minute you are introduced to each new character you feel them impress into your mind. Through the imagery and details in the story you travel with the main characters. You struggle with loss, hope, change, faith and everything that they face as if you could be there yourself. The cover artist really captured the characters as well, which adds to the enjoyment of discovering them along the way. The ending leaves you both exhilerated and exasperated at the same time... content with what was, yet hoping there will be more..knowing there has to be more to come. All I can say to the author is... thank you for this world you created and allowed me to visit and PLEASE continue the story of these characters that I so easily fell in love with.
August 12, 2015
To be completely honest, this book is the best I've read in a long while. It was given to me by my mother, who won a copy from A. Michael Marsh's personal giveaway on Facebook. Once I finished reading it, I was sure to get in touch with him. The book threw me around, and nearly gave me Reader's Whiplash! It was intense, suspenseful, and had a very unpredictable plot. Great!
Set in a city destroyed by a strange disease, there are few who still live. Even those who survived the sickness have a bigger problem to deal with, and get used to. This book follows a young man in his search for his family. He's beaten down by obstacle after obstacle, but as he travels, his alliance grows larger and stronger. The question is, are they enough to fight off their foes? Or will they be forced to join the enemy forces?
Set in a city destroyed by a strange disease, there are few who still live. Even those who survived the sickness have a bigger problem to deal with, and get used to. This book follows a young man in his search for his family. He's beaten down by obstacle after obstacle, but as he travels, his alliance grows larger and stronger. The question is, are they enough to fight off their foes? Or will they be forced to join the enemy forces?
February 1, 2014
I really enjoyed reading this book. It flowed well and I was always entertained. This book showed how having a strong belief in something can force you to do anything to make it followed. It can bring you to kill. "The Changed" is a great read for all ages. The only warning is that is does have some fighting and blood. I love how it incorporates our interpretation of God(S), History, and evolution while not swaying you one way or another.I found how all of those things came about in this story most fascinating. But it also means good intentions sometimes are just good intentions. These may go wrong. The powers/abilities the Changed hold are the foundation into a new life. I am very much looking forward to Oscar's next journey. This is worth reading. :)
January 28, 2018
I received this book as a Goodreads winner. The Changed is an unusual dystopia where a disease kills off most of the population in the city and leaves a scattering of people who are struggling with no water, no power and they are running out of food. Some of the survivors find they have unusual abilities and mutations. They are frequently scapegoats for people who are afraid of the unknown. Oscar a 16-year-old boy who is searching for his dad who he believes has the answer to the disease and how to cure it. There is a scattering of foul language but other than that it is a good read. I am looking forward to the next book which I also won from Goodreads.
February 2, 2014
The Changed is set after a sickness kills off most of a town. Those who did not die from it changed into “monsters”. For the most part, the Changed are still human, just with special powers. Some of the people who survived want to kill the Change, because they think they are evil.
Oscar and his friends journey their way through town to find what his father was working on before the Sickness and see if it can help them and cure everyone.
I really enjoyed reading The Changed. The setting reminded me somewhat of FallOut 3, which I loved! I would defiantly recommend this book!
Oscar and his friends journey their way through town to find what his father was working on before the Sickness and see if it can help them and cure everyone.
I really enjoyed reading The Changed. The setting reminded me somewhat of FallOut 3, which I loved! I would defiantly recommend this book!
December 26, 2017
This is a really well-written teenage aimed read. Too many books for youngster now are too preoccupied by trivial and unimportant matters of false insta-love and popularity contests, teaching nothing, showing nothing of importance. This book is different. It respects the intelligence of it's reader and does not shy away from difficult topics. Interesting characters are another bonus. And it's good suspenseful story is a great escape.
March 8, 2014
I got this book free through Goodreads First Reads.
The book opens with Oscar and Alan running into chameleon man.
Then things really get strange.
This book is fantastic.
Can't wait to see what happens next.
The book opens with Oscar and Alan running into chameleon man.
Then things really get strange.
This book is fantastic.
Can't wait to see what happens next.
February 5, 2014
Loved this book! I totally hope there is a sequel, because it is definitely now on my Favorites shelf. If you get the chance to read it, you totally should! It is AMAZING!!!!!!!!
July 29, 2016
Good story. Kept me interested the whole way through. I am liking sci-fi more and more. I liked the concept of if you live through the sickness, most everyone is changed and has amazing powers.
April 4, 2014
Won this book in an author giveaway. Apocalyptic story with great characters. Story was exciting, fun, sad, and suspenseful. Looking forward to reading other A. Michael Marsh books.
February 25, 2018
Fascinating new world. A few swear words, but really engaging. I’ll be looking for the rest in the series.
July 30, 2018
I'll enjoy re-reading it.
February 28, 2014
I received The Changed by author A. Michael Marsh for free from Goodreads First Reads to review.
This book had all the makings that should have made me enjoy it more. A dystopian landscape surrounding main characters with special abilities. I should have liked Oscar and his friends. But maybe it was the elements of science fiction throughout or something in the tone of the novel, I couldn't really put my finger on why this book moved unusually slow for me and why I found myself not really caring about the story anymore.
However others might have different views than me on this novel, like I said, I couldn't really figure out what made me not like it.
This book had all the makings that should have made me enjoy it more. A dystopian landscape surrounding main characters with special abilities. I should have liked Oscar and his friends. But maybe it was the elements of science fiction throughout or something in the tone of the novel, I couldn't really put my finger on why this book moved unusually slow for me and why I found myself not really caring about the story anymore.
However others might have different views than me on this novel, like I said, I couldn't really figure out what made me not like it.
Want to read
February 6, 2018Placeholder
I won this book via Goodreads Giveaways.
I won this book via Goodreads Giveaways.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews