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Outbreak #1
Submerged
After a mysterious virus makes its way into the United States, the government demands that states seal themselves off from one another and do their best to protect their surviving residents. When the state of Florida is bordered off from the surrounding states, Taylen Fincher, a seventeen-year-old girl with a yearning for her former life finds herself wondering how much of what they’ve been told is true.
When Troum took control of the state, he told the residents that the other states had fallen to the virus and that he wouldn’t allow the same thing to happen to them. But Taylen doesn’t believe it. She insists that there is still life outside of the state, and she is going to do whatever it takes to prove it… but her actions will cost her more than she ever expected.
Troum kidnaps Taylen’s sister, Penelope, in hopes of coaxing her into behaving – into being a submissive resident, much like the others. But Taylen isn’t one to give in that easily.
Eager to rescue her sister, Taylen will set out on an adventure that’ll force her to open her heart to the unexpected and to uncover secrets that will change everything.
When Troum took control of the state, he told the residents that the other states had fallen to the virus and that he wouldn’t allow the same thing to happen to them. But Taylen doesn’t believe it. She insists that there is still life outside of the state, and she is going to do whatever it takes to prove it… but her actions will cost her more than she ever expected.
Troum kidnaps Taylen’s sister, Penelope, in hopes of coaxing her into behaving – into being a submissive resident, much like the others. But Taylen isn’t one to give in that easily.
Eager to rescue her sister, Taylen will set out on an adventure that’ll force her to open her heart to the unexpected and to uncover secrets that will change everything.
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First published February 9, 2013
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Nicole Sobon
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I write books. A lot of them.
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November 23, 2022
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August 4, 2014
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Submerged by Nicole Sobon
Book One of the Outbreak series
Publication Date: February 14, 2013
Rating: 3 stars
Source: eARC sent from the author
Summary (from Goodreads):
After a mysterious virus makes its way into the United States, the government demands that states seal themselves off from one another and do their best to protect their surviving residents. When the state of Florida is bordered off from the surrounding states, Taylen Fincher, a seventeen-year-old girl with a yearning for her former life finds herself wondering how much of what they've been told is true.
When Troum took control of the state, he told the residents that the other states had fallen to the virus and that he wouldn't allow the same thing to happen to them. But Taylen doesn't believe it. She insists that there is still life outside of the state, and she is going to do whatever it takes to prove it… but her actions will cost her more than she ever expected.
Troum kidnaps Taylen’s sister, Penelope, in hopes of coaxing her into behaving – into being a submissive resident, much like the others. But Taylen isn't one to give in that easily.
Eager to rescue her sister, Taylen will set out on an adventure that’ll force her to open her heart to the unexpected and to uncover secrets that will change everything.
What I Liked:
I originally read this book back in December 2012. I worked with the author and shared my thoughts on the book. I am going to be honest: I had a lot more criticisms than praises. But I must say, after reading this book again, I believe that Ms. Sobon definitely took some of my suggestions and turned this book into a great read!
Taylen Fincher is a likable heroine, as is Glate Whelmon and the rest of the characters of this book. I like how deep the characterization went for most of the characters, primary or secondary.
The world-building for this book was good! I definitely got dystopian feel, from the very first chapter.
This book was filled with action and emotion, and the ending was a happy one. I enjoyed this book (for the most part), while I was reading it. I will definitely be reading the second book!
What I Did Not Like:
I still had a lot of problems with this book, despite the improvements I did see. The grammar, and more specifically, the punctuation, needs a lot of work. While I was re-reading this one, my fingers were itching to grab a pen and just circle the places where commas were need, where they were misplaced, and so on. Of course, I couldn't do that, because I was reading the book on my Kindle.
I find Taylen very hypocritical at times. She tells others, like Clove and Penelope and Glate, that everything will be okay. Ugh. I hate when people say that. How do you know if things are going to be okay? ESPECIALLY when Taylen is constantly telling herself that there is no hope. Don't be a hypocrite, Taylen!
The scene in the forest, where Glate and Taylen and a few others square off - it wasn't particular believable, in my opinion. That few people couldn't kill or injure that many without obtaining injuries themselves. And the fact that Taylen has any skills at combat. She tells herself she can't fight anyone, but then we find her throwing knives and hurting people. Not really believable.
This is a general thing, but I'm a little confused as to how Troum knows of Taylen. specifically. Florida is HUGE. And I don't know how large the place where Taylen lived is supposed to span, but whether it's a city or the whole state, how does Troum know of Taylen and her "misdoings"? Why does breaching the guard and visiting the beach immediately brand her as a rebel and a "fighter"? How does that make her brave, the "spark", the "one" to start it all?
On that line of thought, who cares about Penelope? Why does the government care about one child? How will capturing one child bring down the "rebel", Taylen? Oh, of course, Taylen will behave if her sister is taken away. THAT makes sense.
On that thought, let me just say that Penelope? Taylen's sister? Acts like a child. I know I just called her one in the last paragraph, but I mean, she's ten. Not four. She acts like a four-year-old, and readers aren't given any indication that she has flawed mental capacities. She's so naive, but it's not cute or endearing. At ten, she should DEFINITELY be more mature than that. I expect my three-year-old cousin to act like how Penelope acts. Not a ten-year-old.
The romance was definitely lacking, in my opinion. We have Taylen and Glate established, but I really don't understand Lex's role in Taylen's love life. I know he is supposed to be a leg to the love triangle, but clearly he is no competitor to Glate. But I didn't really like Taylen and Glate together, so... yeah.
There are a lot of other things, but I think you get my point.
Would I Recommend It:
Eh. Sort of? I would give Ms. Sobon's books a chance, especially her series including Program 13, but this book is not her best. Skip it if you don't like dystopias. Maybe skip it even if you do like dystopias. Try Ms. Sobon's others books!
Rating:
3 stars. This book definitely had a ton of improvement from the time I read it in December, but I am still shaky on the book as a whole. I will be reading the second book!
Submerged by Nicole Sobon
Book One of the Outbreak series
Publication Date: February 14, 2013
Rating: 3 stars
Source: eARC sent from the author
Summary (from Goodreads):
After a mysterious virus makes its way into the United States, the government demands that states seal themselves off from one another and do their best to protect their surviving residents. When the state of Florida is bordered off from the surrounding states, Taylen Fincher, a seventeen-year-old girl with a yearning for her former life finds herself wondering how much of what they've been told is true.
When Troum took control of the state, he told the residents that the other states had fallen to the virus and that he wouldn't allow the same thing to happen to them. But Taylen doesn't believe it. She insists that there is still life outside of the state, and she is going to do whatever it takes to prove it… but her actions will cost her more than she ever expected.
Troum kidnaps Taylen’s sister, Penelope, in hopes of coaxing her into behaving – into being a submissive resident, much like the others. But Taylen isn't one to give in that easily.
Eager to rescue her sister, Taylen will set out on an adventure that’ll force her to open her heart to the unexpected and to uncover secrets that will change everything.
What I Liked:
I originally read this book back in December 2012. I worked with the author and shared my thoughts on the book. I am going to be honest: I had a lot more criticisms than praises. But I must say, after reading this book again, I believe that Ms. Sobon definitely took some of my suggestions and turned this book into a great read!
Taylen Fincher is a likable heroine, as is Glate Whelmon and the rest of the characters of this book. I like how deep the characterization went for most of the characters, primary or secondary.
The world-building for this book was good! I definitely got dystopian feel, from the very first chapter.
This book was filled with action and emotion, and the ending was a happy one. I enjoyed this book (for the most part), while I was reading it. I will definitely be reading the second book!
What I Did Not Like:
I still had a lot of problems with this book, despite the improvements I did see. The grammar, and more specifically, the punctuation, needs a lot of work. While I was re-reading this one, my fingers were itching to grab a pen and just circle the places where commas were need, where they were misplaced, and so on. Of course, I couldn't do that, because I was reading the book on my Kindle.
I find Taylen very hypocritical at times. She tells others, like Clove and Penelope and Glate, that everything will be okay. Ugh. I hate when people say that. How do you know if things are going to be okay? ESPECIALLY when Taylen is constantly telling herself that there is no hope. Don't be a hypocrite, Taylen!
The scene in the forest, where Glate and Taylen and a few others square off - it wasn't particular believable, in my opinion. That few people couldn't kill or injure that many without obtaining injuries themselves. And the fact that Taylen has any skills at combat. She tells herself she can't fight anyone, but then we find her throwing knives and hurting people. Not really believable.
This is a general thing, but I'm a little confused as to how Troum knows of Taylen. specifically. Florida is HUGE. And I don't know how large the place where Taylen lived is supposed to span, but whether it's a city or the whole state, how does Troum know of Taylen and her "misdoings"? Why does breaching the guard and visiting the beach immediately brand her as a rebel and a "fighter"? How does that make her brave, the "spark", the "one" to start it all?
On that line of thought, who cares about Penelope? Why does the government care about one child? How will capturing one child bring down the "rebel", Taylen? Oh, of course, Taylen will behave if her sister is taken away. THAT makes sense.
On that thought, let me just say that Penelope? Taylen's sister? Acts like a child. I know I just called her one in the last paragraph, but I mean, she's ten. Not four. She acts like a four-year-old, and readers aren't given any indication that she has flawed mental capacities. She's so naive, but it's not cute or endearing. At ten, she should DEFINITELY be more mature than that. I expect my three-year-old cousin to act like how Penelope acts. Not a ten-year-old.
The romance was definitely lacking, in my opinion. We have Taylen and Glate established, but I really don't understand Lex's role in Taylen's love life. I know he is supposed to be a leg to the love triangle, but clearly he is no competitor to Glate. But I didn't really like Taylen and Glate together, so... yeah.
There are a lot of other things, but I think you get my point.
Would I Recommend It:
Eh. Sort of? I would give Ms. Sobon's books a chance, especially her series including Program 13, but this book is not her best. Skip it if you don't like dystopias. Maybe skip it even if you do like dystopias. Try Ms. Sobon's others books!
Rating:
3 stars. This book definitely had a ton of improvement from the time I read it in December, but I am still shaky on the book as a whole. I will be reading the second book!
February 14, 2013
I was given a ARC Copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Everything you are about the read is my full and honest opinion of the book.
OMG! What an AMAZING Book! Truly BLOW ME AWAY and Sucked me in from the first page to the last~! It left me wanting more, SO MUCH MORE~! First I have to compliment the wonderful Author Nicole Sobon for this amazing world she created with "Submerged"! She has such a WONDERFUL way with bringing a story alive! She set this book an fire~! This book was very original and very well-rounded! There was plenty of action, plotting, fighting, emotion, friendship and a start of a wonderful romance. She pretty much put all that on paper and blow the story alive! I LOVED IT!! She deserves a lot of praising for this book!:D
Well I must admit going into this story I was a little confused. I really didn't know what to except. I knew the story was about a virus making it's way through the United States. But I wasn't really sure if the virus turned these people into zombies or if they just died or if they got extremely sick or what happened to them. Well, what I found here was something I was totally not expecting. The author has brought something so original and fresh to books. Their was so many surprises, twist and turn, ups and downs in this book it had me on the edge of my seat longing for more! I can't give that part of the story away but trust me it's really going to be amazing!
Well the United States has fallen to a vicious virus. They have closed off all the States from each other in order to contain the virus from state to state. Their isn't much of anything left. In the State of Florida their are some healthy survivors that survived the virus that swept across the United States. But their was nothing but chaos amonst the people. No order, no rules, nothing! So one man steps up and claims the power and order of that State. He changes everything and brings hope back into the Flordia. People look up to him and worship the ground he walks on. He claims that nothing is left to the United States, and that they were the only lucky state to survive the outbreak. He Say everything that he is doing is to help rebuild their state and bring back order to their world.
But one Seventeen year old girl named Taylen thinks he's lying! She thinks something's not right with what he's says. She questions his authority and rebels against what rules he's put in place. But Taylen just wants everything to go back the way it was before Troum sectored off the state and divided her community. She is just a normal teen chasing her youth. She wants to be left alone and do the things that she wants. She isn't trying to bring Troum down or change the world. That is until her little sister is kidnapped by Troum's guards. Then Taylen is forced to see what this man is really like and that her suspicions might be true all along!
So this book is definitely a one of a kind. It is so worth checking out. It has an amazing plot, characters, and a world of mystery and discovery about how the United States changed almost over night and how one girl fought to bring freedom back to her people.
I gave this book a 5/5 rating BUT definitely think the rating is worth a lot more! Nicole you have done an AMAZING job with this book and I can't wait for the second book in the series! You created a gem with this one! :)
OMG! What an AMAZING Book! Truly BLOW ME AWAY and Sucked me in from the first page to the last~! It left me wanting more, SO MUCH MORE~! First I have to compliment the wonderful Author Nicole Sobon for this amazing world she created with "Submerged"! She has such a WONDERFUL way with bringing a story alive! She set this book an fire~! This book was very original and very well-rounded! There was plenty of action, plotting, fighting, emotion, friendship and a start of a wonderful romance. She pretty much put all that on paper and blow the story alive! I LOVED IT!! She deserves a lot of praising for this book!:D
Well I must admit going into this story I was a little confused. I really didn't know what to except. I knew the story was about a virus making it's way through the United States. But I wasn't really sure if the virus turned these people into zombies or if they just died or if they got extremely sick or what happened to them. Well, what I found here was something I was totally not expecting. The author has brought something so original and fresh to books. Their was so many surprises, twist and turn, ups and downs in this book it had me on the edge of my seat longing for more! I can't give that part of the story away but trust me it's really going to be amazing!
Well the United States has fallen to a vicious virus. They have closed off all the States from each other in order to contain the virus from state to state. Their isn't much of anything left. In the State of Florida their are some healthy survivors that survived the virus that swept across the United States. But their was nothing but chaos amonst the people. No order, no rules, nothing! So one man steps up and claims the power and order of that State. He changes everything and brings hope back into the Flordia. People look up to him and worship the ground he walks on. He claims that nothing is left to the United States, and that they were the only lucky state to survive the outbreak. He Say everything that he is doing is to help rebuild their state and bring back order to their world.
But one Seventeen year old girl named Taylen thinks he's lying! She thinks something's not right with what he's says. She questions his authority and rebels against what rules he's put in place. But Taylen just wants everything to go back the way it was before Troum sectored off the state and divided her community. She is just a normal teen chasing her youth. She wants to be left alone and do the things that she wants. She isn't trying to bring Troum down or change the world. That is until her little sister is kidnapped by Troum's guards. Then Taylen is forced to see what this man is really like and that her suspicions might be true all along!
So this book is definitely a one of a kind. It is so worth checking out. It has an amazing plot, characters, and a world of mystery and discovery about how the United States changed almost over night and how one girl fought to bring freedom back to her people.
I gave this book a 5/5 rating BUT definitely think the rating is worth a lot more! Nicole you have done an AMAZING job with this book and I can't wait for the second book in the series! You created a gem with this one! :)
February 26, 2013
See more reviews at my blog! http://sparetimebookblog.blogspot.com/
I was given an ARC copy of this book. I absolutely loooove the cover! It is so awesome. I am drawn to awesome covers, what can I say. Being a nurse, whenever something is about a virus that kills most of mankind I am instantly drawn in. Taylen is left in a "city" in the aftermath of the virus. The city is divided into sectors. Taylen is lucky enough to live in the family sector. Which is not great but, it's better then the Widowed and Homeless sectors. She is a fiery red head who doesn't like to follow their leader, Troum's, rules. This gets her family in a lot of trouble. They take her sister from her to get her away from her bad influence. Taylen tries to get her sister back and then ends up getting a kill order placed on her. She escapes the Family sector and is forced to hide and run from everything she knows. Luckily she has help from a lovely guy named Glate. Taylen is on a run for her life and trying to rescue her sister. She ends up trusting people that she shouldn't and it ends up turning out badly for her. Taylen is running for her life and she can trust no one. Will she be able to rescue her sister? Will this mysterious flood ever happen?
Glate is your all around super helpful hot guy. He runs into Taylen when she is attempting to escape. He has been through the sectors before and has insider knowledge of how to manage through the sectors. He is very helpful given Taylen's situation. They soon develop some feelings for each other! I know there always has to be some romance in high stress situations. When it doubt make out! Anyway, they have a few stolen moments with each other. It fit the story well and I love Glate. There is also another potential love interest, Lex. He is Taylen's childhood friend. He also helps Taylen escape and throughout the story however, there are other events taking on behind the scenes with him that Taylen doesn't know about. I felt so bad for her. It seems like everyone around her was keeping something from her. That she couldn't really trust anyone. Even though she was surrounded by people but, not really knowing who you can trust.
This story was full of ups and downs. There was a lot of action and enough going on in the plot to keep you interested. I am excited to see what happens next with this one! I am also a little attached to Glate and am hoping we get to see more of him!
I was given an ARC copy of this book. I absolutely loooove the cover! It is so awesome. I am drawn to awesome covers, what can I say. Being a nurse, whenever something is about a virus that kills most of mankind I am instantly drawn in. Taylen is left in a "city" in the aftermath of the virus. The city is divided into sectors. Taylen is lucky enough to live in the family sector. Which is not great but, it's better then the Widowed and Homeless sectors. She is a fiery red head who doesn't like to follow their leader, Troum's, rules. This gets her family in a lot of trouble. They take her sister from her to get her away from her bad influence. Taylen tries to get her sister back and then ends up getting a kill order placed on her. She escapes the Family sector and is forced to hide and run from everything she knows. Luckily she has help from a lovely guy named Glate. Taylen is on a run for her life and trying to rescue her sister. She ends up trusting people that she shouldn't and it ends up turning out badly for her. Taylen is running for her life and she can trust no one. Will she be able to rescue her sister? Will this mysterious flood ever happen?
Glate is your all around super helpful hot guy. He runs into Taylen when she is attempting to escape. He has been through the sectors before and has insider knowledge of how to manage through the sectors. He is very helpful given Taylen's situation. They soon develop some feelings for each other! I know there always has to be some romance in high stress situations. When it doubt make out! Anyway, they have a few stolen moments with each other. It fit the story well and I love Glate. There is also another potential love interest, Lex. He is Taylen's childhood friend. He also helps Taylen escape and throughout the story however, there are other events taking on behind the scenes with him that Taylen doesn't know about. I felt so bad for her. It seems like everyone around her was keeping something from her. That she couldn't really trust anyone. Even though she was surrounded by people but, not really knowing who you can trust.
This story was full of ups and downs. There was a lot of action and enough going on in the plot to keep you interested. I am excited to see what happens next with this one! I am also a little attached to Glate and am hoping we get to see more of him!
May 18, 2013
3.5 Stars
'Submerged' is a intriguing and thrilling young adult dystopian novel that follows main character Taylen Fincher as she runs for her life and attempts to survive in the new regime that was one Florida. Under the guise of an impending flood, Florida was sectioned off from the rest of the world and put under the government authority of a man named Troum, who claims he has the welfare of the people in mind. Taylen thinks he's after much more than that and she also hates the way that everyone's freedom was stolen. After things in her life go from bad to incredibly terrible - with her younger sister taken away, a Kill Order placed on her, and Troum and his guards searching for her - Taylen must go on the run in order to survive and if she has any hope of bringing back her sister and stopping Troum.
This was an exciting and captivating YA dystopian that had an interesting plot. I loved learning about the history behind the world that Taylen lives in, along with all the aspects that her world includes now. The story wasn't completely original, but the author refreshed the idea with lots of action, adventure, some twists and even romance. It blends several genres and will definitely appeal to fans of various types of fiction. The characters were pretty well done, although not completely unique either. Taylen has a strong will and a fierce spirit, along with a snarky mouth, snotty attitude, and deep loyalty to those she cares for. She stands up for what she believes in and won't back down, even when faced with terrible outcomes. I liked her as a main character and easily identified with her early on in the story. The writing was also well done, although parts of the story didn't flow as well as it could have and bits of the dialogue felt forced. Otherwise, the narrative was fast paced and kept me turning pages quickly to see what would happen next. Overall, this was a great dystopian adventure and fans of the genre should definitely give it a read.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
'Submerged' is a intriguing and thrilling young adult dystopian novel that follows main character Taylen Fincher as she runs for her life and attempts to survive in the new regime that was one Florida. Under the guise of an impending flood, Florida was sectioned off from the rest of the world and put under the government authority of a man named Troum, who claims he has the welfare of the people in mind. Taylen thinks he's after much more than that and she also hates the way that everyone's freedom was stolen. After things in her life go from bad to incredibly terrible - with her younger sister taken away, a Kill Order placed on her, and Troum and his guards searching for her - Taylen must go on the run in order to survive and if she has any hope of bringing back her sister and stopping Troum.
