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Randoms #1
Randoms
A science fiction superfan finds himself on his very own space adventure when he’s randomly selected to join an alien confederacy in this “exhilarating” ( Booklist , starred review) middle grade debut novel.
Zeke Reynolds comes from a long line of proud science fiction geeks. He knows his games, comics, movies, and TV shows like Captain Kirk knows the starship Enterprise . So it’s a dream come true when he learns the science fiction he loves so much is based on reality—and that he’s been selected to spend a year on a massive space station. To evaluate humanity’s worthiness, the Confederation of United Planets has hand picked three of Earth’s most talented young people—and then there’s Zeke. He’s the random.
Unfortunately, Zeke finds life in space more challenging than he’d hoped. When he saves his transport ship from a treacherous enemy attack, he’s labeled a war criminal. Now despised by the Confederation, rejected by his fellow humans, and pursued by a ruthless enemy, Zeke befriends the alien randoms: rejected by their own species, but loyal to each other. But their presence in the Confederation may not be so random after all, and as the danger increases, Zack’s knowledge of science fiction might be the only thing that can save himself, his friends, and Earth itself.
Zeke Reynolds comes from a long line of proud science fiction geeks. He knows his games, comics, movies, and TV shows like Captain Kirk knows the starship Enterprise . So it’s a dream come true when he learns the science fiction he loves so much is based on reality—and that he’s been selected to spend a year on a massive space station. To evaluate humanity’s worthiness, the Confederation of United Planets has hand picked three of Earth’s most talented young people—and then there’s Zeke. He’s the random.
Unfortunately, Zeke finds life in space more challenging than he’d hoped. When he saves his transport ship from a treacherous enemy attack, he’s labeled a war criminal. Now despised by the Confederation, rejected by his fellow humans, and pursued by a ruthless enemy, Zeke befriends the alien randoms: rejected by their own species, but loyal to each other. But their presence in the Confederation may not be so random after all, and as the danger increases, Zack’s knowledge of science fiction might be the only thing that can save himself, his friends, and Earth itself.
512 pages, Paperback
First published August 25, 2015
61 people are currently reading
1119 people want to read
About the author
David Liss
113 books1,258 followersI am the author of thirteen novels, most recently The Peculiarities, a historical fantasy out in September 2021. I've also written numerous novellas and short stories. My previous books include A Conspiracy of Paper which was named a New York Times Notable Book and won the 2001 Barry, MacAvity and Edgar awards for Best First novel. The Coffee Trader was also named a New York Times Notable Book and was selected by the New York Public Library as one of the year’s 25 Books to Remember. Several of these books are currently being developed for television or film. I have also worked on numerous comics projects, including Black Panther and Mystery Men for Marvel, The Spider and Green Hornet for Dynamite, and Angelica Tomorrow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
September 1, 2021
A middle grade set in space! Haven't tead a lot of those but those I have in my mind at the moment I have loved reading and this was a lot of fun and I hope to read more by David Liss for sure
August 31, 2015
“It was me,” she said. “You’re good for a beginner. If you’d like, you can meet me in the officers’ lounge after 2200 and we’ll play a few rounds.” “I’d love that!” The humans didn’t much like me, but the beaked otter thought I was okay.
Oh, my word. If there was one book worth starting in bed and staying up after 02:00 hours on my last night of school holidays, it was this one. Of course I don't have school holidays per se anymore, working at one rather than learning in one, but I almost wished I was young enough to still be at school because although this book totally got me at my age it would have utterly and unashamedly knocked my socks off as a teen.
“You’re being daft,” Steve said. “It’s only a plasma wand.” “No it’s not,” I told him, as I whoomed back and forth. “It’s an elegant weapon for a more civilized age. This is a light saber.”
Each part builds on the next with inevitable, astoundingly pull-you-in progress. I mean I was hooked at chapter 3, the quality of the writing alone did that, but then to have the character and plot click into place so brilliantly felt like a bonus. And so, by the time we end the first part we're already firmly on the side of our hero and wondering just how on earth he's going to pull off his task.
“not only did I not forget regulation 46-A, I’m counting on it. Our lives, at this point, depend on a scheme I’m stealing from Star Trek Two.”
At the end of the second part, when we get the - what's the word for the literary punch that snaps things into clarity and lets you see where things are going? - after that, it was a good, old-fashioned roller-coaster of adventure, and when the mission seems to be over and there are wisecracking geeks bouncing off each other I felt as if I could really quite happily just go join in with them.
Of course, I won't spoil anything for you, so you're gonna have to read this to find out what happens. But I felt as if I were reading an armada for a slightly younger audience (Yes, it's marketed to kids, but don't let that put you off), because it's seriously the best book I've read this month. I've only given one other 5 stars in August and I think if I had to choose one of them, it'd be this one. It has it all, including a character who reminded me a little of Ron Weasley, and I cannot wait to pick up more of Liss's works. The jacket calls him "a proud science fiction geek". The man deserves recognition for this novel. I can't wait to give it to my kids and have them just "get it". I just need to work on finishing the Trek reruns. And having another kid...
Oh, my word. If there was one book worth starting in bed and staying up after 02:00 hours on my last night of school holidays, it was this one. Of course I don't have school holidays per se anymore, working at one rather than learning in one, but I almost wished I was young enough to still be at school because although this book totally got me at my age it would have utterly and unashamedly knocked my socks off as a teen.
“You’re being daft,” Steve said. “It’s only a plasma wand.” “No it’s not,” I told him, as I whoomed back and forth. “It’s an elegant weapon for a more civilized age. This is a light saber.”
Each part builds on the next with inevitable, astoundingly pull-you-in progress. I mean I was hooked at chapter 3, the quality of the writing alone did that, but then to have the character and plot click into place so brilliantly felt like a bonus. And so, by the time we end the first part we're already firmly on the side of our hero and wondering just how on earth he's going to pull off his task.
“not only did I not forget regulation 46-A, I’m counting on it. Our lives, at this point, depend on a scheme I’m stealing from Star Trek Two.”
At the end of the second part, when we get the - what's the word for the literary punch that snaps things into clarity and lets you see where things are going? - after that, it was a good, old-fashioned roller-coaster of adventure, and when the mission seems to be over and there are wisecracking geeks bouncing off each other I felt as if I could really quite happily just go join in with them.
Of course, I won't spoil anything for you, so you're gonna have to read this to find out what happens. But I felt as if I were reading an armada for a slightly younger audience (Yes, it's marketed to kids, but don't let that put you off), because it's seriously the best book I've read this month. I've only given one other 5 stars in August and I think if I had to choose one of them, it'd be this one. It has it all, including a character who reminded me a little of Ron Weasley, and I cannot wait to pick up more of Liss's works. The jacket calls him "a proud science fiction geek". The man deserves recognition for this novel. I can't wait to give it to my kids and have them just "get it". I just need to work on finishing the Trek reruns. And having another kid...
August 25, 2015
Is the current generation looking for their own Ender's Game? I'm not really sure, but with Randoms, we might have found it anyway. It's a great story with both modern societal analogues and some classic tropes to go along with them, and there's a lot to love.
