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Horizon #4
Apex Predator
National Book Award winner M.T. Anderson takes the wheel of this thrilling chapter in the race for survival.
The journey through the rift becomes even rockier as the survivors are forced to take to the water, crossing a vast deepwater basin on improvised boats.
To make it, Molly and the others must work together, but a rift of a different kind is forming among the survivors. If they aren't careful, it could eat them alive.
New York Times best-selling author and National Book Award winner M.T. Anderson (Feed) helms this heart-pounding voyage in the epic survival series begun by Scott Westerfeld (Uglies).
Play the action-packed HORIZON game for free on your browser, tablet, or phone. Each book in the series unlocks exclusive rewards. Do you have what it takes to survive?
The journey through the rift becomes even rockier as the survivors are forced to take to the water, crossing a vast deepwater basin on improvised boats.
To make it, Molly and the others must work together, but a rift of a different kind is forming among the survivors. If they aren't careful, it could eat them alive.
New York Times best-selling author and National Book Award winner M.T. Anderson (Feed) helms this heart-pounding voyage in the epic survival series begun by Scott Westerfeld (Uglies).
Play the action-packed HORIZON game for free on your browser, tablet, or phone. Each book in the series unlocks exclusive rewards. Do you have what it takes to survive?
Audible Audio
First published August 28, 2018
55 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
About the author
M.T. Anderson
59 books1,253 followersMatthew Tobin Anderson (M. T. Anderson), (1968- ) is an author, primarily of picture books for children and novels for young adults. Anderson lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
His picture books include Handel Who Knew What He Liked; Strange Mr. Satie; The Serpent Came to Gloucester; and Me, All Alone, at the End of the World. He has written such young adult books as Thirsty, Burger Wuss, Feed, The Game of Sunken Places, and Octavian Nothing. For middle grader readers, his novels include Whales on Stilts: M. T. Anderson's Thrilling Tales and its sequel, The Clue of the Linoleum Lederhosen.
-Wikipedia
His picture books include Handel Who Knew What He Liked; Strange Mr. Satie; The Serpent Came to Gloucester; and Me, All Alone, at the End of the World. He has written such young adult books as Thirsty, Burger Wuss, Feed, The Game of Sunken Places, and Octavian Nothing. For middle grader readers, his novels include Whales on Stilts: M. T. Anderson's Thrilling Tales and its sequel, The Clue of the Linoleum Lederhosen.
-Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 7, 2019
I've really been enjoying this YA adventure series, in large part because of Johnathan McClain's reading skills. Audiobook producers: please employ this guy for lots and lots of audiobooks!
To quote Syndrome in The Incredibles: That sounds a little dark for you.
This book is like the Toy Story 3 of this series! (And that's it I'm done referencing kids movies). This was a lot darker than the first three. I don't know if that was planned, or if that's Anderson's contribution. This is my first time reading a series where each volume has a different author, so I'm not sure how much is planned in advance and how much is due to each author's own ideas.
To quote Syndrome in The Incredibles: That sounds a little dark for you.
This book is like the Toy Story 3 of this series! (And that's it I'm done referencing kids movies). This was a lot darker than the first three. I don't know if that was planned, or if that's Anderson's contribution. This is my first time reading a series where each volume has a different author, so I'm not sure how much is planned in advance and how much is due to each author's own ideas.
October 18, 2018
Team Killbot and their new friends have seen almost everything they can imagine. They've survived a plane crash into the Artic, only to find a tropical rainforest environment with deadly animals they've never seen before. They've crossed the tropics to find a desert, only to find a swarm of robots battling for their lives. They've encountered technology that can break any and every rule of science, and animals that can tear apart lives in a mere matter of seconds. They've met people who have been trapped in this strange place since the 1970s. But a humongous sea, full of strange predators and guarded by gigantic cyborg monsters? That takes the cake, especially since their way back home might be just across the sea. Will they be able to survive without both monsters and jealousy tearing the team apart?
I've followed this series since the beginning, watching the characters evolve and devouring each book's unique twists and turns. I'll admit, I'm always unsure of series where each book is written by a different author, each with different writing styles. I was pleasantly surprised, though, when it worked so well in Horizon. The characters are perfectly imperfect, each of them seeming just as real as I am. The dynamics between the characters are also deeply realistic. In fact, I have yet to find a character that doesn't react to a situation realistically, just like I have yet to find a plot hole in the series. I personally think the actual plot of the book was terrifying, but I wouldn't dare put it down for a second. It's written in a gripping and exciting style, hooking you in and never letting go.
Apex Predator is scary, gripping, and undeniably good. Even if you're not usually into this genre, you should give it a try. Trust me, you won't be able to put it down.
Reviewed by Salonee V., age 13, Metropolitan Washington Mensa
I've followed this series since the beginning, watching the characters evolve and devouring each book's unique twists and turns. I'll admit, I'm always unsure of series where each book is written by a different author, each with different writing styles. I was pleasantly surprised, though, when it worked so well in Horizon. The characters are perfectly imperfect, each of them seeming just as real as I am. The dynamics between the characters are also deeply realistic. In fact, I have yet to find a character that doesn't react to a situation realistically, just like I have yet to find a plot hole in the series. I personally think the actual plot of the book was terrifying, but I wouldn't dare put it down for a second. It's written in a gripping and exciting style, hooking you in and never letting go.
Apex Predator is scary, gripping, and undeniably good. Even if you're not usually into this genre, you should give it a try. Trust me, you won't be able to put it down.
Reviewed by Salonee V., age 13, Metropolitan Washington Mensa
August 11, 2021
Great book, it is sad when Akkiko dies, also it was unexpected when Akkiko died. I can't wait to read the 5th and final book, I currently have it on hold for me at my local library!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2019
I was so excited to read book #4 in this series! I have never read anything by M.T. Anderson before, and I went into this one a bit worried it would be too dark compared to the others. Fortunately it wasn't that bad; definitely one of the scariest in the series, and it had much more serious and terrifying moments. Honestly though, it reminded me more of book #1. I think this author has a similar style to Westerfeld.
That being said, this may have been my favorite so far. It felt a bit more Young Adult than Middle School or Juvenile level. Very quick read though! I read it in two days, and could have finished in one if I hadn't been interrupted.
We still have more questions than answers in this book. I don't want to spoil the plot, so I won't go into details, you just need to read it for yourself. But you do get more backstory to this strange place the kids have been stranded in. MINOR SPOILER ALERT proceed with caution: from what I gathered in this book, we need to entertain the idea that the Killbots and the other group they found are not the only people in this biome of confusion. When they found the second group in book 3, I should have understood then that we are probably going to keep meeting or finding evidence that more people have been here and probably still are, but it didn't really stick with me until this book. My guess is that by book #5 or 6, there will be more people (possibly adults) added to the group.
Pros: Fast paced book. Lots of action in this one! Character development for Yoshi and Anna was especially interesting in this one. The stakes become higher. More danger than ever before.
Cons: I wanted more about the Apex Predator this book is named after (AND is on the cover!!). I mean, that cover is awesome and pulled me in more than any other so far. I was thinking, given the title and cover, we would see a lot of this ocean/lake predator but no. So don't get your hopes up for that; the predator is seen in one of the last chapters, for one page, and not even by every character. I'm not gonna lie, that plot point was a huge letdown for me. I seriously thought this book would be much more about the ocean crossing and the large animal living in it. Granted, in the blurb of this book it mentions a predator that guards the shore line, so I do suppose it could also be referring to that. BUT it's mechanical. So I don't know that I would refer to that as an apex predator.
I love this series! I have to wait FOREVER for the next books. *sad face* I have not read anything by the next author yet either, I hope it's also a pleasant surprise!
That being said, this may have been my favorite so far. It felt a bit more Young Adult than Middle School or Juvenile level. Very quick read though! I read it in two days, and could have finished in one if I hadn't been interrupted.
We still have more questions than answers in this book. I don't want to spoil the plot, so I won't go into details, you just need to read it for yourself. But you do get more backstory to this strange place the kids have been stranded in. MINOR SPOILER ALERT proceed with caution: from what I gathered in this book, we need to entertain the idea that the Killbots and the other group they found are not the only people in this biome of confusion. When they found the second group in book 3, I should have understood then that we are probably going to keep meeting or finding evidence that more people have been here and probably still are, but it didn't really stick with me until this book. My guess is that by book #5 or 6, there will be more people (possibly adults) added to the group.
