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Evolve
There are some technological breakthroughs so disruptive that their inventors must remain anonymous. When the identities of two such inventors are uncovered, they’re murdered, but their only son manages to survive.
Ten years later, Americans lounge in comfort while humanity declines. Technological growth has outpaced evolution, and dangerous new forms of disease and terrorism ravage the globe. Extinction level threats are approaching, but most of humanity is happily addicted to their social streams, Edutains, and personalized prescriptions called Specials.
On the morning of National C&C Day, sixteen year old Micah Greene is terrified. In just hours, he’ll be forced into a twenty year contract for college and a career, the military, or basic income duty. Micah’s last chance at freedom lies in qualifying as “dark talent” before C&C Day begins. If he does, he’ll be eligible for a mysterious new type of college created by notorious technology billionaire, Asher Rune.
But everything isn’t as it seems, and being labeled dark talent might not be a path to freedom… it might be a death sentence.
Ten years later, Americans lounge in comfort while humanity declines. Technological growth has outpaced evolution, and dangerous new forms of disease and terrorism ravage the globe. Extinction level threats are approaching, but most of humanity is happily addicted to their social streams, Edutains, and personalized prescriptions called Specials.
On the morning of National C&C Day, sixteen year old Micah Greene is terrified. In just hours, he’ll be forced into a twenty year contract for college and a career, the military, or basic income duty. Micah’s last chance at freedom lies in qualifying as “dark talent” before C&C Day begins. If he does, he’ll be eligible for a mysterious new type of college created by notorious technology billionaire, Asher Rune.
But everything isn’t as it seems, and being labeled dark talent might not be a path to freedom… it might be a death sentence.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2015
2 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 3, 2015
This exciting, fast-paced story is a great addition to the young adult world. It strongly emphasizes how people can think differently and create value, which is a theme that is sadly underrepresented in literature. Micah's a great character, very sympathetic and realistic. I look forward to watching him go after the dark talent in future books and uncovering more about the mysterious Protocol.
The story has a few plot twists that I did not see coming, and it kept me reading -- as in, stayed-up-too-late reading a couple nights in a row. Now I'm tired, but eagerly awaiting the next book. :)
The story has a few plot twists that I did not see coming, and it kept me reading -- as in, stayed-up-too-late reading a couple nights in a row. Now I'm tired, but eagerly awaiting the next book. :)
March 17, 2016
This book was a real treat to read. This dystopian, set in the not so far future, takes a unique twist on society while shoving in tons of intrigue and tension.
The entire thing starts with the main character, Micah, as a little boy. I'll admit I found the writing a bit choppy and simplistic at the start, but hoping it might just have to do with the fact that the character was so young (and the writing was simply reflecting this), continued on. After those first lines, I was hooked and didn't want to put the book down. The writing drew me in and flowed so smoothly that it was no problem to get caught up in Micah's world.
Micah is a very sympathetic young man, whose difficult circumstances guarantee a pull at the heart-strings, and especially when it becomes clear he isn't the type to give in, offers the perfect character to cheer for. His fighting nature is there, but not always clear as day. It's balanced with self-doubt at times as well as a little uncertainty, giving him a very realistic personality. His reactions are understandable, and even when things start to run out of control, he manages to keep somewhat of a level head. He's a great hero through and through.
The other characters in the book are just as interesting as Micah. His two best friends each have their own ticks and the friendship between them isn't something that comes instantly. The growth by working together and learning more about each other strengths and weaknesses made their bond that much more inspiring.
As to tension--this book is packed! It starts off with a grabbing scene and doesn't let go until the very last page. Unlike many stories, the suspense isn't only based on dangerous situations, but the author manages to even make the special tests the characters have to pass so tense that I was dying to know how Micah and his friends would solve their problems. So bonus points to that! There were a few moments toward the end where the story would suddenly flip away from Micah to another character's point of view, which bothered me considering it was only from Micah's stand point up until these pages and the change in perspective wasn't 'announced' by a break of any kind. But this by no means ruined any part of the plot or story.
As is the case with dystopian literature, Evolve takes a critical look at society and conveys a strong message by showing what these 'problems' could lead to. I found the topic very up to date, especially since it targeted the heart of a discussion I've been having with my own teen during the last weeks.
Summed up, this is a great read. The characters are well done, the pace keeps a reader locked in until the last page, and the story has a great twist, which keeps the reader thinking long after the book is laid down. I highly recommend this not only to the YA audience but believe adults will thoroughly enjoy it too.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
The entire thing starts with the main character, Micah, as a little boy. I'll admit I found the writing a bit choppy and simplistic at the start, but hoping it might just have to do with the fact that the character was so young (and the writing was simply reflecting this), continued on. After those first lines, I was hooked and didn't want to put the book down. The writing drew me in and flowed so smoothly that it was no problem to get caught up in Micah's world.