Zeke is a typical, average kid who is effectively drafted to be part of a four kid delegation in the universe's federation. He's the "random," chosen not for any particular skills or reason, but simply to have a wild card draftee. In this outer space, the society advances through video game-style leveling up, complete with experience points, which is right in line with Zeke's skillset. Unfortunately, his skillset also ends up getting him involved in what becomes an intergalactic incident that threatens the universe as we know it.
The book is really well done and brilliant in its execution. The use of video game logic for the societal rankings has certainly been done before, but the way it's done here feels fresh and different. The stakes also felt high throughout, which is, frankly, a rarity in young adult literature period, never mind in science fiction. There's a lot to enjoy about the story, about how it handles the diversity concepts, and just the overall fun of the book. Very well done.
Ultimately, if you like science fiction, this is worth a look whether you read YA or not. It's a fun read with a lot going for it, and I can't wait for the sequel.
Zeke is a typical, average kid who is effectively drafted to be part of a four kid delegation in the universe's federation. He's the "random," chosen not for any particular skills or reason, but simply to have a wild card draftee. In this outer space, the society advances through video game-style leveling up, complete with experience points, which is right in line with Zeke's skillset. Unfortunately, his skillset also ends up getting him involved in what becomes an intergalactic incident that threatens the universe as we know it.
The book is really well done and brilliant in its execution. The use of video game logic for the societal rankings has certainly been done before, but the way it's done here feels fresh and different. The stakes also felt high throughout, which is, frankly, a rarity in young adult literature period, never mind in science fiction. There's a lot to enjoy about the story, about how it handles the diversity concepts, and just the overall fun of the book. Very well done.
Ultimately, if you like science fiction, this is worth a look whether you read YA or not. It's a fun read with a lot going for it, and I can't wait for the sequel.
August 22, 2016
The story: Zeke Reynolds, sci-fi dork extraordinaire, is chosen as one of four teens in a delegation that will compete with kids from three other planets to see which homeworlds will be admitted into the Confederation of United Planets. The other three have amazing skills, but not Zeke--he's a Random. It's only when he teams up with the other Randoms to outwit the system that they discover there's a much bigger plan at work here...one that could end up destroying the earth, and even worse--let the bad guys win. Not if the Randoms have anything to say about it!
June Cleaver's ratings: Language PG; Violence PG-13; Sexual content G; Nudity G; Substance abuse G; Magic & the occult G; GLBT content G; adult themes (betrayal, intergalactic warfare, fighting) PG; overall rating PG.
Liz's comments: I have to confess that I'm a dork--obvious, when I admit I got all the Star Trek, Stars Wars, and Firefly references in this book. But even if MS readers (especially boys) don't get all the in jokes, they'll still enjoy Zeke's funny, snarky voice and the non-stop action. This book gets a "live long and prosper" nod from me!
June Cleaver's ratings: Language PG; Violence PG-13; Sexual content G; Nudity G; Substance abuse G; Magic & the occult G; GLBT content G; adult themes (betrayal, intergalactic warfare, fighting) PG; overall rating PG.
Liz's comments: I have to confess that I'm a dork--obvious, when I admit I got all the Star Trek, Stars Wars, and Firefly references in this book. But even if MS readers (especially boys) don't get all the in jokes, they'll still enjoy Zeke's funny, snarky voice and the non-stop action. This book gets a "live long and prosper" nod from me!
February 25, 2016
Randoms is brilliant.
I can't lie and say it's highly original, but it doesn't need to be. It's well written, the characters are likeable, and it's the sort of book that you can't put down because you are always wanting to find out what is going to happen next.
My only complaint is that I felt it could've been shorter, but it didn't drag and I don't know what he could have cut because everything is really essential to the story and the overall plot. For the sake of full disclosure, Randoms is the sort of book where you have to suspend your sense of disbelief and accept the unbelievable and Zeke is far more mature than I ever was at 12. With all that said, this may be one of my top reads so far of 2016.
I never really been a fan of science fiction, but David Liss just might make a fan out of me. I look forward to the sequel.
I can't lie and say it's highly original, but it doesn't need to be. It's well written, the characters are likeable, and it's the sort of book that you can't put down because you are always wanting to find out what is going to happen next.
My only complaint is that I felt it could've been shorter, but it didn't drag and I don't know what he could have cut because everything is really essential to the story and the overall plot. For the sake of full disclosure, Randoms is the sort of book where you have to suspend your sense of disbelief and accept the unbelievable and Zeke is far more mature than I ever was at 12. With all that said, this may be one of my top reads so far of 2016.
I never really been a fan of science fiction, but David Liss just might make a fan out of me. I look forward to the sequel.
March 7, 2016
Probably the only book I've read that is absolutely rife with nerddom references that don't annoy me. The idea behind the rise of SF is that aliens are seeding our culture with ideas so we're receptive to the reality of the universe. So we have lightsabers and evil empires and universal translators and a confederation of peaceful planets and a skill tree you can level up. That's just delightful worldbuilding.
Also it's wall-to-wall snark, I love all the characters, the bad guys have believable motivation, and it sets up for book two like WOAH.
THIS. BOOK. WAS. FANTASTIC.
Also it's wall-to-wall snark, I love all the characters, the bad guys have believable motivation, and it sets up for book two like WOAH.
THIS. BOOK. WAS. FANTASTIC.
August 30, 2015
This may be a middle-grade science fiction novel, but it should make a great read for all ages, especially those with a history in sci-fi/fantasy and gaming fandoms, to which the book pays loving tribute, while still telling its own story. Our hero is plucked from Earth to discover the universe at large, make new friends and enemies, and maybe put some of his geeky knowledge to good use along the way.
July 2, 2017
Just good clean fun!!
May 9, 2016
How has no one else written this up? (Shame on you Myriam who I miss dreadfully!)
This was such a delightful book packed with sci-fi fun and references. Even though I only recognized half of them, the others worked for me, and would work I think for the middle grade audience intended (who surely couldn't have already worked through all Star Trek iterations as well as Star Wars, Stargate, Battlestar... and many others... could they?).
Zeke is an average kid, unless you count his above-average sci-fi geekiness fostered by his now-deceased father. He is also a realist, so when an intergalactic council selects him to be the "Random" in a group of four teens to represent Earth in a bid to gain entry into a peaceful coalition of planets, Zeke refuses, hoping they will find someone that will improve Earth's chances. However, because this is a novel, there is an iron-clad reason why Zeke and three other human teens must represent their whole planet to a group of alien judges. So off they go in a spaceship to seek out new life and admire new civilizations.
As one might guess, some of the plot points are predictable, some are rather far-fetched, and some are shoe-horned in to make it all work. However, the line-by-line writing is clever and fun. The characters are solid and the dynamics between them feel very real, even though some are walking giraffes, or cats or lizards, and others vomit profusely in order to make their feelings clear. This book was never boring, and though I have a couple of quibbles with the very end, I really did love it. My inner sci-fi geek was purring like a contented kitten, and the pacing was strong enough to keep me hooked on what would happen next.
Overall, a very solid middle grade novel, especially for the sci-fi crowd with enough sophisticated humour and references to possibly appeal to older sci-fi fans (though keep in mind Zeke is only 14 or so).
Great pick Myriam!
-Kirsten
This was such a delightful book packed with sci-fi fun and references. Even though I only recognized half of them, the others worked for me, and would work I think for the middle grade audience intended (who surely couldn't have already worked through all Star Trek iterations as well as Star Wars, Stargate, Battlestar... and many others... could they?).
Zeke is an average kid, unless you count his above-average sci-fi geekiness fostered by his now-deceased father. He is also a realist, so when an intergalactic council selects him to be the "Random" in a group of four teens to represent Earth in a bid to gain entry into a peaceful coalition of planets, Zeke refuses, hoping they will find someone that will improve Earth's chances. However, because this is a novel, there is an iron-clad reason why Zeke and three other human teens must represent their whole planet to a group of alien judges. So off they go in a spaceship to seek out new life and admire new civilizations.
As one might guess, some of the plot points are predictable, some are rather far-fetched, and some are shoe-horned in to make it all work. However, the line-by-line writing is clever and fun. The characters are solid and the dynamics between them feel very real, even though some are walking giraffes, or cats or lizards, and others vomit profusely in order to make their feelings clear. This book was never boring, and though I have a couple of quibbles with the very end, I really did love it. My inner sci-fi geek was purring like a contented kitten, and the pacing was strong enough to keep me hooked on what would happen next.
Overall, a very solid middle grade novel, especially for the sci-fi crowd with enough sophisticated humour and references to possibly appeal to older sci-fi fans (though keep in mind Zeke is only 14 or so).
Great pick Myriam!
-Kirsten
October 7, 2017
Randoms
This is a book written for science fiction fans, in more ways than one.
Zeke (the mc) is selected, along with three of Earth's most talented young people, by the Confederation of United Planets to live on their space station for a year. When the Confederation evaluates a species, they always choose four, including one Random. Zeke is Earth's Random.
During the journey to the station, the ship is attacked. Zeke manages to destroy the attacking vessel, saving the lives of every being on their ship. But, instead of being hailed as a hero, Zeke is treated as a war criminal by almost everyone. And he is rejected by his own group, including their chaperone, a representative of the state department. Zeke gets together with the alien Randoms, who were also rejected by their own species, and they form a loyal bond.
This book is filled with science fiction references that will delight fans: Captain Kirk, Star Trek, Star Wars, and Ender's Game to name a few. Zeke is a sci-fi superfan and he enjoys making connections between his current situation and various shows, movies, and books.
This a great book for middle grade. Zeke faces issues of fitting in, making friends, and having feelings for an alien girl. There are also conspiracies, friendship issues, hidden secrets, and politics. For example, some influential people in the confederation are more interested in saving face than in saving lives. There are a few twists I didn't see coming and a big one that I sort of did, but it's all fun.
I enjoyed this one and there are two sequels that I hope to get around to eventually.
This is a book written for science fiction fans, in more ways than one.
Zeke (the mc) is selected, along with three of Earth's most talented young people, by the Confederation of United Planets to live on their space station for a year. When the Confederation evaluates a species, they always choose four, including one Random. Zeke is Earth's Random.
During the journey to the station, the ship is attacked. Zeke manages to destroy the attacking vessel, saving the lives of every being on their ship. But, instead of being hailed as a hero, Zeke is treated as a war criminal by almost everyone. And he is rejected by his own group, including their chaperone, a representative of the state department. Zeke gets together with the alien Randoms, who were also rejected by their own species, and they form a loyal bond.
This book is filled with science fiction references that will delight fans: Captain Kirk, Star Trek, Star Wars, and Ender's Game to name a few. Zeke is a sci-fi superfan and he enjoys making connections between his current situation and various shows, movies, and books.
This a great book for middle grade. Zeke faces issues of fitting in, making friends, and having feelings for an alien girl. There are also conspiracies, friendship issues, hidden secrets, and politics. For example, some influential people in the confederation are more interested in saving face than in saving lives. There are a few twists I didn't see coming and a big one that I sort of did, but it's all fun.
I enjoyed this one and there are two sequels that I hope to get around to eventually.
August 10, 2017
I am not a reader of young adult scifi, generally speaking, but I am a big fan of David Liss, ever since the days of his Benjamin Weaver historical fiction series. This first in a series is a great page turner that seems to me to strike just the right note for teen readers, and combines other worlds and species, an adventure story, family trauma and young love in one rollicking tale.
Zeke, the main character, is selected as one of four Earth young people to spend a year on a space station run by an intergalactic confederation to see if the planet deserves to be added to the confederation. The other three are superachievers. Zeke is a "random," a control subject to stand in for average Earthlings. His fellow students waste no time ostracizing him, afraid his averageness will hold them back. He is lonely and miserable, until he makes an alliance with two other Randoms, the beautiful cat girl Tamret and the super strong lizard boy Steve.
On their way to Confederation headquarters, Zeke will pull off a miraculous feat, which makes him a hero to some and an enemy to many others. It's also when he discovers the Confederation is fighting with another collective known as the Phands -- and is losing. As their training proceeds, the young initiates begin to suspect they have been hand-picked for a special task, and that the Randoms aren't as random as they appear.
The resulting crisis doesn't end with easy heroism or victory, which makes for a perfect setup for the next book in the series.
All genres start with good writing and you really can't miss with Liss.
Zeke, the main character, is selected as one of four Earth young people to spend a year on a space station run by an intergalactic confederation to see if the planet deserves to be added to the confederation. The other three are superachievers. Zeke is a "random," a control subject to stand in for average Earthlings. His fellow students waste no time ostracizing him, afraid his averageness will hold them back. He is lonely and miserable, until he makes an alliance with two other Randoms, the beautiful cat girl Tamret and the super strong lizard boy Steve.
On their way to Confederation headquarters, Zeke will pull off a miraculous feat, which makes him a hero to some and an enemy to many others. It's also when he discovers the Confederation is fighting with another collective known as the Phands -- and is losing. As their training proceeds, the young initiates begin to suspect they have been hand-picked for a special task, and that the Randoms aren't as random as they appear.
The resulting crisis doesn't end with easy heroism or victory, which makes for a perfect setup for the next book in the series.
All genres start with good writing and you really can't miss with Liss.
June 15, 2015
This middle reader novel works from a premise similar to that of Ernest Cline's Armada, but succeeds in a way that Cline's novel didn't quite. Partially I think it's because Liss was writing for a younger audience and didn't feel like he needed to impress anyone with his cleverness and pop culture references. It allowed this book to just be fun, which made it a joy to read. It's not a perfect book--it's a little long and not all of the characters are as fully-developed as they could be (there are a LOT of them, though, so it's a little understandable)--but it was a deeply enjoyable read.
November 16, 2016
Nerds and geeks rejoice! This book is a super fun combination of the comfort of your favorite sci-fi fandoms and an exciting new story. I love the idea that aliens have been secretly seeding TV and movies with real information about them so we would be prepared for their arrival. I couldn't put this book down and have been telling all my nerdy students about it.
December 29, 2022
Can not believe this book wasn't in my goodreads before this is my 3rd time reading this book it is quite an amazing book and I love the fiction in it, quite well written too
August 20, 2015
Tons of fun. Very tropy, but it's MG, what else should it be? REALLY ENJOYED.
September 2, 2017
The rating might be a little too high for this book, but I'm giving credit to Liss with hitting me with some small surprises at the book's end. Enough so as to have me ready to look for the second book in this series when it comes out in softcover.
In the prologue Liss says this is, my interpretation, of a love letter to geeks, his younger self and his own children. Add what I consider some Heinlein/Asimov YA influence, and at the book's end H.M. Hoover, and you get a read that an adult can enjoy.
The basic plot is that the often new kid in school, Zeke Reynolds, ends up being the random pick of four Earth middle schoolers to represent the planet to the Confederation. The Confederation rules, when it comes to evaluating potential member species is that three candidates must be outstanding representatives of their planet, but the fourth must be picked completely at random-hence Zeke.
There are other planet's representative met on the way to the Confederation, and it turns out that randoms are considered outcasts. History shows that the random candidate always is a drag on the other three candidates, often to the point of the planet's Confederation application being rejected.
Everything is standard and goes pretty much as per 90%+ of most books written for this age group. It is when things come to an off the books mission that Zeke heads up, and its aftermath, that Liss shows his adult writing chops (I listened to his first Benjamin Weaver book) and I think those small twists will delight and engage most readers regardless of age.
In the prologue Liss says this is, my interpretation, of a love letter to geeks, his younger self and his own children. Add what I consider some Heinlein/Asimov YA influence, and at the book's end H.M. Hoover, and you get a read that an adult can enjoy.
The basic plot is that the often new kid in school, Zeke Reynolds, ends up being the random pick of four Earth middle schoolers to represent the planet to the Confederation. The Confederation rules, when it comes to evaluating potential member species is that three candidates must be outstanding representatives of their planet, but the fourth must be picked completely at random-hence Zeke.
There are other planet's representative met on the way to the Confederation, and it turns out that randoms are considered outcasts. History shows that the random candidate always is a drag on the other three candidates, often to the point of the planet's Confederation application being rejected.
Everything is standard and goes pretty much as per 90%+ of most books written for this age group. It is when things come to an off the books mission that Zeke heads up, and its aftermath, that Liss shows his adult writing chops (I listened to his first Benjamin Weaver book) and I think those small twists will delight and engage most readers regardless of age.
September 28, 2016
Bookworm Speaks!
Randoms
By David Liss
****
Acquired: Barnes and Noble Booksellers
Series: Randoms (Book 1)
Hardcover: 496 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (August 25, 2015)
Language: English
****
The Story: A science fiction superfan finds himself on his very own space adventure when he’s randomly selected to join an alien confederacy in this “exhilarating” (Booklist, starred review) middle grade debut novel.
Zeke Reynolds comes from a long line of proud science fiction geeks. He knows his games, comics, movies, and TV shows like Captain Kirk knows the starship Enterprise. So it’s a dream come true when he learns the science fiction he loves so much is based on reality—and that he’s been selected to spend a year on a massive space station. To evaluate humanity’s worthiness, the Confederation of United Planets has hand picked three of Earth’s most talented young people—and then there’s Zeke. He’s the random.
Unfortunately, Zeke finds life in space more challenging than he’d hoped. When he saves his transport ship from a treacherous enemy attack, he’s labeled a war criminal. Now despised by the Confederation, rejected by his fellow humans, and pursued by a ruthless enemy, Zeke befriends the alien randoms: rejected by their own species, but loyal to each other. But their presence in the Confederation may not be so random after all, and as the danger increases, Zack’s knowledge of science fiction might be the only thing that can save himself, his friends, and Earth itself.
The Review: According to the text, the author is a full-blown science-fiction nerd. Indeed, references abound of various Science Fiction franchise: Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who, Stargate, Firefly, even Warhammer 40K! Zeke is like the uber nerd. (Not many references to fantasy or comic books though, but not all geeks are the same) What makes this character really stand out is that his knowledge of science-fiction is actually useful. Many of the tropes found in science-fiction turn out to be true and his knowledge greatly aids him. This is very refreshing as the other common tropes portray nerds having a command of thoroughly useless knowledge. The nerds shall rise…
While this book is marketed towards young adults, full adults can find a lot in this book, particularly the depiction of government. Ostensibly, the Confederation are the good guys and the Phands are the bad guys. The author does go out of the way to say that the Phandic Empire is evil and from what we see, they’re right. They’re an expansionist empire that ruthlessly subjugates other planets but what is done very well on the author’s part is making the Confederation not all that great either.
As the book goes on, it becomes clear the government of the CUP is corrupt and cowardly. Their devotion to law and order quickly becomes fanatical adherence and inflexibility. While it’s understandable that they would want to avoid open war with the militaristic Phands, they perfectly willing to sell out whatever and whomever in order to appease them. The leadership is more concerned with preserving they power and keeping public opinion on their side. They seem unwilling to actually do anything for fear of rocking the boat. Tell Bookworm if that does not sound familiar.
Zeke grows up very quickly over the course of this book and it is not always pleasant to watch. Loss of innocence never is. A lesson that has appeared more and more frequently in popular media is that dreams are only the next stage. Even after your dream comes true, it brings its own set of challenges and hurdles to overcome. Zeke realizes that going to space won’t be the fantastic adventure his beloved tv-shows say it is.
The ending is particular is a real gut punch.
In a lot of ways, this is the perfect young-adult book. Zeke’s journey is a parallel to becoming an adult. His wide-eyed innocence at going into space slowly falls away as he becomes to the reality of his situation and what the people around him really think about him. This is something everyone goes through and it makes Zeke very relatable, even if he quotes Star Trek a bit too often. Speaking of which…
The main problem for Bookworm is ironically what makes it so appealing to the science-fiction geek: it gets a bit too meta at a few points that frankly, it breaks the spell for Bookworm. When Bookworm reads a book or video games, what he always takes into account is the immersion level, how good the world building is. Bookworm’s favorite
Another problem is the character Steve, the Cockney-accented space lizard, or more specifically his name. Bookworm gets the joke: the word ‘Steve’ is not a complicated one and it is entirely likely that other peoples could use the word as a name as well. The thing is…Steve is up there with John and Bob as completely generic male names. When reading the book, Bookworm had to remind himself, “Oh Steve’s the lizard.” The joke is clever but the execution falls flat.
Finally, while it works as well as any science-fiction concept, the idea of basing an entire civilization and personal development on video game-esque skill trees seems particularly silly. Perhaps it is a commentary on the controlling nature of the Confederacy but Bookworm rolled his eyes at that a few times. The fact that Tamret can hack this ancient, unfathomable, technology only makes it more unbelievable.
Final Verdict: Randoms is passionate love letter to Science Fiction nerds and geeks everywhere of all ages. Perhaps it is a bit too focused on that particular demographic but the heart of the book appeals to any reader. Can’t wait for more!
Four Serenity Badges out of Five
thecultureworm.blogspot.com
Randoms
By David Liss
****
Acquired: Barnes and Noble Booksellers
Series: Randoms (Book 1)
Hardcover: 496 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (August 25, 2015)
Language: English
****
The Story: A science fiction superfan finds himself on his very own space adventure when he’s randomly selected to join an alien confederacy in this “exhilarating” (Booklist, starred review) middle grade debut novel.
Zeke Reynolds comes from a long line of proud science fiction geeks. He knows his games, comics, movies, and TV shows like Captain Kirk knows the starship Enterprise. So it’s a dream come true when he learns the science fiction he loves so much is based on reality—and that he’s been selected to spend a year on a massive space station. To evaluate humanity’s worthiness, the Confederation of United Planets has hand picked three of Earth’s most talented young people—and then there’s Zeke. He’s the random.
Unfortunately, Zeke finds life in space more challenging than he’d hoped. When he saves his transport ship from a treacherous enemy attack, he’s labeled a war criminal. Now despised by the Confederation, rejected by his fellow humans, and pursued by a ruthless enemy, Zeke befriends the alien randoms: rejected by their own species, but loyal to each other. But their presence in the Confederation may not be so random after all, and as the danger increases, Zack’s knowledge of science fiction might be the only thing that can save himself, his friends, and Earth itself.
The Review: According to the text, the author is a full-blown science-fiction nerd. Indeed, references abound of various Science Fiction franchise: Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who, Stargate, Firefly, even Warhammer 40K! Zeke is like the uber nerd. (Not many references to fantasy or comic books though, but not all geeks are the same) What makes this character really stand out is that his knowledge of science-fiction is actually useful. Many of the tropes found in science-fiction turn out to be true and his knowledge greatly aids him. This is very refreshing as the other common tropes portray nerds having a command of thoroughly useless knowledge. The nerds shall rise…
While this book is marketed towards young adults, full adults can find a lot in this book, particularly the depiction of government. Ostensibly, the Confederation are the good guys and the Phands are the bad guys. The author does go out of the way to say that the Phandic Empire is evil and from what we see, they’re right. They’re an expansionist empire that ruthlessly subjugates other planets but what is done very well on the author’s part is making the Confederation not all that great either.
As the book goes on, it becomes clear the government of the CUP is corrupt and cowardly. Their devotion to law and order quickly becomes fanatical adherence and inflexibility. While it’s understandable that they would want to avoid open war with the militaristic Phands, they perfectly willing to sell out whatever and whomever in order to appease them. The leadership is more concerned with preserving they power and keeping public opinion on their side. They seem unwilling to actually do anything for fear of rocking the boat. Tell Bookworm if that does not sound familiar.
Zeke grows up very quickly over the course of this book and it is not always pleasant to watch. Loss of innocence never is. A lesson that has appeared more and more frequently in popular media is that dreams are only the next stage. Even after your dream comes true, it brings its own set of challenges and hurdles to overcome. Zeke realizes that going to space won’t be the fantastic adventure his beloved tv-shows say it is.
The ending is particular is a real gut punch.
In a lot of ways, this is the perfect young-adult book. Zeke’s journey is a parallel to becoming an adult. His wide-eyed innocence at going into space slowly falls away as he becomes to the reality of his situation and what the people around him really think about him. This is something everyone goes through and it makes Zeke very relatable, even if he quotes Star Trek a bit too often. Speaking of which…
The main problem for Bookworm is ironically what makes it so appealing to the science-fiction geek: it gets a bit too meta at a few points that frankly, it breaks the spell for Bookworm. When Bookworm reads a book or video games, what he always takes into account is the immersion level, how good the world building is. Bookworm’s favorite
Another problem is the character Steve, the Cockney-accented space lizard, or more specifically his name. Bookworm gets the joke: the word ‘Steve’ is not a complicated one and it is entirely likely that other peoples could use the word as a name as well. The thing is…Steve is up there with John and Bob as completely generic male names. When reading the book, Bookworm had to remind himself, “Oh Steve’s the lizard.” The joke is clever but the execution falls flat.
Finally, while it works as well as any science-fiction concept, the idea of basing an entire civilization and personal development on video game-esque skill trees seems particularly silly. Perhaps it is a commentary on the controlling nature of the Confederacy but Bookworm rolled his eyes at that a few times. The fact that Tamret can hack this ancient, unfathomable, technology only makes it more unbelievable.
Final Verdict: Randoms is passionate love letter to Science Fiction nerds and geeks everywhere of all ages. Perhaps it is a bit too focused on that particular demographic but the heart of the book appeals to any reader. Can’t wait for more!
Four Serenity Badges out of Five
thecultureworm.blogspot.com
June 23, 2017
Randoms is a middle grade age book that my son encouraged me to read. The story features Zeke Reynolds who is the United States member representative of a team of four adolescents from Earth selected to candidate to be part of the Confederation of United Planets. While the other three members were selected for their skills, Zeke is the "random" member of the delegation. Zeke is a sci-fi geek who can pull a Star Trek reference at the drop of a hat.
There are a number of twists and turns in this story that make it quite fun and a compelling read. It's the first in a series and this book actually left me wanting to continue to read the series.
There are a number of twists and turns in this story that make it quite fun and a compelling read. It's the first in a series and this book actually left me wanting to continue to read the series.
March 27, 2022
One of the best books I have ever read by far, with its adrenaline-pumping, heart-racing storyline that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I initially picked this book up from my school's library in order to have something to read so I don't get bored, but from the moment I finished the first chapter, I realized that I couldn't put it down. Between the comedic, and somewhat sarcastic, humor, intense action, shocking plot twists, and tons of Sci-Fi references, this book is truly out of this world!
October 5, 2019
What a fabulous ride - & a love letter to us hardcore scifi nerds!
July 21, 2017
Lonestar 2017-18/Name That Book 2017-18. I think you have to be a bit of a sci fi geek to truly appreciate this book. So many references to various shows. Very funny and clever. I enjoyed it.
September 21, 2017
Zeke has been chosen to be one of four delegates from Earth who will spend a year on the Confederation's space station and try to prove that Earth is worthy of becoming part of the Confederation. Of course the entire aliens and life in space thing is new for the Earthlings chosen, but the Confederation has been influencing scifi entertainment for years to try and prepare people for their encounters with other life in the universes. Zeke grew up as the son of a scifi nerd and TV show writer, so he is both nerding out about this opportunity and psyched to find elements from his favorite shows and books are real. But there are downsides. He's had to leave his sick mother alone on Earth, but hopefully this will help provide her with access to life-saving medical technology in a year. Also, Zeke is the one random choice for the Earth's delegation (the other three were chosen for their skills and IQ) and the others have decided their best option to succeed is to ostracize him and earn the points for Earth without his help. Not fun. Then, on the way to the space station an emergency arises and Zeke takes action to save the ship that some later interpret as an act of uncalled for aggression, even calling him a war criminal. With the fellow randoms Zeke eventually befriends on the space station, he'll work to clear his name and prove his own worth (and the Earth's) in the coming year. It's certainly clear someone doesn't want him there and maybe issues aren't as straightforward as the Confederation is letting them believe.
As a scifi fan, I was nerding out along with Zeke. Liss has come up with the best explanation ever for why real space stuff was so similar to the way it has been portrayed in books and movies and tv shows. I thoroughly enjoyed venturing around space with Zeke and getting all his scifi references. And though I found a lot of the "big" plot twists easily predictable, oddly enough the smaller twists and turns managed to surprise me. I only had one qualm with the book, and really it is not very important to the book overall or the plot or the quality of the writing or the fun factor. It boils down to that I've got this thing with details. See Zeke is 12. Just 12, and yet he's supposedly watched Star Trek IV with his father (who disappeared 5 years before) over 10 times. So if we do the math then we're supposed to believe that at the age of 7 Zeke supposedly grasped these deep nuances of scifi themes and such most adults miss. Not only that, but he has a solid grasp on ALL the various Star Trek shows episodes and movies, plus Battlestar Gallactica episdoes, plus the all Stargate shows, plus Firefly (movie and show), plus the Star Wars movies, plus various superhero shows, and he's read Ender's Game and some superhero comics. That's years and years of entertainment there (and some of it not very pre 12 year old friendly). My guess is that in his own nerding out, Liss transferred several decades of his own scifi knowledge into a 12 year old boy not bothering to think through how much of his life Zeke would've been able to appreciate them or if he'd even have had the time to watch them all. (And his mom doesn't seem the type to let her son spend all that time watching TV.) I seriously considered calculating how much time it'd take to watch all the Star Trek variations' episodes plus 10 years of Stargate but decided that in itself would take too much time. I think I'd have found it more believable if Liss had made Zeke 16. All that to say, I think Liss and his editors missed a detail there. But I know I'm being nitpicky. And I'm not saying this to dissuade you from reading it. I just needed to get this out. If you like scifi at all, definitely read this. It was a lot of fun for a scifi fan. Now off to devour book 2.
Notes on content: One or two American minor swear words. One of the aliens is translated with a cockney accent to Zeke and he uses some stronger British swear words a lot of American kids won't register at all. No sexual content beyond a kiss. Some space battles that do result in injuries and deaths (most off page and/or inside a different spaceship so not visible). Some hand-to-hand combat simulations get out of hand and beings get roughed up but nanites fix them up quick.
As a scifi fan, I was nerding out along with Zeke. Liss has come up with the best explanation ever for why real space stuff was so similar to the way it has been portrayed in books and movies and tv shows. I thoroughly enjoyed venturing around space with Zeke and getting all his scifi references. And though I found a lot of the "big" plot twists easily predictable, oddly enough the smaller twists and turns managed to surprise me. I only had one qualm with the book, and really it is not very important to the book overall or the plot or the quality of the writing or the fun factor. It boils down to that I've got this thing with details. See Zeke is 12. Just 12, and yet he's supposedly watched Star Trek IV with his father (who disappeared 5 years before) over 10 times. So if we do the math then we're supposed to believe that at the age of 7 Zeke supposedly grasped these deep nuances of scifi themes and such most adults miss. Not only that, but he has a solid grasp on ALL the various Star Trek shows episodes and movies, plus Battlestar Gallactica episdoes, plus the all Stargate shows, plus Firefly (movie and show), plus the Star Wars movies, plus various superhero shows, and he's read Ender's Game and some superhero comics. That's years and years of entertainment there (and some of it not very pre 12 year old friendly). My guess is that in his own nerding out, Liss transferred several decades of his own scifi knowledge into a 12 year old boy not bothering to think through how much of his life Zeke would've been able to appreciate them or if he'd even have had the time to watch them all. (And his mom doesn't seem the type to let her son spend all that time watching TV.) I seriously considered calculating how much time it'd take to watch all the Star Trek variations' episodes plus 10 years of Stargate but decided that in itself would take too much time. I think I'd have found it more believable if Liss had made Zeke 16. All that to say, I think Liss and his editors missed a detail there. But I know I'm being nitpicky. And I'm not saying this to dissuade you from reading it. I just needed to get this out. If you like scifi at all, definitely read this. It was a lot of fun for a scifi fan. Now off to devour book 2.
Notes on content: One or two American minor swear words. One of the aliens is translated with a cockney accent to Zeke and he uses some stronger British swear words a lot of American kids won't register at all. No sexual content beyond a kiss. Some space battles that do result in injuries and deaths (most off page and/or inside a different spaceship so not visible). Some hand-to-hand combat simulations get out of hand and beings get roughed up but nanites fix them up quick.
July 5, 2017
This is my favorite book ever. It kind of reminds me of Rick Riordan's writing with it's humor. If you liked "The Lightning Thief" you will love this book. Zeke is one of the most fun main characters of any book I've read. Between his snappy comebacks, nerd knowledge and heroicness, there's little to dislike about Zeke.
October 27, 2015
A nice sci-fi which pays tribute to Ender's Game, Star Trek, Star Wars, Dr. Who, and other iconic space adventures and odysseys.
The universe has a Confederation, and Earth is a candidate for membership, as well as other species from other planets. Each planet sends four teens to earn a spot in the Confederation. Each team has 3 carefully chosen kids, picked for certain talents and attributes, and one kid who has been picked out of a computerized hat. Zeke Reynolds is the random from Earth.
And poor Zeke.His father was a famously failed sci-fi show creator, now dead. His mother is dying of ALS. So when told of his "chosen" status, he makes a deal: he'll go if the Confederation sends him back to Earth with the cure they have for his mother.
Things get crazy even before the teams get to the Confederation base, thanks to Zeke and his innovative brain. Readers come to see that the Confederation is dying for some innovators, they are trying to tease out the secrets of the Formers, which sound a lot like our current world's rock star scientists. And of course, there is an evil species, the Phands, after them, much like the Klingons were after Captain Kirk.
And then there's the gaming that must occur in order for teams to build points to win a Confederation spot. But it's gaming on and off the simulator, as Zeke becomes an outcast. There is even a nod to Harry Potter in here, with Zeke befriending another Random guy and girl to form a sort of Harry/Hermoine/Ron friendship that endures and prospers. The twists and turns of the plot reveal that there are strategies and schemes to the whole thing which Zeke and friends uncover, and it's not pretty. In fact, it threatens to rock Zeke's entire frame of mind.
I loved the descriptions of the various species, and the lessons Zeke learns about different cultures. Loved the technology, the action, the battle sequences. I especially loved the morality play that is actually the overarching plot, because it reminded me so much of the original Star Trek TV series.
Sci-fi geeks will soak this story in and revel in all of the details. Randoms has a very stereotypical pattern of explaining how something seemingly impossible can occur. It has really cool technology, and really strong characters. You care about everybody good, and hate everyone bad.
Make this a non-random reading choice, and you will be rewarded with a fine story.
NOTE: This review will appear on my library's book review social media channel in the near future.
The universe has a Confederation, and Earth is a candidate for membership, as well as other species from other planets. Each planet sends four teens to earn a spot in the Confederation. Each team has 3 carefully chosen kids, picked for certain talents and attributes, and one kid who has been picked out of a computerized hat. Zeke Reynolds is the random from Earth.
And poor Zeke.His father was a famously failed sci-fi show creator, now dead. His mother is dying of ALS. So when told of his "chosen" status, he makes a deal: he'll go if the Confederation sends him back to Earth with the cure they have for his mother.
Things get crazy even before the teams get to the Confederation base, thanks to Zeke and his innovative brain. Readers come to see that the Confederation is dying for some innovators, they are trying to tease out the secrets of the Formers, which sound a lot like our current world's rock star scientists. And of course, there is an evil species, the Phands, after them, much like the Klingons were after Captain Kirk.
And then there's the gaming that must occur in order for teams to build points to win a Confederation spot. But it's gaming on and off the simulator, as Zeke becomes an outcast. There is even a nod to Harry Potter in here, with Zeke befriending another Random guy and girl to form a sort of Harry/Hermoine/Ron friendship that endures and prospers. The twists and turns of the plot reveal that there are strategies and schemes to the whole thing which Zeke and friends uncover, and it's not pretty. In fact, it threatens to rock Zeke's entire frame of mind.
I loved the descriptions of the various species, and the lessons Zeke learns about different cultures. Loved the technology, the action, the battle sequences. I especially loved the morality play that is actually the overarching plot, because it reminded me so much of the original Star Trek TV series.
Sci-fi geeks will soak this story in and revel in all of the details. Randoms has a very stereotypical pattern of explaining how something seemingly impossible can occur. It has really cool technology, and really strong characters. You care about everybody good, and hate everyone bad.
Make this a non-random reading choice, and you will be rewarded with a fine story.
NOTE: This review will appear on my library's book review social media channel in the near future.
January 25, 2023
Another great sci-fi book that I am so glad that I finally read. Zeke is a sci-fi fan who finds himself on a space adventure with aliens in hopes of forming an alliance. The book is filled with humor and action that keeps the reader wanting to read, read, read!
September 30, 2016
4.5
This was a fun, fast read full of clever science fiction references. The story kept my attention and I liked the characters. Those liking snarky humor can find it here. The world-building is impressive. I personally think writing science fiction is one of the hardest things to do without falling into technical jargon that loses the average reader. I think this is a good book for those with even just a minimal science fiction background. There were a few references I didn't get, but they didn't slow my understanding of the story.
While I did enjoy the clever science fiction references, there were a lot of them in the beginning (which I understand, they were there to help explain the setting and did the job if you knew the references) and some of them seem written more for the adults reading this book than the intended audience. I love the Firefly coat mention and Buffy is one of my favorite series and my husband grew up with Star Blazers...but I wonder how many 11-14 year olds really know those well enough to have the references be meaningful. (It's realistic for the main character to know these things, because his father created a science fiction show--but most readers won't have that kind of background.)
On the other hand, it's rare to find a science fiction book that doesn't hold back for this age group. My husband would scoff at the idea of this being hard sci fi, but there is a lot more discussion about the mechanics of space travel and what not than in most books for this age, which makes it unique and interesting. If a kid likes this sort of thing, this will be a perfect book for them. Lots of adventure and it kept me guessing what would happen next.
I think this book would be challenging for some 5th graders due to the length and the more detailed parts of the science fiction world-building. Also, the main character feels more like a 7th or 8th grader than a 6th grader, so I'm thinking I'd probably recommend this for 6th graders and up unless they are super into science fiction and strong readers.
Overall, I really did enjoy this book and found myself flipping pages to find out what happens. I hear book 2 is coming out soon, and I'll read it for sure.
This was a fun, fast read full of clever science fiction references. The story kept my attention and I liked the characters. Those liking snarky humor can find it here. The world-building is impressive. I personally think writing science fiction is one of the hardest things to do without falling into technical jargon that loses the average reader. I think this is a good book for those with even just a minimal science fiction background. There were a few references I didn't get, but they didn't slow my understanding of the story.
While I did enjoy the clever science fiction references, there were a lot of them in the beginning (which I understand, they were there to help explain the setting and did the job if you knew the references) and some of them seem written more for the adults reading this book than the intended audience. I love the Firefly coat mention and Buffy is one of my favorite series and my husband grew up with Star Blazers...but I wonder how many 11-14 year olds really know those well enough to have the references be meaningful. (It's realistic for the main character to know these things, because his father created a science fiction show--but most readers won't have that kind of background.)
On the other hand, it's rare to find a science fiction book that doesn't hold back for this age group. My husband would scoff at the idea of this being hard sci fi, but there is a lot more discussion about the mechanics of space travel and what not than in most books for this age, which makes it unique and interesting. If a kid likes this sort of thing, this will be a perfect book for them. Lots of adventure and it kept me guessing what would happen next.
I think this book would be challenging for some 5th graders due to the length and the more detailed parts of the science fiction world-building. Also, the main character feels more like a 7th or 8th grader than a 6th grader, so I'm thinking I'd probably recommend this for 6th graders and up unless they are super into science fiction and strong readers.
Overall, I really did enjoy this book and found myself flipping pages to find out what happens. I hear book 2 is coming out soon, and I'll read it for sure.
September 6, 2015
Probably the most geeky sci-fi book of ... just about any book I've ever read. Maybe even a four and a half. Four and three quarters?
Pro
Name a geekdom? It's probably mentioned in this one. Bonus points for lots of Star Wars.
The characters. Each most definitely adds something different to the story.
The visual movie I played in my head. Weird but fun!
Con
A little on the long side.
Would someone who didn't already care about at least one of the geekdoms really "get" this book? It's hard for me to imagine since I most definitely do care about most of the geeky references contained therein.
Definite possibility for a middle school collection. The content so much didn't give me pause (there is some violence of the space battle kind, and just a bit of inter-species junior high romance) as the length. Would need to be a strong fifth grade reader to finish.
A few quotes from my advanced copy. Since it was on my Kindle I don't have proper page numbers.
[re dealing with a school bully] "In my defense, he had been standing in the part of the hallway where I was heading, and I like to look where I'm going, but still. I understood his point." (location 64)
"a giraffe in a business suit had entered the room" (location 308)
"What about the Force and Jedi powers? Are they real?" (location 365)
"Her eyes had a sadness in them, as though she had seen things in her travels she wished she could forget." (location 767)
"The word 'awesome' gets overused a lot--I, myself, have on occasion been a serious abuser--but this was awesome in the truest sense." (location 1169)
"We couldn't control what people thought of us. We could only change those things that were in our power." (location 3338)
And my favorite? "It's an elegant weapon for a more civilized age. This is a light saber." (location 4391)
Pro
Name a geekdom? It's probably mentioned in this one. Bonus points for lots of Star Wars.
The characters. Each most definitely adds something different to the story.
The visual movie I played in my head. Weird but fun!
Con
A little on the long side.
Would someone who didn't already care about at least one of the geekdoms really "get" this book? It's hard for me to imagine since I most definitely do care about most of the geeky references contained therein.
Definite possibility for a middle school collection. The content so much didn't give me pause (there is some violence of the space battle kind, and just a bit of inter-species junior high romance) as the length. Would need to be a strong fifth grade reader to finish.
A few quotes from my advanced copy. Since it was on my Kindle I don't have proper page numbers.
[re dealing with a school bully] "In my defense, he had been standing in the part of the hallway where I was heading, and I like to look where I'm going, but still. I understood his point." (location 64)
"a giraffe in a business suit had entered the room" (location 308)
"What about the Force and Jedi powers? Are they real?" (location 365)
"Her eyes had a sadness in them, as though she had seen things in her travels she wished she could forget." (location 767)
"The word 'awesome' gets overused a lot--I, myself, have on occasion been a serious abuser--but this was awesome in the truest sense." (location 1169)
"We couldn't control what people thought of us. We could only change those things that were in our power." (location 3338)
And my favorite? "It's an elegant weapon for a more civilized age. This is a light saber." (location 4391)
September 23, 2015
First off, I won this book via Goodreads Giveaway. And I just finished it about 48 hours after picking it up. Wow, yea, I think I will start the review off with that one word. This book has quite a bit of imagination going for it. The characters, the alien beings, the descriptions, all very detailed. And not one race is like the other, except for a few minor details, mainly about their eating preferences.
The story starts with Zeke, a bullied kid getting pummeled after school while taking a makeup test. Being who he was, and I have been there myself. The school doesn't believe that the weakling geeky kid did not start the fight. Skipping ahead a few pages, we come to find out that there is this whole alien world far outside our own. Who have been feeding bits and pieces of their existence through scifi tv, movies, books, etc. Zeke is chosen, amongst 3 others to represent earth in a sort of "is earth ready to join this galactic empire" 1 year probation. If they fail, earth will have to wait 60 years for another attempt. 3 of the other representives are highly gifted preteens from across the world. And then there is Zeke, he is the random choice. Thrown into it with the rest of them.
I'll not spoil the book for everyone that wishes to read it. But the storyline was very well written, nothing felt rushed or unexplained. I quite enjoyed the bracketed bits of untranslatable words. I felt moved by the way characters followed their hearts to do what was right.
I will definitely be picking up the rest of the series as it is released. Bravo David Liss. Bravo.
The story starts with Zeke, a bullied kid getting pummeled after school while taking a makeup test. Being who he was, and I have been there myself. The school doesn't believe that the weakling geeky kid did not start the fight. Skipping ahead a few pages, we come to find out that there is this whole alien world far outside our own. Who have been feeding bits and pieces of their existence through scifi tv, movies, books, etc. Zeke is chosen, amongst 3 others to represent earth in a sort of "is earth ready to join this galactic empire" 1 year probation. If they fail, earth will have to wait 60 years for another attempt. 3 of the other representives are highly gifted preteens from across the world. And then there is Zeke, he is the random choice. Thrown into it with the rest of them.
I'll not spoil the book for everyone that wishes to read it. But the storyline was very well written, nothing felt rushed or unexplained. I quite enjoyed the bracketed bits of untranslatable words. I felt moved by the way characters followed their hearts to do what was right.
I will definitely be picking up the rest of the series as it is released. Bravo David Liss. Bravo.
November 8, 2015
Alright, if you thought from the front and back covers (as well as the title page) that this was a stand-alone book, think again. Turn your book over so that it can stand with spine up toward the ceiling and then you'll see the '1' in the big 'O' on the spine. Of course, that means there must be a book 2. I'm pointing out the obvious here because this book got me hooked so bad that I wanted the next book in the series to be out now!
Back to the book. Zeke Reynolds is your average geek who has been moving around from school to school, basically to wherever a job opens up for his mom. Sent home once again after gracing the principal's office, mother and son discuss their options. Night has settled in and a knock on the door reveals two men in dark suits. Their world is about to change.
Apparently, Zeke has been irrevocably recruited to be part of a talent team because he is a 'random' member who does not excel in anything. When the team collectively gathers eighty levels (yes, they need to level up), then they will all help their respective planets win a seat into a confederation of interplanetary beings and bring special technologies to their home planets that would rid disease and many more things.
Complete with sci-fi trivia facts, explosions, intrigue, strategy, weapons and many different kinds of aliens (including cat people), of course it's an entertaining read! Can't wait for the next book in the series.
Back to the book. Zeke Reynolds is your average geek who has been moving around from school to school, basically to wherever a job opens up for his mom. Sent home once again after gracing the principal's office, mother and son discuss their options. Night has settled in and a knock on the door reveals two men in dark suits. Their world is about to change.
Apparently, Zeke has been irrevocably recruited to be part of a talent team because he is a 'random' member who does not excel in anything. When the team collectively gathers eighty levels (yes, they need to level up), then they will all help their respective planets win a seat into a confederation of interplanetary beings and bring special technologies to their home planets that would rid disease and many more things.
Complete with sci-fi trivia facts, explosions, intrigue, strategy, weapons and many different kinds of aliens (including cat people), of course it's an entertaining read! Can't wait for the next book in the series.
January 2, 2017
Liss, David, Randoms. Pgs. 485. Simon and Schuster, 2016. $8.99. Language: G, Mature Content: PG, Violence: PG
When an alien delegation comes to Earth offering Earth a chance to join the galactic alliance, 4 teens are picked to represent Earth in space. To earn Earth’s entrance, however, they will have to gain experience through games and other training sessions to level up. To earth entrance, they will have to reach level 80 between them. Meet Zeke Reynolds, major science fiction geek who knows everything there is to know about it. Picked as a Random, a person picked by chance instead of skill, he doesn’t know if he has what it takes. As he uncovers more about the aliens, however, he realizes the alliance has some nasty skeletons in the closet. Can Zeke save the day? Will Earth make it into the alliance?
Action-packed and filled with everything a geek’s paradise needs, this book easily pulls readers into Zeke’s world. The plot is well-written, the characters are well-developed, and the mystery is intriguing. Fans of science fiction, Bongo Fishing by Thacher Hurd, Aliens on Vacation by Clete Barrett Smith, Star Wars, and other alien novels will enjoy reading this book.
EL. MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
When an alien delegation comes to Earth offering Earth a chance to join the galactic alliance, 4 teens are picked to represent Earth in space. To earn Earth’s entrance, however, they will have to gain experience through games and other training sessions to level up. To earth entrance, they will have to reach level 80 between them. Meet Zeke Reynolds, major science fiction geek who knows everything there is to know about it. Picked as a Random, a person picked by chance instead of skill, he doesn’t know if he has what it takes. As he uncovers more about the aliens, however, he realizes the alliance has some nasty skeletons in the closet. Can Zeke save the day? Will Earth make it into the alliance?
Action-packed and filled with everything a geek’s paradise needs, this book easily pulls readers into Zeke’s world. The plot is well-written, the characters are well-developed, and the mystery is intriguing. Fans of science fiction, Bongo Fishing by Thacher Hurd, Aliens on Vacation by Clete Barrett Smith, Star Wars, and other alien novels will enjoy reading this book.
EL. MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
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