This was an exciting and captivating YA dystopian that had an interesting plot. I loved learning about the history behind the world that Taylen lives in, along with all the aspects that her world includes now. The story wasn't completely original, but the author refreshed the idea with lots of action, adventure, some twists and even romance. It blends several genres and will definitely appeal to fans of various types of fiction. The characters were pretty well done, although not completely unique either. Taylen has a strong will and a fierce spirit, along with a snarky mouth, snotty attitude, and deep loyalty to those she cares for. She stands up for what she believes in and won't back down, even when faced with terrible outcomes. I liked her as a main character and easily identified with her early on in the story. The writing was also well done, although parts of the story didn't flow as well as it could have and bits of the dialogue felt forced. Otherwise, the narrative was fast paced and kept me turning pages quickly to see what would happen next. Overall, this was a great dystopian adventure and fans of the genre should definitely give it a read.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2013
Suspenseful and intriguing are two words to describe this gripping dystopian novel. From the beginning chapters to the nail biting epilogue, I was on the edge of my seat. So many questions rattled in my head regarding the virus, the flood, Troum, Sectors, etc. And as I got my answers, I was filled with more questions. Sobon does an excellent job in keeping the readers enticed to read more, something I can atest for because I could not seem to put this book down. Even when I did manage to put it down, I couldn't stop thinking about it and the possible directions it could go!
Character dynamic was great! I instantly fell in love with Lex's loyalty (even if at times they were on the wrong side), Taylen's wit, and Glate's charm. My favorite part about these characters was seeing them grow throughout the progression of the story - a huge MUST when I read a book. I wound up growing so attached to these characters that I found myself crying over their pain and squealing over their happiness. Basically, I grew to empathize AND sympathize with these lovely characters. At one point in the story, I was so confused about who I shipped more in the story..Lex and Tay or Glate and Tay? Either way, I was pleased with who she ended up with (for now - if the author plans to change that, I'm not sure).
On the other hand, there were parts in the story (the action scenes, mostly) that I felt went by too quickly. It would have been nice to get a bit more description of the fight scenes and the chaos that I'm sure had ensued. But, regardless, it did not deter anything away from the story. It is still enjoyable.
Now, let's talk about that ending. OHMYLORD. I screamed so loud. I mean, I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING. NICOLE, HOW COULD YOU ? D:
Of all the things that could have happened, I did not see that coming AT ALL. And I am really looking forward to what happens next!
If you enjoy dystopian books with great plot and story line, then you need to read Submerged. Great read!
Character dynamic was great! I instantly fell in love with Lex's loyalty (even if at times they were on the wrong side), Taylen's wit, and Glate's charm. My favorite part about these characters was seeing them grow throughout the progression of the story - a huge MUST when I read a book. I wound up growing so attached to these characters that I found myself crying over their pain and squealing over their happiness. Basically, I grew to empathize AND sympathize with these lovely characters. At one point in the story, I was so confused about who I shipped more in the story..Lex and Tay or Glate and Tay? Either way, I was pleased with who she ended up with (for now - if the author plans to change that, I'm not sure).
On the other hand, there were parts in the story (the action scenes, mostly) that I felt went by too quickly. It would have been nice to get a bit more description of the fight scenes and the chaos that I'm sure had ensued. But, regardless, it did not deter anything away from the story. It is still enjoyable.
Now, let's talk about that ending. OHMYLORD. I screamed so loud. I mean, I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING. NICOLE, HOW COULD YOU ? D:
Of all the things that could have happened, I did not see that coming AT ALL. And I am really looking forward to what happens next!
If you enjoy dystopian books with great plot and story line, then you need to read Submerged. Great read!
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May 16, 2013When you look at Submerged from a far the cover is beautiful and it really reminded me of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer and I took a look at the synopsis and was even more intrigued!
As I began to read Submerged instantly reminded me of the hunger games meets divergent. Its a dystopian with a girl main character, the world is divided into different sectors in this case being the families(where Taylen lives), The poor, and the widowed. And when Taylen goes seeking solstice on the outside the ruler take her little sister to try and keep her in line. With the world in turmoil and her sister in the hands of the government Taylen must find her sister in the mist of putting herself in danger and oh, there is a love interest!
Taylen was an okay character at times. She was definitely had her strong moments and her not so strong moments. She has been through a lot with loosing her sister and not being able to communicate with Lex- her best friend. But for some reason I could not connect with her character and that is a major problem for me.
All in all the story was very interesting for a twist and turn point of view but the characters need a little more work but I would love to continue the series because the story line was definitely fast paced and romantic at times that I would love for the author to do something big and better with the characters a second time around!
As I began to read Submerged instantly reminded me of the hunger games meets divergent. Its a dystopian with a girl main character, the world is divided into different sectors in this case being the families(where Taylen lives), The poor, and the widowed. And when Taylen goes seeking solstice on the outside the ruler take her little sister to try and keep her in line. With the world in turmoil and her sister in the hands of the government Taylen must find her sister in the mist of putting herself in danger and oh, there is a love interest!
Taylen was an okay character at times. She was definitely had her strong moments and her not so strong moments. She has been through a lot with loosing her sister and not being able to communicate with Lex- her best friend. But for some reason I could not connect with her character and that is a major problem for me.
All in all the story was very interesting for a twist and turn point of view but the characters need a little more work but I would love to continue the series because the story line was definitely fast paced and romantic at times that I would love for the author to do something big and better with the characters a second time around!
May 25, 2013
I did not expect the amazing adventure this story took me on! I've been in need of a great Dystopia read, it's been ages, and I missed the genre. I'm so happy I picked Submerged. There's a nice slow build at first, and then boom! So much action, mystery, and heartache. Sobon did a wonderful job weaving information the reader needed with action and suspense, and leaving just enough out to keep the reader guessing and turning the pages. I *thought* I knew what was going to happen in the end, but I did NOT see that coming. Great job! With a budding romance, I can't wait for the second book :) I think even more will blow my mind in book two. With a great villain, a strong, savvy heroine, and two swoony guys (I'm pulling for team Glate ;) Submerged is a must for Dystopia lovers!
September 18, 2020
This is a good book. I am not usally one for this type of story. But I really enjoyed the book. I finished it in less than 2 days. Couldn't put it down once I started.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 30, 2020
An interesting premise turns into an interesting story. I was hooked by the blurb supplied by the author. The story is set in a dystopian world with the idea that most if not all of our current privileges are taken away. It was an eye opening idea. I enjoyed reading this book.
February 28, 2014
This book was not for me. In any sense possible. I tried to give it a chance, but I shouldn't have bothered past the first page.
The prologue was not very enticing. In fact, as you start reading the book, it became confusing. What was the prologue even for? I'm guessing it was to set in motion this ridiculous love story that didn't hold my attention.
Chapter one was really redundant of the prologue and continued the dullness.
I wasn't ensnared, in fact, I decided to keep reading just to punish myself or something.
I knew that if I get caught it will be fatal.
That sentence alone was enough for me to run screaming. The tenses were all over the place.
Her strawberry-blond hair was been pulled...
It was far from edible, but it was better than nothing I suppose.
I can't even begin to imagine how the rest of the book went. I don't want to.
The redundancy. Good lord!
What was even going on with Taylen? She cared about nothing and no one. She didn't care about her sister's well being, nor did she care about her parents. If she had, she wouldn't have put them in negative lighting every chance she got. That doesn't mean that she couldn't be rebellious, but it would have been better had her rebellion actually served a purpose aside from pouting. I had absolutely no reason to support her.
I'm still confused over why they would bother dragging her bound and gagged sister in front of her. It didn't concern her. If they were wanting to punish her, why didn't they just punish her? The plot made no sense. I couldn't read it. It was too much of a mind fuck trying to keep up with it. When something is outlandishly ridiculous without good reason, it's just not worth trying to understand. And that's where this book falls for me.
The prologue was not very enticing. In fact, as you start reading the book, it became confusing. What was the prologue even for? I'm guessing it was to set in motion this ridiculous love story that didn't hold my attention.
Chapter one was really redundant of the prologue and continued the dullness.
I wasn't ensnared, in fact, I decided to keep reading just to punish myself or something.
I knew that if I get caught it will be fatal.
That sentence alone was enough for me to run screaming. The tenses were all over the place.
Her strawberry-blond hair was been pulled...
It was far from edible, but it was better than nothing I suppose.
I can't even begin to imagine how the rest of the book went. I don't want to.
The redundancy. Good lord!
What was even going on with Taylen? She cared about nothing and no one. She didn't care about her sister's well being, nor did she care about her parents. If she had, she wouldn't have put them in negative lighting every chance she got. That doesn't mean that she couldn't be rebellious, but it would have been better had her rebellion actually served a purpose aside from pouting. I had absolutely no reason to support her.
I'm still confused over why they would bother dragging her bound and gagged sister in front of her. It didn't concern her. If they were wanting to punish her, why didn't they just punish her? The plot made no sense. I couldn't read it. It was too much of a mind fuck trying to keep up with it. When something is outlandishly ridiculous without good reason, it's just not worth trying to understand. And that's where this book falls for me.
May 12, 2013
What would you do if the USA was infected with a crazy virus? If you were forced to live within your state and nowhere else? If you were told that the country outside of your "sector" was no more? Would you trust those that were in charge? Would you question your government?
These are all questions that Taylen Fincher is faced with in Nicole Sobon's book, "Submerged". Taylen is a 17 year old living in Florida in a United States about a decade after a horrible virus overcomes much of the nation. Florida is now divided into sectors, under the rule of a man by the name of Troum. Troum promises to "save them" from an impending WAVE that threatens to overtake the state of Florida. Taylen doesn't buy it. Something doesn't seem right to her. She longs for the freedoms that she had before the outbreak. Before Troum took over Florida.
I loved the spunkiness of Taylen. Described with fire engine red hair and exquisite green eyes, she isn't content to sit back and just accept what's being put in front of her. She feels as if she's lost everything....her freedom, her family, and her best friend, Lex. Lex - the handsome childhood friend. Forced to live a life serving in Troum's guard. And because of this, unable to interact with Taylen.
This book took so many twists and turns, it's really hard for me to talk about them all. Plus, I really think it's something you need to experience on your own. Let's just say, Taylen learns A LOT and uncovers truths that she never even imagined. One minute you think you're almost at a conclusion and then BAM - Nicole works another twist into the mix.
Oh, and she might meet another heartthrob along the way (cough, cough - GLATE - cough, cough).
I really loved the almost dystopian feel to this book. I think it's a must read....a long read....but a must read.
These are all questions that Taylen Fincher is faced with in Nicole Sobon's book, "Submerged". Taylen is a 17 year old living in Florida in a United States about a decade after a horrible virus overcomes much of the nation. Florida is now divided into sectors, under the rule of a man by the name of Troum. Troum promises to "save them" from an impending WAVE that threatens to overtake the state of Florida. Taylen doesn't buy it. Something doesn't seem right to her. She longs for the freedoms that she had before the outbreak. Before Troum took over Florida.
I loved the spunkiness of Taylen. Described with fire engine red hair and exquisite green eyes, she isn't content to sit back and just accept what's being put in front of her. She feels as if she's lost everything....her freedom, her family, and her best friend, Lex. Lex - the handsome childhood friend. Forced to live a life serving in Troum's guard. And because of this, unable to interact with Taylen.
This book took so many twists and turns, it's really hard for me to talk about them all. Plus, I really think it's something you need to experience on your own. Let's just say, Taylen learns A LOT and uncovers truths that she never even imagined. One minute you think you're almost at a conclusion and then BAM - Nicole works another twist into the mix.
Oh, and she might meet another heartthrob along the way (cough, cough - GLATE - cough, cough).
I really loved the almost dystopian feel to this book. I think it's a must read....a long read....but a must read.
April 13, 2014
"Submerged" by Nicole Sobon is the first book in a Young Adult Dystopian duology. I had such high hopes for it. The back cover explains that after a mysterious virus, the states close each of their borders to all others. This story revolves around the closed off state of Florida and the strange leader controlling every citizen's life. One girl, Taylen, rebels when the evil leader has her sister removed from their home sighting Taylen as a bad influence. Then a kill order is immediately released before Taylen can even try to mend her ways. I was hoping for so much more from this novel. The story premise could be so exciting, but too many things were left unwritten. The mysterious virus was never explained; the symptoms never described so how would anyone ever know if they had contracted the virus. The characters had no depth; the reader cannot follow how the main characters came to the conclusions that they formed. Yet once the main characters came to any conclusions, they treated their validity almost as gospel without any proof. The revelations of different characters actions were all assumption and everyone else automatically believed. I even considered that this novel may have been directed to middle grade children, but this doesn't seem to be likely for that age group as well.
The story premise was so promising, and I was so excited when the copy I ordered was delivered, but I find that I will not be reading the second half of the duology. I rated it as good for the story line alone.
The story premise was so promising, and I was so excited when the copy I ordered was delivered, but I find that I will not be reading the second half of the duology. I rated it as good for the story line alone.
March 29, 2013
This looks like it will be a good series...pick it up today.
May 18, 2013
Was not expecting it to be that good but I was pleasantly suprised!
April 27, 2013
This was a DNF. I didn't find the plot original, and I couldn't connect with Taylen as a heroine. Review to come later.
[2/5]
[2/5]
April 11, 2015
Looked amazing was awesome!
January 6, 2014
This book was very good. I couldn't put it down. Can't wait for book 2
October 7, 2016
DNF. Read 72% before deciding not to finish it because I couldn't take the whining and contridictons anymore.
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