Micah is a very sympathetic young man, whose difficult circumstances guarantee a pull at the heart-strings, and especially when it becomes clear he isn't the type to give in, offers the perfect character to cheer for. His fighting nature is there, but not always clear as day. It's balanced with self-doubt at times as well as a little uncertainty, giving him a very realistic personality. His reactions are understandable, and even when things start to run out of control, he manages to keep somewhat of a level head. He's a great hero through and through.
The other characters in the book are just as interesting as Micah. His two best friends each have their own ticks and the friendship between them isn't something that comes instantly. The growth by working together and learning more about each other strengths and weaknesses made their bond that much more inspiring.
As to tension--this book is packed! It starts off with a grabbing scene and doesn't let go until the very last page. Unlike many stories, the suspense isn't only based on dangerous situations, but the author manages to even make the special tests the characters have to pass so tense that I was dying to know how Micah and his friends would solve their problems. So bonus points to that! There were a few moments toward the end where the story would suddenly flip away from Micah to another character's point of view, which bothered me considering it was only from Micah's stand point up until these pages and the change in perspective wasn't 'announced' by a break of any kind. But this by no means ruined any part of the plot or story.
As is the case with dystopian literature, Evolve takes a critical look at society and conveys a strong message by showing what these 'problems' could lead to. I found the topic very up to date, especially since it targeted the heart of a discussion I've been having with my own teen during the last weeks.
Summed up, this is a great read. The characters are well done, the pace keeps a reader locked in until the last page, and the story has a great twist, which keeps the reader thinking long after the book is laid down. I highly recommend this not only to the YA audience but believe adults will thoroughly enjoy it too.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 16, 2015
This is a really interesting young adult novel, completely different than the last book I read by Chad Grills (a non-fiction work) and a totally unique storyline. There's nothing else quite like this on the market.
It's dystopian, but the setting is in the not-too-distant future. The main character, Micah, must discover his "dark talents" in a new world. His character is so likable and real, which is one of my favorite aspects of this book.
There's a lot of mystery to this book and some jaw dropping twists and developments that were exciting!
Although this book is an easy read because of the writing, it touches on some serious themes. It really makes you think about how much we consume and waste and take for granted. It's an interesting glance into the future, and to be honest...it seemed like a realistic possibility to me.
I'm interested to read more in this series!! And I'm excited to read more of Grills fiction and non-fiction works.
It's dystopian, but the setting is in the not-too-distant future. The main character, Micah, must discover his "dark talents" in a new world. His character is so likable and real, which is one of my favorite aspects of this book.
There's a lot of mystery to this book and some jaw dropping twists and developments that were exciting!
Although this book is an easy read because of the writing, it touches on some serious themes. It really makes you think about how much we consume and waste and take for granted. It's an interesting glance into the future, and to be honest...it seemed like a realistic possibility to me.
I'm interested to read more in this series!! And I'm excited to read more of Grills fiction and non-fiction works.
December 10, 2015
Evolve is a superbly written young adult novel. This dystopian set in our not too distant future will compel you to really think about consumerism, entitlement, and capitalism in our modern society and how if we continue down the paths we are heading we will no longer have the imaginative thinkers who propel our technological advances.
Although the writing and themes of the book were on point, I felt the main character, Micah, was a little flat for me. He did have a substantial growth throughout the book, but I just didn’t connect with him. His friends, however, I loved! Both had depth beyond their “dark talents” that I just found lacking in Micah.
This story began a little slow, however it didn’t stay slow for long. The plot moved quickly and had plenty of twists and turns that kept me very interested in Micah story.
Although the writing and themes of the book were on point, I felt the main character, Micah, was a little flat for me. He did have a substantial growth throughout the book, but I just didn’t connect with him. His friends, however, I loved! Both had depth beyond their “dark talents” that I just found lacking in Micah.
This story began a little slow, however it didn’t stay slow for long. The plot moved quickly and had plenty of twists and turns that kept me very interested in Micah story.
March 28, 2016
I really enjoyed this novel. I got a strong Divergent feel at the beginning but that was the extent of that. I found the political as well as social themes to be really strong but did not overpower the characters to make this a soap box situation. Finding a book that can not only show a powerful message but also appeal to the audience who needs to hear it would put this book closer to the Hunger Games crowd. All in all a great young adult novel that although slow at times it kept me interested. The young adult crowd will love this new addition to the genre.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews