What do you think?
Rate this book
Tracked #1
Tracked
On corporately controlled Castra, rally racing is a high-stakes game that seventeen-year-old Phoebe Van Zant knows all too well. Phee's legendary racer father disappeared mysteriously, but that hasn't stopped her from speeding headlong into trouble. When she and her best friend, Bear, attract the attention of Charles Benroyal, they are blackmailed into racing for Benroyal Corp, a company that represents everything Phee detests. Worse, Phee risks losing Bear as she falls for Cash, her charming new teammate. But when she discovers that Benroyal is controlling more than a corporation, Phee realizes she has a much bigger role in Castra's future than she could ever have imagined. It's up to Phee to take Benroyal down. But even with the help of her team, can a street-rat destroy an empire?
393 pages, Hardcover
First published May 5, 2015
33 people are currently reading
6263 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Martin
3 books253 followersJenny Martin is an author, librarian, and Beatle-maniac. Her first novel, Tracked, is available now, from Dial, an imprint of Penguin Random-House.
She lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, with her husband and son, where she hoards books and writes fiction, and hangs out with people who like those things, too.
And yes, she’s still on a quest for the perfect pancake. (Maybe you can recommend the perfect short stack?)
She lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, with her husband and son, where she hoards books and writes fiction, and hangs out with people who like those things, too.
And yes, she’s still on a quest for the perfect pancake. (Maybe you can recommend the perfect short stack?)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
Want to read
February 15, 2013So this book combines two of my favorite things: Star Wars and SPEED RACER!
Here he comes
Here comes Speed Racer
He's a demon on wheels
He's a demon and he's gonna be chasin' after someone!
He's gainin' on you so you better look alive.
He's busy revvin' up a powerful Mach 5!
Go Speed Racer
Go Speed Racer
Go Speed Racer, Go!
Here he comes
Here comes Speed Racer
He's a demon on wheels
He's a demon and he's gonna be chasin' after someone!
He's gainin' on you so you better look alive.
He's busy revvin' up a powerful Mach 5!
Go Speed Racer
Go Speed Racer
Go Speed Racer, Go!
April 20, 2015
I feel like this is one of those times where I have to say, I am an adult, and that may have some weight on how much I enjoyed this book. I do think younger readers might like it better than I did? Obviously I love young adult books, but there are times when I feel like a teenager may feel differently about a book then me (and some adults too, I'm sure).
I did enjoy the book, but it was, for me, too much like so many other futuristic novels. This had the opportunity to stand out, being set on another planet. But there just wasn't enough about the setting to make that distinction. That was one of the things I was most excited about, but just didn't feel like I got enough out of it. To me it just felt like it was set on earth a couple of years in the future.
The racing was an exciting addition, but it ended up being basically normal NASCAR type racing. I was hoping for something a little more Tron-like or Anakin racing on Tatooine. Something to make it seem more futuristic than just racing around a racetrack. The last race had a little bit of that, but again, not enough description of the track or scenery to make me feel like it was on another planet.
The storyline was pretty good, the characters were interesting, but nothing that stood out from other stories of its kind. It was very similar to The Hunger Games, The Selection, and really any other dystopian YA novel (only not as compelling, in my opinion). Phee was exceptionally childish at times, throwing little temper tantrums when she didn't get her way. It was kind of annoying, but I did like her resilience and determination to get what she wanted.
Bear was kind of an annoying character who I found almost Neanderthal like. His dialogue was very childish, and he just didn't have very much depth. I know you were supposed to feel like he was this great BFF guy who she could possibly fall in love with, but I kept picturing him pulling her around by her hair saying, "ME. LOVE. YOU."
Cash, on the other hand, was awesome. I absolutely loved him. I love his character, his personality, his banter with Phee, just everything. I would have liked to have seen even more banter between the two of them. Yeah, so hard choosing between Bear and Cash! Right.
Overall, I would say this was a good book, but not a great book. I do think it has potential in the following books to get better, and I will be looking forward to seeing what people think about book 2 to see if I should keep reading this series.
Book doppelgängers:
The Hunger Games, Legend, The Ward
Andye
Reading Teen
Language: Minor (some made up curse words)
Sexual Content: some kissing and an on-it's-way-to-sex-but-stopped scene.
I did enjoy the book, but it was, for me, too much like so many other futuristic novels. This had the opportunity to stand out, being set on another planet. But there just wasn't enough about the setting to make that distinction. That was one of the things I was most excited about, but just didn't feel like I got enough out of it. To me it just felt like it was set on earth a couple of years in the future.
The racing was an exciting addition, but it ended up being basically normal NASCAR type racing. I was hoping for something a little more Tron-like or Anakin racing on Tatooine. Something to make it seem more futuristic than just racing around a racetrack. The last race had a little bit of that, but again, not enough description of the track or scenery to make me feel like it was on another planet.
The storyline was pretty good, the characters were interesting, but nothing that stood out from other stories of its kind. It was very similar to The Hunger Games, The Selection, and really any other dystopian YA novel (only not as compelling, in my opinion). Phee was exceptionally childish at times, throwing little temper tantrums when she didn't get her way. It was kind of annoying, but I did like her resilience and determination to get what she wanted.
Bear was kind of an annoying character who I found almost Neanderthal like. His dialogue was very childish, and he just didn't have very much depth. I know you were supposed to feel like he was this great BFF guy who she could possibly fall in love with, but I kept picturing him pulling her around by her hair saying, "ME. LOVE. YOU."
Cash, on the other hand, was awesome. I absolutely loved him. I love his character, his personality, his banter with Phee, just everything. I would have liked to have seen even more banter between the two of them. Yeah, so hard choosing between Bear and Cash! Right.
Overall, I would say this was a good book, but not a great book. I do think it has potential in the following books to get better, and I will be looking forward to seeing what people think about book 2 to see if I should keep reading this series.
Book doppelgängers:
The Hunger Games, Legend, The Ward
Andye
Reading Teen
Language: Minor (some made up curse words)
Sexual Content: some kissing and an on-it's-way-to-sex-but-stopped scene.
July 31, 2015
Video Review: Coming soon.
*I received this book via the author through a Twitter giveaway. No way has that influenced my thoughts on the book*
TRACKED is a fast-paced scifi that had me caught up in the plot and the characters and I didn't want it to end. I was pretty much sold on this book when I heard it was like Fast and Furious in space with a kickass heroine. All true. I really enjoyed this one.
This story takes place on another planet called Castra. In the slums, we follow Phoebe, who street races like a boss with her best friend, Bear. She's the daughter of an old circuit-racing legend. After being arrested for street racing and she is faced with a lifetime of labor camps, Phoebe is offered an opportunity to race for one of the biggest corporations in the world, Benroyal. Struggling with the fact she feels like she's selling out is the least of her worries and she falls headfirst into the corrupted and glamorous life that these corporate suits control.
Phoebe was an awesome heroine. She was quick-witted, extremely snarky, and what was most important about her character was that she stayed true to herself during the entire book. Even when wealth and glamour was thrust upon her she kind of middle-fingered all that, which I loved. She was also a take-charge kind of heroine. She didn't wait around for things to happen or for someone to tell her what to do. There was several times through-out the book she decided to be proactive and do things on her own she felt that needed to get done. During some of these times I was thinking "wait... shouldn't she tell someone what she's planning?" but then I was like, "why the eff am I thinking that?! She's a strong young woman and is doing things." and that is because so often in some YA stories, our heroine waits around too much or waits for approval from another character to do something. Phoebe was not like that at all. She did what she wanted, when she wanted and I admire her for that.
Bear. Omg, sweet Bear. Like, honestly. I love him. He might have been the pre-page 1 love interest, but I just loved his character. I have never grown so attached to a character so quickly. This actually goes for Phoebe as well. These two both get arrested in the first few chapters and there is such anguish and despair in the scenes that depict the arrest and shotty court-system. Sometimes scenes like this don't fully affect me if they happen so early on in the story, but goddamn, I FELT the emotions for these two characters and I was just broken. I was also getting Peeta-vibes from Bear and trust me, this isn't a bad thing since Peeta is my little cinnamon bun. And it's not like Bear is anything like Peeta, because he's not, but Bear just has this incredibly good heart that he completely wears on his sleeve and I love male characters like that. Cash was the other male character in this story and I did really like him too. I thought he brought some spark to the story and his role is very important to the plot later in the book and I am assuming the sequel. I also loved the scene in which he was introduced, in the back room playing a card game at a drug house. It was such an image that I just knew him from there on out. I had a picture in my head and I stuck with it.
I was surprised by how I grew to really enjoy the adult side characters. They were all so unique and complex and you know all of them have their secrets. James is one of those characters that you like, but you honestly don't know why because you know if you TRULY knew everything about him you'd know he was shady. I also really loved Phoebe's crewmates. Though I can only name Auguste and Gil at this point, I just love that "team dynamic" of everyone's relationship and I hope to somehow see that more in the future since we saw so little of it here. Charles Benroyal is the villain and I also liked him as the villain. The way Martin picks out and describes his mannerisms and facial expressions were creepy and his obsession with Earth's ancient civilizations makes me interested if Martin will incorporate these images into the sequel.
I didn't expect to write that much on the characters, so let's move on to the atmosphere. When Phoebe is thrusted into the circuit lifestyle, I really enjoyed learning about this society and lifestyle and it kind of reminded me of The Hunger Games. Again, not in a bad way. I actually quite enjoyed this because it was like Katniss' time in the Capitol prior to the games. I always wanted MORE of the Capitol chapters because I found it so interesting. I feel like I got that in TRACKED. I'm a sucker for parties and sweet pads and ridiculously rich people and drinks. Also, I want to point out that I felt like not one scene in the book was wasted. I never grew bored with a scene or wanted it to end. I was sad when I had to put the book down and I was excited to pick up where I left off. I think that's hard to do as a writer - making every scene fresh, exciting, and needed.
So, there is a love triangle in this book. Listen. I love love triangles when they're done well. This love triangle is one of them. I didn't feel like Cash was thrown in there for no reason - his character had purpose in the story. But what I liked most about this love triangle was that each boy literally represented two side of Phoebe. Martin did a really great job making the reader feel the Phoebe/Bear history. Because Bear is the pre page one boy, there's all this history between them that, as the reader, we don't see. I felt that I just knew them after the first few chapters and I totally understood their relationship and how well they worked together. And they knew each other, and as a reader I not only knew that but felt it and saw it in action too.
I really wish that the world-building was a stronger. I do love scifi and don't read enough of it I realize, but my favorite part of scifi is the world building and I thought TRACKED lacked a little bit with that. I wasn't quite sure what I was picturing in my head. The technology like the flexes and the car's digital controls, etc, were all great visualizations but the actual geography of this world? I wanted it more visual and better represented. I wanted to touch this world with my hands and I feel like I didn't. I also had a hard time visualizing the cars believe it or not. I also would have liked to see more of her circuit racing. While the scenes where she was involved in these races were great, as for the storyline she wasn't doing as much as I wanted her to professionally before the people fell in love with her.
Overall, this is a fun and fast-paced read, surely to pull someone out of a reading slump or if you're looking for a change of pace of what you normal read - you'll be pleasantly surprised with this one. Let me know if you read it!
*I received this book via the author through a Twitter giveaway. No way has that influenced my thoughts on the book*
TRACKED is a fast-paced scifi that had me caught up in the plot and the characters and I didn't want it to end. I was pretty much sold on this book when I heard it was like Fast and Furious in space with a kickass heroine. All true. I really enjoyed this one.
This story takes place on another planet called Castra. In the slums, we follow Phoebe, who street races like a boss with her best friend, Bear. She's the daughter of an old circuit-racing legend. After being arrested for street racing and she is faced with a lifetime of labor camps, Phoebe is offered an opportunity to race for one of the biggest corporations in the world, Benroyal. Struggling with the fact she feels like she's selling out is the least of her worries and she falls headfirst into the corrupted and glamorous life that these corporate suits control.
Phoebe was an awesome heroine. She was quick-witted, extremely snarky, and what was most important about her character was that she stayed true to herself during the entire book. Even when wealth and glamour was thrust upon her she kind of middle-fingered all that, which I loved. She was also a take-charge kind of heroine. She didn't wait around for things to happen or for someone to tell her what to do. There was several times through-out the book she decided to be proactive and do things on her own she felt that needed to get done. During some of these times I was thinking "wait... shouldn't she tell someone what she's planning?" but then I was like, "why the eff am I thinking that?! She's a strong young woman and is doing things." and that is because so often in some YA stories, our heroine waits around too much or waits for approval from another character to do something. Phoebe was not like that at all. She did what she wanted, when she wanted and I admire her for that.
Bear. Omg, sweet Bear. Like, honestly. I love him. He might have been the pre-page 1 love interest, but I just loved his character. I have never grown so attached to a character so quickly. This actually goes for Phoebe as well. These two both get arrested in the first few chapters and there is such anguish and despair in the scenes that depict the arrest and shotty court-system. Sometimes scenes like this don't fully affect me if they happen so early on in the story, but goddamn, I FELT the emotions for these two characters and I was just broken. I was also getting Peeta-vibes from Bear and trust me, this isn't a bad thing since Peeta is my little cinnamon bun. And it's not like Bear is anything like Peeta, because he's not, but Bear just has this incredibly good heart that he completely wears on his sleeve and I love male characters like that. Cash was the other male character in this story and I did really like him too. I thought he brought some spark to the story and his role is very important to the plot later in the book and I am assuming the sequel. I also loved the scene in which he was introduced, in the back room playing a card game at a drug house. It was such an image that I just knew him from there on out. I had a picture in my head and I stuck with it.
I was surprised by how I grew to really enjoy the adult side characters. They were all so unique and complex and you know all of them have their secrets. James is one of those characters that you like, but you honestly don't know why because you know if you TRULY knew everything about him you'd know he was shady. I also really loved Phoebe's crewmates. Though I can only name Auguste and Gil at this point, I just love that "team dynamic" of everyone's relationship and I hope to somehow see that more in the future since we saw so little of it here. Charles Benroyal is the villain and I also liked him as the villain. The way Martin picks out and describes his mannerisms and facial expressions were creepy and his obsession with Earth's ancient civilizations makes me interested if Martin will incorporate these images into the sequel.
I didn't expect to write that much on the characters, so let's move on to the atmosphere. When Phoebe is thrusted into the circuit lifestyle, I really enjoyed learning about this society and lifestyle and it kind of reminded me of The Hunger Games. Again, not in a bad way. I actually quite enjoyed this because it was like Katniss' time in the Capitol prior to the games. I always wanted MORE of the Capitol chapters because I found it so interesting. I feel like I got that in TRACKED. I'm a sucker for parties and sweet pads and ridiculously rich people and drinks. Also, I want to point out that I felt like not one scene in the book was wasted. I never grew bored with a scene or wanted it to end. I was sad when I had to put the book down and I was excited to pick up where I left off. I think that's hard to do as a writer - making every scene fresh, exciting, and needed.
So, there is a love triangle in this book. Listen. I love love triangles when they're done well. This love triangle is one of them. I didn't feel like Cash was thrown in there for no reason - his character had purpose in the story. But what I liked most about this love triangle was that each boy literally represented two side of Phoebe. Martin did a really great job making the reader feel the Phoebe/Bear history. Because Bear is the pre page one boy, there's all this history between them that, as the reader, we don't see. I felt that I just knew them after the first few chapters and I totally understood their relationship and how well they worked together. And they knew each other, and as a reader I not only knew that but felt it and saw it in action too.
I really wish that the world-building was a stronger. I do love scifi and don't read enough of it I realize, but my favorite part of scifi is the world building and I thought TRACKED lacked a little bit with that. I wasn't quite sure what I was picturing in my head. The technology like the flexes and the car's digital controls, etc, were all great visualizations but the actual geography of this world? I wanted it more visual and better represented. I wanted to touch this world with my hands and I feel like I didn't. I also had a hard time visualizing the cars believe it or not. I also would have liked to see more of her circuit racing. While the scenes where she was involved in these races were great, as for the storyline she wasn't doing as much as I wanted her to professionally before the people fell in love with her.
Overall, this is a fun and fast-paced read, surely to pull someone out of a reading slump or if you're looking for a change of pace of what you normal read - you'll be pleasantly surprised with this one. Let me know if you read it!
February 22, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed the majority of this book, including the racing and political intrigue, the dystopian society, the planets, and the leftovers from Earth.
Why, oh why, do we need an awkward love triangle? This would be a 5 star read for me without that. Bear...
It was never a viable option ever in the way that he was written. In fact, it was weird that he was ever considered. This literally added NOTHING to the story.
4 Stars
Why, oh why, do we need an awkward love triangle? This would be a 5 star read for me without that. Bear...
It was never a viable option ever in the way that he was written. In fact, it was weird that he was ever considered. This literally added NOTHING to the story.
4 Stars
May 29, 2015
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Tracked by Jenny Martin
Publisher: Dial Books
Publication Date: May 5, 2015
Rating: 3 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
The Fast and the Furious gets a futuristic twist in this action-packed debut!
On corporately controlled Castra, rally racing is a high-stakes game that seventeen-year-old Phoebe Van Zant knows all too well. Phee’s legendary racer father disappeared mysteriously, but that hasn't stopped her from speeding headlong into trouble. When she and her best friend, Bear, attract the attention of Charles Benroyal, they are blackmailed into racing for Benroyal Corp, a company that represents everything Phee detests. Worse, Phee risks losing Bear as she falls for Cash, her charming new teammate. But when she discovers that Benroyal is controlling more than a corporation, Phee realizes she has a much bigger role in Castra’s future than she could ever have imagined. It's up to Phee to take Benroyal down. But even with the help of her team, can a street-rat destroy an empire?
What I Liked:
This book was a bit all over the place. Overall a solid read and I'm interested in reading the sequel... but it's clear that this is a debut novel, and I'll explain why I say this in a moment. This book was rushed and way too fast-paced, but I recognize the potential and want to read more.
In this book, Phoebe Van Zant has no choice but to become Phoenix Vanguard. Caught for illegally rally racing, she strikes a deal with Benroyal and must race for him, or there will be terrible consequences. Phee's best friend Bear is pulled into the mess. Life in the Spire is a cage, and Phee hates living under the scrutiny of cameras, media, guards, heavy security, limited access, and not a chance to see her family, or understand the lies and politics behind everything. It's clear that Benroyal needs to be stopped, and not just because he owns Phee and her life - what he's planning is far worse, for everyone.
I love the science fiction of this book! Most of the reason why this book got such a high rating from me is because of the science fiction aspect of the book. I got a Star Wars feel for this book, especially with all of the racing and parts and teamwork aspect. Reminds me of the more recent Star Wars films, with little Anakin! I totally want to rewatch those trilogies again now...
Anyway. This novel takes place in a futuristic setting. Phee is an excellent driver/racer, well known on the streets. Her father was a well-known racer as well, and raced for Locus (another company) before he disappeared when she was young. Benroyal is using Phee for his own gain, in legal races.
I've never watched any of the Fast and Furious movies, but I'm sure the comparison is accurate. While I think there should have been more races in this book (there were like, three), I enjoyed the high energy and high stakes. This novel was fast-paced overall (something that I'll talk about below).
The plot is enjoyable, though too fast. It's clear that there needs to be another book, because things with Benroyal are not concluded. Phee discovers many things about herself towards the end of the book, and we need to see how those things will come in handy. Also, the ending is cruel! Very cliffhanger-y.
I didn't really like Phee, but I liked Cash a lot. Not just as a love interest (though that's really all the author made him out to be - a love interest and hawt shirtless male). Totally cliche of the author, but I liked the boy who fought for impossible things.
I think I'll move on to the dislikes! There were, unfortunately, a number of them.
What I Did Not Like:
I didn't really connect with Phee. To be honest, she acted younger than seventeen. I would have placed her around fourteen. Her voice seemed much more childish and immature. I definitely could see her character growth throughout the book, but I couldn't connect with her. She was too immature.
This book is FULL of cliches. And things just aren't well developed. I'll list some examples. As soon as Cash, the primary love interest is introduced, Bear starts to act brooding and angry, and the two of them start fighting. After Cash and Phee have met for all of five seconds. SO CLICHE. In the worst of ways, too - how often do we see this in YA? It doesn't usually happen so fast, right? Yes, the two love interests will square off. But usually... it's WAY into the book.
Things happen too fast and too underdeveloped, in my opinion. The alpha male square-off between Cash and Bear. The insinuation of Bear having feelings for Phee. Phee realizing that she's "confused" about how she feels about Bear. Literally one page to the next, within the first, let's say fifty pages, Phee's feelings change in a second. It takes them being thrust into Benroyal's hands for her feelings to change - that doesn't really make sense to me. And then she meets Cash, and it's insta-love city going on. The love interests immediately hate each other (at least, Bear hates Cash).
So much cliche. Phee throws a tantrum, threatening the love interests if they don't stop fighting, and then walk out. Do people really fight over a girl, five seconds after meeting her? Not sure if that's how real life (for future life) works.
The romance in general is pretty screwed up at first. Like I said, things start to happen too quickly and too underdeveloped. And then it's like there is a love triangle. It becomes clear that Phee doesn't have a romantic interest in Bear, but he's totally in love with her. Phee likes Cash (and vice versa), and I like that pairing. I don't like how fast Phee and Cash "fall in love", become intimate, etc. It's insta-love, not lust. It's like the author skipped about 100 pages of character and relationship developed and went straight to some steamy stuff! Not cool, in my opinion.
I wanted more races! I felt like there was a dry spell between the very first one (which happened within pages of the book starting) and the next one (which was the first official one Phee had to race under Benroyal). Such a long time passes, and it feels like the book becomes about Phee and the media and her boy problems and a ton of cliches.
When I said that it was clear that this book is a debut - it needs work. There was a lot of baldly stated descriptions, a lot of "telling" but not "showing". A lot of underdeveloped plot arcs and characters, the plot moving entirely too fast and a feeling of things being completely left out. The ending is super cliffhanger-y, so watch out for that. This book is probably part of just a duology - I can't imagine it being part of a trilogy.
Would I Recommend It:
Ehhh. Great science fiction world-building, not so great storytelling. I'd wait on this book, wait for the next book to come out, see those reviews. I'll definitely be reading the sequel if I get a chance, especially if this is only a duology. But I wouldn't necessarily recommend this one - it needs work!
Rating:
2.5 stars -> rounded up to 3 stars. It's not that I didn't like this one! There isn't any venom behind my complaints. I think this could have been a much better book with more development to the story and characters. Hence why I am more than willing to give the next book a shot, despite not really enjoying this one. I'm glad I had the chance to read this one though, no regrets!
Tracked by Jenny Martin
Publisher: Dial Books
Publication Date: May 5, 2015
Rating: 3 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
The Fast and the Furious gets a futuristic twist in this action-packed debut!
On corporately controlled Castra, rally racing is a high-stakes game that seventeen-year-old Phoebe Van Zant knows all too well. Phee’s legendary racer father disappeared mysteriously, but that hasn't stopped her from speeding headlong into trouble. When she and her best friend, Bear, attract the attention of Charles Benroyal, they are blackmailed into racing for Benroyal Corp, a company that represents everything Phee detests. Worse, Phee risks losing Bear as she falls for Cash, her charming new teammate. But when she discovers that Benroyal is controlling more than a corporation, Phee realizes she has a much bigger role in Castra’s future than she could ever have imagined. It's up to Phee to take Benroyal down. But even with the help of her team, can a street-rat destroy an empire?
What I Liked:
This book was a bit all over the place. Overall a solid read and I'm interested in reading the sequel... but it's clear that this is a debut novel, and I'll explain why I say this in a moment. This book was rushed and way too fast-paced, but I recognize the potential and want to read more.
In this book, Phoebe Van Zant has no choice but to become Phoenix Vanguard. Caught for illegally rally racing, she strikes a deal with Benroyal and must race for him, or there will be terrible consequences. Phee's best friend Bear is pulled into the mess. Life in the Spire is a cage, and Phee hates living under the scrutiny of cameras, media, guards, heavy security, limited access, and not a chance to see her family, or understand the lies and politics behind everything. It's clear that Benroyal needs to be stopped, and not just because he owns Phee and her life - what he's planning is far worse, for everyone.
I love the science fiction of this book! Most of the reason why this book got such a high rating from me is because of the science fiction aspect of the book. I got a Star Wars feel for this book, especially with all of the racing and parts and teamwork aspect. Reminds me of the more recent Star Wars films, with little Anakin! I totally want to rewatch those trilogies again now...
Anyway. This novel takes place in a futuristic setting. Phee is an excellent driver/racer, well known on the streets. Her father was a well-known racer as well, and raced for Locus (another company) before he disappeared when she was young. Benroyal is using Phee for his own gain, in legal races.
I've never watched any of the Fast and Furious movies, but I'm sure the comparison is accurate. While I think there should have been more races in this book (there were like, three), I enjoyed the high energy and high stakes. This novel was fast-paced overall (something that I'll talk about below).
The plot is enjoyable, though too fast. It's clear that there needs to be another book, because things with Benroyal are not concluded. Phee discovers many things about herself towards the end of the book, and we need to see how those things will come in handy. Also, the ending is cruel! Very cliffhanger-y.
I didn't really like Phee, but I liked Cash a lot. Not just as a love interest (though that's really all the author made him out to be - a love interest and hawt shirtless male). Totally cliche of the author, but I liked the boy who fought for impossible things.
I think I'll move on to the dislikes! There were, unfortunately, a number of them.
What I Did Not Like:
I didn't really connect with Phee. To be honest, she acted younger than seventeen. I would have placed her around fourteen. Her voice seemed much more childish and immature. I definitely could see her character growth throughout the book, but I couldn't connect with her. She was too immature.
This book is FULL of cliches. And things just aren't well developed. I'll list some examples. As soon as Cash, the primary love interest is introduced, Bear starts to act brooding and angry, and the two of them start fighting. After Cash and Phee have met for all of five seconds. SO CLICHE. In the worst of ways, too - how often do we see this in YA? It doesn't usually happen so fast, right? Yes, the two love interests will square off. But usually... it's WAY into the book.
Things happen too fast and too underdeveloped, in my opinion. The alpha male square-off between Cash and Bear. The insinuation of Bear having feelings for Phee. Phee realizing that she's "confused" about how she feels about Bear. Literally one page to the next, within the first, let's say fifty pages, Phee's feelings change in a second. It takes them being thrust into Benroyal's hands for her feelings to change - that doesn't really make sense to me. And then she meets Cash, and it's insta-love city going on. The love interests immediately hate each other (at least, Bear hates Cash).
So much cliche. Phee throws a tantrum, threatening the love interests if they don't stop fighting, and then walk out. Do people really fight over a girl, five seconds after meeting her? Not sure if that's how real life (for future life) works.
The romance in general is pretty screwed up at first. Like I said, things start to happen too quickly and too underdeveloped. And then it's like there is a love triangle. It becomes clear that Phee doesn't have a romantic interest in Bear, but he's totally in love with her. Phee likes Cash (and vice versa), and I like that pairing. I don't like how fast Phee and Cash "fall in love", become intimate, etc. It's insta-love, not lust. It's like the author skipped about 100 pages of character and relationship developed and went straight to some steamy stuff! Not cool, in my opinion.
I wanted more races! I felt like there was a dry spell between the very first one (which happened within pages of the book starting) and the next one (which was the first official one Phee had to race under Benroyal). Such a long time passes, and it feels like the book becomes about Phee and the media and her boy problems and a ton of cliches.
When I said that it was clear that this book is a debut - it needs work. There was a lot of baldly stated descriptions, a lot of "telling" but not "showing". A lot of underdeveloped plot arcs and characters, the plot moving entirely too fast and a feeling of things being completely left out. The ending is super cliffhanger-y, so watch out for that. This book is probably part of just a duology - I can't imagine it being part of a trilogy.
Would I Recommend It:
Ehhh. Great science fiction world-building, not so great storytelling. I'd wait on this book, wait for the next book to come out, see those reviews. I'll definitely be reading the sequel if I get a chance, especially if this is only a duology. But I wouldn't necessarily recommend this one - it needs work!
Rating:
2.5 stars -> rounded up to 3 stars. It's not that I didn't like this one! There isn't any venom behind my complaints. I think this could have been a much better book with more development to the story and characters. Hence why I am more than willing to give the next book a shot, despite not really enjoying this one. I'm glad I had the chance to read this one though, no regrets!
July 11, 2015
Ready?
Set...
Go!
.........??????
So many good things were going to happen in this book.
- We have a futuristic society where the planets that are inhabitable are ruled by corporations.
- The main character, Fee, is a racer.
- The love interest is a freaking prince that's useful to be in her team.
- The street rat is going to destroy the empire.
- We even get a Hunger Game-worthy makeover in the process.
And good things end at one point or the other.
- The love triangle adds so much unecessary drama.
- The prince is actually kind of useless at racing.
- The street rat, well, plans on destroying her empire but never really takes the big step.
- I think the most disappointing thing is that for a book that's literally titled Tracked and has the main character being forced into racing, she's a shitty racer from what I've read.
The first race in the book? Caught and taken.
Second? She sure as hell didn't place top three, and embarrased herself.
Third? Got in a car crash. THAT'S NOT THE SAME THING AS WINNING. Idc how much attraction it causes, it's stupid af and shows how little brain cells she has. She acts like a brat, thus my confusion in the beginning of the review.
Fourth? Sets up a plan where she's not supposed to win.
I don't care how whiny I sound, but when I get a character that's supposed to be FAST and FURIOUS, I don't want them to be losing all the time. Sure, once or twice in the beginning. But I thought the whole point of dynamics in books was because story and characters progress and CHANGE?
I wanted:
What I got was:
It's only a 2.5 because the world was interesting and I could use a sequel, if only to see how it ends. Otherwise, it was a wreck. I should've saved my money and bought Furious 7 tickets for me and my friend.
Set...
Go!
.........??????
So many good things were going to happen in this book.
- We have a futuristic society where the planets that are inhabitable are ruled by corporations.
- The main character, Fee, is a racer.
- The love interest is a freaking prince that's useful to be in her team.
- The street rat is going to destroy the empire.
- We even get a Hunger Game-worthy makeover in the process.
And good things end at one point or the other.
- The love triangle adds so much unecessary drama.
- The prince is actually kind of useless at racing.
- The street rat, well, plans on destroying her empire but never really takes the big step.
- I think the most disappointing thing is that for a book that's literally titled Tracked and has the main character being forced into racing, she's a shitty racer from what I've read.
The first race in the book? Caught and taken.
Second? She sure as hell didn't place top three, and embarrased herself.
Third? Got in a car crash. THAT'S NOT THE SAME THING AS WINNING. Idc how much attraction it causes, it's stupid af and shows how little brain cells she has. She acts like a brat, thus my confusion in the beginning of the review.
Fourth? Sets up a plan where she's not supposed to win.
I don't care how whiny I sound, but when I get a character that's supposed to be FAST and FURIOUS, I don't want them to be losing all the time. Sure, once or twice in the beginning. But I thought the whole point of dynamics in books was because story and characters progress and CHANGE?
I wanted:
What I got was:
It's only a 2.5 because the world was interesting and I could use a sequel, if only to see how it ends. Otherwise, it was a wreck. I should've saved my money and bought Furious 7 tickets for me and my friend.
Read
December 17, 2014My official comments: Deeply inventive, Tracked is an action-packed sci-fi with heart. Martin has crafted a world that feels familiar yet fresh, and her spitfire heroine shines as the galaxy's newest street racing star. Sequel, please!
My unofficial comments: I read a very early version of this book before it sold and then a revised version of the manuscript in September, where I found myself falling in love with it all over again. TRACKED follows Phee Van Zant, an orphan street-racer on the corrupt planet Castra, who gets swept up in the corporate rally circuit and an even bigger revolution. I have many thoughts on this novel, but it’s just too soon to share them. I’m sorry. I realize this is terribly cruel of me, but until closer to release, I’ll just say the true magic of Martin’s story lies in her profoundly creative world-building. Castra feels both familiar and incredibly fresh, and her dynamic cast of characters are impossible to not root for. Put this on your to-be-read lists, people!
Originally reviewed here. And in full disclosure: Jenny is a writer friend and agency sibling.
My unofficial comments: I read a very early version of this book before it sold and then a revised version of the manuscript in September, where I found myself falling in love with it all over again. TRACKED follows Phee Van Zant, an orphan street-racer on the corrupt planet Castra, who gets swept up in the corporate rally circuit and an even bigger revolution. I have many thoughts on this novel, but it’s just too soon to share them. I’m sorry. I realize this is terribly cruel of me, but until closer to release, I’ll just say the true magic of Martin’s story lies in her profoundly creative world-building. Castra feels both familiar and incredibly fresh, and her dynamic cast of characters are impossible to not root for. Put this on your to-be-read lists, people!
Originally reviewed here. And in full disclosure: Jenny is a writer friend and agency sibling.
January 30, 2013
Profoundly creative with spitfire characters and a layered story. I fell in love with the main character, Phee, and her passion for racing and her desire to find a family. Martin is one of the best world builders in publishing, and she isn't afraid to use a little elbow grease when it comes to research. TRACKED is a standout original success in a genre where derivative stories have become the standard!
May 20, 2015
Tracked initially appealed to me because of the racing element. It's a book that started out very strongly for me because I was intrigued by the racing element and the outer planet. Plus, the main character, Phoebe, was a smart, driven and kick-ass girl who thought about her choices before making any kind of decision. She wasn't the dim-witted heroine who is oblivious to everything around her which was refreshing. But somewhere along the way, Tracked morphed into a typical dystopian novel with the a tyrant corporation at the head of the world. It offered nothing that we have never seen in the genre and that was really disappointing. The world building also needed to be fleshed out a little bit more as I don't think I got a complete grasp of it. The romance in Tracked felt very much like a love triangle with Phoebe stuck in between her best friend, Bear, and Cash, her new teammate. I didn't think it was very appealing and there was just too much drama associated with it. Phoebe had more chemistry with Cash and Jenny Martin certainly knows how to write one heck of a swoony scene, but the love triangle part left a bad taste in my mouth. Regardless, Tracked was an action-packed novel and it was fun to read in certain parts. Plus, I really liked Jenny Martin's writing and I'm still going to pick up book 2.
September 10, 2017
DNF: read through ch. 8
Second DNF of 2015 WOOOOO
Seriously though, such a disappointment.
I got to chapter eight before I had the nagging suspicion that - despite sci-fi rally racing - this book was not for me.
So I skimmed ahead and read random excerpts and realized that yes, this is not for me.
A book about sci-fi rally racing is not for me.
How the fuck did that happen?
Observe:
1) Love triangle between childhood best friend and upstart asshole prince.
2) Snarky sparky protagonist who loses her personality around said love interests.
3) Cookie cutter characters in general, even without the romance bullshit.
3) Generically vague futuristic world building - nothing exciting or ground-breaking or complex.
4) CARS THAT DIDN'T RUN LIKE CARS
5) Hot damn that was my biggest reason for giving up on this book
6) I can ignore all the awful YA character cliches and shit just give me exciting cars hot cars sexy cars
7) THE CARS WERE BARELY DESCRIBED
8) No poetic purple prose about engine noise or the smell of burnt rubber
9) No metaphors about down shifting on the pass or heel-toe shifting through the corner
10) HELL
11) THERE WASN'T ANY SHIFTING
12) I know it's the future but fuck that WHY IS THERE NO SHIFTING WHY ARE THERE NO GEARS
13) Instead there are fuel triggers or something
14) And a throttle and an accelerator
15) ......
16) WHAT
17) THEY ARE THE SAME THING
18) SHIT GOT ME HEATED GOTDAMN
..... I may be overreacting. Marginally (for real: a throttle and an accelerator. Jesus).
But either way, cars are one of my favorite things and I can't think of anything more potentially amazing than a YA book full of fast things with loud engines at the forefront.
Keyword there being potentially.
I want a YA novel full of stupid ricer mods and body kits and burnouts so damn bad, but my expectations for something like that is way too damn high so. Not necessarily Tracked's fault it couldn't deliver on that front.
I'll just have to sit here and wait for Maggie Steifvater's street racer girl gang novel instead I guess.
It is at fault for the love triangle and the boring characterization though. No excuse for that shit.
Second DNF of 2015 WOOOOO
Seriously though, such a disappointment.
I got to chapter eight before I had the nagging suspicion that - despite sci-fi rally racing - this book was not for me.
So I skimmed ahead and read random excerpts and realized that yes, this is not for me.
A book about sci-fi rally racing is not for me.
How the fuck did that happen?
Observe:
1) Love triangle between childhood best friend and upstart asshole prince.
2) Snarky sparky protagonist who loses her personality around said love interests.
3) Cookie cutter characters in general, even without the romance bullshit.
3) Generically vague futuristic world building - nothing exciting or ground-breaking or complex.
4) CARS THAT DIDN'T RUN LIKE CARS
5) Hot damn that was my biggest reason for giving up on this book
6) I can ignore all the awful YA character cliches and shit just give me exciting cars hot cars sexy cars
7) THE CARS WERE BARELY DESCRIBED
8) No poetic purple prose about engine noise or the smell of burnt rubber
9) No metaphors about down shifting on the pass or heel-toe shifting through the corner
10) HELL
11) THERE WASN'T ANY SHIFTING
12) I know it's the future but fuck that WHY IS THERE NO SHIFTING WHY ARE THERE NO GEARS
13) Instead there are fuel triggers or something
14) And a throttle and an accelerator
15) ......
16) WHAT
17) THEY ARE THE SAME THING
18) SHIT GOT ME HEATED GOTDAMN
..... I may be overreacting. Marginally (for real: a throttle and an accelerator. Jesus).
But either way, cars are one of my favorite things and I can't think of anything more potentially amazing than a YA book full of fast things with loud engines at the forefront.
Keyword there being potentially.
I want a YA novel full of stupid ricer mods and body kits and burnouts so damn bad, but my expectations for something like that is way too damn high so. Not necessarily Tracked's fault it couldn't deliver on that front.
It is at fault for the love triangle and the boring characterization though. No excuse for that shit.
June 23, 2015
This is such a fun read. Great characters, sci-fi action, and RACING? Yes, please.
Tracked was one of my most anticipated reads of 2015, and it totally delivered. Jenny brings the adrenaline AND the swoons in her debut. I loved Phee and her no-nonsense attitude. She's tough but still vulnerable and totally for fans of Vampire Academy's Rose Hathaway. The supporting characters are also wonderful. Bear is the total good guy, and Cash is...well...he's just amazing.
Oh, and I told Jenny that, while I was reading, I totally envisioned Cash as Manish Dayal, and she totally agreed, soooooo all I'm saying is I win the award for best fancast. ;-)
*SWOON*
What the blurb doesn't tell you is that Tracked is more than just a book about racing. There's also a lot of high stakes political intrigue that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You thought The Hunger Games had a crazy villain? Wait until you meet King Charlie.
If you love YA sci-fi, then Tracked is a must-read for you. It's got the political element of a dystopian with the worldbuilding of a space opera - and the action of a high octane thriller. I can't wait to read the sequel and find out what happens to mybeloved Cash I mean erm...all the great characters.
Tracked was one of my most anticipated reads of 2015, and it totally delivered. Jenny brings the adrenaline AND the swoons in her debut. I loved Phee and her no-nonsense attitude. She's tough but still vulnerable and totally for fans of Vampire Academy's Rose Hathaway. The supporting characters are also wonderful. Bear is the total good guy, and Cash is...well...he's just amazing.
Oh, and I told Jenny that, while I was reading, I totally envisioned Cash as Manish Dayal, and she totally agreed, soooooo all I'm saying is I win the award for best fancast. ;-)
*SWOON*
What the blurb doesn't tell you is that Tracked is more than just a book about racing. There's also a lot of high stakes political intrigue that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You thought The Hunger Games had a crazy villain? Wait until you meet King Charlie.
If you love YA sci-fi, then Tracked is a must-read for you. It's got the political element of a dystopian with the worldbuilding of a space opera - and the action of a high octane thriller. I can't wait to read the sequel and find out what happens to my
May 5, 2015
Hee hee-- This is my friend- and I was fortunate enough to read the final draft. I can tell you this--
You will not be able to SLEEP once you start reading this book.
Forget math homework or doing the laundry. This one will keep you riveted to the very end.
AND-- once it's over- you'll be gnawing your fingernails, cause you have to wait for the next one..
Pulse pounding. Sorry to use that cliche, but it truly is one of the most unique and exciting premises I've seen come through the YA market in a long time.
A strong, vibrant heroine. Two hunky guys. Fast cars and danger. Who could ask for more. Even guys will like the NASCAR-esque premise. This is no namby-pamby sweetie-pie love story. This one has blood and guts and gears.
It gets brutal, ya'll..
We gotta wait for it. But trust me, it's worth it!
You will not be able to SLEEP once you start reading this book.
Forget math homework or doing the laundry. This one will keep you riveted to the very end.
AND-- once it's over- you'll be gnawing your fingernails, cause you have to wait for the next one..
Pulse pounding. Sorry to use that cliche, but it truly is one of the most unique and exciting premises I've seen come through the YA market in a long time.