Pros: Fast paced book. Lots of action in this one! Character development for Yoshi and Anna was especially interesting in this one. The stakes become higher. More danger than ever before.
Cons: I wanted more about the Apex Predator this book is named after (AND is on the cover!!). I mean, that cover is awesome and pulled me in more than any other so far. I was thinking, given the title and cover, we would see a lot of this ocean/lake predator but no. So don't get your hopes up for that; the predator is seen in one of the last chapters, for one page, and not even by every character. I'm not gonna lie, that plot point was a huge letdown for me. I seriously thought this book would be much more about the ocean crossing and the large animal living in it. Granted, in the blurb of this book it mentions a predator that guards the shore line, so I do suppose it could also be referring to that. BUT it's mechanical. So I don't know that I would refer to that as an apex predator.
I love this series! I have to wait FOREVER for the next books. *sad face* I have not read anything by the next author yet either, I hope it's also a pleasant surprise!
September 11, 2019
This is the best one I’ve read. As always, the ending was great. But the action seemed a bit rushed in most circumstances. Other than that, this was great.
March 9, 2019
"Lost in a tear in the Earth, pursued by technologies that shouldn't exist for hundreds of years, fighting with monsters that should never exist at all-they were alone and stuck with one another, both attacked and abandoned."
M.T. Andersonwrites the fourth installment of the Horizon series which builds the conflict within the group of kids stranded in an alien world and with the creatures of the world. Molly continues to turn inhuman; Yoshi continues to turn angry; Anna continues to turn to science; Javi continues to turn to Molly. The four main characters along with five others are desperate to get off the beach and onto the islands they see across the horizon, but they have many obstacles to face and more monsters lurking beneath the water and beneath their own skin.
This is a great science fiction series written by different authors and alternating chapters focusing on the main characters. Each book ends as the group begins a new adventure, and I can't wait to read how this concludes.
M.T. Andersonwrites the fourth installment of the Horizon series which builds the conflict within the group of kids stranded in an alien world and with the creatures of the world. Molly continues to turn inhuman; Yoshi continues to turn angry; Anna continues to turn to science; Javi continues to turn to Molly. The four main characters along with five others are desperate to get off the beach and onto the islands they see across the horizon, but they have many obstacles to face and more monsters lurking beneath the water and beneath their own skin.
This is a great science fiction series written by different authors and alternating chapters focusing on the main characters. Each book ends as the group begins a new adventure, and I can't wait to read how this concludes.
April 15, 2019
Best one of the series yet as the survivors are battling for their lives, wanting to find a way out, and not wanting to give up hope. These science nerds from a recent plane crash are teaming up with the band camp geeks who survived a plane crash 50 years ago, and they are needing each other for their unique skills. Music is playing a major role in surviving in this part of the series, as well as Anna's knowledge of plants. No new survivors are found, but remnants of survivors from a type of whaling ship in the 1800's are discovered, helping the survivors cope and live better. More dangerous alien life forms threaten the kids, and the team is splintered by the time the reader makes it to the end of this story. Thrilling and with science facts to teach, this is now a story for both men and women, young and old.
April 11, 2020
I have to finish the series!
M.T. Anderson is a very good writer, but the plot still seems to be plodding along, and I find that I am no closer to understanding this world after the fourth book. Am I assuming correctly that there is only one book left to wrap this all up?
Interesting parts: main characters find remains from a whaling ship and the journal from its survivors, and another character is lost.
The rest seems like just more character development. Yoshi is arrogantly independent. Molly wants to be a good leader even though she is changing. Hank wants to be in charge. Javi is trying to keep the group moving in a positive direction. Anna is a genius and the most interesting character.
I do recommend the series to high-level 5th grade students and up. It is certainly unique.
M.T. Anderson is a very good writer, but the plot still seems to be plodding along, and I find that I am no closer to understanding this world after the fourth book. Am I assuming correctly that there is only one book left to wrap this all up?
Interesting parts: main characters find remains from a whaling ship and the journal from its survivors, and another character is lost.
The rest seems like just more character development. Yoshi is arrogantly independent. Molly wants to be a good leader even though she is changing. Hank wants to be in charge. Javi is trying to keep the group moving in a positive direction. Anna is a genius and the most interesting character.
I do recommend the series to high-level 5th grade students and up. It is certainly unique.
December 30, 2020
This. One. Was. My. Favorite.
Universal review for the series:
Okay, people trash this but lets keep in mind it’s a MIDDLE GRADE. Even though I’m older than the target audience, I still really enjoyed it. I kept thinking to myself “If they redid this series but more in-depth for an older audience, it would be so much better.” It was a quick read, I flew through them all, and it was just so fun. I would definitely recommend. There’s not as much character building at first, but as you read on, you’ll certainly get attached. If you can’t stand middle grades, then maybe don’t pick this one up. But if you just want a quick read and a good story, you picked up the right book!
Spoilers:
YOSHI!?! Omg why are you such a jerk!! I’m glad Anna flipped out on him LOL. This one was just so interesting. The camp from the 1800s!? Akiko!! The water vibe!! Yes yes and YES.
Universal review for the series:
Okay, people trash this but lets keep in mind it’s a MIDDLE GRADE. Even though I’m older than the target audience, I still really enjoyed it. I kept thinking to myself “If they redid this series but more in-depth for an older audience, it would be so much better.” It was a quick read, I flew through them all, and it was just so fun. I would definitely recommend. There’s not as much character building at first, but as you read on, you’ll certainly get attached. If you can’t stand middle grades, then maybe don’t pick this one up. But if you just want a quick read and a good story, you picked up the right book!
Spoilers:
YOSHI!?! Omg why are you such a jerk!! I’m glad Anna flipped out on him LOL. This one was just so interesting. The camp from the 1800s!? Akiko!! The water vibe!! Yes yes and YES.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2024
After their planes crash land on this Earth-like but not Earth-like place the kids are trying to survive and possibly get home. The two groups of kids have banded together and are heading to the spire castle where they hope to find answers. What is this place? They must cross water to get there. Everywhere they turn they must face another horrible enemy that wants to hurt them. Yoshi has had enough and wants to go it alone leaving the group. Javi supports Molly even tough she is changing into whatever Cal has already become, an alien being of some sort. Hank wants to take over control and challenges Molly. Things aren't looking good on their treacherous journey but they keep going....surviving the best they can.
September 10, 2019
2.5
Oookaaayyy...so this book was really kinda meh. There wasn’t much to it until a certain character died and then even after that there still wasn’t much drama. M.T. Anderson TRIED to make drama but to me it wasn’t super big.
This was really a lot darker than the first 3 though which I enjoyed but meanwhile Yoshi who I loved in the first 3 books seemed kind of like a loser most of this book. Always angsty and angry and “I’m so much better than these geeks” and sure he was like that in the past books as well but not nearly as bad.
I do intend to continue the series however and I hope the next books will get better!
Oookaaayyy...so this book was really kinda meh. There wasn’t much to it until a certain character died and then even after that there still wasn’t much drama. M.T. Anderson TRIED to make drama but to me it wasn’t super big.
This was really a lot darker than the first 3 though which I enjoyed but meanwhile Yoshi who I loved in the first 3 books seemed kind of like a loser most of this book. Always angsty and angry and “I’m so much better than these geeks” and sure he was like that in the past books as well but not nearly as bad.
I do intend to continue the series however and I hope the next books will get better!
May 2, 2023
194 pgs. Adventure fiction continues with the group moving into new territory. This time they must navigate through a deep water basin filled with strange and dangerous creatures like slide-whistle birds, blind sphere blobs, and even attacks from exploding plants. The group's unity is tested in more ways than one. Kids who are already into this series will get lost in the vast and ominous landscape as the group continues its journey. I am not sure why it took me so long to finish this book...maybe due to end-of-day fatigue but glad to reach the conclusion tonight! Highly recommended for Grades 4-6.
July 19, 2024
this seems to be two books is condensed into one (maybe because this series is originally seven books and was shrunk down to five probably because of sales).
The first part (2/3 of the book) is fine but it doesn't really bring anything new, just another adventure and another tidbit was revealed. The new characters offer an interesting conflict that would resolved in the end and conflict between characters seems to be rushed, since this is the penultimate book.
I would honestly like to have a longer time with the second part of the book, which is only 1/3 of the book. Since the sea part seems to be much more interesting than another land biome (it's even the cover of the book).
The first part (2/3 of the book) is fine but it doesn't really bring anything new, just another adventure and another tidbit was revealed. The new characters offer an interesting conflict that would resolved in the end and conflict between characters seems to be rushed, since this is the penultimate book.
I would honestly like to have a longer time with the second part of the book, which is only 1/3 of the book. Since the sea part seems to be much more interesting than another land biome (it's even the cover of the book).
May 14, 2019
I have loved this series.....it set me off on a whole rant about “Lost”, the TV series.
Unfortunately, this fourth book has me feeling the disappointment I felt with some of the plots from that beloved TV show.
The pace has slowed.....the excitement has dimmed....the back story wasn’t handled well.......I just didn’t feel it with this one.
Each book in the series has been written by a different author. It is an odd concept, but can work. It fell flat for me this time.
I will continue with the series....but don’t want to get my hopes up.
Unfortunately, this fourth book has me feeling the disappointment I felt with some of the plots from that beloved TV show.
The pace has slowed.....the excitement has dimmed....the back story wasn’t handled well.......I just didn’t feel it with this one.
Each book in the series has been written by a different author. It is an odd concept, but can work. It fell flat for me this time.
I will continue with the series....but don’t want to get my hopes up.
February 13, 2020
Quick finish for book four of the series. Liked it more than book 3, but it was a bit more teen-angsty. The description of the water monster thing was a little hard for me to picture, and crazy-scaly-Cal is relegated to a backseat role while we wait for Molly to meet the same fate...
If this book series was longer I don't know that I'd stick with it but I'm totally game for book 5 since they are such quick reads.
If this book series was longer I don't know that I'd stick with it but I'm totally game for book 5 since they are such quick reads.
November 15, 2018
No spoilers, but this is a well-timed and wonderfully crafted installment in the series.
I've been reading this series with my children and this installment pivots the story with thoughtful character growth that was missing from the previous book.
We really enjoyed Apex Predator and are now very excited about the next episode in the series.
I've been reading this series with my children and this installment pivots the story with thoughtful character growth that was missing from the previous book.
We really enjoyed Apex Predator and are now very excited about the next episode in the series.
May 8, 2022
It's nice to see the two groups of kids working together and figuring things out. Plus then seeing the little Japanese boy with his sword learning to be a part of a team that he seems to feel he's better than. In this one they have to figure out how to pass some large headless organic machine that is protecting the biome from allowing anyone to escape
April 15, 2019
The suspense of wondering who or what trapped the teens in the rift is getting more intense. The tension among the teens is getting stronger but at the same time more of them are seeing the need to work together. Terrific series!
June 15, 2020
These teens can't catch a break. The journal of the whaling crew was a nice touch, kept me on the edge of my seat. Excited to read book 5. Hopefully it's the last because I can't take this anymore, I need answers.
September 25, 2020
i loved the book. when i read them i feel like i am in a whole different universe. i am sad that the series is over. the series was an amazing series and i wish that is was still going to be continued. i can not wait to see what he does next.
July 10, 2024
I probably give this 4.5 stars, cause the writing was a little bad, but I still adored this. I loved how Hank and Molly were competing for leadership, and there were several times I was grinning at the Yoshi and Anna romance. I have to say, this is probably one of my favorite series ever!!!!
September 5, 2018
I think that it was a good continuation of the series and I can't wait for the fifth book.
October 25, 2018
Excellent installment.
March 13, 2019
I did not enjoy this authors style as much as the other three.
TERRIBLE ENDING, especially since book 5 is not out yet.
TERRIBLE ENDING, especially since book 5 is not out yet.
April 25, 2019
I just can’t get enough of this mysterious series. So many unknowns and each author brings new ideas and clues up the adventure.
September 11, 2019
Sad start but creepy ending, a sad split up. Amazing story.
February 11, 2020
I really enjoyed listening to this book, but we are in book 4 and nowhere near any explanations for where these kids are and who’s doing this to them. Book 5, will you finally have some answers?!?
April 28, 2020
Good
It was gucci. And God. And fire. And good. And great. And amazing. And cool. And awesome. And crazy. Peace
It was gucci. And God. And fire. And good. And great. And amazing. And cool. And awesome. And crazy. Peace
November 24, 2020
Look cool
January 20, 2021
Another great book in the horizon series. These books really capture my emotions and brings them out. I've cried during every one of these books but not in a bad way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews