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Warchild #1
Pawn
Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award (ABNA) Entry - this eBook is a sample of the first 3,000-5,000 words; it is not the full book. The ABNA contest is operated on Amazon.com only. Visit this entry on Amazon.com to leave customer feedback. To vote for the Grand Prize winner starting July 8, visit www.amazon.com/ABNA.
Nobody asks to be chosen. The world ended long before Caroline Mathers was born, but that doesn't mean life stops for the fourteen-year-old army scout for the People's Republic of Virginia. Abandoned by her parents, raised by her grandfather, she slinks through the forests surrounding her decrepit encampment, monitoring the woods for nomadic bands of criminals known as Republicons, all while keeping a watchful eye on her northern enemies from the Democratic Alliance. It's a hard life, but a simple one, at least until the day Caroline hears the sound that everyone dreads: distant drums echoing throughout their quiet valley, pounding to the beat of the war rhythm. With some help from two unlikely allies, Caroline leads her people in a breathtaking retreat, praying they'll find salvation in their capitol city. Along the way, Caroline begins a noticeable transformation; she can run and jump with superhuman strength, she can bend time and catch bullets with her bare hands. Terrified of what's happening to her, seven puzzling words from her grandfather may hold a clue: "She gave you strength for a reason." Will her haunting dreams reveal a look into the mystery of her past? The first book of the Warchild series is a powerful, coming of age, dystopian thriller full of fast-paced action, tragic choices, and the undeniable strength of the human bond.236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2014
533 people are currently reading
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About the author
Ernie Lindsey
52 books184 followersErnie Lindsey grew up in the Appalachian Mountains of southwest Virginia, working on the family farm and reading, and has spent his life telling stories to anyone that will listen. He currently works as a freelance writer and is the author of five Mystery & Suspense novels and numerous short stories. When he's not writing, you can find him tackling the gigantic To Be Read list on his Kindle or the never-ending stack of books in his office.
Ernie and his family live in Oregon, along with a multi-fingered Hemingway cat named Luna.
Head over to Ernie's site where you can pick up some free Kindle books. Join him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ErnieLindseyFiction.
Ernie and his family live in Oregon, along with a multi-fingered Hemingway cat named Luna.
Head over to Ernie's site where you can pick up some free Kindle books. Join him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ErnieLindseyFiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
October 25, 2018
Somebody had to do it. She was only fourteen years old, but she would become a leader of a ragtag band of humans determined to remain free. Ernie Lindsey’s WARCHILD is a fierce tale of survival, determination and discovery for Caroline Mathers as she learns she is more than just a normal human with a Fate that cannot be denied.
Wonderful world building, raw action and a true coming of age story make this young adult dystopian tale a surefire way to hold the interest of readers who believe in the power of youthful determination.
Caroline’s feelings of insecurity in her role, her mental struggle with herself and those who desperately followed her away from the killing armies of the enemy had me from page one. Ernie Lindsey has nailed the young adult persona as each scene comes alive, often gritty, but very realistic.
Definitely fantasy adventure to get lost in!
Series: Warchild - Book 1
Publisher: JCL Publishing Young Adult Novels (June 12, 2014)
Publication Date: June 12, 2014
Genre: YA Dystopian
Print Length: 237 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Wonderful world building, raw action and a true coming of age story make this young adult dystopian tale a surefire way to hold the interest of readers who believe in the power of youthful determination.
Caroline’s feelings of insecurity in her role, her mental struggle with herself and those who desperately followed her away from the killing armies of the enemy had me from page one. Ernie Lindsey has nailed the young adult persona as each scene comes alive, often gritty, but very realistic.
Definitely fantasy adventure to get lost in!
Series: Warchild - Book 1
Publisher: JCL Publishing Young Adult Novels (June 12, 2014)
Publication Date: June 12, 2014
Genre: YA Dystopian
Print Length: 237 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
November 18, 2019
Quite enjoyable
This story had me hooked. The strong female lead Caroline, the several male characters that make up her 'power's and this storyline......well, it all just makes for one story that won't let go.......so much so, I need to go but book 2 NOW
This story had me hooked. The strong female lead Caroline, the several male characters that make up her 'power's and this storyline......well, it all just makes for one story that won't let go.......so much so, I need to go but book 2 NOW
June 16, 2015
When I pulled this book off the free book list a couple of months ago, I was a bit iffy about it. It looked interesting, and I love Dystopian-style novels, but it also had an alternative fiction sound to it, and I've never really been able to get into that, but I tried it anyway. It was a very good read.
It takes place in the distant future in the area that is made up of Southern Virginia and, I think, the north-eastern pocket of North Carolina. I know what Warrenville used to be, but the geography was a bit hard to determine. A larger sect of one of the governments is invading this governmental group to capture "workers" to run their factories and harvest their fields.
There is a small group of people known as the Kinders that seem to be a scientific experiment that turned on their own government. It never fully explains what they are because the only information Caroline (the young narrator) has is all handed down through oral history, and it's been distorted over the years. They are super-humans, and Caroline and her buddy, Finn, turn out to be the only two left. They have had no true training in their powers, and Caroline is not even supposed to come into her powers until her fifteenth birthday.
Two major things about this story really bother me, and both seem to be "coincidental bits of luck" that seemed to only happen because the story could not have unfolded like it did if they did not happen. However, it did not make sense that it unfolded that way.
Number one: Yes, Caroline is a great scout, and she seems to be very well-trained in surviving, but she is fourteen years old. Why would a grown man and his band of outlaws follow a 14-year-old girl who at the time is not showing that there is anything special about her.
Number two: She had been struggling with her powers the entire novella. She could not make them work when she needed them to. She does not even known what all of her powers are because Finn says that ever Kinder's powers are different. It just bugged me that in that dire moment at the end of the novella, that her powers suddenly came to their full strength (before her birthday, mind you) and that she was able to control all of them, even the ones she had never exhibited before this moment. For me, it was "convenient" and mostly unbelievable. Now, I know that there are sequels to this story, so her getting killed because one of her powers failed or because she overestimated herself was not an option, but she could have gotten hurt. That would have made it more believable for me.
All in all, though, it was a good read. I will definitely be keeping a look out for the next one.
It takes place in the distant future in the area that is made up of Southern Virginia and, I think, the north-eastern pocket of North Carolina. I know what Warrenville used to be, but the geography was a bit hard to determine. A larger sect of one of the governments is invading this governmental group to capture "workers" to run their factories and harvest their fields.
There is a small group of people known as the Kinders that seem to be a scientific experiment that turned on their own government. It never fully explains what they are because the only information Caroline (the young narrator) has is all handed down through oral history, and it's been distorted over the years. They are super-humans, and Caroline and her buddy, Finn, turn out to be the only two left. They have had no true training in their powers, and Caroline is not even supposed to come into her powers until her fifteenth birthday.
Two major things about this story really bother me, and both seem to be "coincidental bits of luck" that seemed to only happen because the story could not have unfolded like it did if they did not happen. However, it did not make sense that it unfolded that way.
Number one: Yes, Caroline is a great scout, and she seems to be very well-trained in surviving, but she is fourteen years old. Why would a grown man and his band of outlaws follow a 14-year-old girl who at the time is not showing that there is anything special about her.
Number two: She had been struggling with her powers the entire novella. She could not make them work when she needed them to. She does not even known what all of her powers are because Finn says that ever Kinder's powers are different. It just bugged me that in that dire moment at the end of the novella, that her powers suddenly came to their full strength (before her birthday, mind you) and that she was able to control all of them, even the ones she had never exhibited before this moment. For me, it was "convenient" and mostly unbelievable. Now, I know that there are sequels to this story, so her getting killed because one of her powers failed or because she overestimated herself was not an option, but she could have gotten hurt. That would have made it more believable for me.
All in all, though, it was a good read. I will definitely be keeping a look out for the next one.
August 19, 2014
DISCLAIMER: I was given a free copy of this book from the author, which I very much appreciate.
Warchild: Pawn is the first installment of what Lindsey promises to be (at least) a trilogy. It's the story of a 14 year old girl in the Appalachian mountains of what was once the United States. The world ended and people formed two distinct groups – the People's Republic of Virginia and the Democratic Alliance. Our protagonist is with the former.
The book is strikingly fast paced – there isn't a paragraph where something exciting isn't happening. From page one, we're birthed into a world of battle and death. Lindsey doesn't hold back when it comes to putting his readers right in the thick of it.
The characters are interesting and progress quickly throughout the book. The story itself, however, is a little less interesting. The entire book is essentially walking (I know, I know, Lord of the Rings was the same way) to their goal. Not to say that it isn't a faced paced, interesting walk – but it's walking, none the less.
I had difficulty feeling that urge to read more and more – it wasn't one of those books I couldn't put down.
It's a quick read, but for an indie-published book, I would still recommend it to anyone who's a fan of the dystopian young adult genre.
Warchild: Pawn is the first installment of what Lindsey promises to be (at least) a trilogy. It's the story of a 14 year old girl in the Appalachian mountains of what was once the United States. The world ended and people formed two distinct groups – the People's Republic of Virginia and the Democratic Alliance. Our protagonist is with the former.
The book is strikingly fast paced – there isn't a paragraph where something exciting isn't happening. From page one, we're birthed into a world of battle and death. Lindsey doesn't hold back when it comes to putting his readers right in the thick of it.
The characters are interesting and progress quickly throughout the book. The story itself, however, is a little less interesting. The entire book is essentially walking (I know, I know, Lord of the Rings was the same way) to their goal. Not to say that it isn't a faced paced, interesting walk – but it's walking, none the less.
I had difficulty feeling that urge to read more and more – it wasn't one of those books I couldn't put down.
It's a quick read, but for an indie-published book, I would still recommend it to anyone who's a fan of the dystopian young adult genre.
July 14, 2014
Warchild: Pawn by Ernie Lindsey is another take on future America. The governing goes to regional sections. Groups of homesteads bind together and make due unless they need something special, like medicine. They keep trackers and guards for hostile groups like the Republicons and if an army from up north appears. In this future there is a constant rain. Tracker Caroline hears the drums of the army approaching. She finds Finn another tracker from the northern army. The north wants slaves because their own people do not want to work. Finn is a deserter and follows her back to their village. She tries to get her grandfather up but he dies on her. She gets caught by the north advance team. They slaughter the villagers who didn't flee. The bring out Ms. Elmerly who is a kinder. She moves speedily away until whey surmise she is a kinder. She tells them Caroline will be their downfall. They shoot her. Next there are arrows killing the soldiers. A repulicon group comes to their aid. James, their leader say they protect them Til they reach the capitol.Caroline discovers she's a kinder.
October 7, 2015
Boom boom ba ba boom. KER FLOP.
Honestly I lost count of how many times I thought I should give up and DNF this one.
The characters don't feel real. We don't know them.
There's no flow or rhythm to the story except run... death... find more people... run death... find more people.
Simply put... blah.
Honestly I lost count of how many times I thought I should give up and DNF this one.
The characters don't feel real. We don't know them.
There's no flow or rhythm to the story except run... death... find more people... run death... find more people.
Simply put... blah.
April 25, 2015
I thought the main character was rather impulsive but I like her! I might read more from this author.
January 23, 2016
Wow. Brilliant. Racing on to book two :)
July 14, 2017
Fourteen-year-old Caroline lives in a rural village in backwoods Virginia, in a future where the U.S. has fallen apart due to environmental degradation and the ensuing political strife. Her village is former military outpost of the People's Republic of Virginia (PRV), but the only remains of its martial past are a despotic commander and a few scouts. These scouts, including Caroline, roam the woods, keeping watch for incursions by the northern enemies, the Democratic Alliance, and the more immediate threat, the Republicons (*Snort* I know, that name, right?), outlaws who prey on the weak.
That is until the day she hears war drums, which signal a massive invasion by the Democratic Alliance into PRV lands. Soon after, Caroline finds herself the unlikely (and how), leader of a growing movement of refugees who are fleeing toward the PRV's capital.
To be blunt, the story, though written with an eager, puppy-dog-like earnestness, is a thin pastiche of every YA dystopian cliche. The most glaring being Caroline, herself, who is the chosen one, the literal "girl who will lead them." This trope, though overused, has its appeal; I mean, that's why I still read dystopians. The nobody who becomes somebody is a timeless fantasy.
But...it works best when the chosen one, like Katniss in Hunger Games, is more of a propaganda tool for the overall movement. Or when those she leads are primarily teens as well. Or when she's proven herself worthy of leadership.
Caroline, at fourteen, is too young, untested and lacking in key leadership traits like intelligence, humor or charm. As the story unfolds, it is revealed that she is one of the last Kinders, a race genetically engineered super soldiers. But her abilities don't manifest publicly until she has already amassed a large following.
The narrative offers no credible reason why anyone, adults or teens, would follow her or take her command. The people of the region are tough, folks who've been living off the land, on their own for decades. Uneducated, but also independent and not easily led.
It doesn't make a lick of sense, and the weak characterization is made worse by thin world building. I've been spoiled by novels like those of Paolo Bacigalupi, whose dystopian version of the world is frighteningly credible and prescient. The backstory in Warchild reads more like a quick sketch of an idea, rather than a fully developed world.
At a little over 200 pages, Warchild is a quick, fast-paced fantasy which might appeal to young readers. There isn't enough meat on this novel's bones for my taste, though.
That is until the day she hears war drums, which signal a massive invasion by the Democratic Alliance into PRV lands. Soon after, Caroline finds herself the unlikely (and how), leader of a growing movement of refugees who are fleeing toward the PRV's capital.
To be blunt, the story, though written with an eager, puppy-dog-like earnestness, is a thin pastiche of every YA dystopian cliche. The most glaring being Caroline, herself, who is the chosen one, the literal "girl who will lead them." This trope, though overused, has its appeal; I mean, that's why I still read dystopians. The nobody who becomes somebody is a timeless fantasy.
But...it works best when the chosen one, like Katniss in Hunger Games, is more of a propaganda tool for the overall movement. Or when those she leads are primarily teens as well. Or when she's proven herself worthy of leadership.
Caroline, at fourteen, is too young, untested and lacking in key leadership traits like intelligence, humor or charm. As the story unfolds, it is revealed that she is one of the last Kinders, a race genetically engineered super soldiers. But her abilities don't manifest publicly until she has already amassed a large following.
The narrative offers no credible reason why anyone, adults or teens, would follow her or take her command. The people of the region are tough, folks who've been living off the land, on their own for decades. Uneducated, but also independent and not easily led.
It doesn't make a lick of sense, and the weak characterization is made worse by thin world building. I've been spoiled by novels like those of Paolo Bacigalupi, whose dystopian version of the world is frighteningly credible and prescient. The backstory in Warchild reads more like a quick sketch of an idea, rather than a fully developed world.
At a little over 200 pages, Warchild is a quick, fast-paced fantasy which might appeal to young readers. There isn't enough meat on this novel's bones for my taste, though.
March 2, 2023
Full review: https://girlswithguns.org/warchild-pa...
Lindsey certainly doesn’t pull his punches. On more than one occasion a character meets an unexpected and brutal end, and this gives a sense of danger for the rest of them. Well, except Caroline, of course, who is fully engulfed in Heroine Armour, naturally. Still, there is a genuine character arc here, as her relatively pastoral existence is turned completely upside down, and she’s forced into maturity over the course of just a few days, after losing everything she knows. I would be tempted to read the next two volumes, just to see where the story goes: for instance, I’m curious about what happened to Crockett’s gang of Republicons, who just wandered off in the middle of the story. Though I’d need more of a “special offer” for the omnibus edition than the 49-cent saving it provides over buying parts two and three separately!
Lindsey certainly doesn’t pull his punches. On more than one occasion a character meets an unexpected and brutal end, and this gives a sense of danger for the rest of them. Well, except Caroline, of course, who is fully engulfed in Heroine Armour, naturally. Still, there is a genuine character arc here, as her relatively pastoral existence is turned completely upside down, and she’s forced into maturity over the course of just a few days, after losing everything she knows. I would be tempted to read the next two volumes, just to see where the story goes: for instance, I’m curious about what happened to Crockett’s gang of Republicons, who just wandered off in the middle of the story. Though I’d need more of a “special offer” for the omnibus edition than the 49-cent saving it provides over buying parts two and three separately!
May 3, 2021
This book pulled me in and ripped out my heart early on but I couldn't put it down, the details and descriptions about the surroundings and characters help you easily believe you are there. You quickly understand what happened in the past to make the post apocalyptic world the way it is, which I think is a fact many authors forget and can leave you confused about what's going on.
There is a good amount of fighting scenes, action and gore but not any sex sceens. There was a good dose of innocent romance. Many of the characters are strong and independent but quite innocent, having very little clue about what is going on in the world.
This book kept me wanting more and had some twists and turns I didn't see happening and had me questioning everything.
Definitely worth a read and I’m definitely getting the next books in the series
There is a good amount of fighting scenes, action and gore but not any sex sceens. There was a good dose of innocent romance. Many of the characters are strong and independent but quite innocent, having very little clue about what is going on in the world.
This book kept me wanting more and had some twists and turns I didn't see happening and had me questioning everything.
Definitely worth a read and I’m definitely getting the next books in the series
March 22, 2021
5th Wave Intensity and the 100 Scenescape
This book was a quick and easy read at about 200 pages that keeps you plowing forward with as much hope as the main protagonist(s) (questionable count) can muster. In a world that we have made, some hundreds of years from now, people are left to their own devices and community knowledge to survive. Then government is shoddy and composed of only a handful of people , the healthcare (What healthcare) is abysmal, and the homes are scraps of wood held together by termites and rusted nails. Read on for a dystopian novel that isn't reminiscent of the past that was or dreaming of the future that could be, but instead focuses on a group of people who just want to make it through their days one at a time.
This book was a quick and easy read at about 200 pages that keeps you plowing forward with as much hope as the main protagonist(s) (questionable count) can muster. In a world that we have made, some hundreds of years from now, people are left to their own devices and community knowledge to survive. Then government is shoddy and composed of only a handful of people , the healthcare (What healthcare) is abysmal, and the homes are scraps of wood held together by termites and rusted nails. Read on for a dystopian novel that isn't reminiscent of the past that was or dreaming of the future that could be, but instead focuses on a group of people who just want to make it through their days one at a time.
August 6, 2020
I really enjoyed this. The intensity of the action continued throughout the book making it an easy read. The time period for this story is only the first few days of a larger story. In a lot of ways, this is more of a long prologue but in and of itself there is a beginning, middle and end. The full trilogy is out so there won't be a wait for you to continue the next story.
The world building sort of trickles in as you read but there is a lot more to learn. Our main character is the least teen like of any almost 15 year olds in reality but is that why you are reading this kind of book? Probably not.
The world building sort of trickles in as you read but there is a lot more to learn. Our main character is the least teen like of any almost 15 year olds in reality but is that why you are reading this kind of book? Probably not.
March 5, 2018
This post-apocalyptic YA story starts fairly well, but for me it goes off the rails when it introduces the "Kinder" about halfway through; this element comes without any real foreshadowing and dramatically changes the assumed setting and our protagonist. And not for the better, to my mind.
I was able to read through to the end because it's a pretty short and relatively fast-moving book, but that jarring transaction hurt my engagement. This volume also ends on a "buy the sequel!" cliffhanger. I won't be, for the record.
I was able to read through to the end because it's a pretty short and relatively fast-moving book, but that jarring transaction hurt my engagement. This volume also ends on a "buy the sequel!" cliffhanger. I won't be, for the record.
August 7, 2020
A quick YA dystopian
Fast paced, action packed, and a solid opening for this dystopian YA series. I enjoyed the different elements thrown into the mix and peppering the path of the fourteen year old protagonist. I would have liked a little more time getting to know her and the cast, but I'm sure this will happen as the series progresses. Caroline has a lot on her plate. I suspect her coming of age is going to be tough.
Fast paced, action packed, and a solid opening for this dystopian YA series. I enjoyed the different elements thrown into the mix and peppering the path of the fourteen year old protagonist. I would have liked a little more time getting to know her and the cast, but I'm sure this will happen as the series progresses. Caroline has a lot on her plate. I suspect her coming of age is going to be tough.
August 12, 2020
Easy to read!
This book was such an easy thing to read. It isn’t simple or empty of details. It is written so just about anyone could read it. There is the coming of age 14 year old, bad people wanting villagers for slaves and good people willing to protect the villagers. Caroline must grow quickly for her Kinder powers are already being felt. There is a richness to the story that makes want to keep reading.
This book was such an easy thing to read. It isn’t simple or empty of details. It is written so just about anyone could read it. There is the coming of age 14 year old, bad people wanting villagers for slaves and good people willing to protect the villagers. Caroline must grow quickly for her Kinder powers are already being felt. There is a richness to the story that makes want to keep reading.
July 8, 2021
A Good zread
I enjoyed the story very much. I liked the main character, Caroline. Although very young, she has a well developed sense of morality and a strong desire to survive.
The plot is interesting. As ppl return to hunting, gathering way of life, the powerful wish to return to the powerful controls all and their goal is to enslave all others. Only help from the Kindred gives them any hope.
I enjoyed the story very much. I liked the main character, Caroline. Although very young, she has a well developed sense of morality and a strong desire to survive.
The plot is interesting. As ppl return to hunting, gathering way of life, the powerful wish to return to the powerful controls all and their goal is to enslave all others. Only help from the Kindred gives them any hope.
June 13, 2020
Good
Challenging because of trying to connect the locations in The story with actual locations in the middle Atlantic. Liked the protagonist, her story and growth, her willingness to see good. Did not like the hanging of Teresa. This is where I found myself.separating from the story. Will probably try book 2, but as I said, kinda a downer at the end.
Challenging because of trying to connect the locations in The story with actual locations in the middle Atlantic. Liked the protagonist, her story and growth, her willingness to see good. Did not like the hanging of Teresa. This is where I found myself.separating from the story. Will probably try book 2, but as I said, kinda a downer at the end.
August 19, 2020
I had a hard time putting this book down. I had to know what was going to happen next to the protagonist and the people around her. There were a few surprises along the way, which added—no, created—this enjoyable experience. I am looking forward to reading book two of the series to find out where everyone ends up after going through so much.
September 2, 2020
Fun Book!
Can i say “fun” when I’m talking about a post apocalyptic war? :). This book succeeds where so many fail—it ENTERTAINS. I won’t remember the prose, or the complexity or the depth, but I will remember that I had a lot of fun reading it.
Have to go download the second one now!
Can i say “fun” when I’m talking about a post apocalyptic war? :). This book succeeds where so many fail—it ENTERTAINS. I won’t remember the prose, or the complexity or the depth, but I will remember that I had a lot of fun reading it.
Have to go download the second one now!
May 7, 2015
I was initially really excited to read this novel. It had good reviews on here and it had an interesting premise. I was disappointed though. The whole novel didn't feel like it had much plot to it, especially the first 15-20% of it that was about . Honestly, there didn't seem to even be a story there until Caroline and Finn, along with their merry bunch of looters, started to run.
Most of the issues I had with the book derive from the world building and the general mythology of the novel, but I also had an issue with some of the aspects of Caroline.
World Building/Kinder Mythology
The "introduction" to the novel, which I am assuming was meant to be world building, was sloppy. There were some inconsistencies in Caroline's narrative of where the world is now and the surrounding area. Also, considering that Caroline said that not even the Elders were aware of why the world ended, it doesn't seem right for her to have some intimate knowledge and details about weapons and their uses. For example, guns. Caroline seemed to be aware of handguns at the beginning of the story however she didn't seem to know what they were when , knew what a "sniper" was, but didn't know the term "scope".
There was such a random introduction to the "mythical"/superhuman people in this novel that I almost thought it was a completely different novel than the one I started. It seemed like there was an actual divide in the beginning of the novel between the "introduction" of the world and the issue and where the story actually began. And it started when Ellery was murdered. There was some mentions about the Kinders prior to Ellery saying that there were , but it wasn't until she died that the "real story" started to happen.
There also seems to be a disconnect between what Caroline can do and what the mythology surrounding the Kinders is. Caroline mentions that they are immortal, can fly, are "squirrel-like", and can see into the past, present, and future, etc. That is what the stories from the Elders say. However, when Finn describes the history of the land to Caroline (because they apparently have history textbooks in the DAV), he say that each Kinder has different abilities?? Which is fine, like that could make sense, except Ellery was one of the Elders in Caroline's village and also a confirmed Kinder. It doesn't make sense that Caroline would learn one thing from her Elders and a Kinder, but Finn would tell her something different and that is what we are to believe to be the truth. It was all unbelievable.
Caroline
I did actually like Caroline. She was tough and emotional and generally well-written. But it still will never make sense to me that this 14 year old girl would command a large group of people. Whether or not she is this mystical Kinder person, there is still no way that people would listen to her before she .
This next part is going to focus on her Kinder abilities so I am going to put it all under a spoiler, even though it really isn't.
She was also so ... trusting. For being the leader of this group of people, she was way too quick to trust people. Finn, for example, an enemy deserter who just . I hope this is part of her characterization for now because she is still "young" and that it will change in the next part of the series, but honestly it was really not a good trait for her to have.
On a positive note, I think Caroline was interesting and well thought out. I would have liked more from the minor characters, who at first seemed as if they were going to be a major part of the storyline. I hope that there is more Finn and James and that Crockett makes her way back into the story because I liked her. However, I am not sure if I want to continue with the rest of the series.
Overall: 1.5/5 stars but rounded up for the star counter. This one has an interesting concept that wasn't extremely well executed in my opinion.
Most of the issues I had with the book derive from the world building and the general mythology of the novel, but I also had an issue with some of the aspects of Caroline.
World Building/Kinder Mythology
The "introduction" to the novel, which I am assuming was meant to be world building, was sloppy. There were some inconsistencies in Caroline's narrative of where the world is now and the surrounding area. Also, considering that Caroline said that not even the Elders were aware of why the world ended, it doesn't seem right for her to have some intimate knowledge and details about weapons and their uses. For example, guns. Caroline seemed to be aware of handguns at the beginning of the story however she didn't seem to know what they were when , knew what a "sniper" was, but didn't know the term "scope".
There was such a random introduction to the "mythical"/superhuman people in this novel that I almost thought it was a completely different novel than the one I started. It seemed like there was an actual divide in the beginning of the novel between the "introduction" of the world and the issue and where the story actually began. And it started when Ellery was murdered. There was some mentions about the Kinders prior to Ellery saying that there were , but it wasn't until she died that the "real story" started to happen.
There also seems to be a disconnect between what Caroline can do and what the mythology surrounding the Kinders is. Caroline mentions that they are immortal, can fly, are "squirrel-like", and can see into the past, present, and future, etc. That is what the stories from the Elders say. However, when Finn describes the history of the land to Caroline (because they apparently have history textbooks in the DAV), he say that each Kinder has different abilities?? Which is fine, like that could make sense, except Ellery was one of the Elders in Caroline's village and also a confirmed Kinder. It doesn't make sense that Caroline would learn one thing from her Elders and a Kinder, but Finn would tell her something different and that is what we are to believe to be the truth. It was all unbelievable.
Caroline
I did actually like Caroline. She was tough and emotional and generally well-written. But it still will never make sense to me that this 14 year old girl would command a large group of people. Whether or not she is this mystical Kinder person, there is still no way that people would listen to her before she .
This next part is going to focus on her Kinder abilities so I am going to put it all under a spoiler, even though it really isn't.
She was also so ... trusting. For being the leader of this group of people, she was way too quick to trust people. Finn, for example, an enemy deserter who just . I hope this is part of her characterization for now because she is still "young" and that it will change in the next part of the series, but honestly it was really not a good trait for her to have.
On a positive note, I think Caroline was interesting and well thought out. I would have liked more from the minor characters, who at first seemed as if they were going to be a major part of the storyline. I hope that there is more Finn and James and that Crockett makes her way back into the story because I liked her. However, I am not sure if I want to continue with the rest of the series.
Overall: 1.5/5 stars but rounded up for the star counter. This one has an interesting concept that wasn't extremely well executed in my opinion.
March 21, 2018
Good book just not my choice
I enjoyed the first book I read by this author but this one use people with super powers. I just don't enjoy this type of bok even though it was well written.
I enjoyed the first book I read by this author but this one use people with super powers. I just don't enjoy this type of bok even though it was well written.
April 10, 2018
Page turner
I have read two books by this author, and I have to say I'm a fan! This book is the first in a trilogy. I can't wait to read the other two. I would highly recommend these to anyone who enjoys fantasy and/or future dystopia fiction.
I have read two books by this author, and I have to say I'm a fan! This book is the first in a trilogy. I can't wait to read the other two. I would highly recommend these to anyone who enjoys fantasy and/or future dystopia fiction.
August 9, 2020
This was a pretty good book. I liked the characters and their personalities. This was written well with plenty of action, suspense, emotions, strength, courage, hope, a few twists and a good , if somewhat cliffhanger, of an end. Great for reading anytime, the lazy-day read or for escaping. Enjoy!
November 25, 2020
An interesting read that ventures into the super power realm of fiction. I’m normally not crazy about super hero type stories but there’s something compelling about Caroline and Finn and the post apocalyptic world they live in. I will likely continue with the series.
June 24, 2021
Action- Impending War - unknown Heros among us
I enjoyed this first installment. Down loaded the next book immediately after reading the last word in this one. Characters 5 star, World building 4star, Story flow 4.8 stars. I recommend this book.
I enjoyed this first installment. Down loaded the next book immediately after reading the last word in this one. Characters 5 star, World building 4star, Story flow 4.8 stars. I recommend this book.
October 15, 2021
Hard to put down…
Adventure…people surviving by doing what they have to…action….love…you name it, this book has it. I know it is fantasy, but I can see some of this in our society today.
Adventure…people surviving by doing what they have to…action….love…you name it, this book has it. I know it is fantasy, but I can see some of this in our society today.
December 23, 2021
dnf - very little read.
Possibly just me. Story starts in the People’s Republic of Virginia who are fighting with the Democratic Alliance of Virginia.
I'd prefer the Democratic Alliance. I couldn't get past the names and so just stopped reading.
Possibly just me. Story starts in the People’s Republic of Virginia who are fighting with the Democratic Alliance of Virginia.
I'd prefer the Democratic Alliance. I couldn't get past the names and so just stopped reading.
April 3, 2022
The pacing of the first third of the book was great. It felt fast paced, but still gave the reader enough background of the protagonist and the world she lives in. The rest of the book felt relatively shallow, but has kept me interested enough to dig into the sequel.
September 14, 2017
2.5 Stars
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