A strong, vibrant heroine. Two hunky guys. Fast cars and danger. Who could ask for more. Even guys will like the NASCAR-esque premise. This is no namby-pamby sweetie-pie love story. This one has blood and guts and gears.
It gets brutal, ya'll..
We gotta wait for it. But trust me, it's worth it!
May 9, 2015
Или все-таки 2.5?
Итак, мы имеем весьма суровый антиутопичный мир. Господство сильных. Бедствующий класс. И нелегальные гонки как способ заработать.
Главная героиня Фиби - дочь легендарного гонщика. Правда в один прекрасный день он пересек финишную черту и не стал останавливаться - укатил дальше, куда глаза глядят, бросив маленькую дочь. Фи росла с опекунами, которые не очень-то поддерживают ее доставшую по наследству страсть к скорости. Но деньги нужны.
Потому Фи соглашается на очередную гонку. Что-то не дает покоя, убеждает бежать, однако обратного пути нет. И Медведь тут как тут - лучший друг и надежный штурман.
И вот - инстинкты оказываются правы. Гонка в итоге заканчивается подставой, и Фиби арестовывают.
Странный, не внушающий доверия судья без предисловий приговаривает героиню к году колонии для несовершеннолетних, а затем, когда Фи стукнет 18 - к ссылке на планету-тюрьму, полную всякого сброда.
И это наказание за гонку?
Не успевает Фи впасть в отчаяние, как на горизонте появляются странные личности: показывают ей новые документы, по которым она на год старше, чем сейчас, и сообщают, что если хочет выбраться и выжить - да и друга вытащить, - то должна участвовать в гонке от имени корпорации. Самой сложной и самой опасной гонке в мире.
*********************
Это неплохая книга, правда, просто, наверное, не моя.
Хотя ждала ее с нетерпением и предвкушением. Не столько из-за YA и антиутопии, сколько из-за гонок и машинок))
Ладно, если по делу. Что меня не устроило?
Во-первых, мир. Когда открываешь роман о будущем-другой-планете-футуристических-гонках-и-прочем-прочем, то как минимум ждешь вкусных деталей. Здесь их до обидного мало. А гонки - так вообще обыкновенные, земного двадцатого века. Машины и треки толком не описаны, деталей правил и прочих атрибутов - практически нет.
Во-вторых, отношения. Автор не смогла удержаться от любовного треугольника. Ладно, думаю, съем. Но, блин... Естественно, это лучший друг и крутой парень из новой жизни. Естественно, один поддержит, а с другим можно попикироваться. Естественно, все эти пикировки - такой штамп, что становится грустно.
Да и когда начинается котовасия с треугольником, героиню будто подменяют. Если поначалу она казалась мне немного истеричной, но весьма сильной личностью, то потом совершенно потерялась в своих парнях. Еще одна печалька.
В-третьих, восстание машин. Не буквально, конечно, но вы поняли. А слабо без угнетенных, схвативших за топоры? И снова - штамп на штампе.
Я люблю старые добрые приемчики и ходы, однако дело ж в подаче. Тот же тругольник, тех же повстанцев супротив корпорации можно было преподнести под необычным или как минимум интересным углом. А тут я просто сидела и ванговала.
И в-четвертых, общая скука. Разве может роман о гонках обойтись без драйва, адреналина, искусанных губ? Оказалось, может.
В итоге у нас потенциально замечательный роман, который то ли не доносили, то ли поторопились издать - но в любом случае слили.
Хотя велика вероятность, что это просто я чересчур много на него возлагала надежд, потому и расстроена больше обычного.
Но я никого не отговариваю, как ни странно. Может, вас торкнет.
Повторюсь: книга неплохая, читается легко, написана со вкусом, хоть и простовато.
Но... как в городском фэнтези город становится одним из персонажей - живым и дышащим, так и в истории про гонки им должно быть уделено чуточку больше внимания.
Ох уж эти детали...
Зачем создавать что-то новое, если потом наполняешь блестящую обертку старым и приземленным?
Итак, мы имеем весьма суровый антиутопичный мир. Господство сильных. Бедствующий класс. И нелегальные гонки как способ заработать.
Главная героиня Фиби - дочь легендарного гонщика. Правда в один прекрасный день он пересек финишную черту и не стал останавливаться - укатил дальше, куда глаза глядят, бросив маленькую дочь. Фи росла с опекунами, которые не очень-то поддерживают ее доставшую по наследству страсть к скорости. Но деньги нужны.
Потому Фи соглашается на очередную гонку. Что-то не дает покоя, убеждает бежать, однако обратного пути нет. И Медведь тут как тут - лучший друг и надежный штурман.
И вот - инстинкты оказываются правы. Гонка в итоге заканчивается подставой, и Фиби арестовывают.
Странный, не внушающий доверия судья без предисловий приговаривает героиню к году колонии для несовершеннолетних, а затем, когда Фи стукнет 18 - к ссылке на планету-тюрьму, полную всякого сброда.
И это наказание за гонку?
Не успевает Фи впасть в отчаяние, как на горизонте появляются странные личности: показывают ей новые документы, по которым она на год старше, чем сейчас, и сообщают, что если хочет выбраться и выжить - да и друга вытащить, - то должна участвовать в гонке от имени корпорации. Самой сложной и самой опасной гонке в мире.
*********************
Это неплохая книга, правда, просто, наверное, не моя.
Хотя ждала ее с нетерпением и предвкушением. Не столько из-за YA и антиутопии, сколько из-за гонок и машинок))
Ладно, если по делу. Что меня не устроило?
Во-первых, мир. Когда открываешь роман о будущем-другой-планете-футуристических-гонках-и-прочем-прочем, то как минимум ждешь вкусных деталей. Здесь их до обидного мало. А гонки - так вообще обыкновенные, земного двадцатого века. Машины и треки толком не описаны, деталей правил и прочих атрибутов - практически нет.
Во-вторых, отношения. Автор не смогла удержаться от любовного треугольника. Ладно, думаю, съем. Но, блин... Естественно, это лучший друг и крутой парень из новой жизни. Естественно, один поддержит, а с другим можно попикироваться. Естественно, все эти пикировки - такой штамп, что становится грустно.
Да и когда начинается котовасия с треугольником, героиню будто подменяют. Если поначалу она казалась мне немного истеричной, но весьма сильной личностью, то потом совершенно потерялась в своих парнях. Еще одна печалька.
В-третьих, восстание машин. Не буквально, конечно, но вы поняли. А слабо без угнетенных, схвативших за топоры? И снова - штамп на штампе.
Я люблю старые добрые приемчики и ходы, однако дело ж в подаче. Тот же тругольник, тех же повстанцев супротив корпорации можно было преподнести под необычным или как минимум интересным углом. А тут я просто сидела и ванговала.
И в-четвертых, общая скука. Разве может роман о гонках обойтись без драйва, адреналина, искусанных губ? Оказалось, может.
В итоге у нас потенциально замечательный роман, который то ли не доносили, то ли поторопились издать - но в любом случае слили.
Хотя велика вероятность, что это просто я чересчур много на него возлагала надежд, потому и расстроена больше обычного.
Но я никого не отговариваю, как ни странно. Может, вас торкнет.
Повторюсь: книга неплохая, читается легко, написана со вкусом, хоть и простовато.
Но... как в городском фэнтези город становится одним из персонажей - живым и дышащим, так и в истории про гонки им должно быть уделено чуточку больше внимания.
Ох уж эти детали...
Зачем создавать что-то новое, если потом наполняешь блестящую обертку старым и приземленным?
Read
June 11, 2015Whoa. There's so much to love about this book, I don't even know where to start. The writing is clever, the characters are real. And I've never been much interested in racing, but Phee's passion along with the intensity of the races really pulled me in and got my heart pounding. Such a great book.
And can I just take a second to gush over CASH. *fans self* Love love love him.
And can I just take a second to gush over CASH. *fans self* Love love love him.
January 8, 2016
Tracked has been a book I have been meaning to get to for so long and I honestly wonder why I held it off for so long. I haven't read too many books that involve cars and car racing and Tracked was the perfect book to get me introduced with cars in the YA world. I loved the dystopian-ness of this book and also the plot and it's twists and turns that came with it. Dystopian readers who don't mind a touch of cars in their reads will definitely enjoy Tracked.
When I went into this book, I was so excited to read about all the different characters that are already mentioned in the synopsis (and definitely the ones that weren't!). I love her determination when it comes to racing cars (and winning). I could really tell she loved doing what she did and that made reading this book so exciting because not only did she love racing, girly was great at it! Bear and Cash are two great characters and I would honestly love to be their friend. One guy you hate but grows on your over time and the other is, well like a teddy Bear. (HAH GEDDIT. BEAR? TEDDY BEAR? YEAH? No? okay...) Both characters were a joy to read about and I can't wait to read more about 'em!
The plot is probably one of my favorite things about this book. Phee get's whisked away from her street rat life to race for this huge company and then she discovers Benroyal is not everything she has thoughthe would be and now she has this huge secret. THIS IS WHY I WANTED TO READ THIS BOOK. Such an interesting plot and I always wanted to know more about what was going on because there was always something going on and more info to find out! This dystopian world was pretty awesome as well. Hopefully Jenny will do a bit more world development in the next book because from what I have heard, it's prettyyy awesome. The ending was something I love as well because it set up Marked (book 2!) very nicely and I have an idea of what will happen!
The one tiny thing that bumped my rating down was how awkward I felt about the dialogue got at some points. Overall, it was great but there were a few spots where I felt kind of awkward reading because the dialogue seemed kind of stiff and unrealistic.
I gave this book 4.5 stars because I really enjoyed the characters and plot but the dialogue was a little bit awkward and stiff at some points.
Full review: http://next-page-please.blogspot.com/...
When I went into this book, I was so excited to read about all the different characters that are already mentioned in the synopsis (and definitely the ones that weren't!). I love her determination when it comes to racing cars (and winning). I could really tell she loved doing what she did and that made reading this book so exciting because not only did she love racing, girly was great at it! Bear and Cash are two great characters and I would honestly love to be their friend. One guy you hate but grows on your over time and the other is, well like a teddy Bear. (HAH GEDDIT. BEAR? TEDDY BEAR? YEAH? No? okay...) Both characters were a joy to read about and I can't wait to read more about 'em!
The plot is probably one of my favorite things about this book. Phee get's whisked away from her street rat life to race for this huge company and then she discovers Benroyal is not everything she has thoughthe would be and now she has this huge secret. THIS IS WHY I WANTED TO READ THIS BOOK. Such an interesting plot and I always wanted to know more about what was going on because there was always something going on and more info to find out! This dystopian world was pretty awesome as well. Hopefully Jenny will do a bit more world development in the next book because from what I have heard, it's prettyyy awesome. The ending was something I love as well because it set up Marked (book 2!) very nicely and I have an idea of what will happen!
The one tiny thing that bumped my rating down was how awkward I felt about the dialogue got at some points. Overall, it was great but there were a few spots where I felt kind of awkward reading because the dialogue seemed kind of stiff and unrealistic.
I gave this book 4.5 stars because I really enjoyed the characters and plot but the dialogue was a little bit awkward and stiff at some points.
Full review: http://next-page-please.blogspot.com/...
February 1, 2015
JENNY. I WANT TO READ YOUR BOOK!! GIVE ME YOUR BOOK BEFORE I DIE!!
February 23, 2016
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: Fast cars, dangerous corporations and deadly secrets.
Opening Sentence: I pace the garage like some crazy-eyed wind-up girl.
The Review:
Phee isn’t a typical girl; she is an excellent racer, hates dressing up and is incredibly reckless (and badass). That and her fiery personality sets her apart from typical heroines but sadly, I didn’t find anything exceptional about the first in the Tracked series.
At the finish line, I skid to a rubber-melting stop. The crew runs out onto the track.
Gil says nothing—I know he’s sizing me up and weigh-ing the cost of my reckless speed. Bear and Goose look completely horrified, but I can tell Cash is on my side.
“Vanguard?” Cash says. “That was hot.”
The storyline is interesting enough, there’s a huge difference between the wealthy of the Capitoline and the poor everywhere else. Phee is an orphan, racing illegally to make ends meet until she’s recruited by the incredibly wealthy and corrupt Charles Benroyal to race for him. Since it’s either that or jail she chooses the former and the rest of the story surrounds her uncovering his dark secrets, which are linked into her own past.
It’s a joke, really. Everybody knows Toby Abasi’s the only politician in Capitoline the Sixers haven’t managed to buy off, and you can bet even his days are numbered.
It’s just the way it is. We live and die hungry, and the Sixers write the rules. They push through every bill and control every resource, while these people have no voice, no money, no real shot at changing anything. These banners? They’ll soon fall to the ground. The DP will see to that, sweeping up another inconvenience for the corporates who pay them well enough.
This book showed me how overpopulated the YA dystopian genre is right now. It wasn’t a bad story; it’s just that this genre is getting rather repetitive. The book is jam-packed with action but I didn’t like the way the writing began. In the first chapter all the sentences are really short, with sharp words to set the scene of a dramatic first race / accident but I thought it was overkill and wasn’t a good first impression for me. The writing improves and I started enjoying it, especially when Phee punches a rival in a press conference, but, again, the ending disappoints (no spoilers). There was plenty doom and gloom in the story, so I wished the ending was a tad bit chirpier.
I suppose I could thank Benroyal’s refineries for the supply. Or I could curse him for hoarding it all for himself. And I’m definitely more the cursing type.
Bear is Phee’s sidekick / bodyguard / bestfriend and it’s clear how important they are to each other but I was annoyed at his reaction to Phee’s rejection. I understand that he’s hurt she doesn’t feel the same way about him, but he took it really badly, to the extent that he implies she ruined his life! Dramatic much?
I mean, yes, if it wasn’t for her then Bear wouldn’t have ended up working at Benroyal Corp. and his parents wouldn’t be in danger, but dude, she was trying to stop you from going to jail! I also think Phee was to blame because she could have told him earlier that she didn’t feel that way about him, rather than continue to lead him on. Looks like she wanted the best of both worlds, romance with cash and comfort from Bear – Twilight anyone?
Tracked is one of the many dystopian stories I’ve read recently but too depressing for my taste and not the greatest of endings to make me continue with this series.
Notable Scene:
I can race, but I cannot run. I can live, but I cannot breathe.
Something does not add up. Racing is everything here, but I’m an unknown with no real rally experience, just a couple years’ worth of small-time match-ups under my belt. Forty-eight hours ago, I was pacing Benny’s garage and now I’m living in the Spire.
Why?
FTC Advisory: Dial/Penguin provided me with a copy of Tracked. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: Fast cars, dangerous corporations and deadly secrets.
Opening Sentence: I pace the garage like some crazy-eyed wind-up girl.
The Review:
Phee isn’t a typical girl; she is an excellent racer, hates dressing up and is incredibly reckless (and badass). That and her fiery personality sets her apart from typical heroines but sadly, I didn’t find anything exceptional about the first in the Tracked series.
At the finish line, I skid to a rubber-melting stop. The crew runs out onto the track.
Gil says nothing—I know he’s sizing me up and weigh-ing the cost of my reckless speed. Bear and Goose look completely horrified, but I can tell Cash is on my side.
“Vanguard?” Cash says. “That was hot.”
The storyline is interesting enough, there’s a huge difference between the wealthy of the Capitoline and the poor everywhere else. Phee is an orphan, racing illegally to make ends meet until she’s recruited by the incredibly wealthy and corrupt Charles Benroyal to race for him. Since it’s either that or jail she chooses the former and the rest of the story surrounds her uncovering his dark secrets, which are linked into her own past.
It’s a joke, really. Everybody knows Toby Abasi’s the only politician in Capitoline the Sixers haven’t managed to buy off, and you can bet even his days are numbered.
It’s just the way it is. We live and die hungry, and the Sixers write the rules. They push through every bill and control every resource, while these people have no voice, no money, no real shot at changing anything. These banners? They’ll soon fall to the ground. The DP will see to that, sweeping up another inconvenience for the corporates who pay them well enough.
This book showed me how overpopulated the YA dystopian genre is right now. It wasn’t a bad story; it’s just that this genre is getting rather repetitive. The book is jam-packed with action but I didn’t like the way the writing began. In the first chapter all the sentences are really short, with sharp words to set the scene of a dramatic first race / accident but I thought it was overkill and wasn’t a good first impression for me. The writing improves and I started enjoying it, especially when Phee punches a rival in a press conference, but, again, the ending disappoints (no spoilers). There was plenty doom and gloom in the story, so I wished the ending was a tad bit chirpier.
I suppose I could thank Benroyal’s refineries for the supply. Or I could curse him for hoarding it all for himself. And I’m definitely more the cursing type.
Bear is Phee’s sidekick / bodyguard / bestfriend and it’s clear how important they are to each other but I was annoyed at his reaction to Phee’s rejection. I understand that he’s hurt she doesn’t feel the same way about him, but he took it really badly, to the extent that he implies she ruined his life! Dramatic much?
I mean, yes, if it wasn’t for her then Bear wouldn’t have ended up working at Benroyal Corp. and his parents wouldn’t be in danger, but dude, she was trying to stop you from going to jail! I also think Phee was to blame because she could have told him earlier that she didn’t feel that way about him, rather than continue to lead him on. Looks like she wanted the best of both worlds, romance with cash and comfort from Bear – Twilight anyone?
Tracked is one of the many dystopian stories I’ve read recently but too depressing for my taste and not the greatest of endings to make me continue with this series.
Notable Scene:
I can race, but I cannot run. I can live, but I cannot breathe.
Something does not add up. Racing is everything here, but I’m an unknown with no real rally experience, just a couple years’ worth of small-time match-ups under my belt. Forty-eight hours ago, I was pacing Benny’s garage and now I’m living in the Spire.
Why?
FTC Advisory: Dial/Penguin provided me with a copy of Tracked. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
March 3, 2015
Full disclosure: I met the author at a YA festival in Texas, heard about her book and asked Dial to send me an advanced copy. That in NO way changes the fact that . . .
THIS BOOK IS AWESOME.
The tagline describes the novel as “The Fast and the Furious gets a sci-fi twist.” That’s a catchy tagline, but I don’t think it does full justice to the book. There are certainly enough heart-pounding racing scenes to keep fans of those movies happy, but the novel has grander aspirations than simply a book about racing (or Vin Diesel’s abs).
In scope, it feels somewhat like THE HUNGER GAMES meets SPEED RACER. The world building is complex and nuanced, and the stakes are much higher than winning or losing races. (Or rather, winning and losing have repercussions that extend well beyond the race.) The characters are rich and three-dimensional, and endearingly imperfect. The plot races along without ever letting up, and the final act packs some satisfying surprises.
So far, so good, but something else really stood out about TRACKED: The writing is top-notch. Any book that aims to appeal to fans of The Fast and the Furious seems an unlikely candidate for thoughtful prose, but that’s exactly what we have here. The author has really worked hard to make every line ring true and every piece of description feel meaningful. The result is truly special.
I hope TRACKED gets the wide readership it deserves. I loved it so much that I immediately contacted the author’s editor and asked if I could blurb it. Actually, I suspect that she has been inundated with authors asking to blurb the book, because it’s just that good. (Random aside: That’s exactly what happened when I wrote a blurb for Marie Lu’s LEGEND – I found out that about eighty-five other authors were blurbing it too, because it was fantastic.) (Oh yeah, another thing: This book is going to appeal to Marie Lu fans in a major way.)
Enough rambling: This book is brilliant, and I urge everyone to read it. Even if you’re growing tired of dystopian fiction, drop your guard for one week and take TRACKED out for a spin—I think you’ll love it.
THIS BOOK IS AWESOME.
The tagline describes the novel as “The Fast and the Furious gets a sci-fi twist.” That’s a catchy tagline, but I don’t think it does full justice to the book. There are certainly enough heart-pounding racing scenes to keep fans of those movies happy, but the novel has grander aspirations than simply a book about racing (or Vin Diesel’s abs).
In scope, it feels somewhat like THE HUNGER GAMES meets SPEED RACER. The world building is complex and nuanced, and the stakes are much higher than winning or losing races. (Or rather, winning and losing have repercussions that extend well beyond the race.) The characters are rich and three-dimensional, and endearingly imperfect. The plot races along without ever letting up, and the final act packs some satisfying surprises.
So far, so good, but something else really stood out about TRACKED: The writing is top-notch. Any book that aims to appeal to fans of The Fast and the Furious seems an unlikely candidate for thoughtful prose, but that’s exactly what we have here. The author has really worked hard to make every line ring true and every piece of description feel meaningful. The result is truly special.
I hope TRACKED gets the wide readership it deserves. I loved it so much that I immediately contacted the author’s editor and asked if I could blurb it. Actually, I suspect that she has been inundated with authors asking to blurb the book, because it’s just that good. (Random aside: That’s exactly what happened when I wrote a blurb for Marie Lu’s LEGEND – I found out that about eighty-five other authors were blurbing it too, because it was fantastic.) (Oh yeah, another thing: This book is going to appeal to Marie Lu fans in a major way.)
Enough rambling: This book is brilliant, and I urge everyone to read it. Even if you’re growing tired of dystopian fiction, drop your guard for one week and take TRACKED out for a spin—I think you’ll love it.
September 16, 2015
This book had so much potential!
And it was all wasted as soon as the romance kicked in. Sort of a love triangle and it just didn't work for me. Neither guy did, though there was potential in each. If the romance was absolutely necessary to accomplish certain goals -- and in some respects, I could see how it might be -- then it should have been downplayed more, at least. I thought this was a book about racing!
Also, just say the dirty words already. I understand this is supposed to be a book about cars and racing and how "rusting" might be seen as an acceptable curse...but it's not. It's just not. I doubt any normal pit crews are holding back the profanity when the tires hit the ground.
The political intrigue, interplanetary war, and the implications of corporations creating and distributing drugs all held my interest, but I don't think they were explored well enough. However, this book seems to be the framework for a series -- and I thought I was getting a stand-alone, which always irritates me -- so maybe there will be more to come on those fronts.
I am obviously not the intended audience for this book. And it shows. But I enjoy a lot of YA; it's just that this book actually seems to be written for the younger crowd.
And it was all wasted as soon as the romance kicked in. Sort of a love triangle and it just didn't work for me. Neither guy did, though there was potential in each. If the romance was absolutely necessary to accomplish certain goals -- and in some respects, I could see how it might be -- then it should have been downplayed more, at least. I thought this was a book about racing!
Also, just say the dirty words already. I understand this is supposed to be a book about cars and racing and how "rusting" might be seen as an acceptable curse...but it's not. It's just not. I doubt any normal pit crews are holding back the profanity when the tires hit the ground.
The political intrigue, interplanetary war, and the implications of corporations creating and distributing drugs all held my interest, but I don't think they were explored well enough. However, this book seems to be the framework for a series -- and I thought I was getting a stand-alone, which always irritates me -- so maybe there will be more to come on those fronts.
I am obviously not the intended audience for this book. And it shows. But I enjoy a lot of YA; it's just that this book actually seems to be written for the younger crowd.
January 16, 2015
This book guys.
I'd give it a hundred stars if I could.
It's like THE HUNGER GAMES meets TRON. You want it.
I'd give it a hundred stars if I could.
It's like THE HUNGER GAMES meets TRON. You want it.
Want to read
July 24, 2019I smell a best-friends-to-more
May 28, 2015
It took me a long time to get into this book. The beginning didn't hook me, Phee seemed a bit too reckless and immature for my taste and the love triangle was annoying. Really annoying. Lots of waffling emotions and deep introspective thought analyses. ugh. And did anyone else just feel bad for the loser of the love triangle? I mean, like, throughout the entire book? I felt like the poor guy was just shuffled to the side all the time. He lacked any depth at all since, really, we only saw him when/how Phee dictated he would be around.
Once the story evolved into a political/corporate story with intrigue and spying and stuff, it got really interesting. The plot was very well thought-out in that respect and I enjoyed all the plotting and planning. It was smart.
But it didn't overshadow the lackluster writing and borrowed concepts. I mean, this entire novel was basically Speed Racer with a girl main character. I can't think of a single major difference. I'm really trying to think of major difference. Maybe the love triangle could be thought of as the major difference but I wish that hadn't been in there at all. Why do YA authors feel like they must put love triangles in YA books? This book actually would have been BETTER if the poor, shunted third member of the love triangle had been a different character entirely; Why wasn't he a brother? Or the strictly platonic best friend? Or gay? Or any number of things that would have prohibited any notion of a love triangle? It pulled me from the story and I was more annoyed than anything. Actually, I felt more sympathy for him than for Phee. Phee annoyed. I definitely see the potential for more angsty pining and love-triangle drama in the second book since this book ended the cliffhanger way it did. But I'm still annoyed.
Another positive in this book was the racing. And it wasn't even so much the racing itself as much as it was the way Martin portrayed Phee while racing. I loved being in her head for those moments; The way her adrenaline was written, her inherent need to race, the calm before the race and all that. So well done. Loved those moments.
Phee was likeable enough as a character. I guess. But I didn't like her as much as I could have. I would have appreciated more humor; This book was Very Serious. I would appreciated less introspective whining; So much unnecessary drama. I would have appreciated smarter actions on her part, a little bit of subtlety, maybe. She was so very in-your-face blunt and easy-to-read. The worst possible spy. The worst possible secret-keeper. But I guess that was just her character. Wasn't a huge fan.
By all means, if you're into post-apocalyptic stories with a Speed Racer/Fast and Furious spin (maybe even some Mad Max minus any violence whatsoever), obtain and read this book. You may like it much more than I do. But I wouldn't recommend you own it until you read it first and decide for yourself.
Sexual Content: Moderate
Language: Mild (it's all irritating new-world slang cursing. So no real curse words. Just annoying rusting made-up foul language--Actually in a way I appreciate the non-use of bad words but the fake cursing annoys me. If you're gonna say it, just say it)
Violence: Mild (if any)
Drugs/Alcohol: Moderate (though it is generally frowned-upon by the characters in the book)
Once the story evolved into a political/corporate story with intrigue and spying and stuff, it got really interesting. The plot was very well thought-out in that respect and I enjoyed all the plotting and planning. It was smart.
But it didn't overshadow the lackluster writing and borrowed concepts. I mean, this entire novel was basically Speed Racer with a girl main character. I can't think of a single major difference. I'm really trying to think of major difference. Maybe the love triangle could be thought of as the major difference but I wish that hadn't been in there at all. Why do YA authors feel like they must put love triangles in YA books? This book actually would have been BETTER if the poor, shunted third member of the love triangle had been a different character entirely; Why wasn't he a brother? Or the strictly platonic best friend? Or gay? Or any number of things that would have prohibited any notion of a love triangle? It pulled me from the story and I was more annoyed than anything. Actually, I felt more sympathy for him than for Phee. Phee annoyed. I definitely see the potential for more angsty pining and love-triangle drama in the second book since this book ended the cliffhanger way it did. But I'm still annoyed.
Another positive in this book was the racing. And it wasn't even so much the racing itself as much as it was the way Martin portrayed Phee while racing. I loved being in her head for those moments; The way her adrenaline was written, her inherent need to race, the calm before the race and all that. So well done. Loved those moments.
Phee was likeable enough as a character. I guess. But I didn't like her as much as I could have. I would have appreciated more humor; This book was Very Serious. I would appreciated less introspective whining; So much unnecessary drama. I would have appreciated smarter actions on her part, a little bit of subtlety, maybe. She was so very in-your-face blunt and easy-to-read. The worst possible spy. The worst possible secret-keeper. But I guess that was just her character. Wasn't a huge fan.
By all means, if you're into post-apocalyptic stories with a Speed Racer/Fast and Furious spin (maybe even some Mad Max minus any violence whatsoever), obtain and read this book. You may like it much more than I do. But I wouldn't recommend you own it until you read it first and decide for yourself.
Sexual Content: Moderate
Language: Mild (it's all irritating new-world slang cursing. So no real curse words. Just annoying rusting made-up foul language--Actually in a way I appreciate the non-use of bad words but the fake cursing annoys me. If you're gonna say it, just say it)
Violence: Mild (if any)
Drugs/Alcohol: Moderate (though it is generally frowned-upon by the characters in the book)
December 28, 2015
Phoenix Vanguard (which is an improvement on her real name IMO and yes, that's a plot point) has been recruited to race rigs (cars? ships? its actually not that clear) for one of the "sixers" - big corporations that essentially own and run her home planet of Castra.
The Good:
Loved the premise, which is why I picked up the book! I still love the premise, actually, but the execution left something to be desired...
The Bad:
Ok, so, I almost gave up on this book after a few chapters, and I probably should've. It did improve, but not by much.
Clearly, I was not a fan of the names. I mean, one of her love interests was named Cashoman, and goes by the name Cash. Oh yea, and that was ONE of her love interests. There's a bit of a triangle in this bad boy. But none of the characters are developed past cliches (if I read about ONE MORE "snarky" and "clever" heroine who is neither snarky nor clever, I might explode). And there is a ton of fake cussing - Rust this, that's bull-sap, and MY GOD JUST USE THE WORDS. Like, I know the book is for teens, but we all know that when you are saying "rust", you mean fuck. The only other word that was new was "flex" which is basically a cell phone? I don't know, the plot was full of holes, and...it was the authors first book, and she has some good ideas. The writing wasn't terrible or anything, but it also wasn't terribly interesting, the characters weren't developed, and so I ended up slogging my way through what could've been an enjoyable read.
Verdict: I think young, unsophisticated teen readers might enjoy this, but I wouldn't recommend it to everyone. I didn't hate it. 2 stars.
The Good:
Loved the premise, which is why I picked up the book! I still love the premise, actually, but the execution left something to be desired...
The Bad:
Ok, so, I almost gave up on this book after a few chapters, and I probably should've. It did improve, but not by much.
Clearly, I was not a fan of the names. I mean, one of her love interests was named Cashoman, and goes by the name Cash. Oh yea, and that was ONE of her love interests. There's a bit of a triangle in this bad boy. But none of the characters are developed past cliches (if I read about ONE MORE "snarky" and "clever" heroine who is neither snarky nor clever, I might explode). And there is a ton of fake cussing - Rust this, that's bull-sap, and MY GOD JUST USE THE WORDS. Like, I know the book is for teens, but we all know that when you are saying "rust", you mean fuck. The only other word that was new was "flex" which is basically a cell phone? I don't know, the plot was full of holes, and...it was the authors first book, and she has some good ideas. The writing wasn't terrible or anything, but it also wasn't terribly interesting, the characters weren't developed, and so I ended up slogging my way through what could've been an enjoyable read.
Verdict: I think young, unsophisticated teen readers might enjoy this, but I wouldn't recommend it to everyone. I didn't hate it. 2 stars.
September 15, 2014
I read an early version of this book as a member of the Freshman Fifteens. WOW! Phee Van Zant is a race car driver on a world corrupted by corporate greed. Once a street racer, she is recruited and forced to drive on the corporate circuit and represent a system she hates. With the help of a talented, secretive boy who is also forced to wear the corporate colors, she finds herself in the position of being the only person who can possibly overthrow the corporate empire. This book is science fiction/space opera in the purest sense—full of action and romance and political intrigue all set against the backdrop of an interplanetary conflict.
June 7, 2015
Maybe I've just read too many dystopian books already, but this one didn't do it for me. While I thought the car racing was an original element, the story itself was the same as always: corrupt government, rebel group that plans to overtake it and a bit of a love triangle situation.
I don't think this is a bad book, though, and a lot of people will probably like it.
My main problem is that I couldn't connect with the characters and, as a result, I just couldn't bring myself to care for the story. It's like they don't have personalities. I couldn't see the life-long friendship between Phee and Bear or the love/like between Cash and Phee. The bad guy was a classic bad guy.
I don't think this is a bad book, though, and a lot of people will probably like it.
February 15, 2016
Ugh! This book was pretty terrible. Maybe ok for a 13-year-old but it's definitely not one of those young adult books that adults might enjoy too. A tip to the author: just saying the main character is clever doesn't make her clever, especially when she is continually doing stupid things. The main character acted irrationally throughout the novel--it was hard to stomach. This was recommended on a list called "Read these books if you enjoyed Hunger Games." This was the only book from that list immediately available at the library. Now I know why.
April 20, 2015
Review to come
May 26, 2018
I actually shipped Phee & Cash.
Good thing there's a sequel already published, because this is a little bit cliffhangery.
WARNING:
Good thing there's a sequel already published, because this is a little bit cliffhangery.
WARNING:
January 16, 2015
Guys, this is so rusting good.
September 20, 2016
Phoebe Van Zant, daughter of beloved circuit racer Tommy Van Zant, is the baddest of the bad on the illegal racing scene of South Side in the capitol city of the desert planet Castra.
She and her in-ear pacer, her adoptive brother Barrett 'Bear' Larssen are a force to be reckoned with.
They put themselves into a race against some old enemies, trash-talking and bullshitting galore, but too late, they realize it's an ambush.
The Domestic Patrol, the police of this one-time refugee planet, give chase, leaving Phee to crash and burn. Or rather, crash and drown...
I lie and say the soaring will last. The landing won't hurt, the water won't kill me. I will swim away. I will win.
Flip.
Tumble.
Crash.
I am wrong.
She and Bear are taken in by the DP and arrested, given until they turn eighteen to rot in Castra's desolate juvenile hall, and after that, the sentence of mining sap in the borderlands of another planet.
Until, that is, Phee is given a choice.
She can accept doctored papers that change her age and identity, and sign away her life on the South Side, and drive on the racing circuit for theowner leader of Castra, Charles 'King Charlie' Benroyal.
Benroyal stands for everything Phee defies. Benroyal starves the poor, fattens the rich, supplies desperate addicts to a drug called black sap (made from the same substance as the fuel used in their futuristic cars, called 'rigs') with an endless bounty, and to race the circuit for him is to be tattooed with the Benroyal emblem, give up her name, give up her life, and give up everything she is.
To do this is to free her adoptive brother and make a better life for him and his parents, who took her in and treated her like one of them.
But what Phee learns is that there's a revolution brewing within the Castran government, and if she signs away her life, she can give a new one to millions of people who never even had what she barely remembers.
I feel our ending slipping away, like a thread cut too soon.
The fuel tanks explode; the roar of the fire is deafening.
Okay. Let me give you two phrases that describe two strong themes in this book.
Intergalactic war.
Illegal street racing.
Yeah. Well. Um. I. Ugh, just-
^^ Except no, because library! Ha-ha!
Once more, I cannot for the life of me remember where or by whom I heard this book blurbed as "Star Wars meets The Fast and The Furious."
Normally I roll my eyes at such things, but quite honestly, I have never seen a more accurate one.
Eeeeven though Tracked had more shades of Total Recall than Star Wars, simply because of how political it is. But I'm not gonna heckle over that.
This book was badass.
And you know why?
Phee wasn't original. Not at all. She could've been Cassie, Katniss, Tris, Clary, Amy, anyone.
Keep in mind I'm saying she wasn't original.
Her character was.
Phee's small and fragile, but behind that she's all spitfire. She's a badass driver behind the wheel and doesn't take any rusting bull-sap from anyone.
Let me shout out at that for a second. 'Rust' is used in place of 'the eff word' here. Normally alternate curse words strike me as stupidly funny, but since I've been around my share of vehicles you really do have to curse a blue streak at to make start, I found it funny and well-used. So much better than 'shuck' in TMR.
As the book's events hurtle towards the Hell Night climax, you can appreciate what tropes Jenny Martin does and doesn't use.
-The love triangle.
NOT entirely inverted. Phee is caught in one, but it's between the boy who she's been raised alongside, Bear, who she doesn't love back that way, and the defector rebel prince from another planet, Cash who maybe, she does.
I hate the adoptive-siblings-to-lovers thing. Can you say ewwwww? How could you ever be hot for someone you know like that? Childhood friends, then screwbuddies is one thing, but adoptive brother and sister?
Excuse me for just a second, I think I'm gonna-
So yeah. Martin did good with this one.
-The dystopian society revolt.
Completely inverted. Completely don't care. I like this kind of book. Don't judge me.
-The rags to riches.
Inverted, but in a 'they made me do it' way. A fresh take on the trope. I love, love, LOVE it.
-The series.
In my last review, I complained a lot about how I hated the never-ending stream of YA series. But I'm not doing it this time. Tracked has a sequel, and I need it now! Please!
I want more of Phee, Bear and Cash. I want to know who is and isn't really dead.
Of all the books that are worthy of their 'to be continued' status, Tracked is definitely one of them.
Jenny Martin is a DFW area author, and I'm from the big D myself. Left when I was really too young to remember, but nonetheless I know the streets. I know I grew up in the NASCAR belt, in the land of DIY rides and the bad roads in the Unincorporated scarred with black marks. Both places I've lived have had that and, as much as I'll deny it, it really is a part of who I am.
Jenny Martin can write for her sect. Anyone who loves this story (because even I've read it before; Alex London's Proxy, Emma Trevayne's Coda) and has a bit of a love for cars, you're gonna dig this.
She and her in-ear pacer, her adoptive brother Barrett 'Bear' Larssen are a force to be reckoned with.
They put themselves into a race against some old enemies, trash-talking and bullshitting galore, but too late, they realize it's an ambush.
The Domestic Patrol, the police of this one-time refugee planet, give chase, leaving Phee to crash and burn. Or rather, crash and drown...
I lie and say the soaring will last. The landing won't hurt, the water won't kill me. I will swim away. I will win.
Flip.
Tumble.
Crash.
I am wrong.
She and Bear are taken in by the DP and arrested, given until they turn eighteen to rot in Castra's desolate juvenile hall, and after that, the sentence of mining sap in the borderlands of another planet.
Until, that is, Phee is given a choice.
She can accept doctored papers that change her age and identity, and sign away her life on the South Side, and drive on the racing circuit for the
Benroyal stands for everything Phee defies. Benroyal starves the poor, fattens the rich, supplies desperate addicts to a drug called black sap (made from the same substance as the fuel used in their futuristic cars, called 'rigs') with an endless bounty, and to race the circuit for him is to be tattooed with the Benroyal emblem, give up her name, give up her life, and give up everything she is.
To do this is to free her adoptive brother and make a better life for him and his parents, who took her in and treated her like one of them.
But what Phee learns is that there's a revolution brewing within the Castran government, and if she signs away her life, she can give a new one to millions of people who never even had what she barely remembers.
I feel our ending slipping away, like a thread cut too soon.
The fuel tanks explode; the roar of the fire is deafening.
Okay. Let me give you two phrases that describe two strong themes in this book.
Intergalactic war.
Illegal street racing.
Yeah. Well. Um. I. Ugh, just-
^^ Except no, because library! Ha-ha!
Once more, I cannot for the life of me remember where or by whom I heard this book blurbed as "Star Wars meets The Fast and The Furious."
Normally I roll my eyes at such things, but quite honestly, I have never seen a more accurate one.
Eeeeven though Tracked had more shades of Total Recall than Star Wars, simply because of how political it is. But I'm not gonna heckle over that.
This book was badass.
And you know why?
Phee wasn't original. Not at all. She could've been Cassie, Katniss, Tris, Clary, Amy, anyone.
Keep in mind I'm saying she wasn't original.
Her character was.
Phee's small and fragile, but behind that she's all spitfire. She's a badass driver behind the wheel and doesn't take any rusting bull-sap from anyone.
Let me shout out at that for a second. 'Rust' is used in place of 'the eff word' here. Normally alternate curse words strike me as stupidly funny, but since I've been around my share of vehicles you really do have to curse a blue streak at to make start, I found it funny and well-used. So much better than 'shuck' in TMR.
As the book's events hurtle towards the Hell Night climax, you can appreciate what tropes Jenny Martin does and doesn't use.
-The love triangle.
NOT entirely inverted. Phee is caught in one, but it's between the boy who she's been raised alongside, Bear, who she doesn't love back that way, and the defector rebel prince from another planet, Cash who maybe, she does.
I hate the adoptive-siblings-to-lovers thing. Can you say ewwwww? How could you ever be hot for someone you know like that? Childhood friends, then screwbuddies is one thing, but adoptive brother and sister?
Excuse me for just a second, I think I'm gonna-
So yeah. Martin did good with this one.
-The dystopian society revolt.
Completely inverted. Completely don't care. I like this kind of book. Don't judge me.
-The rags to riches.
Inverted, but in a 'they made me do it' way. A fresh take on the trope. I love, love, LOVE it.
-The series.
In my last review, I complained a lot about how I hated the never-ending stream of YA series. But I'm not doing it this time. Tracked has a sequel, and I need it now! Please!
I want more of Phee, Bear and Cash. I want to know who is and isn't really dead.
Of all the books that are worthy of their 'to be continued' status, Tracked is definitely one of them.
Jenny Martin is a DFW area author, and I'm from the big D myself. Left when I was really too young to remember, but nonetheless I know the streets. I know I grew up in the NASCAR belt, in the land of DIY rides and the bad roads in the Unincorporated scarred with black marks. Both places I've lived have had that and, as much as I'll deny it, it really is a part of who I am.
Jenny Martin can write for her sect. Anyone who loves this story (because even I've read it before; Alex London's Proxy, Emma Trevayne's Coda) and has a bit of a love for cars, you're gonna dig this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews